Can’t Win Me Back

Silas tightened his arms around her as he spoke as if fearing she might escape him.

A warm blush crept up Rose’s chest, a pleasant tingle settling in her heart. Her voice dipped to a playful whisper, more of a tease than a scold. “Well, at least you know you’re being sneaky.”

“Rosie.” Silas couldn’t tear his gaze away. A captivating blush painted Rose’s pale face as he murmured, “Well, you’re just as cunning. You’re the sneak who’s stolen my heart.”

Rose found herself at a loss for words.

She remembered listening to Alyssa chatter about her family and Silas. He had such a handsome face. Yet, he was so dense and cheesy that it raised concerns for him.

It seemed Alyssa was right.

Silas noticed her sudden silence and fell into a surge of panic. He turned her to face him. “Are you still upset with me?”

“Silas Taylor.”

at the sound of Rose addressing him

Unconsciously, he swallowed hard.

come to me and cause trouble. I have no peace. I don’t deserve you. It’ll only be harder

of her heart away with each word uttered.

about me, and perhaps one of them is

I see—love is fleeting and nothing but trouble. You come from a good place,

life… it’s forever marked. Today was just a glimpse, a mere whisper of the darkness I

renowned designer, Rose harbored a wellspring of bitterness and insecurity. Her extravagant creations were a carefully crafted facade, a shield to deflect from the

a life without roots. She could never bring herself to proclaim her

she wasn’t blind to Silas’ good qualities or the depth of his love, a relentless sense of unworthiness gnawed

She couldn’t bear the thought of a future where Silas’ feelings waned or a future where their love

she would rather not

your background for quite

what, Rose? It doesn’t change a thing. I see you, all of you. And I still want you in my