“My parents are good people,” Sydney said. “They would keep their word.”
“And just how do I know that? I don’t know your parents. How do I know they’re trustworthy?”
After all, their daughter sure isn’t. A knife sliced into Sydney’s heart as she heard the words Sam didn’t say.
And it was the truth. She hadn’t been very trustworthy. She hadn’t told him about Rod. And way more importantly, she hadn’t told him about Duke.
Dallas took a sip of his coffee. “This is clearly getting personal between the two of you. I think I should leave.” He stood.
“You don’t have to go,” Sam said.
“Yes, I do,” Dallas said. “You two need to come to some kind of understanding. If you don’t want to do it for yourselves, do it for Duke.” He left.
“Damnit, Sydney!” Sam gripped the edge of the table with both hands.
“What?”
His eyes blazed. “It’s not a crime to want to be a part of my son’s life. Why can’t anyone understand that?”
“It’s not that we don’t understand…”
“What then? What is it?”
She tried to smile. Didn’t quite make it. “We just all love him so much.”
Sam seemed to soften a little. “I know that.” He sighed. “I really do know that, Sydney.”
Reality hit her. He did understand. Just like she understood how he was feeling, how he wanted to be a part of Duke’s life. If only she had handled the situation differently from the beginning. Then he wouldn’t think her untrustworthy now.
She reached forward and covered one of Sam’s hands with her own. His brown gaze shifted to hers
“I’m so sorry,” she said, “about all of this.”
He nodded. “Yeah, me too.” He ungripped the table, moved toward her, and helped her to her feet. “Sydney.” His voice was rough as it cracked.
“Yes?”
“Will you come to bed with me?
She nodded.
Chapter Thirteen
He picked her up and carried her to the other bedroom, presumably his, and tossed her on the bed. Fire burned in his eyes. He was going to be rough.
But she was ready for it. She wanted him to take her. Make her his.
He ripped off her clothes quickly and with a vengeance, until she lay nude upon the bed. Sam, still fully clothed, rose and went to the dresser. He returned with two red bandanas.
“Grab the headboard,” he said.
Sydney jerked. “What?”
“Did I stutter? Grab two of the bars on the headboard. Make sure you’re comfortable. You’ll be in this position for a little while.”
The bandanas. Oh God, he’s going to tie my wrists to the headboard. Fear rushed through her, accompanied by a strange arousal.
“Sam, I don’t think—”