Page 47 of Silver Sinner

"The… reputation?" My brows twitch slightly. "Is that a thing in the world of real estate?"

Pierce chuckles and slides his shirt back over his body. "It is in my line of work." He sits back down and picks up his glass of wine. "What about you? No tattoos?"

"Oh no, I'm not sure I could sit through the pain."

"Even after childbirth?"

"Mhm. You know there's a thing in your head that makes you forget the agony of that. Every time Maddie looks at me, it's like the pain didn't even happen. But the pain from a tattoo?" I pick up my glass and sip. "That I would remember."

"No exes were worth the pain of a reminder then?" Pierce asks, his eyes locked on me.

"Definitely not," I snort. "None of them were worth… anything."

"I find that hard to believe. A woman as beautiful as you? I'm sure you've broken a few hearts in your time."

"You'd think so but no, my dating life is as adventurous as my cooking. Plain and empty."

"So I'm not stepping on any toes?" Pierce almost sounds delighted.

"Not at all. I haven't dated in… years."

"Not even Madeline's father?"

My stomach tenses, but I force a laugh. "Not unless he comes back from the grave." At Pierce's questioning look, I continue. "He died in a car accident, so he's not an issue." The lie is so easy I almost believe it myself.

If only.

"Beautiful and frustrated is what I'm hearing. No wonder you were so eager the other night."

My cheeks flush and I bury my gaze in the last bite of my meal.

"I'm not hearing a denial. But what I am hearing is that there is no one to object to me whisking you away."

I glance up. "Away?"

"Yes. This meal was wonderful and spending time with you is utterly beautiful. But I'm in the mood for dessert."

"Dessert?" I repeat softly, even though Pierce is being very clear.

"You, my dear. I want to take you somewhere. Would you come with me?"

I stare at him and my heart begins to race. "Like… a real date?"

His head tilts. "To an extent. I'm starved, Layla… and I want to treat you. Will you let me?"

My eyes widen and a sudden yearning rises in my chest. To be held. To be cared for. To be safe in those strong arms. Maddie's being taken care of, so what do I have to lose?

I lower my fork and nod. "Yes. I'd like that very much."

16

PIERCE

"Then come with me." I stand and hold out my hand for Layla to take. She gazes up at me with a hint of uncertainty fogging her eyes, then she stands and takes my hand. I slide my fingers between hers and grip.

I got some answers. Not a lot, but enough for Moses to start digging deeper and picking apart what she told me to unearth the truth. And if all of it turns out to be true, then she will be none the wiser and I will have a different concern on my hands.

Not tonight though.