Forbidden Heat

Seventeen

At Trey’s voice behind her, Danielle drew herself from Suzie’s arms. She carefully turned away from

Trey so he couldn’t see her expression nor the single tear that had escaped despite her resolve.

“Nothing.” She stroked her hair behind her ear, dashing away the tear in the process. “I’m going to head to bed now.” She strode to the hallway and escaped toward the bedroom.

“Trey.” Suzie’s voice stopped Trey as he started to follow Danielle.

Danielle slipped into the room and closed the door behind her.

She sat down on the bed and fought back the overwhelming emotions flooding through her at the unwelcome memories. Damn it, she’d thought she’d put all these feelings behind her.

A few moments later, a light tap sounded at the door.

“Danielle, it’s Trey. May I come in?”

Damn it. Why couldn’t he leave her alone?

“Danielle?”

She cleared her throat, knowing she’d have to answer him.

“Yes.” Thankfully, the word came out clearly . . . not a croak as she’d feared.

The door opened and Trey stepped inside, his expression one of concern. He closed the door and approached the bed.

“Suzie told me about your conversation.” He sat beside her, concern simmering in his warm brown eyes. “I knew you were in foster care but . . .” He rested his hand on her arm and she fought her instinctive reaction to pull it away. “I had no idea how your mother had . . .” He hesitated, watching her carefully, his expression sympathetic. “How difficult it was for you.”

She simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“I should have asked. I wish I had.” His lips pursed. “I just didn’t want to pry.”

“It’s okay.” Her voice came out hoarse.

“Not that I’m saying Suzie was prying,” he went on. “She just naturally asks questions. Because she cares.”

Danielle nodded again.

He curled his fingers around her hand. “Are you okay?”

She didn’t utter a word, needing all her attention to keep it together.

When she didn’t answer, he squeezed her hand, then kissed it. “Danielle? I wish you’d say something.”

She sucked in a deep breath, ready to assure him that everything was just fine.

“I’m—”

Her voice cracked, and Trey’s heart crumbled. Her eyes were awash with unshed tears and she looked so very . . . vulnerable.

“Oh, sweetheart.” He drew her into his arms and held her close.

She sat stiff in his embrace, clearly fighting the overwhelming pain showing in her tortured eyes. Gently, he drew her head against his shoulder, cradling it there with one hand while he held her close with the other.

The thought of her as a small child . . . thrown out into the night . . . terrified and frightened . . . gnawed at him. How could any mother do that to her own child? No wonder Danielle never allowed herself to get close to anyone. To depend on anyone. The one person whom she should have been able to depend on without question . . . who should have loved her unconditionally . . . had betrayed her completely.

“You should never have been treated that way.”