Page 113 of Angel

Bethan reaches out and takes my hand. She believes they died in a car accident – that’s the official line, anyway. Nobody knows the truth of my birth and that’s how I want it to stay.

“I forgot to ask about your parents, Sophie. Have they recovered from the robbery yet?”

I told Bethan I had to cancel our last catch up because my parents had been robbed. It was all I could think about. The day after the boat, Jason flew me back home in his private jet to check on my parents. They were shaken for sure but agreed not to go to the cops at my request.

How could I tell them I murdered a man and what really happened that night? Some people deserve to live their life without fear, and they are an example of that.

Jason reassured them it would never happen again and took steps to arrange security in their home. He also arranged for new locks and surveillance linked to a private security company and panic alarms fitted to their wristwatches.

Their phones have been fitted with GPS and yet they don’t realize any of that.

They wouldn’t understand his world or the dangers in mine; it would freak them out. They live a normal life, and I am determined to keep it that way.

We spend at least two hours in the coffee shop today catching up on life and just before we leave, I arrange a date to visit with her and the twins. It’s been a while and life has been a huge lot of crazy and yet spending time with my friend and her gorgeous babies, is something I treasure.

When we leave, my usual car appears as if by magic and, as always, Bethan refuses my offer of a ride home.

As I hug her hard and say our goodbyes, I thank God for the one bit of normality I have in my life.

CHAPTER 46

ANGEL

Idon’t get nervous. It’s not something I associate with myself, but I am now.

Gabriel has assured me he will keep our secret, but increasingly, I’ve decided he is right and I can’t build my life with Sophie on a lie.

Gabriel is due to leave tomorrow.

He is taking his private jet to London to begin a world vacation. I don’t envy him because traveling alone would suck and yet it’s a start, I suppose. He has been alone for many years now and more than anything, I hope he finds someone. It’s all I want for him. To be happy again and this trip is the first step in achieving that.

“I hope he likes me.”

Sophie is nervous. I like that about her. She doesn’t realize how special she is. Despite being one of the most sought-after actresses in the world right now, she is humble.

We don’t live a glamorous life at home. It’s pretty chilled, really. Most of the time we are dressed in loungewear and doing things most other couples take for granted. Not me. I will never take this life for granted because I’ve seen too many times how often that can change.

“He will love you, princess.”

I pull her into my arms—it’s a habit I will never break.

Staring into her gorgeous face has become the drug I need, kissing her soft lips is an ache that never stops, and running my fingers through her silky hair is my newest hobby. When I slide inside her, it’s home to me. Two hearts beating the same rhythm, our minds connected as much as our bodies.

I’ve waited a long time for Sophie. She doesn’t realize we’ve met before. Many years ago, when she first came to town. I will never forget that night. It was also Halloween.

“We should go.”

I pull back reluctantly, wishing I could avoid this visit. Several times I’ve considered fabricating a reason why we can’t make it, but I would only be delaying the inevitable.

I drive us to Gabriel’s home in the hills. A short distance from my mansion, which Sophie will never visit. It’s too risky. She doesn’t need to see that side of me. The Wild Angels wouldn’t thank me, and the least she knows about that part of my life the better.

We made a vow when we formed the Angels. Every member of the committee will never speak of it. To live our lives normally, but our hobby will never be shared. It’s to protect us all because shit happens in life and the fewer people that know about the Angels the better.

Even the Angels don’t meet Gabriel. He is worse than I am and I wonder if that will change when he breaks free from his prison. Only time will tell, I guess.

Sophie sighs as we head onto the highway.

“I should check on Maria and Rosita. They must be wondering if I am ever coming home.”