A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Silas's eyes were deep and intense, full of feeling.

"Maybe you won't believe me, but I swear I'm telling the truth. I liked Callie way before she and I ever got together," he said quietly.

"It goes way back. I mean, I was just a kid, barely ten years old, and I already had a crush on her. As we got older, my feelings just grew stronger. But back then, she only had eyes for Gideon. Honestly, I think she was even a little scared of me."

He looked down, the old memories clearly still stinging. He'd always watched her from a distance, always hoping she'd notice him just once, but she never did. Back then, it was only Gideon for her. She loved him, and that was that. It hurt.

Silas regretted not trying harder, not fighting for her sooner. But he'd been just a scrawny kid with nothing to offer. He'd told himself he'd wait until he was strong enough, until he really had something to give her, and then he'd tell her how he felt.

But by the time he finally made something of himself, her heart belonged to someone else.

Thinking about it now still made his chest tighten. Especially remembering how, in another life, she'd died-because of their whole messed-up crowd, she'd died in the worst way. He never got there in time to save her. That regret still haunted him.

But this time, he'd done everything to bring her back.

"I don't know if you believe me, but even if she died, I'd go right up to the gates of hell and drag her back out," he said fiercely. "I'd pay any price for her. I'd give up anything. I'd do it, even if it meant I'd never get peace, not for a thousand lifetimes."

He looked up, a half-smile on his face, but his eyes were serious.

Quentin and the other two guys exchanged glances, falling silent for a moment.

It was obvious Silas really did love Callie. No one could fake that kind of devotion. Still, they weren't about to take his word for it.

Talk was cheap, after all. Anyone could say they'd die for love, but it's only when things get tough that you really know the truth.

They thought Silas seemed decent enough, but you never really know how a guy will treat your sis until you see it with your own eyes.

Just like with the Jewell family. Callie had always insisted they

treated her well, and they put net

show for everyone else too.

out, it was all a lie.

And then there was Gideon. Everyone thought he was good to Callie, until the truth came out.

Girls are especially vulnerable to falling hard for someone. That's why thenoveldrama

brothers felt they had to watch out for Callie, just to be sure.

Now that the three of them were all together, it was the perfect chance to put Silas under the microscope.

"Hey, Silas," Quentin said suddenly, "why don't you crash with us tonight?"

"Huh?" Silas blinked, caught completely off guard. He'd figured they'd want to grill him, but he hadn't expected a slumber party.

He felt a twist of nerves. This was definitely a first.

And it wasn't just Quentin, either. He'd

Said with us"-meaning all four of them, sharing the guest room like college roommates after too many beers and too much pizza

"Got a problem with that?" Norton chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "Or is there something you're hiding that you don't want us to find ou

dark?"

after

Silas chuckled, shaking his head. "No secrets here. I just didn't expect you guys

to suggest something like this."

He shrugged, still smiling. "Sure, I'm game. I can bunk with you guys, no problem."

"Really?" Even Ethan looked intrigued. "You're actually okay with it? No complaints?"

Silas grinned. "I'm fine with it. As long as you guys don't snore too loud."