SILAS

She was right. The desire was there, but it wasn't a necessity. Not with what was at stake. Maya was the priority now.

Isabella reached for my belt and began to unbuckle it. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her mid-motion. She looked up in genuine shock. Without a word, I peeled her hand away and walked right past her.

Weeks ago, she might have stayed. She might have been the perfect distraction to quiet the noise in my head. But today, she was just an obstacle. The plan with Maya had to work, and Isabella was someone who couldn't be seen in public anymore.

A gasp escaped her as...