Page 126 of Angel

My breath hitches and I breathe. “I want to go home now and, well, perhaps it’s time you found somebody else to help you. It wouldn’t be fair to Jason, or me to continue.”

He nods, understanding in his eyes and for some reason, I believe he is smiling under the mask.

“I understand.”

He nods toward the bike.

“One final ride?”

He raises his eyes and I nod, smiling.

“One final ride.”

As we leave the beach behind, I am strangely calm.

Sam Goodman may be dead, but it could just as easily have been me, Jason, or Gosia. They left us to drown and probably hoped we would.

* * *

Angel takes me home. Not to the studio where I was heading. He acted on my wishes, and I am appreciative of that. I can’t work today. I must take some time out to process everything. Be in my home, my familiar safe space, and when Jason returns from work, I will be waiting for him with a hot meal, a loving smile and open arms.

That is all I want and what happened in the past is nothing but a memory now. Something to treasure but accept was never going to last.

I hand the helmet back to Angel and smile gratefully.

“I suppose this is goodbye.”

His gaze is soft, almost loving, and lingers a little too long on me.

“You know where we are if you ever need us. Never say goodbye, Sophie, merely until the next time.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Angel, but I really hope there isn’t a next time. I kind of like normality now and, well, this life is a little wild for me.”

I note the insignia on his jacket and smile. It suits him and his life. But not me, not anymore. It brings with it too many sleepless nights and I could really use some sleep and wake up with none of the baggage I’ve been dragging behind me for my entire life, it seems.

He nods, firing up his Harley and without another word, he rides away, swallowed up by the traffic, disappearing into it and as I turn, the doorman smiles. “Have a good day, ma’am.”

My smile is wide. “I will. You too.”

I return to our home a new person. Focusing on what really matters now and as I lean against the glass in the elevator, I stare at a woman who is brave, confident and no longer living in fear.

I hope it remains that way.

EPILOGUE

BETHAN

Ireally should grow a pair because Damian and Frank are seriously overstepping the mark.

I was five minutes late after dropping the twins off at my mom’s. The reason isn’t my timekeeping. I’m always on time, but they closed the exit on the freeway, and I had to crawl around the detour.

They are both waiting with scowls that cover their entire faces.

“You’re late—again.” Frank adds for good measure, and I paste my sorry expression in place.

“I’m so sorry. The detour took me by surprise and traffic was a bitch.”

“The detour has been in place all week. That is no excuse.” Damian hisses as I shrivel under their dark gaze.