Page 7 of Angel

The trouble is I crave danger. A bad boy, if you like. Preferably in leather with a fuck-off attitude who takes no prisoners and has zero interest in what I do for a living. That is my guilty pleasure. Not a man like Giovanni, but I will never admit that to anyone.

“Keep dreaming.”

His low chuckle is welcome. I can’t take him seriously, and he knows it. Giovanni gets away with indecent proposals to nearly all the girls. He is excused because he drops his words on a wink and a lustful gaze. He is hard to resist, but I will because he really just doesn’t live up to the image I have of the man I want inside my body.

CHAPTER 2

ANGEL

She’s dancing with her co-star.

I saw her the minute she entered the room. It’s hard to ignore a woman like Sophie Clere.

Whispers, furtive looks, and discreet photographs follow her everywhere, and it amuses me to note her recent company.

Typical. Tonight it’s Giovanni Corloni, the latest Italian stallion to ride into the ranch of Hollywood. Harmless enough. A man enjoying every inch of his success, usually with the latest supermodel, singer, or actress to fall under his gaze.

“Jason!”

Hailey Jenson heads my way, and I fight to look interested.

“It’s good to see you, Hailey. Are your family well?”

“They’re good, thanks. I, um, do you have a minute?”

Sophie glides past in Giovanni’s arms, her expression blank as he whispers shit in her ear, and before our gazes meet, I look away.

“How can I help you?”

My tone is friendly, but it’s all an act. I’m not anyone’s friend. Not anyone in this room, anyway.

“It’s, well, um, William, my brother.”

“What about him?”

“It’s well–” She takes a deep breath, and I’m intrigued to hear what she is about to say.

“I’m worried about him.”

“Why?”

“He stays out late and can’t seem to hold down a job. He got fired from the Metropole last month and hasn’t found a replacement job. I think he may, well⁠—”

I nod. “It’s okay. I’m listening.”

“Well, you know what it’s like in town. There are many temptations, and we’re worried he’s hanging with the wrong crowd.”

“What do you want me to do about it?”

She visibly pales under my unfriendly tone. I use it on purpose. Our families may be in the same social circle, but that’s all it is. For some reason, they believe it comes with a right to ask favors; it doesn’t.

She takes a deep breath. “I don’t suppose you have any openings at PowerTech? He is a fast learner and could be an asset to your company given the right role in it.”

“No.”

Her eyes widen.

“What, nothing?”