Page 65 of Yours on the Canvas

I remember his voice pulling me back. Remember falling asleep in his arms while we sat on the floor. The sound of him whispering in my ear. But, what I don’t remember is being put back into bed, and I notice that the bed I am in now isn’t the same one from this morning.

It’s bigger. Big enough to fit me, and Silas’s huge frame.

I look at him while he sleeps, and I lift my hand, my fingertips trace his cheek, his brow, then I run my finger tip down his nose, letting it come to rest on his lips.

I look at his arm, held in a sling as it rests between us, and my finger moves to caress his shoulder lightly.

Tears spring to my eyes at the thought of Silas being hurt, and I have to hold in a sob as I lay there, our chests pressed together, his leg hooked over my hip. His chest hair tickles my skin when I shift slightly, as I realise I am completely cocooned by Silas.

His touch doesn’t hurt anymore. I’ve learnt that his touch is not one I need to fear. I love that it makes me feel safe. Wanted.

I press my face against his chest, pressing my lips lightly against his skin, smiling against his skin as his warm scent wraps around me, warm and familiar, breathing in deeply as I take his smell deep into my lungs.

I snuggle in closer, letting my body mould against his, and a soft sigh escapes me as my lips wander lazily across his chest.

I have no idea how long I have been out. When I crash like that, it can be a day or two. The exhaustion is normal. What is not normal is waking up next to Silas.

He shifts to lean back, and my body instinctively follows him.

He presses his lips to my forehead as I hear him laugh quietly. I lean back, blinking up at him, my eyes half hooded, and a small smile on my lips.

He smiles gently. “Hey, dove.”

“Hey…” My throat hurts at the word, so I clear my throat and try again. “Hey Sol.” I smile at him.

He kisses my forehead as his hand slides up to take my hand. His leg stays draped over my hip, anchoring me in place. Wrapped in Silas, all I feel is heat and tingles spreading through my body, as I am c`tightly against him.

“Baby.” His hand brushing the hair from my eyes. “You scared me, Dove.” His hand rests on my cheek, and I nuzzle into it.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise, Jack. I just walked in and saw you convulsing, not breathing on the floor, and it terrified me. I thought I was losing you.” His voice is soft and cracking.

I shake my head. “It doesn’t happen often. It hasn’t happened since I got here. Normally, I’m in my cell alone.”

A sob rips from his chest.

“Cell?”

I nod. “Dad and Uncle Ray would lock me in a cell in the basement when I misbehaved. It had a dirt floor, and it was so cold and damp. Mumma used to break me out and sleep with me in her bed, or we would go see the neighbour. If she couldn’t help me, I remember I always got sick after.”

“How old were you?”

“It started when I was eight, But it didn’t stop until I ran away with Finn.” I nuzzle into his chest. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Please, just leave it.”

He nods and completely changes the subject. “Finn and Eli asked me to text them when you woke up. Let them know you are doing okay.”

“Shit.” I try to sit up, reaching for my phone, but Silas tightens his hold and keeps me exactly where I am.

“Stay.”

My body relaxes instantly at that one word.

He waits a moment, then asks again, voice low and steady. “How do you feel?”

“Exhausted,” I say honestly.

“I’m not surprised. You were totally gone when I arrived.”