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Allison studied his face for a moment before realization dawned on her. A teasing smile slowly curved her lips.
“Are you jealous?” she asked, her voice light with amusement.
Silas's expression answered her before he could say a word. He looked thoroughly displeased, and Allison couldn't help finding his reaction endearing.
She slipped her arms around his neck and drew him closer, pressing a soft kiss to his mouth before pulling back just enough to meet his eyes.
“You're so petty,” she murmured. “How can you accuse me of flirting with your friend?”
She sighed, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. “It's not what you think, Silas.”
He raised his eyebrows, his jaw still tense. His hands settled firmly at her waist as he looked down at her.
“Do you enjoy seeing me jealous?”
Allison let out a frustrated breath. Clearly, teasing him wasn't going to make him any less suspicious.
“I met Gabriel a year ago,” she explained. “His father was ill, and he needed a medical device that was difficult to obtain. He found out Evermont manufactured it and contacted Shane, so I helped him get one.”
Silas stared at her, a frown forming between his brows. “I can't believe you were secretly meeting Gabriel while I was still here in Manhattan, waiting patiently for you to come back on your own because I didn't want to scare you off.”
Allison rolled her eyes and tightened her arms around his neck. Rising onto her toes, she kissed him on the lips before pulling back with a small smile.
“Gabriel once helped Shane when our business was in trouble during its early stages. He helped Shane, so I simply returned the favor when Gabriel needed it most. We are in the healthcare business, after all. It's only natural that we had more resources to help his father.”
Silas studied her in silence, his expression gradually softening. His gaze lingered on her face, searching for any hint of dishonesty, though the insecurity in his eyes betrayed what he couldn't bring himself to say.
Allison's teasing expression softened.
“Silas, I love you,” she confessed, holding his gaze.
Silas continued staring at her, as though he needed to hear those words one more time before he could fully believe them.
“I’m in love with you,” Allison added, wanting to make sure he understood. “It’s not something I’m saying just because we’re married. I really do love you.”
His brows drew together, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “You make me jealous, Allison. Do you have any idea how much I hate that feeling?”
She stared at him for a moment before letting out a soft, disbelieving laugh. “How was I supposed to know you’d get jealous so easily?”
His expression softened. He drew her closer, holding her as though he never wanted to give her the chance to slip away from him. Resting his forehead against hers, he pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.
“I fell for you first,” he murmured. “I'm bound to feel more insecure.”
Allison's heart melted at his admission. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again.
***
“Oh my God, look at this picture! I’m seriously going to jump into a river from embarrassment. You two are so darn cute!”
Summer dropped into the seat across from Allison with a dramatic sigh, earning an amused glance from her friend. She had brought her tablet along and was busy going through documents related to a businessman she was investigating.
After setting a cup of coffee on the table beside Allison, Summer picked up her phone and turned the screen toward her.
“It looks like you're way too happy after getting married. All I ever hear are your complaints, but here your husband is, showing you off on his profile. Honestly, his entire page looks as though it was built around you.”
Allison glanced at the screen and immediately recognized the picture Silas had posted. It was a candid photograph he'd taken of her when she was laying on the couch at home, capturing her in a moment when she hadn't even realized he was watching. And that wasn't all. His profile picture featured the two of them sitting together, with Silas embracing her from behind.
“He just likes taking pictures,” she said, trying to make light of it.
