Page 16 of Angel

“I was adopted when my father died and mom made a second bad marriage that ended up in the morgue.”

I knew I wasn’t going to like this.

“They had no relatives, so I was put up for adoption. I was nine years old.”

I stare at the lightening sky on the horizon, the orange streaks revealing the sun is on its way.

“I was told my father was shot by a bad man. Mom married another violent man and I found her body after school one day.”

She sobs. I tighten my hold, my heart crashing and burning as I face the fact that day will haunt me forever.

“I want to end the life of the man who killed my father. He got away with it. He should have been made to pay.”

I say nothing; she is weeping, her voice trembles and she shivers against me, but my body heat is the only thing on offer right now.

I can’t deal with this. It’s too personal and I despise my weakness.

Why did I come here?

“Please help me find him, Angel. The trail led me to Los Angeles, and I search for him at every gala, every premiere, and every street corner I turn. I want him to suffer for destroying my life.”

I say nothing. I can’t bear the revelation, and when she whispers his name, it cements my place in hell.

“His name is Johnathan Powell. Please, will you help me kill him?”

As the words hit home, my world shatters. It’s as if she took my father’s name and threw it to the ground, and I’m watching the pieces shatter. However, the truth is, Johnathan Powell did not kill her father that day.

Whoever told her that was lying to her.

Lies are spoken with the intent of concealing the truth, and for once I stand by that. In helping Sophie fight her demons, I will be unleashing mine, and she will discover the truth is way worse than the lies she was told.

It’s in her best interest to keep the secret because if Sophie Clere learns the truth about her father, it will destroy her.

CHAPTER 5

SOPHIE

Iwouldn’t change a thing about what just happened. It is the single most exhilarating experience of my life.

As I sit with a Wild Angel on the sand, it doesn’t even concern me that I don’t see his face. His mask over my eyes was comforting. I loved what he gave me, despite the fact that I wanted way more.

Most men would have taken advantage. He proved himself better than that. The sound of the ocean was the perfect serenade, and it was strangely sweet that he gave me his jacket. The fact that I was prepared to allow him full access is shame on me – not him.

It wouldn’t bother me, anyway. I am protected, clean and in the moment, his history was of no concern. But I wanted him. I lost my shit tonight and a moment of madness spiraled pretty damn fast. I was no longer the ice queen. I became desperate, not just for his help but for him.

My fantasy.

My knight in leather and wicked intent. It wouldn’t be the first time I lost myself in my fantasy.

I wonder if it will be my last?

The way I blurted out my truth was a necessary part of the evening. I’ve told him now. He is aware of my dirty little secret, and he is still here, sitting beside me, holding me, the spray whipping against us with the sun peeking over the horizon as it prepares to bring light to our day.

“What happens now?”

His fingers grip my shoulder; he is silent; it’s unnerving as I hold my breath. A lot hinges on his response.

“I will bear it in mind.”