Page 21

At last, he broke the kiss, his chest rising and falling as he stared down at her.

“Do you like it now?” he asked, almost pleading with her to say yes.

His gaze searched hers, desperate for even the smallest indication that she had enjoyed it. He was willing to do anything to make her want his kisses, to make her feel for him what he felt for her.

Yet Allison could barely catch her breath, and the anger in her eyes had only grown.

She drew in a shaky breath and looked straight at him. Desire still burned in Silas's gaze, but there was no mistaking the anger simmering beneath her own.

“Is this how you plan to treat someone you love, Silas? By kissing her against her wishes?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to steady it. She swallowed, determined to keep her voice firm enough that he wouldn't try to kiss her again.

Her words seemed to break through the haze clouding Silas's mind. He blinked, as though finally coming to his senses, then abruptly stepped away from her. Dragging a hand through his hair, he let out a strained breath, struggling to regain control of himself.

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have upset you.”

His gaze returned to her face, and the sight of her expression made his chest tighten. Anger, disappointment, and sadness mingled in her eyes. He hesitated, lifting his hand as though he wanted to touch her cheek, but stopped himself before he could reach her.

Without another word, Silas turned and strode out of the bathroom. He paused only briefly at the doorway before saying, “Get some rest. I'm leaving.”

Once he was gone, Allison turned toward the mirror. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, and the sight brought back the look on Silas's face just before he had walked away.

‘I don't even like Silas that way, so why does seeing that look on his face upset me so much?’

She searched for an answer, but none came. With a frustrated sigh, she stepped into the shower and washed away the tension of the night. Afterward, she changed into a bathrobe and was just beginning to relax when the doorbell rang.

She stiffened, wondering if Silas had returned. Tightening the robe around herself, she walked to the door and opened it.

Chapter 5 An Apology

A hotel employee stood outside with a large silver trolley laden with an elaborate dinner spread. There were silver cloches covering plates of butter-poached lobster, truffle mushroom risotto, filet mignon served with roasted baby potatoes, and herb-crusted salmon accompanied by asparagus. Beside them sat a bowl of creamy lobster bisque, a fresh burrata salad with cherry tomatoes, and a basket of warm sourdough bread with whipped truffle butter.

The dessert selection was just as impressive, with a rich chocolate cake decorated with delicate chocolate shavings, miniature French pastries, chocolate truffles, and a plate of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. Two crystal glasses stood beside a bottle of sparkling mineral water and freshly squeezed orange juice.

“Ms. Herrera?” The employee smiled politely. “This was ordered for you.”

Allison stared at the trolley, momentarily speechless. There was enough food to feed several people, and every dish looked as though it belonged in a fine-dining restaurant rather than a hotel room. She couldn't imagine when Silas had arranged all of this, especially after the way their evening had ended.

As the employee handed her a folded note placed beside the chocolate cake, Allison glanced down and carefully opened it.

‘Please don't go to bed hungry. I've ordered a few things for you, so I hope there's something you'll enjoy. If you'd like anything else, just press zero on the phone beside your bed, and someone will bring it to your room. I've also ordered a chocolate cake. I think you'll like it.’

As she read the note, the tension in her shoulders gradually eased. Despite the argument, Silas had still thought about whether she would eat dinner. The simple, thoughtful gesture softened her defenses.

The next morning, when Allison was ready to leave the hotel, she discovered that the staff had already brought her a fresh set of clothes that Silas had arranged for her. She was surprised that he had remembered she would need something to wear and had made sure she wouldn't have to put on the clothes from the previous night again.

Once more, she found herself taken aback by his thoughtfulness. Even after their argument, he had considered her comfort and taken care of the details she might otherwise have overlooked.

After changing, Allison headed downstairs and stepped out through the hotel's main entrance. She was about to look for a cab on her phone when she noticed a Range Rover waiting near the entrance.

Silas stood beside it, his hands tucked into his pockets as he looked at something on his phone. The moment he heard Allison's footsteps coming down the stairs, he instinctively lifted his head. His expression softened as he slipped his phone into his pocket and straightened, waiting for her to approach.

Allison stared at him in surprise.

“What are you still doing here?” she asked, looking at him in confusion.

“I'm going to take you home,” Silas replied.

Allison tightened her grip on her purse. “No, I need to visit a manufacturer to discuss purchasing a new skincare device.”