Page 78 of Angel

“Is that what you told the guy who gave you the hickey?”

She gasps, her fingers flying to her neck.

“I, it’s, um, makeup. Theatrical makeup that reacted badly with my skin. I’m so sensitive and I forgot to tell the makeup artist.”

She’s babbling, but I admire her quick thinking.

Then again, how would she explain Angel? It was never gonna happen.

Part of me is licking his wounded pride, but the other part of me is celebrating her loyalty. One day however, she will have to make a choice. Angel or me because she will never connect the two.

CHAPTER 31

SOPHIE

Iam in a hell of my own making. I want them both. I can’t say no to either of them. Two men, one woman and an impossible choice.

Angel is my guilty pleasure.

My dark sordid secret, my drug. He isn’t real. He hides behind a mask, which means he doesn’t count. At least that’s what I tell myself. Then there is Jason. Everything I have ever wanted. My soulmate even. Handsome, kind, caring, rich and successful and so damn sexy, I can’t breathe when he is near me.

We fix dinner as a couple. I chop the vegetables, he tenderizes the steak.

Soft music is playing in the background, and he asks me about my day as if he is really interested.

Two large glasses of wine are steadily emptied and refilled and I am walking on air and operating on madness as we share a delicious meal while talking about subjects millions of other couples are discussing over dinner.

I could get used to this.

We clean up and as we sit on the couch, his arm is slung around my shoulder and I rest my head on his, loving how he plays with my hair while chuckling at the movie we are watching.

Domestic bliss. I have never had it so good.

* * *

There’s a storm outside. The rain is lashing against the doors leading to my balcony, thunder crackling overhead, lightning forking through the sky, angry, furious in fact.

I can’t sleep. Jason is naked beside me, sleeping soundly, lost to the world, a soft smile on his face.

Another loud clap of thunder, the lightning illuminates the room, and I jump when I see him. Standing on the balcony, looking in. Even from here, I notice those eyes. Piercing, angry, even, desire heavy in them as he directs his gaze at me.

My heart is thumping. I’m in a trance as I slip from the bed, careful not to disturb Jason.

The carpet is soft against my toes. I’m naked. His gaze tears me apart as I go to him.

I can’t ignore him. I never could. Angel is my obsession; he is my dark world.

Carefully, I open the door. The rain soaks me on impact, an angry breeze rocking the drapes, my footsteps now on more solid ground.

His hand runs around my waist. I moan softly.

He pulls me hard against him, my pussy already slick with desire.

“Close your eyes, baby.”

I do as he says, I always do and as the soft fabric of his mask covers my vision, his mouth claims mine in passion, lust and betrayal.

He kisses me with a hunger I share. We are obsessed. I am damned to hell.