Page 94 of Angel

“Imagine If I had come here alone. I’m a strong swimmer, but not that strong.”

He chuckles. “There was a reason he invited you. Do you have any idea what it is?”

“My past, perhaps, blackmail; who knows what he has planned? Perhaps it’s connected to my stalker hell or my future in Hollywood.”

Something captures my eye and my heart drops. It’s as if my world is closing in on me as I scan the room.

“What is it?”

I admire Jason’s perception because I have hardly moved and it maybe nothing at all but…

“The flowers.” My tone is low. “They are identical arrangements to the ones I received from my stalker.”

“They’re flowers, Sophie. Perhaps he uses the same florist.”

“Perhaps, but it’s a little creepy if I’m honest.”

Bile rises in my throat as I look away. Jason is right. It’s probably just a coincidence. After all, they found my stalker. He’s behind bars and he has no connection to Sam Goodman at all. Doesn’t he?

I shiver when the creepy dude in the Italian suit comes over, his companion miserable beside him.

“Sophie.”

He smiles, his gaze undressing me, ripping my dress off and attacking me with one salacious grin.

He kisses my hand like Sam did.

“Emilio Martinez. I am so pleased to meet the daughter of a very good friend of mine.”

I stiffen, something telling me he is not talking about my adoptive father.

“He was such a great man who was sadly struck down in his prime. It was so sad. Then your poor mother; what happened to her was tragic.”

I grip Jason’s hand hard and steady my heart and say coolly, “You knew my parents. I wish I had better memories of them.”

His eyes flash.

“I could fill in a few gaps if you like. Perhaps your date–” He smirks as he doesn’t even look at Jason. “could entertain mine while we chat.”

This is the last thing I want and I’m slightly shocked when Jason steps in. “What a good idea. Any information on Sophie’s parents would be most wanted. Perhaps I can tempt your guest to a cocktail.”

I stare at him in horror as he smiles at the poor woman and her gratitude is obvious as she glances at him with hope replacing desolation in her expression.

I can’t make a scene, but I want to and as Jason drops a kiss on my cheek, he whispers, “Find out what you can. I’ll do the same.”

Then he smiles at the woman. “After you.”

Emilio’s eyes flash as he watches them leave and then turns to me, something in his expression making me want to vomit.

“Men.” He shakes his head. “Throw them a piece of meat and they can’t control their appetite. I’m sorry, Sophie, you deserve a better man than that.”

I say nothing at all, miserable as I watch them head over to the rail, deep in conversation already.

Emilio takes my arm and we head toward a comfortable seat. I notice it’s empty, the other guests giving it a wide berth.

As we sit, Emilio’s leg touches mine, despite the amount of space we have between us and his voice is like poison as he whispers, “It was always your father’s intention that we merge our families.”

His leg is heavy against mine as his words drop like a bomb.