Chapter 04

Silas's POV 

“Julian…what are you talking about?” 

Julian's hands were shaking as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out my Patek Philippe watch and my leather wallet.

“I'm sorry…I swear…I was going to pay you back. I just…I just wanted to save my mother's life and I didn't know what else to do”

“Julian…damn it, you think I'd throw you in jail over an ordinary watch?”

“But I…”

“If you want…I would buy you five watches”

He blinked rapidly as his mouth opened and closed. “Wait…you're not angry? I mean…I stole from you and…”

I exhaled and rolled my eyes. “You did it for a reason. I know how it feels to be desperate. When I was ten, my younger brother had an asthma attack….my parents were so poor that they couldn't even afford his inhaler. I broke into a pharmacy that night and stole an inhaler…I was caught and beaten…and by the time I had gotten home, my brother was dead”

“Silas…” Julian sounded so pained. “I'm so sorry”

I shrugged, trying to act casual even though I knew the wound never fully healed. “You did what you had to do to save your mother's life…and I can't blame you for it”

Julian's lower lip trembled, his finger twisting the hem of his shirt. “I swear Silas… I swear, I'll pay you back. I may not have anything right now…but I swear, I'll not die owing you”

“I thought you never wanted to see me again” I said changing the topic. “Maybe the sex was…wack”

“Wack?” He repeatedly shook his head. “Silas…the sex was everything but wack. You're insatiable. I've been with guys before…but none of them could match my energy the way you did”

“Actually,” he said, smirking. “I was planning on coming back for part two. This time I wanted it to be in your office…. against your desk”

My mind started making up the image of Julian spread across my mahogany desk…his back arched…fuck…my shorts suddenly felt uncomfortably tight.

Julian caught the look on my face and burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. “You should see your face…you still have a lot to learn old man”

“I'm not old…” I began acting defensive but he silenced me by grabbing the collar of my shirt and pressing his lips hard against mine.

The kiss was hot and sudden and I could barely keep up as he pushed his tongue inside my mouth…making my knees go weak.

“I missed you” he whispered against my lips…and the honesty in those words almost made me melt. “I know it's insane…we barely just met…but I feel better when you're with me”

I didn't plan to say it, but the words just slipped out. “I missed you too”

Julian's eyes darkened instantly. “Say that again and I'll fuck you right here…right now”

I laughed breathlessly, shaking my head. “You're insane”

But then his mood shifted and he looked away embarrassed.

“I'm sorry I kissed you like that. You're a public figure and you probably don't want people to see…”

I cut him off with another kiss…slower, this time, my hand cradling the back of his neck.

“I'm not ashamed of you Julian. You can kiss me however you want” I said firmly.

He smiled faintly and he said. “Let's get out of here…to your car?”

I nodded and together we walked as he stylishly tapped my ass…this guy is crazy..

“What are you doing here Silas?” He asked…his voice was small and vulnerable now.

“You know why I'm here…” I reached for his hand, caressing his skin gently.  “You don't have to pretend with me Julian. It's okay to cry. You've been holding it in for too long…let it out”

That was all it took before he burst into tears and I pulled him into my arms as he sobbed on my shoulder, his fists clutching at my shirt.

“She's…all I have” he whispered when he could finally speak.

“The doctors said she needs a heart transplant…and the surgery costs more than I'll ever make in a lifetime. My clients buy my paintings on credit and disappear when it's time to pay…nothing I do is ever enough but…I don't want my mom to die, I can't live with the pain”

I was already pulling out my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found Dr Harrison Kleiner, the best cardiac surgeon in the country.

“Harrison? It's Silas Vaughn. I need a favour… I have a woman who needs a heart transplant and I need you to find a compatible donor within twenty four hours…yes, I know…money Is not my problem…just get it done”

Julian's eyes kept widening with every word as I spoke.

“I also need you to arrange for transport… from this hospital..St Mary's hospital to a private facility” 

When I ended the call, Julian was still staring. “You didn't have to do that…you've already given me so much…”

“It's nothing” I said, and I meant it. “I have more money Julian. Let me spend it on something that matters”

“But Silas…”

“I lost my mother once,” I said quietly. “I won't sit back and watch you lose yours…please, let me help”

His lips trembled as he leaned in to kiss me but suddenly screamed clutching his chest in pain.

“What's wrong?” I grabbed his shoulder…the last time I was this scared was five years ago when I saw Emery's corpse.

“Julian? please…talk to me! You're scaring me! Please…don't do this to me…say something that is wrong!”

He only groaned, his face contorting in pain. “I…I…they…they wanted to steal from me and I fought them and…they…they! It hurts…”

I looked down and froze. “Shit…Julian…you're bleeding! Why didn't you say something! Julian!”

“Please take care of my mother. Tell her I love her…” he said weakly.

I ripped his jacket open and I couldn't believe what I saw…I screamed.

A massive bullet wound was on his arm, blood soaking his shirt.

“How did you…”

But Julian's eyes had rolled back…he'd stopped breathing.