Page 44 of Angel

I head to my private elevator and turn the key. As I enter my penthouse, I’m no longer thinking of the men who approached me. They cease to matter. Their memories join many more who have crossed me. My entire focus is now on one lady only.

It’s been a long time coming.

* * *

I have one hour and spend it wisely. First shower and then drop the ruined suit into the dry cleaning bin for the housekeeper to deal with. I decide on my sweat pants, a black vest, and sliders. My hair is wet, messy even and I head to my desk.

I am instantly at home. The computer bursts into life at my command and my heart settles. This is home to me. Me and my creation. My fingers flying over the keyboard, coding, testing, and planning.

I am hands on in my organization and test the limits of any algorithms the technicians push my way. Nothing is implemented unless I have sanctioned it and I have a stream of code to decipher before it reaches the web.

I am so engrossed, only the ping of the elevator alerts me that it’s midnight and as the door opens into the living area, I head to meet my guest.

Sophie is wearing the beautiful silver gown she wore to the gala. Dripping in diamonds, with a slightly nervous smile on her lips.

“Welcome.”

I point to the couch and head toward the small bar set along one side of the room, mirrors along the back and front giving me the perfect view of my guests while serving them drinks. Not that I have many, but this one has been hoped for many times.

I say nothing as I splash two shots of ten thousand dollar bourbon into two glasses on the rocks.

As I turn, I note her nervous smile and the blush to her cheeks and as I hand her the glass, my fingers purposefully brush against hers.

“You left the gala a little less than two hours ago. You returned home but never changed. Why did you wish to hide that from me?”

“I’m impressed, Mr. Prince. You miss nothing.”

“I don’t need your admiration, Sophie. It wouldn’t bother me if you turned up here in sweatpants and a hoodie.”

“I’m not here to impress or seduce you, Mr. Prince. I’m here for your help, and am willing to pay for the privilege.”

“I don’t need your money.”

I dismiss her coolly and add, “I require something money can’t buy.”

She raises her eyes. “And you think I can provide that?”

“You can.”

I take the seat opposite and lean back, swirling the liquid in the glass, savoring the moment my plan comes together.

“You are in trouble, Sophie. There is a man with you in his sights. Someone who means you harm, and I’m guessing you are unnerved by that.”

“Who wouldn’t be?”

She shrugs, maintaining her composure even though the slight tremble to her lower lips gives her nerves an outlet.

“Plus, you want my help. Tell me about that.”

“Really, Mr. Prince. Do you insult my intelligence by making me believe you don’t already know?”

I chuckle softly, raising my glass to her.

“Touché, Ms. Clere.”

She half smiles before raising her glass and as we take our shots, we place the drained glasses on the table simultaneously.

“So all that remains is for the deal to be struck.”