Page 69 of The Addict

Silas.

“I miss you.” His voice was gravelly and seductive.

I rested my face in my free hand. This was more problematic than I thought.

“Didn’t my brother already give you a piece of his mind?”

“Oh that asshole? Hm, I suppose so. But here’s a secret for you,” The phone made a crackling sound as I presumed Silas leaned closer to it. “I don’t care.”

“Well, you should. If he ever finds out–” my voice dropped to a whisper. “If he ever finds out that I’m talking to you, he is going to do something crazy.”

“Hah, like what?”

“Umm, let’s see, I don’t know– Jail you idiot!”

“Mmmm, is that...worry...I hint in your voice, Noah?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe it is.”

“Ohh, say it again for me.”

I scoffed and pulled the phone away from my ear, ready to be done with the games. “Get lost.”

“Wait,” It was a light murmur that I happened to catch right before I pushed the red button to end the call.

“Don’t hang up.” The velvety voice compelled my return, his soft command tempting me to obey.

I thought about it. I could end the call right now.

Just hang up.

But I couldn’t. He was so damn addictive. That same rush of adrenaline started to pulse through my veins again, that same sensation when he leisurely followed me up the stairs to my room where we…

I clenched my fist and brought the phone back to rest by my cheek. “Why are you calling me, Silas?”

“I want to see you again. Soon,” he breathed effortlessly.

“First off, if that Thorne trash ever lays a foot on our land again, I’m going to arrest him. You got that?”

“Not going to happen.”

“Heh. Playing hard to get, are we?”

“I don’t want to see you.”

“We’ll see about that. I’ll believe it if you say that to my face.”

I grit my teeth. I couldn’t imagine having to face him again. The encounter between us was only meant to be a singular transaction. One and done. What could I say that would make him keep his distance? It seemed as though whatever came out of my mouth only fueled the fire. No matter what I said, I was making this worse. I was initiating a chase.

A game.

“You think this is a game.” Damian’s voice rings in my head.

My whole life is one.

“Silas,” I tried to put as much strength and seriousness into my tone that I could manage. “What happened with us, it was a one time thing. A trade. A deal. Well, the deal is done. It’s over, and I have–” I squinted my eyes shut, thinking it would make it easier to lie through my teeth. “No desire to see you. Ever again.”

“You’re an expert liar, Noah.”