It’s weird. 

Having Silas here, him sitting across from me in my office. He seems so out of place, but it makes me realize he is out of place. He shouldn’t be here, but I need him here. I also want him here… There’s that, too. 

My point is, I am a planner. I’ve planned out how my whole month would pan out. By this time, I would have gotten a ticket to Greece for that vacation. I would have gotten Eugene something priceless to make up for keeping him busy while I run off for a holiday. I would have had to say goodbye to my family during dinner at their place because that’s when mom wouldn’t freak out about me flying. She’s always in a good mood during dinner. She would have told me to come back early, and not do anything crazy in Greece. I definitely would have done something crazy in Greece, but none of that can happen now because some crazy person out there wants me dead.  I still find it hard to wrap my head around that. It all sucks, and I wish I could just wish it all away. But at least Silas is here.

He’s like the silver lining in all of this.

“Who do you think wants you dead?” Silas breaks the silence, fixing his gaze on me.

I glance over at Eugene, hoping he will answer the question for me. Instead, he keeps his eyes locked on Holly while she is busy staring at me. Of course, he isn’t going to be much help with a pretty girl in the room with us. Sometimes I wonder how he is even my friend. 

“I don’t know.” I admit, sighing softly, “bastard has managed to evade us.”

I hate to even say it. Holly continues to watch me. I swear she could easily pass for Silas’ sister. They have the same blank expression on their faces. I don’t know how Eugene is going to handle her.

“We’ve had no problems with anyone.” Eugene finally adds in, “this is all very surprising.”

Opp. Bad choice of words.

“Surprising?” Holly turns towards him, looking at him like he is crazy, “we’re in the Mafia world. How could you not know your enemies?”

Is he an idiot? More than likely. I’ve lived without many threats for a while. I plan on continuing that, but things are obviously a little out of place right now. It’s obvious we are not so safe now.

“We are not your typical group.” I explain, hoping that they can understand where I am coming from, “we do have enemies, but they can’t hurt us. We’re worth more to them alive, so we all cohabit peacefully.”

“Well, someone thinks differently.” Holly retorts it in a matter-of-fact tone that reminds me so much of Silas, “who do you think that might be?”

Holly waits for me expectantly to answer but I have nothing. So, I say nothing.

“What he thinks doesn’t matter.” Silas grumbles, causing the both of us to look at him, “the fastest way to end this is to find out who the mastermind is.”

Silas stands up from his seat and goes to watch outside through the glass wall. His dominating aura fills the air, making me want to jump him. I really don’t know how he is so sexy.

“It seems he is smart enough to remain incognito. Until we find out who that is, we’re going to focus on protecting you.” Silas continues as he turns back to look at me, “which means you’re going to have to listen to everything I say.”

I groan internally. Oh, fuck me.

I really hate taking orders. The only person who orders me and I listen to is my mother. Since Silas looks nothing like her, I don’t plan on following all of his orders. I’ll follow some of it, I’m not suicidal in case you haven’t noticed. But I’ll still put up a fight one way or another. But I know I need to do my best to remain on his good side.

“Silas, you-“ I start to say, but he cuts me off.

“It’s Gray.” He growls, gesturing towards my office, “we’re going to start with you moving to a new office.”

What? I glance at Eugene. He’s too busy staring at Holly… Once again. Well, at least his taste in women isn’t that bad this time. That’s something at least.

“I’m not changing my office.” I protest, rising to my feet, “there’s no need to.”

“It’s made of glass,” He points out the obvious, “all it’ll take is a good shot and a nice gun to kill you from any one of those buildings.”

“This is the highest building around here, and I’m on the top floor in case you didn’t notice.” I argue, crossing my arms across my chest, “also, no one can see into the building. The glass can only be seen out, not in. No one is going to shoot me that easily.”

“Lennox is right.” Holly adds in which surprises me, “I think he is the safest here.”

“What about his home?” Eugene asks, pursing his lips, “is he safe there, too?”

“He’s not.” Holly disagrees, which surprises me that I’m not, “Silas broke into his house. Even though most killers are not as good as he is at breaking into houses… I think Silas has confirmed that Lennox’s house is penetrable.”

“Where am I going to stay then?” I ask, confused more than anything.

Dammit, I hate this. Could this get any worse? I can’t stay at my house anymore. Is that the real answer? Where am I going to stay? A hotel? I don’t like that idea at all.

“You could stay at my place.” Eugene offers like he isn’t afraid, “it should be okay.”

“There’s no way I’m putting you in danger, Gene.” I tell him, not happy that he would even suggest that, “they are after me.”

Even if I die, Gene should live to take on my work.

“You don’t know that! Maybe I’ll be next.” Eugene tries to reason with me, “they could be after all of us.”

Well, God, I hope not.

“Still, you can’t protect me.” I murmur, knowing it is true, “I might have to-“

“I can.” Silas cuts us off, looking like he is getting annoyed with our bickering back and forth.

We all turn to look at him.

“I’m not going to prison.” He explains, walking forward and sitting back down in his seat, “so, you’ll be staying with me.”

I choke. Literally.

Eugene comes to my side to pat me on the back. What is happening?!

“I’m okay.” I whisper, staring at Silas now.

“Um, I guess that would be the safest place he could stay in for now,” Holly murmurs, looking as surprised as I am about his offer.

It came out of nowhere. I don’t know whether or not to be happy, or to just cry. I’m sure I’ll be over the moon when I’ve calmed down enough but right now, I am just freaking out. Staying with Silas… What will happen?

“So, that’s settled then.” Silas continues as if it is something so insignificant, “we’ll pick up your stuff tonight.” 

I remain speechless as he turns to Holly.

“We’ll go check out the security around here.” Silas murmurs, just deciding to do what he wants.

Okay then, go ahead.