Chapter 109

“Nigel, you better stop dreaming,” Silas muttered, his tone cold as he glanced at Nigel. With Calliope’s hand firmly in his, he headed for the door.

“Ms. Jewell, I’ll take care of what you asked me to do,” Nigel called out, craning his neck for effect. “Let’s grab a meal sometime to show my thanks.”

Calliope didn’t dare respond. She could feel the storm brewing around Silas. He was upset.

She knew the rivalry between Nigel and Silas well. While they weren’t exactly sworn enemies, their relationship was complicated. They had once been brothers in arms. It was a fact few knew, and she had stumbled upon it by accident. She was sure Silas would grieve if Nigel died.

Portia flashed Nigel a quick smile, waved goodbye, and hurried to catch up with Calliope and Silas.

Out in the hallway, Calliope noticed the lineup of bodyguards. Nigel’s men stood against the wall, staring down Silas’s crew in a tense standoff. Damien and Fagan were there, too, nodding respectfully at her.

Shocked by the scene, Portia cautiously followed behind Calliope and Silas.

As they reached the elevator, with Silas and Calliope at the front, Portia stood behind them, flanked by Fagan and Damien and a sea of bodyguards. It was quite the spectacle. Anyone thinking of joining them in the elevator reconsidered quickly.

Calliope could feel the tension and glanced up at Silas.

“Are you mad?” she ventured. “I can explain. I had a reason to ask Nigel for help. I couldn’t stand by and let someone die. It wasn’t just because it was Nigel. I would’ve done the same for a stranger.”

“Don’t be mad, okay?” she pleaded.

Silas’s frown deepened.

“But you got hurt!” he said, his voice tight with concern.

“Oh, that? It’s just a little burn,” Calliope replied, waving it off with a smile. “It’ll heal in no time. No big deal.”

“I won’t allow you to get harmed,” Silas said, his voice firm.

When the elevator doors opened, Silas stepped inside briskly. Calliope hurried in after him.

Portia hesitated, noticing that Fagan and Damien were staying put.

“Aren’t you coming in?”

“We’ll catch the next one,” Damien replied, not daring to enter and risk the fallout of Silas’s mood.

“Okay, I’ll wait with you,” Portia decided, retreating with a sympathetic look toward Calliope. “You two have a good chat.”

As the elevator doors closed, the chill in the air intensified.

Calliope looked up at Silas, attempting to lighten the mood. She reached for his hand, giving it a gentle shake in a playful, coaxing manner. “Honey, please don’t be mad. Even if Nigel’s still around, you’re way more impressive than him, right?”

“Whether he lives or dies isn’t my concern,” Silas replied, his voice still icy.