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“He’s made it perfectly clear that he doesn’t date.”
“You could try having an actual conversation,” Shawn said, leaning back and taking a sip of his beer.
My heart squeezed in my chest. I wanted to, but I was terrified of ruining what we had. Sam had finally given me his number. He’d spent the week before he left in my bed or with me in his. Pushing for more was just going to mess up what I had now.
“I don’t want to lose him,” I admitted. “It’s not just about the sex. I like how I feel when I’m with him, like I’m enough just the way I am. Like he sees me, everything inside, and he doesn’t have a problem with any of it.” I reached for my glass of water, starting to regret my decision not to drink tonight. “I grew up in a family of go-getters. I love my family’s standards, and I don’t feel judged or anything. I’m secure in their love for me, but sometimes I get sick of the opinions. Sam’s different. When I’m with him, I don’t feel like I have to be anyone but myself. Like my life isn’t a race toward future dreams.”
“I don’t know your family well enough to really say this, but I don’t get the impression your parents want you to feel like your life is a race.”
“My family isn’t just my parents. I have four siblings, and with the exception of Remy, they’re all full of opinions on my life and decisions.”
“Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. It doesn’t matter what your siblings think.” Shawn put his beer down and leaned closer to me. “But don’t settle either. I know you like Sam, but if he can’t give you what you deserve, then he doesn’t deserve you.”
I nodded. I knew Shawn was right, but I was tired of looking forthe one. It had never led to anything but disappointment for me. Being with Sam was comfortable and yet thrilling. He made me feel wanted for who I was inside and not my pretty face or bank account. And he had been honest from day one about what he could and couldn’t give me.
My phone buzzed on top of the bar, and I scrambled for it. I fumbled the passcode twice before I finally got the damn thing unlocked.
Sam:If you don’t want to play with my demons, leave my club right now.
I looked up from my phone and scanned the crowd. He had to be here if he knew I was here, right? But I didn’t see him, which was odd since he was usually easy to find here, what with everyone moving out of his way like the parting of the Red Sea.
I turned my gaze back to the message on my screen and swallowed hard. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a tiny bit afraid of Sam’s demons. But my fear was overpowered by my curiosity and desire to understand him, to see all his hidden parts and dark secrets.
Turning off the screen, I shoved the phone into my back pocket and slid off my barstool.
“Sam’s back,” I said, giving Shawn a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing my purse and heading for the lobby.
“Do you know where he is?” I asked Jules, who was on bouncer duty tonight.
“Roof,” he answered. “I’m guessing you’re going to ask me how to get up there.”
I grinned at him. “You know me so well.”
Jules called the elevator for me and then pushed a series of buttons on a hidden keypad.
“Thanks, Jules.”
“Have a good night, Adeline.” The doors closed between us, sealing me inside the elevator with my anticipation.
When the doors opened again, I was faced with the rooftop garden I hadn’t seen since I was a teenager. It was every bit as beautiful as I remembered, paths lit by lanterns cutting through bright flowers. It was darker this time, letting the brightest stars shine above me while the city lights drowned out the rest of them.
Sam stood, leaning back against the low wall I’d once sat on. “You didn’t leave.”
“I didn’t.” I moved closer to him, taking in the shadows in his eyes, the coldness in his features. “Welcome home.”
His jaw tightened. “You should have left.”
I stopped in front of him. “Tough luck.”
He reached for me, his hands holding me in a viselike grip as he brought his mouth to mine in a bruising kiss. “Fuck, I missed you,” he growled against my lips.
My lips parted on a gasp, and he took full advantage, deepening the kiss. His tongue tangled with mine in possessive strokes as he claimed my mouth. I’d never felt so wanted before. I curled my fingers in the fabric of his shirt and held on for dear life.
When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. His dark eyes gazed into mine, swimming with lust and dark promises. “Last chance, Siren. If you stay with me tonight, it’s not going to be sweet and slow.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I told him, meeting his eyes with every bit of determination I had. I wanted past his walls of control, to know the secrets he’d been hiding.
He didn’t say anything as he led me back to the elevator and down a floor to his apartment. His eyes swept up and down my body like he was taking inventory. I was wearing a plain pair of black skinny jeans, a blouse with a low-cut neckline, and a pair of sparkly silver heels with open toes. His lips curved up in something halfway between a smirk and a smile. It was the only warning I got before I was being lifted into the air and tossed over his shoulder.
