Page 154 of Heartless

Dozens of horrific scenarios zapped through my mind, and my pulse jumped.“Why?”

“His father died three days ago, and today’s the memorial service.”

Oh God.Oh no.Only then did I notice he was in a black suit and shirt.

The memory of Jake telling me about his parents made my nose sting.“I’m really, really sorry, but—”

“Sienna, he was coming to get you.”

“And then, he called me names and stormed out.”

Silas’s tone softened.“We need you there, sweetie.Please.”

I moved then.I closed my laptop and shoved it into my purse.On my way to my bedroom, I said, “I’ll be five minutes.”

“Pack for a couple of days,” he replied to my back.

After a quick scan of my wardrobe, I snatched a black dress I tossed on my bed.Keeping the same rhythm, I pulled my suitcase and dumped four outfits in.Shoes, underwear, comfortable clothes, and....What else?Ah.Sleeping stuff.Once that was done, I got dressed, rushed to the bathroom, and lobbed stuff in my toiletries bag.

Rolling my bag out in the living room, I found Silas half-seated against the back of the sofa with his arms crossed on his wide chest.

“Ready?”

When I nodded, he took the case from me, and I slung my large purse over my shoulder.

I waited until we were on the road to ask, “How did James die?”

“He just went to sleep.”

Too sad to be angry, I cleared my throat, but my voice still came out raspy.“How is Jake taking it?”

“He’s not.He’s just a robot.”After a short pause, he added, “Bianc is there.”

Why hadn’t she called me?

As if Silas had heard me, he said, “Jake ordered us not to call or text you.”

I gaped at his profile.“So, what am I—?“

“I didn’t call or text.”

I couldn’t help but return his grin, but the short reprieve didn’t stop me from fretting.I fished out my cell and pre-ordered an Uber.When Jake kicked me out, I’d need a ride back.I would have taken my car, but truthfully, I didn’t think Silas would have let me.

“It’s going to be fine, sweetie.”

Well, that remained to be seen.I called work.“Sherry, it’s Sienna.I’m sorry to call so early, but I might be offline for the next couple of days.”

“Are you all right?”

“There’s been a death in the family, so I’ll be out of town.I’ll check my emails, but—”

“Take the time you need to be with your family.We’ll manage.”

Best boss ever.“Thanks, Sherry.I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Take care, Sienna,” she said before disconnecting the call.

As I slid my phone back in my purse set at my feet, Silas’s voice was low.“Death in the family?”