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Yesterday's dream made facing him awkward and guilty. He didn't push, just stared. Those deep gray eyes cut through everything. I looked away. Silas dropped it, suggesting a new restaurant nearby. But I turned him down—I just wanted my apartment.

"Drop me at the nearest bus stop, thanks," I said, nixing his offer to drive me home.

"Your address." Silas's tone left no room for argument, like he'd wait forever.

"Oak Street." I gave in.

The car glided toward Oak Street. Olei sat between us, chattering away about the song he learned in music, the games in PE. His kid talk eased me a bit.

But Silas kept me on edge. He sat there, watching silently. Every glance made my heart race. Just sharing a car had me tense. Had to be that damn dream!

Streets blurred by. Minutes later, we pulled up to my building.

I turned. Olei had dozed off against Silas, face peaceful and sweet.

"He must be wiped from today," Silas said.

I nodded, ready to go. But he opened his door too.

"What're you doing?" I asked.

"Walking you up." He said it like it was obvious. "Bodyguard'll watch Olei. Let's go."

His confidence oddly reassured me. I spilled my fears.

"Silas." I hesitated, voice shaky with hindsight. "My place might not be secure. I think... someone got in."

His face stayed blank, but his eyes sharpened.

"What makes you think that?"

"Just..." I touched my neck, fingers brushing the covered skin. "Some traces."

He went quiet for seconds, then, "Come on, I'll check."

I followed quickly.

In the apartment, Silas inspected every window, every lock, moves pro-level.

"No pry marks." He turned to me. "But you're right—the setup's weak. Needs upgrades."

I exhaled. No break-in meant no intruder. The mark was just a bite. But—

"Upgrades?" I gave a wry smile. "Landlord won't go for it."

"Give me his number. I'll handle it." Silas held out his hand.

I paused, then fished out my phone. Found the contact and handed it over. He dialed, stepping aside. I caught his commanding tone, bits like "upgrades," "cost," "tonight."

The call lasted under two minutes.

"Done." He gave back the phone.

"You..." I clutched it, mouth open in shock. "What'd you say? He agreed that fast?"

"Persuasion skills." He looked at me, lips twitching up. "Calling guys in now."

He made a call on his own phone. I stood speechless. This man had a way—my big problems melted around him.