Page 33 of Angel

I took an inhale and suppressed a shudder.

Heaven help me.

Chapter 9

ROXY

The Rosedale Group’s private jet cut through the night sky, its twin engines thrumming as we powered over the Atlantic.

I leaned back against the plush cream leather seat, my cheeks still burning with embarrassment.

The whole boarding process had been a train wreck of awkwardness.

When we walked onto the tarmac, the male steward, Marcus, stood at the air stairs of the G6.

He smiled at us with his usual polished poise.

Beside him was Captain Verity St. James, the lead pilot.

‘Good evening, Miss Rosedale,’ Captain St. James said, her voice warm as she gave me a welcoming nod. ‘Great to have you back on board.’

‘Hey, Captain. Hi, Marcus,’ I managed, forcing a tight smile.

I was familiar with this crew, having flown with them multiple times on family holidays with my parents and Evangeline.

Back when my life possessed some semblance of family.

Then came the moment to introduce the towering man standing right behind me.

‘This is Angel,’ I blurted, my brain misfiring under the intense stress of the evening. ‘He’s my brother-in-.’

I choked on the syllables, my face flaming.

‘I mean, my husband. We just got married.’

Angel stood beside me, and I sensed his entire frame bracing.

I peeked at him and found his jaw locked so tight a muscle ticked near his ear, his eyes flaring with irritation.

I had no idea whether it was because of my fumble or whether he was rejecting his new title.

Still, the air between us tensed, a blatant reminder of the emotional hurricane still slamming us.

Marcus’s professional mask remained in place as he guided us to our berths.

‘Congratulations to you both. Right this way.’

I strapped myself into the seat, mortified, unable to look at Angel as the jet taxied and soared into the clouds.

Once we reached cruising altitude, Marcus reappeared.

‘May I offer you tea, coffee, wine, or some hot food? We have roasted lamb and seasonal vegetables prepared.’

‘Just the lamb and a red wine, please,’ I murmured.

Angel requested a black espresso, in a quiet growl.

When the plate landed in front of me, the richness of the food made my stomach twist.