Page 45 of Angel

“I’m intrigued by your understanding of what deal that is.”

I lean forward and regard her coolly. My eyes flashing as she attempts to remain composed.

“As it happens, you could repay me by assisting me with an inconvenient matter.”

“I’m listening.”

She also leans forward, and it strikes me how beautiful this woman really is. I’m not talking about the designer gowns, the perfect makeup, or the diamonds. I’m talking about the woman. I’m convinced that devoid of makeup and wearing scruffs, she would be dazzling. Nature has bloomed a rose with Sophie and excelled herself. Her fine porcelain skin is natural, not contrived. The deep blue color in her eyes is captivating as are her soft ruby red lips. Her lashes curl under and above her eyes and sweep across her cheeks. Then there is her body, curvy, sensuous, perfectly formed.

Sophie Clere is perfection and for a man who demands it, this is an easy ask.

“I want you to move in with me.”

CHAPTER 17

SOPHIE

Iam so mesmerized by this man I must have misheard him.

“Excuse me.”

I have no other words because what did he just say? Move in with him. But why?

He leans back with a confidence I admire.

“I live a solitary life, Sophie. Work mainly with the necessity of socializing to secure business deals. It’s a necessary part of my role as CEO and I hate every minute of it. I attend the functions alone and it’s becoming tedious being, to quote the gossips, the most eligible bachelor in town. A title that grates on my nerves and brings with it extremely unwanted attention, which I’m guessing you know a lot about.”

To be honest, he’s not wrong, I do. To a degree, I share his pain. It’s not much fun being hit on relentlessly, your every move documented, commented on and scrutinized.

“I understand your dilemma.”

“I knew you would.”

“But it’s a little drastic don’t you think?”

I’m confused why he would take this measure and he shrugs. ”It would achieve the desired effect.”

“Would it though?”

I shrug, not really sure if he understands the world we live in.

“Think about it. It would only feed the machine. Endless speculation about our ‘relationship’. Wondering when we’ll tie the knot. Is she cheating on him? Is he on her? Every move we make in public would be talked about and dissected and, rather than squash the gossip, you would be pouring gasoline on it.”

“I’m not interested in speculation. I deal in facts and as I don’t read the gossip rags, or pay any attention to the endless reels on the matter, it won’t bother me. What does bother me is the endless women hitting on me in front of their husbands, boyfriends or anyone else they happen to be with because I am richer than the man they are with.”

“You do yourself a disservice, Jason, if I may call you that.”

“It’s my name and I prefer it, if I’m truthful.”

“You mentioned my stalker. Aren’t you afraid that being associated with me paints a target on your back?”

“No.”

He almost dismisses that and I must admire his bravery.

He leans forward, his gaze penetrating, as if he can read my thoughts as well as my expression.

“I am well protected, Sophie and as my, um, girlfriend, if you like, you would be too.”