Page 44 of Sin Bin Bully

I hesitate, but step inside. The tension in the air is palpable.

"You see this?" He shoves a tablet in my face, displaying a gossip site's homepage. The headline screams:NHL Star Sam Warwick: From Ice to Ice?

"Jesus," I breathe, scanning the article. It's a mess of accusations and blurry photos.

Sam runs a hand through his disheveled hair. "It's all bullshit. But try telling that to the league, or my sponsors, or-"

A sharp knock interrupts him. "Sam?" His mother's voice drips with false sweetness. "The lawyers are here."

Sam's jaw clenches. "Send them in, Mother."

Three men in expensive suits file in, followed by Sam's mother. Her eyes narrow when she sees me.

"Perhaps the help should leave," she says, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Sam's eyes lock onto mine, a mix of frustration and something else I can't quite place. "Go get ready for dinner, little dancer. I'll see you in a bit."

I nod, and instead of arguing with him like I used to, I turn to leave obediently. As I reach the doorway, I can't help but glance back. There's a glint of pride in Sam's eye, and for a moment, I forget he's my captor. I want to make him proud. I want to make this shitty situation better for him.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I shake my head, trying to clear these confusing thoughts as I make my way back to my room.

Kelsey's waiting when I get there, expression neutral. "I heard Mr. Warwick say it's time to get you ready for dinner."

I roll my eyes. "I can dress myself, you know."

She nods. "It's easier if I help."

I want to argue, but she's right. So I let Kelsey guide me through the process, rifling through the closet full of designer clothes I never asked for.

"This one," she says, pulling out a deep green dress that probably costs more than my old apartment's rent. "It'll bring out your eyes."

I slip it on, the silk cool against my skin. Kelsey works on my hair while I do my makeup. It takes the better part of an hour, but we finally finish.

"There," she says, stepping back. "You look nice. "

I stare at my reflection, barely recognizing myself. The dress hugs my curves in all the right places, and I realize that I am trying to make myself look good. Not just to appease Sam but because I want to.

"Why am I doing this?" I whisper, more to myself than Kelsey.

She shrugs. "Because sometimes, looking good is the only power we have."

I nod, taking a deep breath. As I head towards the dining room, I think over what Kelsey said. But I know she's wrong. That's not why I'm doing this for Sam, not why I sought him out or think about what it was like to share his bed.

But the real reason is too terrifying to even acknowledge yet.

I'm barely seated when Sam strides in, his presence filling the room. He loosens his tie, a faint scowl on his face as he takes the chair opposite me.

"Rough day?" I ask, reaching for my water glass.

He grunts, signaling the staff to begin serving. "Nothing I can't handle."

The first course arrives – some fancy soup I can't pronounce. We eat in silence for a few moments before I work up the courage to ask, "How'd it go with the lawyers?"

Sam's spoon clatters against the bowl. He looks up, steel-gray eyes locking onto mine. "You really wanna know?"

I nod, surprising myself with how much I do want to know.

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