Page 72 of The Billionaire's Angel

“He deserves better,” I said again, though every time I repeated them, the words felt a little lesstrue.

“Maybe he does,” Amelia agreed, surprising me. “Isn't that for him to decide? This isn’t about what he deserves; it's about what he wants. And he wants you. That boy has suffered through so much already. I never thought I'd see him happy again, the way he has been with you. Don't take that away out of some misguided idea that you're doing what's best forhim.”

“I—”

I didn't get a chance to finish my thought. The door to the library opened, and Aiden entered, followed by Gage. They each took one of the armchairs opposite the couch and sat. Aiden glanced to Gage, who spokefirst.

“Armstrong's story checks out. Cooper's been looking into him, and he's got a contact with the marshals. Armstrong walked away from protective custody, and they've cut him loose. No one knows exactly what he's been doing for the last six months. Aiden talked to Stephanie Marks. She handled his divorce, and he said she's the best. She's on her way here. She'll get started, including what you need to file for a restrainingorder.”

Aiden leaned forward and said, “We need you to stick to the house until we have a better idea what Armstrong is up to. I know you two enjoy getting out and taking walks, but I need you to put a hold on that just for awhile.”

I nodded, not sure what to say. The practical part of my brain kicked in. “Amelia has a doctor appointment tomorrow. I need to driveher—”

“I'll take care of it,” Aiden said. “Mrs. W can bring her if Ican't.”

I looked at Amelia to see how she was handling the idea of a doctor appointment escorted by Mrs. W but, oddly, she looked unperturbed. They seemed to have forged a fragile peace over their meddling. Mrs. W had been sternly disapproving of the fight in the dining room, but just as firmly in support of the note that had startedit.

“How long does it take to get a divorce?” I asked, looking between Gage and Aiden. Gage looked to Aiden, and he shook hishead.

“It depends. If both spouses agree, then it'sfast.”

“I don't think he'll agree,” I said,darkly.

Aiden gave a sober nod. “He did not like my sending him away. Stephanie is very good, but you may have to be prepared to ride this out. If he refuses the divorce, you’ll have to go to court, and that takes time. I'll use what influence I have to speed it upbut—”

“I don't expect youto—”

“Sophie, you're family. We have the power to make this easier for you, and we’re going to use it. Don'targue.”

“I'm not family,” I protested. “I—”

“Aiden, Amelia, I need a minute alone with Sophie,” Gage said, his eyes locked on mine, as serious as I'd ever seen them. I found it impossible to look away. I heard the others leave, closing the door behindthem.

“I'm married,” I whispered, feeling tears prick the back of my eyes again. I didn't want to be married. I wanted to be free. I'd thought I was coming to Gagefree.

“I don't care,” Gage said. “I love you. That's all I care about. That’s all thatmatters.”

“Okay,” I said. “Okay.”

Gage stood and crossed to me, leaning over and scooping me off the couch. He sat, settling me into his chest and kissed the top of myhead.

“Don't take off on me,” he said in a low voice. “I know you're scared to death and I know this is messing with your head. It's messing with mine too. Just knowing that guy is alive and breathing after what he did to you… Angel, it's taking everything I have not to hunt him down and tear himapart.”

I tried to sit up, pulling against his arms. “Gage, you can't do anything like that. Youcan't—”

“I know. I know, because I want to spend the rest of my life with you, not rotting in jail for murder. So I'm ignoring my instincts. We're going to do this the right way. We're going to get you free of him. We're going to figure this out step-by-step. We can handle it, as long as we stay together,okay?”

I relaxed, pressing my forehead into his neck and absorbing the heat of his body against mine. I took his hand and played with his fingers, the simple intimacy groundingme.

“I love you,” I said. “I’m sorry I freaked out. He… I saw him, and it was like a nightmare, but I was awake and I just… I just lostit.”

“I know, Angel. Iknow.”

“I’m scared,” I admitted. “I could put it behind me when I thought he was dead, but knowing he’s still outthere…”

“He’s not going to get to you,” Gagepromised.

I knew he meant it, but I couldn’t help my fear. Anthony’s ghost had haunted my dreams, kept me from sleeping in the two years since his death. The sudden knowledge that he was alive, that the ghost was real…it was toomuch.