Page 141 of Born for Silk

Ducking beneath the wooden door frame, I follow him into the church.

The wind’s fierce presence becomes a drone of white noise when the door closes behind us. An unavoidable sense of history replaces the storm’s angry energy. I couldn’t give a shit about it, but I am aware of it in the stained-glass windows and the high vaulted ceilings, nonetheless.

This place is old.

Pushing further into the vast space, I set Aster down on a pew. Guard her.

I look the man over. Salt and pepper hair. Fine lines beside his eyes. A casual linen shirt tucked into faded-dark trousers—aged clothing that he admires and cares for. “You open your gates without question,” I state smoothly, clasping my hands together and widening my stance. “Did you know who I was?”

“Sire.” He bows. “No. I couldn’t see the vehicles through the haze, only hear the horn blasting, but anyone outside in this weather would be welcome. Typically, we would offer aid from the boundary walls, but it’s life or death out there on days like these.”

I sneer; inconceivable. “You would risk your people’s lives for the lives of strangers?”

“People are inherently good.”

Imbecile.

Abruptly, Kong, my sister, and the others enter, the storm’s rage blasting until the door is pushed close again.

White noise.

The Silk Girl rushes to sit beside Aster, quick to fold my little creature’s cloak over her swollen abdomen, fussing, and I’m fucking jealous. Of every touch. Of Aster’s smile for her.

I haven’t had that smile.

Not for weeks.

I would drown in that smile…

Love sick fool.

“Where is Colt?” I ask, directing my attention to the man ahead of me, ignoring my twitching muscles, the ones that yearn for her attention.

“Sadly, we lost him to illness several months ago. I am Han. Did you know him well, Sire?”

I hum, locking my teeth.

Odette? Her name comes unbidden, but I do not utter it aloud. I want to wait out the storm without any further attention.

“We will wait out the storm within your walls,” I advise. “Then be on our way."

“The church is welcome to all.” Han opens his arms. “You can sleep on the pews, make yourselves comfortable.”

“What is this place?” Aster’s voice, a soft, breathy cadence, sails from behind me.

Aster…

When I turn, she is on her feet, mask hanging around her neck, purple-dusted eyes filled with awe.

“You have never seen a church before?” Han asks, taking a step closer.

Like hell, you can speak to her.

My eyes cut to him. “You don’t speak to?—”

“My king.” Her tone asks me to hold my temper, and I do. Her fingers slide along my flank, offering me the soothing touch I’ve been mourning. “Look.” She points.

I follow her soft gaze to a door cracked open with three girls peeking through, watching us.

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