Page 49 of A Touch of Fate

“I didn’t have to be sneaky. You were completely out of it.” My eyes darted to the bottle of gin on the sofa.

Samuel’s expression hardened. “I sometimes have trouble sleeping, so I take sleeping pills.”

My eyebrows rose. Maybe he had taken sleeping pills too, but the alcohol alone would probably have knocked him out. “Why didn’t you come back to bed? I was worried.”

“I’m not used to someone controlling my every step.”

I swallowed and gave a terse nod. With a strained smile, I gripped my wheels and reversed. “You’re right. I have no right to impose on you.”

Anger and disappointment battled inside me. I had on occasion found Danilo asleep at his desk as well—never drunk, though—and he’d always appreciated it when I’d woken him so he could find restful sleep in his bed.

Samuel released a low breath, raking his fingers through his hair. “That came out harsher than intended.”

He stood, then looked around until his eyes settled on his phone on the floor. He picked it up, then leveled his eyes on me with a hint of suspicion.

I held his gaze, not giving away anything.

“I’m coming to bed now.”

“If that’s what you want,” I said, still with that same tight smile, and left the room. Samuel appeared beside me as I waited for the elevator door to slide open. His fingers cupped my shoulder lightly as we entered together. I tilted my head up. He looked exhausted and still not one hundred percent himself. He was surprisingly steady on his feet, though. Maybe he hadn’t drunk as much as I thought. His eyes met mine. “I told you I’m not the catch everyone makes me out to be.”

I pursed my lips. “This could easily be rectified. Just don’t get angry when I’m worried about you.”And tell me the truth about F.

“You have no reason to worry, Emma. I’ve been a Made Man for many years. The shit I’ve done and seen has hardened me.”

I nodded, but I wasn’t convinced. Made Men thought they were immune to feelings, but I knew how good their masks were.

Samuel went to the bathroom while I stretched out in our bed. I could hear water running, followed by the electric toothbrush. When Samuel emerged, his hair was wet at the front, and he looked alert. He slipped under the covers. The scent of alcohol was almost entirely gone and replaced by the eucalyptus note of his toothpaste.

He put his head down on the cushion, staring up at the ceiling. He didn’t look tired at all. It was four in the morning, and I doubted his sleep had been sound before now, but I didn’t think he’d go back to sleep.

“You look wide awake.”

He chuckled. “I am.” His eyes searched my face. “You should try to sleep. I’ll stay here until you have fallen asleep if you want.”

I closed my eyes, but could tell that I was too agitated to sleep now. I sighed and opened my eyes again, finding Samuel’s gaze on me.

“Can’t sleep?”

I shook my head. “I’m an early riser. Not this early, but five o’clock in the summer, so it’s too late for my body to fall asleep again.”

“But we went to bed late,” Samuel reminded me, and my face heated, thinking of our encounter yesterday.

Samuel’s gaze traced my heated cheeks, his lips twitching.

“We could both get up. I’d love to swim a few lengths in the pool.”

Samuel sat up with a nod and raised his arms in a slow stretch over his head. My eyes trailed over his strong arms and muscled chest, feeling a familiar warmth settle in the depth of my core. I looked away and cleared my throat. “I think I’ll join you,” Samuel said. “It’ll banish the last of my tiredness.”

Samuel went ahead after changing into his swim trunks. I had to find my bikini first, but then followed him downstairs. Theair outside was still cool as the sun hadn’t risen yet. Samuel had turned on the pool lights, letting the water appear a fluorescent turquoise.

“The pool is heated,” Samuel assured me as he came to my side.

“That’s good,” I said with a laugh, rubbing my arms.

“Would you like me to help you into the pool?” Samuel asked.

My first impulse was to say no. I could get into the water alone, but then I noticed his gaze on my chest, checking me out in the triangle bikini, and changed my mind. “Yes, I’d appreciate it.”

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