This was how it started. He’d make her stay and before long, he’d start telling her when and where she could go. He’d tell her what to wear and how to behave. She’d lose the life she’d built for herself. She’d lose her independence.
She’d become her mother.
Panic loomed and she fought against the pain burning in her lungs, threatening to steal her breath. “There has to be another solution.” Samantha glanced to Alec, who shrugged with apology.
“Sorry, Sammie. You could stay with me, but my bed is currently occupied.”
His comment startled her. “As if I’ve ever been in your bed, Alec.”
“Too bad though. We could’ve put to use some of those, um, things I found in your bedroom,” he mused.
“Who are you?” She shoved at Alec’s shoulder, passing an uneasy glance between him and Caleb. She and Alec had never been intimate. They’d curled up together on her couch to watch movies on occasion, but theirs was a strictly platonic relationship.
“I’ve gotta go,” Caleb announced suddenly, his eyes dark and stormy.
“Wait, you’re leaving?” What did he have to be all broody about? She was the one being manipulated.
These men were making her insane.
“There’re a few things I need to do. Alec is going to stay with you until I get back.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not twelve.” She looked at Alec. “No offense, but I don’t need you to stay with me.”
Alec returned her smile and her heart melted a little. She never could stay mad at him for long. She blamed the dimples.
“Aw, come on, Sammie.” She jumped off her seat, laughing as he poked at her ribs.
Caleb cleared his throat. She spared him a glance before turning back to swat Alec’s still poking fingers. “Alec, stop!”
Alec’s hands settled on her waist. “We’ll order take-out and watch dirty movies. It’ll be just like old times.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
She narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, except for the whole take-out and porn thing.” She shook her head in confusion. “But, by all means, knock yourself out. With the take-out, I mean. Not the porn. I’m definitely not watching porn with you.”
Alec’s laughter was infectious. “My loss, I’m sure.” He strolled to the fridge. “Drink?”
What the hell was he doing? “No, I’m good.”
Caleb muttered something under his breath and stalked toward his bedroom.
“Caleb, hang on.” Samantha went after him, stopping him with a hand on his arm. “What’s the problem?”
“No problem.” He looked down to where she held him.
“You’re obviously upset about something.” She lowered her voice. “I mean, if it has anything to do with what happened between us —”
“I said there’s no problem.” He ground out. “I’ve got things to do. Like putting an end to your trouble so you can get on with your life. That’s what you want, right?”
Ah, here was the Caleb she was used to dealing with.
“Absolutely. Go and do whatever it is you need to do. I’ll be here with my babysitter.”
“Are you trying to piss me off? ’Cause it’s working.”
“I have to try now?” She dropped her hand. “Hmm, must be losing my touch.”
“Do you think I’d do anything to hurt you?”
Samantha’s heartbeat kicked up a notch at the intensity of his gaze and she got the distinct impression her answer was important to him.
“Answer me, Samantha. Do you?”
“Of course not,” she huffed and backed away. “I know you’d never physically hurt me, Caleb. But guarding me twenty-four-seven isn’t realistic. On some level, you’ve got to know that. I can’t stop living my life because of this.”
“I’m not asking you to stop living your life. I’m asking for a few days. It’s not an unrealistic request considering what happened last night.”
“This is ridiculous.”
Caleb closed the distance between them. “Do you remember the bruises on Carlotta Matteo’s face?” His voice was soft, dangerous. “The stitches?” He leaned in until she could feel his breath against her face. “How about her broken fingers? Do you remember any of that, Samantha?”
She swallowed back the bile that bubbled in her throat. She’d seen it firsthand. Not something a person would soon forgot. If ever.
“Tell me again I’m being ridiculous,” he urged.
That damned gaze dared her to challenge him. Something hard and warm hit her back and she realized he’d maneuvered her against the windows. If she’d been wearing panties, they’d be soaked, but as it was, the seam of her jeans absorbed the moisture leaking from her center. She should have her head checked. Fighting with Caleb should piss her off, not turn her on.