Page 45 of Sin Bin Bully

He leans back, running a hand through his hair. "It's a clusterfuck. But we'll sort it out." And his eyes look up at me. "I didn't do anything wrong."

And the way he says it, like he needsmeto know…

"I believe you," I say softly, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

His eyebrows shoot up. "You do?"

"Yeah. I mean, I've seen you play. You're..." I struggle to find the right words. "You're too proud to cheat like that."

A ghost of a smile plays on his lips. "Damn straight."

As the main course arrives, Sam mutters, "Can't believe this whole shitstorm started because of those pictures at your place."

My fork freezes halfway to my mouth. "What?"

He sighs, setting down his knife. "After you called your family, I went to check on things. I told you I'd fix it, and well, your brother had turned the place into a goddamn drug den."

My stomach churns. "Nathan," I whisper.

Sam nods. "I dealt with him, but some paparazzi caught me leaving. Now everyone thinks I'm mixed up in this drug bullshit on top of the steroid accusations."

I set my fork down, appetite gone. "You went there? For me?"

His jaw clenches. "Couldn't let that little shit drag you down with him."

A warmth spreads through my chest, battling with the guilt and fear. "Sam, I... thank you."

He shrugs, but I catch the pleased glint in his eye. "Don't mention it, little dancer."

We fall into silence again, but it's different now. Charged. I can't shake the image of Sam confronting Nathan, putting himself at risk for me. It's confusing, terrifying, and... oddly touching.

I clear my throat. "So, what happens now?"

Sam takes a long sip of his wine. "Now? We fight back. Clear my name, deal with your brother's mess, and make sure you come out of this clean."

And for some reason, I want to make sure that happens, make sure that we do make it out of this. Fuck, I've been so mixed up these last few days.

Before I can respond to Sam, a thunderous pounding echoes through the mansion. My heart leaps into my throat, and I lock eyes with Sam. His expression hardens, transforming from the almost gentle look he'd been giving me to something dangerous.

Kelsey's heels click rapidly across the marble floor. I hear muffled voices, urgent and demanding. Then, Kelsey bursts into the dining room, her usually composed face etched with panic.

"Mr. Warwick, I couldn't—" she starts, but it's too late.

A flood of uniformed officers pour in behind her. My breath catches as I recognize the insignia on their jackets. Police. Oh god.

"Kimberly Daniels?" One of them steps forward, his voice gruff. "You're under arrest for drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute narcotics."

Sam's chair screeches across the floor as he stands abruptly. "What the fuck is this?" he snarls, moving to put himself between me and the officers.

I'm frozen, my mind reeling. This can't be happening. Nathan. It has to be because of Nathan.

"Step aside, Mr. Warwick," another officer orders, reaching for my arm.

Sam's hand shoots out, gripping the officer's wrist. "Don't you fucking touch her."

Everything happens so fast. Two more officers rush forward, grabbing Sam's arms. He yanks against them, his face contorted with rage as he pulls out of their grasp, and another two have to step forward just to restrain him.

"Sam!" I cry out as rough hands close around my biceps, yanking me to my feet.

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