Chapter 6
He seemed like he could go on forever without getting tired.
But honestly, I didn't mind it at all.
Silas sank into the couch, his hand on my lower back, guiding me to straddle his lap.
My lips were numb from kissing, and Silas's buckle was digging painfully into my thigh.
I braced my hands on his shoulders, caught my breath, and stepped back.
"Silas, that's enough," I said, trying to catch my breath.
Silas paused, stunned as he realized he'd gone too far.
"Sorry," he murmured, his voice husky. "I lost control."
When I stayed silent, Silas got anxious and pulled me closer.
In the dark, I couldn't see his face but sensed anxiety and pleading in his voice.
"Don't hate me," he whispered.
I was honestly caught off guard.
I never thought Silas, the golden boy, could be so humble.
"I don't hate you," I said, cheeks burning. "I'm just tired."
Silas gave a gentle smile.
He pressed his forehead to my neck, his breath brushing my collarbone as he spoke.
"What are you up to tomorrow?" he asked.
"I'll practice piano in the morning and work on my thesis in the afternoon."
"So can we meet up?" he asked.
"Alright."
"Would you like to eat together?"
"Lunch?"
"All three meals," he replied.
I smiled, a little amused. "Yeah."
The next day, I found Ashur sitting outside the practice room.
He wore yesterday's clothes, looking worn out with dark circles like he hadn't slept.
When he saw me, he shot up from his seat.
Ashur yelled, "Maeve, I called all night! Why didn't you answer?"
I leaned away, dodging his hand when he tried to grab me.
"Sorry, I didn't check my phone last night," I said.
Ashur's bloodshot eyes stared right through me.
"Seriously, you didn't check your phone? What were you doing?
"Why did you let Silas walk you home last night?
"Are you guys really that close?
"And when did you move out?
"Why did your neighbors say you'd moved out when I looked for you?"
I was getting annoyed by all his questions. "What's it to you?"
"What's it to me?" he shot back.
He let out a cold laugh. "Maeve, isn't all this just to piss me off?"
I stared, baffled. "Did you take something strange today?"
He said smugly, "Maeve, who knows you better than me? I saw how Giselle humiliated you yesterday, it clearly upset you."
"Let me apologize on her.
"She won't bother you again, I promise."
He looked exhausted and let out a helpless sigh.
"Promise me you'll keep away from Silas, answer my calls, and stop using other guys to get a rise out of me."
Funny how being stunned makes you want to laugh.
"Ashur, what do you even take me for?" I asked, my voice cold.
"A neighbor? A friend? Or just your clingy sidekick?" I glared. "Why do you get to boss me?"
Ashur said, a bit desperate, "Maeve, we grew up together. Haven't I always been in your business?"
"We grew up together, but that's it," I said coldly.
He looked stunned for a moment.
I took a step back, putting some space between us.
"Ashur, face it. We've both changed," I said, my voice steady.
"You've got your own path, and I've got my own life.
"Stop being indecisive and meddling in my life."
Ashur clenched his fists, gauze stained with fresh blood from glass cuts.
"No," he said, his eyes stubborn, almost obsessive. "We haven't changed."
I sighed, not wanting to continue.
"My lease ended. You don't need to know my new address," I spoke coolly.
"As for Silas, I have no reason to avoid him.
"Because he's my boyfriend," I said calmly.
Ashur visibly flinched, stunned by my words.
He stared at me, his voice barely audible. "What did you just say?"
Another voice spoke up at the same time. "What did you just say?!"