Misinformed: Chapter Seven

Silas woke with a start, sitting up in his bed and drenched in a cold sweat that dripped down his face and neck. He glanced around his room, listening for the screaming, watching for the walls to crumble into black ash. He rose out of bed, hopping on one leg and feeling around for a moment, making sure everything was real. Nothing was on fire.

The nightmares were always so much more real. He could taste the ash still on his tongue, feel the singe of the embers on his face. He sat back down on the edge of his bed and held his head in his hands as he tried to reclaim a breath that didn’t taste or feel like smoke. He trembled, voice choking as he tried to keep the tears back.

He heard water rushing. He rushed out of his room, peering into the kitchen where he saw the little master standing with her back to him at the sink.

That’s right, he remembered, her water is still off.

The taste of smoke and charcoal changed, instead, he tasted lipstick and lemons. The smell of smoke and ash was her perfume. He touched his lips as he remembered the kiss they shared. That memory was more real than his nightmare. His nightmares made him forget the evening he had. The promise he made to join her for breakfast. That meant she had snuck down to get water for coffee.

Sophie turned and Silas ducked back into his room, nearly tripping and falling over himself, literally. His prosthetic leg had fallen from the end of his bed and onto the ground where we was now. He landed with a thud on his bed and quickly scrambled to get his leg on.

“Silas?” Sophie’s voice rang out.

Of course she heard a fall like that, he could almost kick himself. Maybe he did, he thought as he grabbed his leg.

“You awake?” Sophie chirped with a hushed voice in case he wasn’t.

Silas pulled on his pants and then shoved on slippers to hide his leg. “What?” He grumbled as if her voice was the reason he woke up. He opened his door and saw her standing there, a carafe full of water in hand.

Sophie’s cheeks bloomed bright when he answered his door. Her mind swirling with the memories of the night before and all the lascivious dreams that haunted her sleep. She swallowed, her throat almost dry in an instant. 

“Good morning,” she wondered if it would be too much of her to kiss him good morning. If she had, to be honest, she wanted to wake him up with a kiss.

“Morning,” Silas grumbled, looking down at her.

“Uhm,” she looked aside and licked her lips. “Sorry, I was just getting-”

“Your water isn’t on,” he finished. “I’ll fix that today.”

“Yes! And...thank you,” she fidgeted.

Silas noticed she was wearing just a long t-shirt. Her legs exposed more than last night. An accident, maybe, he thought to himself. She probably didn’t intend to get caught. If not, she’s not playing fair.

“I’ll just go back up then,” she pointed to the stairs. “And get breakfast ready...I mean, if you still want-”

“I still want,” he growled for her.

Silas’s voice made Sophie’s thoughts run wild for a moment and her smile became tight from trying to suppress enough feelings to kill a cow. “Ah-alright then,” she caught her breath and forced herself to move.

Silas smirked to himself, his head turning as his phone began ringing. He answered, growing irritated at the number he saw. “What is it Beauchamp? It’s early and I have plans elsewhere.”

“Just a friendly call, I swear,” Beauchamp purred into the other end. “Do you have the files I asked for? The backups?”

“I told you, I’ll get them to you. I’m not sending her with some crucial evidence. She’s just an intern.” He looked into his closet, glancing at the safe.

“It’s her job,” Beauchamp insisted. “I told her this. She’s accepted it. Did she not mention it to you last night?”

Silas flinched. “Last night?”

Beauchamp’s chuckle was like a knife to his ears. “I called her and told her to get it from you yesterday,” he said. “Did she not say anything?”

“If she handles this evidence, they could use it against you, Beauchamp.” Silas snapped, his blood boiling now.

“Who would even know?” Beauchamp replied. “Just because she’s involved doesn’t mean she has a hawk watching her at all times.”

Silas’s jaw was tight and he had to take a deep breath. “Have you even told her?”

Beauchamp sighed and Silas could hear the squeak of his chair. “Once I have what I need, I will. Right now everything I have is circumstantial.”

“You’re a bastard,” he snarled as he hung up the phone. He dragged his hand down his face and gripped onto the counter, trying to calm himself down before he went up to see Sophie. Her footsteps above him were light and soft, like the first raindrops before a storm.

Silas came up the stairs, Persephone laying with her head tucked under a blanket. He smiled, Sophie must have scolded her for eating the steak.

Sophie was playing the record from the night before and was singing along in the kitchen. Her voice a welcoming sound. He heard the coffee burbling away, another welcome sound. He came up behind her as she was setting out the donuts, she had slipped on shorts.

“A shame,” he thought. “But for the best.”

Sophie turned and smiled up at him, their bodies extremely close. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

He shook his head. “As long as I get to sleep, I don’t mind waking up.”

Sophie tilted her head slightly, her hair falling off her shoulder. It still held the soft mermaid waves from the night before, even softer and more touchable looking. “Do you not sleep well?” She asked in concern.

Silas shook his head. “Not enough,”

“You may wanna lay off the coffee then,” Sophie moved to the coffee pot. “I’ll just pour this out then,” she reached for the carafe.

Silas grabbed her wrist, pulling it up. “Pour that out and you’re as good as dead.”

“Then you’ll need to pay the toll to get some,” her voice cracked, nervous he wouldn’t fall for the same bait that she did.

“I thought this was a free breakfast,” He inched in closer, pinning her back against the fridge.

“Free to an extent,” Sophie swallowed and lifted her chin as he bared down.

Her phone started ringing and she groaned, “I’m sorry. Excuse me.” She slid out from under him, planting her palm against his chest as she stepped around.

A snarl came up in Silas’ throat as she reached for her cellphone. “If it’s Beauchamp tell him he can fuck off.”

She hissed, pushing her finger against her pursed lips as she answered. “Yes, hello...yes sir I-” She looked up at Silas and then back down towards the table top. “I’ll do it if I have to,” she mumbled, fidgeting. “Yes sir,” she nodded, her eyes meeting Silas’s.

“Tell him to rot in hell,” Silas whispered.

Sophie raised her hand, eyes concerned. “I understand. Yes. I’ll see you soon then.” She sighed and hung up the phone, pushing her hair out of her face as she suddenly went from warm and joyful to downcast and dejected.

“That was...well you know who that was,” she tried to chuckle to make it seem ok. “Mr. Beauchamp has an emergency meeting today and he asked if I would come in to help.”

“You can say no,” Silas growled.

“I’m fine,” she insisted. “I don’t even have to be in until one.”

Silas frowned, he didn’t believe her cavalier attitude.

“He said um…” she wasn’t quite sure how to bring it up. “He said you had something you were supposed to give me?”

He shook his head. “I don’t feel right about it.”

“It’s fine!” Sophie walked back towards him. “It's my job...I mean, this makes it easier on you right?”

“Easier on me,” he snarled with an eye roll.

Sophie put her hand on his arm. “You don’t have to pay a toll on the coffee,” she cooed. “I was just teasing.”

He looked down at her, her big blue eyes melting away at him. She was somehow even more beautiful than last night. 

“You don’t owe Beauchamp shit,” he growled as he picked her up, setting her on the counter. Sophie gasped at the suddenness but that quickly turned to moans as Silas kissed her. He pressed in close between her legs and he purposefully tangled his fingers in her hair.

Sophie moaned against his lips, kissing him back happily as she wrapped her arms around him. He bit her bottom lip, something she was sure a week ago that she hated, but now she wanted him to bite her everywhere. His lips trailed down her jaw and neck and her legs curled around his hips.

Sophie gasped as Silas’s hands touched her thighs, running up along them as he nibbled at her throat. She wasn’t sure the last time someone kissed her like this, let alone felt so excited. 

“Silas,” she moaned into his melted ear. Her lips brushing against the burnt skin.

Silas chuckled, a dark rasp of a sound. He kissed her on her lips again, nipping her lip and tugging before releasing. “That should pay me for the whole pot.”

Sophie swallowed, the words to beg for more on the tip of her tongue. “Fuck the coffee,” she blurted in a haze.

“Much too hot for such an act,” he teased as he poured a cup.

Sophie frowned, regaining herself. “Not what I meant.” 

First, she was jealous of her own dog, now she was jealous of a damn cup of coffee. Despite how he acted, he was a much better kisser than she could have ever hoped for. She needed a moment to gather herself from the puddle she felt she melted into.

She slipped off the counter when she was sure her knees wouldn’t buckle. “Is it alright if I use your shower again?” She asked.

“Yeah,” he murmured, his eyes following her as she went into the living room and went through her bag. She pulled out a file and rifled through it.

“You’ll get that fixed for me right?” She turned smiled at him, tucking the file back away. “I’ll pay you back,” she pinched her knees together.

Silas smirked as he walked out of the kitchen. “Oh, so I’ve been doing all these favors for free have I? Maybe I should start charging for keeping an eye on your thief of a dog.” He sat down on the sofa. “I think I’m owed some back pay if that’s the case.”

Sophie eased onto the sofa beside him, curling herself into his side. “I’m afraid this is starting to sound like the entrance to a porno,” she laughed.

Silas scoffed, “I’m going to blame the Selkie girl for that.”

Sophie stretched her legs across his lap and he flinched, his coffee almost sloshing onto her. He set the mug aside and watched her for any sort of reaction. All she did was make herself comfortable.

“Sorry,” she mewled, thinking she did something wrong.

He relaxed again and he put his hand on her leg. “No it was...nothing,” he waved it off.

Sophie watched him, her eyes trailing down his jaw and his neck, his broad shoulders, and chest. “I have one more small favor,” she chirped.

“It’ll cost you whatever it is,” he sniffed.

“Could you walk Persephone for me?” She asked. “I was going to do it after breakfast but now…” she huffed. “Stupid work.”

“I’ll walk her,” he agreed. “If only to make her work off that steak.”

“Sorry, I feel like I’m monopolizing you,” Sophie tucked her hair away, not used to it being styled or curled so much. To her, it still felt like a wild lion’s mane. “I feel like I’m taking advantage.”

“Is that what the date was?” Silas asked and he placed his palm on her bare leg. “Something to rid you of guilt?”

“No!” Sophie yelped, not catching his barbs. “I really like you! That’s why I feel so bad! Because I like you and I want you all-” she caught on too late. Her face bloomed bright red and she grabbed a pillow to hide her face. “Now I sound crazy!”

Silas was laughing too hard, both from her reaction and how ridiculous it felt to have a beautiful woman confess to him.

“You’re different,” Sophie continued to mumble into the pillow, her voice muffled. “You’re all dark and broody and...and just oh so...different.” She glanced up from the pillow as his laughter quieted. 

“I feel like an adult with you, not a girl, not a presence,” she squeezed hard onto the pillow, feeling her chest tighten, “I feel like a woman. I like it,” she glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with a serious stare. “There,” she huffed. “I’ve embarrassed myself. I’ve made myself sound like some...obsessed little girl.”

“You can embarrass yourself more,” he growled.

She hid her face again and shook it. “No, I can’t!” Well, she really could but she wasn’t yet ready to reveal her even darker thoughts.

His hand trailed up her leg, his fingers warm and hard. “No one has ever confessed to me before,” he replied. “And I have been called worse things than ‘different’.”

Sophie felt like she needed to breathe into a paper bag. “It’s a good thing for me,” she wanted to burrow deeper into the pillow. “You’re a good thing for me,” she admitted.

Silas thought about William. How the hell could he be better for her than a man like him? William was much more handsome, much kinder and gentle. William was like a mirror that showed Silas all the things he lacked and could have been in life. Someone strong and helpful and giving to a fault. It was so strange to hear Sophie tell him that he was the better option.

“You’re sexy,” Sophie soft voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“What?” Silas laughed.

Sophie bit the inside of her cheek hard. “When I first met you, I thought you were a bit scary. I mean, I’ve never been around orcs before. But the more I saw you and watched the way your body moves. I realized that, there was something about you I couldn’t take my eyes off of. Something that made my mind wander and I just couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Silas snorted, covering his mouth as he tried to hold back a guffaw.

“I’m done,” she kicked her legs off him and planted her feet firmly on the floor and stood up. “I’m going to go shower now that you’ve had a good laugh!”

Silas grabbed her hand. “Hey,” he growled.

Sophie turned and looked down at him, her cheeks splotched and speckled with red and pink. She squeezed his fingers. “I mean it,” she mumbled.

“You don’t have to,” he pulled her back down so she was sitting in his lap. “You could lie to me and I would eat every word you fed to me.”

“I wouldn’t-!” She huffed and collected herself. “I could never hurt anyone like that.”

“You’re a better person than most,” he cupped her cheek, his thumb rubbing against her soft lips. “You sure you want to be a lawyer?”

Sophie giggled and she held his wrist, opening her mouth and taking his thumb. She licked it, and Silas’s heart exploded in his chest. She pulled him closer, taking his thumb into her mouth and suckling it, nipping it gently before she released him. Her heart hammering so hard.

“Fuck,” Silas pant as kissed her hungrily.

Sophie caught him before they fell any further. She managed to break away despite her need to continue. She gulped down a sharp breath and looked into his gray eye. 

“I really should get ready,” she slipped away from the sofa and stood up. Her nipples erect through her shirt.

“You shouldn’t start something you can’t finish, little master,” he snarled, wiping his hair away from his face.

Sophie giggled and stuck her tongue out. “Maybe I’ll finish it,” she replied as she walked around the sofa. “The rest is up to you.” She trailed her fingers along the back of his neck as she walked to her room.

She closed the door and braced her back against the cold wood. She fanned herself as she tried to calm down. Any more and she knew for a fact she would make a bigger fool of herself. She quickly gathered her things. 

“Just get a cold shower and be on my way,” she snapped at herself in her vanity mirror. “You’re not as good at it as Isla, you don’t have half the guts!” She pointed at her reflection. “Stay in your lane and do what you do best! You hear me?” She then took a few deep breaths and went to her door.

She peeked out her door to see if he was still out there before she took her things and headed to the stairs. Silas was coming up as she was going down. He put on a shirt and was carrying his toolbox in one hand and a manila envelope in another.

Silas cleared his throat. “I don’t think this should be your job, but this is what Beauchamp wanted,” he grumbled. “I’ll lay it in the kitchen for you.”

“Oh, yes,” Sophie gasped. “Thank you.”

He hesitated then spoke up as she was moving around him. “If you get done with Beauchamp soon enough,” his voice cracked, “and the weather is forgiving, I’ll take you for a ride.” His cheeks darken. “I mean, on the motorcycle.”

Sophie’s eyes went wide and bright and her smile could stretch for a mile. “Really?”

“You’d enjoy the scenery at dusk,” Silas said as he walked passed her.

“I’ll try and get back as quickly as I can,” she grabbed him and kissed his cheek. “Promise.” She could have floated the rest of the way down the stairs. Silas asked her out! She couldn’t wait to gush everything to Isla if she was at the office too.



Sophie stood in the shower, letting the cold water cascade over her she let out a loud sigh. She touched her skin. Porcelain, it had always been called from when she was very small. Even the mistake she had made had called her skin this. He also said he’d like to see it break, which at the time seemed romantic, but it was far from.

William told her she reminded him of an ivory statue he had once seen. She liked that much more than porcelain, it sounded less fragile. Sophie wondered what Silas thought, what did he think of her skin, her body. Her hands remained down her chest, cupping her hips.

Sophie hadn’t meant to confess to him, not like that anyways. All the words were resting on the tip of her tongue and when provoked they became knocked loose and tumbled out without much in the way. She meant every word, she meant much more. That was probably what scared her so much about Silas. His appearance and all his posturing and snarling were the things she could get used to. They were things she had gotten used to all her life with her father and his mates and her brothers. What scared her about Silas was all the promise and how easily that could go away.

Silas reminded her of a dog she had once seen in the shelter, cornered in its cage, snarling and angry, but only because it was hurt and frightened. It didn’t know a kind hand from a cruel one, all he could do was protect himself with his distrust and anger.

Silas said that he would take any lie Sophie gave him and it hurt. She didn’t want to lie to him, she wanted to tell him she would only care for him. She wanted to make him feel as comforted and warm in her presence as he made her feel. He took care of her and Persephone from the moment she moved into that apartment all those months ago when summer was easing to an end.

Sophie quickly rinsed off the soap and rushed from the shower, tearing off the shower cap as she dashed up the stairs with Silas’s towel wrapped around herself. She spied on Silas in her bathroom and then slipped into her room where she threw on some clothes.

“I’ll be back soon,” she said as she poked her head into the bathroom. “Help yourself to anything in my kitchen.”

“Do you have a ride?” Silas grunted as he sat up.

“I’m just going to walk,” Sophie replied. “It isn’t too far from here.” she smiled as he stood, coming towards her. “It’ll be nice to ride you when I get back,” her face screwed up at her Freudian slip. “Ride. With. You,” she spit out carefully.

Silas smirked and nodded. “I suppose. Tell Beauchamp ‘fuck you’ for me.”

“I’ll be sure to pass the note,” she hiked her bag up on her shoulder, walking with Silas to the door.

“Be careful,” he growled, opening the door.

Sophie chuckled, “I will don’t worry so much about me.”

“I know,” he growled as he dipped down, kissing her neck and making her shudder. “You’re made of steel.”

Sophie swooned and she didn’t want to leave his presence. She nodded, biting her cheek. “Thank you,” she was breathless and happy. “Bye,” she walked away, heading for the street, almost skipping as she made her way to work.

Sophie hurried into the office, fixing her blazer as she stepped into Beauchamp’s office. “I’m here, sir,” she caught her breath.

“Sophie, good,” he hung up his phone and threw a stack of files at her. “This way,” he said, leading her out of the office.

“What’s going on?” Sophie asked with a hushed voice. As far as she could tell they were the only ones in the office. She didn’t see Isla’s or Thomas’s cars.

“Something has come up from an old case,” Beauchamp’s voice sounded clipped and serious. “I’m keeping it quiet for now.”

“Then...why bring me in?” Sophie asked as they walked into the meeting room. She laid the stack of files down on the table and took a seat.

“I need your keen observation,” Beauchamp replied as he stood behind her chair. “Did you bring the file I asked you for?”

“Yes,” she reached into her bag then froze. “Oh...oh no,” she gasped.

Beauchamp arched his brow. “Something wrong?”

“I...I could have sworn I had it,” she shuffled through her bag and then looked up, thinking hard for a long moment. Sophie stood up. “I must have left it on the counter back home,” she moved to the door. “I’ll go get it then be right back,” she said. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Beauchamp!”

He waved to her, “it’s alright dear. I’ll do the busy work, we need that file.” He pulled out his phone, dialing something as she dashed from the room.

Sophie dialed Silas’s number as she raced down the street. Maybe he could meet her halfway if he hadn’t taken Persephone on her walk yet. After a few rings, she realized he wasn’t near his phone at all. She huffed and tucked her phone back into her pocket.



Silas tested the sink in Sophie’s bathroom, it sputtered and coughed then water began flowing freely from it. The drain was clearing quickly as well.

Persephone looked up from over the rim of the tub and watched him, her tail wagging as he smiled at his own handy work. “I’ll clean up girl,” he rubbed her ears, “then we can go for that walk.”

Persephone’s eyes lit up and she jumped from the tub, understanding the word and preparing herself to go outside. Silas followed her to the kitchen, checking the sink there to make sure the water in it worked too.

The envelope he handed Sophie was still on the counter. He frowned and shook his head. “I’ll deliver it like I should have,” he said to Persephone who was waiting by the door.

Silas changed clothes then returned back upstairs, tucking the envelope into his pocket. He hooked Persephone’s leash and she all but dragged him out the door. She was stronger than she looked, he wondered how Sophie was able to handle her by herself.

Persephone trotted ahead of Silas, happy to be outside. She stopped often to sniff and snort at the new route. Sophie mentioned she got Persephone as a puppy and raised her and trained her all by herself. Persephone was with Sophie through everything, her constant companion, and most loyal friend.

He wondered how Persephone took to William. She took to him easily enough, 'puppy love' Sophie called it. Did she fawn over William as well? Did she sniff at his heels and leap into his arms? He didn’t need to question the first boyfriend. The one who hurt her and taken her for granted. He was certain Persephone hated that whimpering welp.

Persephone stopped suddenly, her ears perking up and her eyes going distant as she stared at something Silas could never see with his limited sight. Persephone growled and snarled, hunching low, her fur standing on end all the way down her back, her ears lowering and going flat against her head.

“What is it, girl?” Silas snarled, trusting her instinct.

Persephone snarled and lunged forward, pulling her with him as a big red car zoomed passed them. She roared and snarled, trying to chase after the car but held back by Silas.

It was the same car, Silas was certain. Persephone’s behavior at just a car was enough to make him believe.

He pet Persephone, rewarding her. “Let's go find the little master, alright?”

Persephone keened as the car vanished and she tugged on the leash, urging him forward. They cut through the park and taking the shortcut to downtown. He came to the crosswalk and saw Sophie rushing up the street across from him.

Persephone barked, tugging Silas into the street and he pulled her back as cars passed by.

Sophie pressed the button on the crosswalk and was looking at her phone, answering a call from Beauchamp. She started to cross the street.

The light turned red, but there were no more cars. Persephone barked again and Sophie raised her eyes, meeting Silas’s. She then turned her head, hearing the sound of a car revving and speeding closer towards them. She was in the middle of the road as the black car crested the hill.

Everything after that was a blur. So fast and so sudden Silas couldn’t recall anything until he heard Sophie screaming. Persephone was barking and snarling, remaining on the other side of the road where he left her.

Sophie was clinging onto him so tight. Her breathing was shallow and fast. Her hands were trembling as they dug into his back.

“Hush now,” he stroked her hair. “You’re ok, I’ve got you.”

Sophie burst out into a loud sob. “Your leg! Oh my god! Silas, your leg!”

He looked down, seeing his pants leg was limp and empty and nearly ripped off. His shoe and part of his prosthetic in the middle of the road. 

Silas cupped Sophie’s face between his large, safe palms. “I’m not hurt, it’s fine. It didn’t hit me. Are you ok? Are you hurt?”

Sophie’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “Your leg!”

“It wasn’t real!” He finally barked, holding her face firmly between his cupped hands. “Are you ok? Answer me!”

Her hand touched his. Her body bruised and scratched, but the worst that happened to her was the shock. Sophie gulped down breaths and sniffled, trying to steady herself, thinking Silas got hurt saving her.

“Your leg-” she whimpered, her other hand gripping hard onto his shirt.

“Fake,” he replied. “I have another one in my closet.”

Sophie looked up at him as tears fell down her face. “Another…” she still wasn’t registering.

“Are you hurt?” He insisted.

A scared laugh escaped her lips and she trembled under his grip. “Am I hurt?” She laughed.

“Yes,” he growled.

Her phone was ringing in her hand, he saw Beauchamp’s name light up on the now cracked screen. He took it and answered it. “I’m taking her home?”

“What’s going on? Silas?” Beauchamp barked.

“I’m not sure how, but I have a feeling you’re somehow responsible for this mess,” he snarled into the phone. “You’ve made someone mad, or you’ve manipulated some poor soul into this, but I am not letting her near you today.”

“Silas what is going on?” Silas hung up on him and he went through Sophie’s phone, finding Isla’s number.

Isla answered almost immediately. “How was it? What happened?”

“We’re at the crosswalk before your office,” he snarled. “Someone nearly ran her over. I need you to come get us.”

“Fuck,” Isla gasped and he heard her running about. “I’m on my way! Don’t get off that phone- William!” She passed the phone off as she continued to run around.

“Hello?” William’s gentle voice came on.

“Someone tried to run Sophie down,” he growled to him.

“Don’t worry, we’re on our way. Do you need an ambulance?” William asked calmly.

“No, she’s just in shock,” Silas answered. “She won’t answer me if she’s hurt.” He looked down at Sophie whose face was buried against his chest.

“What about you?” William asked. He could hear Isla cussing and shouting at cars that were in their way on the road.

Persephone was beside him now, sitting by Sophie and licking her cheek and nuzzling to her temple.

“Silas, are you hurt?” William insisted.

“No,” he swallowed. “My leg took the hit. That's why I need your help.”

William sighed. “Ok. I understand,” he murmured. “We’re almost there, just try and get her calm.”

Silas turned and looked at Sophie who was still trying to wrap her head around everything. She looked at him and her lips parted. “I’m so sorry!” She whispered.

“No, no,” he shook his head. Silas stroked her face and smoothed away her tears. “Don’t you apologize to me, little master. Don’t you dare apologize.”

“We can’t go for a ride,” she whimpered. “I got you hurt,” she butted her forehead against his chest. “You can’t-” she snivelled, gripping onto him.

“Pull yourself together,” he snarled, giving her a sharp shake. “Sophie, no one got hurt. Get that through your head!”

Isla and William arrived, it was a slow-motion blur. Everything quiet and dull. Sophie wouldn’t let go of Silas, she stayed with him, holding him and leaning into him. Isla handled everything as William got them settled. She knew who to call and who to yell at.

Once they got home, Silas felt like he couldn't remember anything. Isla helped him inside to his room where he was able to fetch the spare leg from his closet. He was glad his doctor insisted on him getting a new one last visit. It would be in by the end of the month. The replacement he kept was an old thing and it was uncomfortable to walk in, but it got the job done.

He sat on the foot of his bed and took off his pants, the leg more shredded and mangled than he recalled from earlier. He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. Everything was starting to settle, his body was beginning to hurt, a headache blooming from the stress.

Silas attached the replacement and put on his pajama bottoms since they were closer. He walked out, William was sitting with Sophie on his sofa, Persephone at their feet. Isla was in his kitchen, murmuring on the phone to someone.

Sophie looked up as he came in, her eyes wide and red from crying. She stood up and rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Silas put his hand on her shoulder, “please tell me you’re fine,” he growled. “I won’t let you get away without answering me.”

He blinked tears away as she looked up at him. “Your face is-”

“Are. You. Hurt?” He spelled out.

“Bumps and bruises,” her forced smile crooked. “I’m fine.”

He motioned to the sofa, “go sit. Calm down,” he growled.

Sophie opened her mouth as if to argue but she nodded and did as told. He watched as William put his arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder. He went towards Isla, a stony look on her face he never assumed she could make. She hung up the phone and looked at him, concern behind the stone.

“You’re alright?” Isla asked.

“I don’t care,” Silas huffed. “What’s going on?” He asked. “Do you know anything?”

“We’re getting footage from the camera,” she replied. “Beauchamp is-”

“Beauchamp?” He hissed. “How can we not be certain this was his fault?”

Isla shook her head. “We can’t say that,” she murmured. “I’ll admit that circumstances are strange and I’ve never rightly trusted him like Sophie does,” she whispered so only he could hear. “But we have to play along for now.”

“Play along,” he scoffed.

“Let me worry about Beauchamp,” Isla commanded, “you take care of her.”

“William has her,” Silas growled.

“She doesn’t want William!” She hissed, throwing her arms up in the air. “Good lord you’re as stupid as you look.”

He opened his mouth to bark back as she answered the phone and went outside. Silas huffed, turning and seeing William beckon him over. He came up behind the sofa, leaning towards him.

“If you take her upstairs and to her room, I’ll help Isla with this business,” he replied.

Sophie looked up at Silas, her eyes pleading a bit.

“Fine,” Silas scoffed, he walked around the sofa and took Sophie’s hand. Persephone led them up the stairs and into Sophie’s room.

Sophie sat on the edge of her bed and Silas knelt before her, removing her shoes. His hand pet up her leg, noticing bruises and a few scratches. Her legs had been perfect and untouched earlier that morning and the hatred in him swelled.

Sophie was taking off her shirt, her hands still trembling and unable to undo the buttons.

Silas cupped her hands and stilled her.

“My robe is…” she pointed a shaky hand to the gray thing hanging on the back of her vanity chair.

“I’ll get it,” he replied, opening up her shirt and removing it. He turned and fetched her robe, draping it over her and helping her get her arms through.

She gripped onto his hand. “Stay with me,” she pleaded.

Silas sighed, nodding. “I have no choice do I?” He crawled up onto the bed, letting her move him so she could find comfort. Her head lay on his chest, her eyes closed and her breathing slowing.

“I’ll be fine,” she murmured as she laced her fingers with his, her hands still shaking.

“I know you will,” he squeezed her hand back and kissed the top of her head. Her hands went still, her body going lax as she laid her full weight into him, giving into exhaustion and sleeping. He sighed, pulling a blanket up around her and holding her as she slept.



Sophie woke deep into the night, her body aching as she lifted herself up. Her head was in a haze, she could barely recall anything. She turned on her light, intending to get up and get something to drink. As she moved, an arm tightened around and she felt the panic rise up again before she looked down and saw Silas sleeping beside her.

Her body relaxed and she touched his cheek. Things started coming back to her in slow progression. The crosswalk, Persephone’s barking, Silas’s strong arms grasping her tight.

Sophie touched his cheek, her fingers smoothing along the bruise on his forehead.

She remembered the crunching sound and Silas’s shoe flying off. She flinched and pulled back the covers, seeing both his legs and her heart dropped back down from her throat and into her chest. As she looked, she saw metal and wood sort of piece where a foot should have been. She reached down to pull up the pants leg and Silas grumbled, raising up on his elbow.

“Awake?” He growled.

Sophie pulled away and she smiled softly. “Yes,” she murmured. “I was going to get something to drink.” She inched back towards him, crawling back into his arms and laying against him.

“Then go get something,” Silas pet her back.

“I will in a second,” Sophie sighed, nuzzling his neck.

“I’m fine,” he scoffed. “I think we both escaped with only a few bruises to tell the tale.”

Sophie sat up, her robe hanging open, the soft curves of her breasts exposed. “You saved my life,” she murmured with a smile.

Silas closed her robe and he sat up. “I don’t need your pretty thanks,” he huffed and turned his head.

“Don’t be stubborn,” she tugged on his arm. “Why won’t you look at me?”

“It’s my fault,” he growled. “I shouldn’t have let you take that memory card.”

Sophie sat up on her knees and forced his face towards her. “Hey,” she snapped at him. She smiled at him and kissed him despite his resistance. She parted her lips, dragging them against his burnt cheek and skin, kissing his closed, blind eye.

“I’m the one who forgot them,” she murmured to him, moving to straddle his hips and hold him in place. “Did you fix my water?” She asked, kissing his neck and shoulder.

He moaned, his hands grabbing her hips. “Yes,” he swallowed, throat tight.

“I’ll make us some tea,” she kissed the large black and purple bruise on his shoulder. “I can’t handle coffee right now.”

He made a disgusted noise, “I fucking hate tea.”

Sophie thought for a moment and remembered the bottle of expensive wine they hadn’t opened the night of their date. “There’s the wine.”

“Then bring me wine,” Silas snarled.

Sophie kissed him again, feeling as if she were dreaming. Nothing felt real or in place except for him. He was solid and unmoving in a world that felt like liquid around her.
She made a quick dash to the kitchen and grabbed the wine and an opener for it and jumped back into the bed before Silas.

“No glasses?” Silas grunted as he adjusted himself.

“I figured they wouldn’t matter right now,” Sophie said, handing the bottle and opener to him.

Silas took them, stabbing the opener in and the cork squeaked and groaned until a gentle pop echoed in the room. He gave her the bottle, allowing her the first drink. She made a face after the sip. 

“I thought this was supposed to be good,” she wiped her mouth and passed the bottle back.

“What do you think is good wine?” Silas laughed as he swung the bottle back.

Sophie shook her head. “I prefer champagne really. I like it a little sweeter. Not so dry.”

Silas sighed as he pulled the bottle back. “Then stick to the five dollar section in your grocery store.”

Sophie took the bottle and tried another sip. “Maybe I will,” she shivered.

After several moments of silence separated by the sounds of the wine sloshing, Silas looked at her, seeing her eyes staring off into a dark corner but focused on something more distant.

“Do you remember anything?” He asked with a quiet, gentle voice.

Sophie turned back to him. “It’s coming back,” she replied. “I remember hearing Persephone, and then I saw you,” she replied. “And the car...it was black and the windows were tinted. I couldn’t see anyone inside. It could have been blue…” she mumbled. “It was a dark color I think.” She then took a deep breath.

Sophie blinked a few times then shook her head slowly. “I thought your leg had been run over.”

Silas looked down, avoiding her eyes.

“It was...run over,” she murmured.

“I was,” he growled, taking a long drink.

Sophie leaned towards him. “But you’re not hurt.”

Silas snorted and set the bottle on the bedside table. “I’m out a large sum of money, that hurts me.” He looked back up at her. “But no, I’m not hurt.”

“Then I’m glad,” she replied, her voice soft and forgiving.

Silas’ eyebrows raised. He was expecting questions and worry. Instead, she smiled and crawled closer towards him. “You’re glad?” He asked as her arms wrapped around his neck.

“Would you prefer I be upset you didn’t get hurt in my honor?” She scoffed, holding him tight in her arms.

His arm slipped around her waist. “Never mind,” he growled.

“I guess I just keep finding ways to monopolize you, whether I mean to or not,” she chuckled and sat back down beside him, her hand on his knee.

Silas tried not to flinch as her hand on his knee.“I don’t have anyone else that would fight you for the pleasure of my company,” he scoffed. “So I wouldn’t exactly say you’re monopolizing me. I’m simply unwanted elsewhere.”

Sophie pouted at these remarks. “You keep saying such things. It bothers me you think so lowly of yourself. Like you’re some abandoned dog on the side of the road.”

“I was once,” he quipped.

Sophie’s eyes widened, “oh,” her cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry I-I didn’t mean to-”

“I’ve never been whole, Sophie,” his voice dark and quiet like footsteps in the dark. “You best know that some men are always broken and no matter how hard you try to fit the pieces back together some are always missing.”

“There’s beauty in broken,” Sophie murmured. “And even if there are pieces missing, you may be whole to someone else.” She smiled at him. She opened up her robe and turned her back to him. The robe fell off her bare back and showed him the long scar going from under her left arm and down to her lower back in a stretched crescent.

Silas’ mouth hung open as he stared at the scar that warped her beautiful skin. His fingers brushed against it and he frowned. “Who would do this to you?” He felt the anger inside him rise so suddenly.

Sophie’s hair fell off her shoulder as she leaned forward a bit, letting Silas touch. “I got it not long after I graduated high school.” She looked back at him. “I hate it,” she admitted. “But I’ve always told myself it could’ve been worse.”

“Could have been?” Silas whispered.

“I was living with him at the time,” she murmured, voice low and quiet now. “Or well, I guess now you’d say I was being held against my will. I just didn’t know any better at the time. It was around that time Mr. Beauchamp took over the case, it was because of his work I was found and brought home.” Her voice shuddered.

Silas pulled her robe back up around her and she stared at him with surprise. He kissed her temple and she leaned into affection.
 

“I don’t mind scars,” her voice trembled. Silas pulled away and she looked up at him with wide, bleary eyes.

“You don’t need to get all sentimental with me,” he wiped away her tears.

She caught his hand and held it to her cheek. “You’re whole to me,” she nuzzled to his palm. “You’re enough for me.”

“Some old orc-like me?” Silas grunted.

“I’ll wait,” she murmured. “I want to know all of you, I want to understand. But...you aren’t ready and I won’t push,” She kissed his palm and smiled. “You’re safe with me.”

Silas cleared his throat, trying to rid himself of the lump in his throat. “I know I am,” he whispered. “You don’t need to tell me anything, little master.”

Sophie kissed him, starting soft before it grew deeper. Silas moaned softly as their lips parted and he quickly pulled her back in. Sophie’s hands snuck up his shirt, touching his bare chest. Silas growled a warning and she pulled back.

“Sorry,” she mewled.

Silas cleared his throat. “All me.”

Sophie placed a soft kiss to his cheek. “I wonder what time it is.” She slipped her legs off the side of the bed and walked to the window, opening the curtains. “Good morning,” she cooed.

“Sophie I-” Silas’ breath was stolen from him as Sophie turned and looked back at him, her hair illuminated by the hazy glow of the rising sun. “I can make breakfast if you’re hungry.”

Sophie grinned at him. “I’d like that.”