He blushes and lowers his gaze. I’m not sure he believes me, and that’s not all associated with Vinnie either. That goes all the way back to his dad who hurt him instead of protecting him. Sam didn’t give me any more information other than what he said at the table, that his home life was bad, but he didn’t have to voice it. No matter what his dad did, if Sam had to flee and take his little brother with him, his dad wasn’t doing his job.
He's never been in a relationship with anyone either, so he’s never had someone to truly lean on. I’m not sure he’s aware of his own worth or how amazing he is. I wish I had more time to show him. I wish I could make him see all the incredible things about him.
I think of the way he didn’t hesitate before saving Kelly on the ice. Or how he stood by me when we first got here, and things were so awkward between me and my dad. It would’ve been easy for Sam to walk away, but he held onto my hand.
When this week is up, I don’t know how I’m supposed to just let him go.
Twelve
Sam
When I wake up the next morning, the side of the bed Dalton slept on is still warm, and he left a short note on the pillow.
Client called. See you in a bit.
I smile and put the note back down before crawling out of bed. I take a quick shower and do an admirable job of not jerking off in there even though I want to when I remember the way Dalton had me coming undone the last time I was in here.
When I get out, I brush my teeth and pull an outfit on. Dalton’s sweater he’s been loaning me is on the ottoman at the foot of the bed, but before I can reach for it, my phone buzzes with a message from Nathan.
I open it to see a picture of him and Kayla around a bonfire in her backyard. He looks so happy that it makes me smile. Nathan and I haven’t had any kind of traditional holiday since Mom passed, but we were always together for them. As much as I’ve enjoyed being around Dalton and his family, I’ve missed Nathan.
I text him back and then toss my phone on the bed, where it makes the note Dalton left me flutter to the side. I already miss him a little, which is ridiculous. We’ve only known each other about five days. Surely, I can go a few minutes without seeing him.
The door opens, and I glance up expecting to see him, but it’s his friend. The one who’s been watching me since we got here. Arnie.
He shuts the door before leaning back against it.
I take a step back, but the bed’s behind me so I don’t really have anywhere to go.
“I’ve been trying to remember where I’ve seen you before,” Arnie says, his voice low. “I told Dalton you looked familiar, and he blew me off. Now I know why. I saw you at Vinnie’s. A friend of mine took me there.”
My face warms. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t pretend, Sam. I’m sorry, I mean, Romeo, right?”
I desperately want to call out to Dalton, but my throat is too tight. My voice doesn’t want to work.
“I’m assuming you don’t do cash only?” Arnie reaches in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. “What app do you use now?”
I still don’t say anything. My muscles are locked. I’m not sure I’ll ever move again.
“I’m fucking talking to you.” Arnie shoves away from the door to get in my face. “This is what you do for a living, isn’t it? Give me a fucking show.”
I shake my head. “N-No. You’re mistaken.”
He lifts a hand and hits me so hard across the face that it feels as though my teeth rattle. “Don’t pretend I have no idea what I’m talking about. Isawyou. I saw your tight ass in a thong. My friend and I have pictures—”
“Stop.” The word is too soft. Pathetic. I should’ve known this would happen. Should’ve been more prepared.
Arnie stares at me, his eyes narrowing. “Do it. Dance for me.”
“I’m with Dalton.” It sounds like a plea, and I hate that. I’m not dancing for this creep.
“He’s with you because of what you do, Romeo. Haven’t you noticed you don’t fit in here?” He takes a step closer to me, his hands sliding under my shirt, along my waist. “And who doyou think Dalton would believe anyway? His oldest friend, or the guy who takes his clothes off in front of people for a living?”
My eyes burn, but I blink any tears away. I’d rather go work at Vinnie’s again than cry in front of this asshole. “I said no.”
“Guys like you aren’t allowed to say no.” He pulls one hand back and punches me so hard in the side that I nearly drop to my knees. “Guys like you do as you’re told. Now fucking dance for me.”
