Page 36 of Silver Sinner

"Don't be ashamed," he continues. "You have me addicted, darling, and I'm not complaining. Just know that if you ever feel that desire again, I am one call away." His smile is dazzlingly charming and then he kisses me, soft and tender like I'm the most precious thing he's ever tasted.

I should say no. I should take time to think about this. I should…

Fuck it.

When was the last time anyone wanted me? I can barely remember, and it's such an addicting feeling that I can't resist. So I nod and sink into his embrace with a feather-light heart.

"Mommy!" Maddie charges into the kitchen and we break apart. My heart lurches but Pierce remains calm as ever, stealing my coffee cup once again and leaning back against the other counter as my daughter charges in.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"I'm finished!" She proudly holds up her empty bowl with only a few stray cereal remnants inside.

"You did! Well done. I'm proud of you."

"Yay!" She claps her hands when I take the bowl, then waves at Pierce. "Hi!"

"Hello."

With that, she charges back into the lounge and I puff out my cheeks. "She seems… so perfectly normal," I say, moving the bowl to the sink. "I feel so much guilt about yesterday and yet somehow, she has no idea."

"It's a gift," Pierce replies quietly. "The guilt you feel will fade, in time, when you realize it wasn't your fault."

"Wasn't it?" Water rushes into the bowl at the turn of a tap. "I left her in the car. I walked away."

"You are not the first parent to ever do that and you will not be the last. The important thing is that Maddie is safe and healthy. You both are." Pierce approaches me and when our eyes meet, his dart up to my injured brow. Something like a shadow passes in his eyes, even as he smiles. "Everything turned out alright."

"Thank you. For what you did. I can't ever begin to express how grateful I am. Although…" After washing the bowl, I face him fully as he glances down at his phone. "How did you find Madeline? I can't even begin to think how you would go about that."

"I have people," Pierce replies, then his brows knit together. "I'm so sorry, Layla, but I have to go."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes." He meets my gaze. "Work things. I will be back to check on you and Maddie."

More questions burn in the back of my mind, but Pierce has already sought out his discarded suit jacket, so I escort him to the door. "Thank you," I say, my hand lingering on the handle.

Pierce leans forward and lightly kisses my forehead with a smile. "Take care of yourself."

I'm too enamored with him to notice the figure on my doorstep as I pull the door open, and Pierce has to sidestep her in order to get past.

"Morning," he says politely.

"Mor… ning…?" Amy stands there, her eyes wide and mouth open as she stares after Pierce, watching him hurry down the steps.

"Amy?"

"Layla?! Why the hell is some—" She jolts slightly as I grab her arm, dragging her inside so she doesn't make a scene.

"Amy, what are you doing here?"

"Me? Why is some sexy silver fox leaving your home at eight in the morning?"

12

PIERCE

"Good night?" Moses arches a brow as I approach the car kneading at the back of my neck.