I let the silence stretch. It is not hesitation, and it is not fear, but calculation, the deliberate choice to give them exactly what they expect to see instead of what they deserve, because men like Silas do not reveal themselves to resistance, they reveal themselves to compliance. The bond hums hot and furious beneath my ribs, straining against the performance I am about to give, and it takes everything I have to keep my breathing even as I slowly withdraw my hand from Adam’s.
The instant separation is subtle, but Silas notices.
His gaze sharpens, interest blooming into something close to satisfaction, and I feel Adam tense beside me, the bond flaring in protest so loud it almost drowns out the world. I do not look at him. If I do, this falls apart.
“I know,” I say quietly, my voice p
