by Kahlen Aymes
“But—” Angel’s patient wiped at her face with an already soggy Kleenex. “He says he loves me, Dr. Hemming.”
Angel’s eyes wanted to roll toward the heavens. This woman didn’t want to hear what she had to say, and although Angel had done her damnedest to get Megan to take control of her life and get herself and her children out of the situation, she only had more excuses for the bastard who beat her. There was nothing to be done. If abuse of the woman’s two children had come to light in their conversations, Angel would have no choice but to contact child protective services. Megan was an adult and had to take action to protect herself.
“Megan, may I be frank?” Angel’s plum-colored Prada stiletto pump bounced along with the foot of her right leg, neatly crossed over her left knee. She pulled off her glasses, clicked off the recorder, and leaned forward in her chair.
The woman sniffled and pushed back her sleek black hair from her face. She was slightly plump, but pretty. Her husband had money, she didn’t have to work, and he justified his treatment of her with his bank account. On the other hand, Megan made the choice to remain where she was.
“Please. That’s what I’m paying you for.” She nodded and her thick hair brushed her chin as it bobbed with her head.
“I’d like you to stop paying me.”
“Wha-what?” Shock registered on her face.
Angel shrugged. “There’s nothing more I can do for you. We’ve rehashed the situation for over a year and nothing’s changed. You know what you need to do. So do it.” Her tone was authoritative. “You know he’s a bastard, so get the hell away from him or stop whining about a situation you refuse to change. Either that or convince him to come to your sessions with you. I’d like to talk to him.”
The other woman’s eyes widened in surprise.
“But—”
“No buts. If all you want to do is complain about him, you can do so with a friend. I’m here to validate your decisions, but when you refuse to do anything to help yourself, there is nothing here that I can affirm or condone. My time is far too valuable. I’m very sorry, but I have other patients and serious court matters to attend to, and my conscience demands that I devote the bulk of my time to those cases.” She glanced down at her sleek Gucci watch before she stood and moved from behind her desk to walk her out. The woman slowly rose and moved in stunned silence toward the door where Angel offered her a hand. “Good luck. Take care of yourself and your children.”
Megan left without a word, and a few minutes later Angel’s professional secretary, Elizabeth, entered briskly and placed a package on Angel’s desk. It was wrapped in white linen and had a beautiful organza ribbon in lavender tied around one of the dark purple lilies. Angel flushed as pleasure flooded through her and her mouth widened in a secret smile.
“Wow. You need to spill, missy.” Liz cocked her neatly waxed brow.
“Not wow. It’s just a cell phone charger.”
“How do you know?” Surprise laced Liz’s voice.
“I just know.” One shoulder lifted in a slight shrug as Angel moved the package to the credenza behind her desk, the grin still plastered on her face. Damned if she could stop smiling.
“Aren’t you gonna open it?” The woman demanded with a grin.
“Later.”
“Why?”
“I need to prepare the questions for tomorrow. The giver of this gift is far too distracting.”
Angel flushed guiltily at the memory of waking up in the tent with Alex after what felt like a minute and a half of sleep. Oh well, the punishment fit the crime.
“Wait. I thought all of the tests were standardized?”
“Um… sure. They are, but I’ve got a few extras on the Swanson case.”
“That’s not protocol, Angel. What’s going on?”
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with; this guy is a slimy bastard and warrants more, uh… extraction. It’s a gut feeling and I’m just being thorough.”
Thankfully, the phone rang before more inquisition, and the young woman reached out and picked up the receiver on Angel’s desk. Angel sighed in relief at the interruption. She had no intention of dragging someone else into this by saying more than she should.
“Dr. Angeline Hemming’s office. How may I help you?”
Angel sank down in her chair and opened her Outlook email account, scanning for a certain address. She cursed her trembling fingers as they stumbled around on the keyboard, scrambling to open the one from Alex, the subject line causing her heart to beat faster.
From: A. Avery, CFO, Avery Enterprises International, Inc.
To: Angeline Hemming, Ph. D.
Subject: Us
I hated leaving. Waking up with you was magical. Thank you for an amazing couple of days... Now, go charge your fucking phone!
-A
Angel laughed out loud and quickly hit reply.
Liz’s quizzical look said she wondered if the giggle was in any way connected to the beautifully wrapped gift on the desk. “Angel, there’s a woman on the line regarding some sort of benefit for the Leukemia Foundation. Wanna take it?”
Angel glanced up, her brow creasing. She nodded, though she couldn’t remember anything she’d committed to for that particular charity. Liz closed the door behind her as Angel picked up the phone.
“This is Dr. Hemming.”
“Thank you for taking my call. My name is Ally Franklin, chairman of this year’s fundraiser for the Chicagoland Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.”
“Yes, what can I do for you?”
“Well, the event is in a month, a concert to be held at the Aragon Ballroom. It’s usually a huge bash.”
“Yes, I’m familiar with it. I attended two years ago, I believe. It was a very elegant affair.”
“This year we were going for a more rock-like theme. We’re recruiting a younger demographic of donors.” Her voice was pleasant and her diction perfect.
“Sounds marvelous. Are you requesting PSAs on my radio program?”
“Well, yes, that would be lovely, of course, but not the reason for my call. The band we reserved canceled and I’m scrambling to find a replacement. There is one that I want badly, but they have refused me on two attempts.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Ms. Franklin, but surely, in a city this size, you should be able to find any number of bands that would want to help out.”
“Oh, call me Ally, please. The band in question is Archangel.”
Angel sat back in her chair in surprise. “Oh, I see. Have you been talking to Kyle, then?”
“Yes. Mr. Keith has been less than agreeable.”
Angel smiled. Mr. Keith. Hardly that. Kyle was moody and difficult. He liked things his way or the highway, which was part of the problem where Angel was concerned, and the one thing he shared in common with Alex. She shook herself… Can you get through one conversation without thinking about him?
“Ah, yes, Kyle. There’s a possibility the band is already booked for that date.”
“No, I checked. I’ve been trying to book them for weeks.”
“There must be a reason, then. He’d never turn down a gig that offered that much exposure.”
“I think his words were: it’s not our scene; something about blue hairs not liking rock-n-roll.”
Angel chuckled quietly, wishing the call would end, anxious to reply to Alex’s email, though part of her knew she should make him cool his heels. Girl games were so fun sometimes. “Yes, it sounds like him. He’s very, um… direct.”
“Yes. He told me to take my skinny ass and get lost.” Amusement laced her tone and Angel burst out laughing, instantly taking a liking to this young woman. “If he wasn’t so hot, I would have been really put upon.”
“Oh, so then you spoke to him in person?” Angel smiled, thinking of this very refined-sounding woman in the presence of her ex, in all his tough and tattooed glory.
“Yes! I saw them at Excalibur two months ago. I was surprised how good they are. S
ome of their covers are better than the originals.”
“Yes, I know. I’m surprised they haven’t gotten a recording contract by now.”
“I really want this band. They’d be a fabulous draw for the crowd I’m trying to attract. Can you talk to him?”
“Why me, Ms. Franklin?” Angel probed; the answer already niggling at her brain.
“I Googled the band and your name came up. So, you were lead singer for a few years?”
“Well, Kyle fronts the band. He and I… It was both of us.”
“You must have a ton of influence. Will you help us? I understand you are huge into the charity circuit, so I’m hoping you’ll take pity on my situation.”
“My influence has been limited with him for the last couple of years, but I’ll see what I can do. I can’t make any promises. He’s still mad at me for quitting.”
“The band?”
“No, him. The band was just collateral damage.”
“Oh, I see. Well, if it’s too uncomfortable, I understand. You were my last resort.”
“No, it’s fine, Ms. Franklin. I’m going to give you back to my secretary, now. She’ll take your contact information and I’ll get back to you in a day or two. Will that be acceptable?”
“Yes! I really appreciate your help, and please call me Ally!”
“I’ll talk to you soon, Ally. Have a nice afternoon.”
Angel hung up the phone and resumed the email to Alex, a small smile playing on her red lips as her fingers flew over the keys.
From: Angeline Hemming, Ph. D.
To: A. Avery, CFO, Avery Enterprises, Inc.
Subject: Bossy, much?
Mr. Avery,
I don’t take orders well, as you know. However, it suits me to charge the phone; so on this, I will acquiesce. I find the direct line extremely… er… stimulating. And yes, this morning was nice. Some of us aren’t multi-millionaires and have to work. Please stop distracting me.
-A
She chuckled happily as she sent her message. The morning had been glorious. She awoke to warm lips on her shoulder, her naked body wrapped up tightly in his, still on the living room floor under the canopy of blankets. Her heart tightened inside her chest as she thought about it. It was exhilarating and unbelievable all rolled up together. It felt comfortable and right. She kept telling herself that it was too good to be true. However, his words and actions completely contradicted her original expectations and Whitney’s heated accusations. She had to admit that she was falling— and falling hard. Logic said she should get out now, but it just felt too damn good. And, not just physically.
Her heart constricted again, the pain a mixture of heady bliss and real fear. She closed her eyes, remembering the soft grazes of Alex’s mouth on her shoulder as her eyes fought to open.
“You feel so good,” Alex murmured as he dragged kisses over her collarbone and up the cord in her neck until his mouth seared hers. She was breathless and helpless under his merciless assault as he rolled her beneath him and pressed hard flesh into soft warmth. The events of the evening prior had proven he owned her, so she wanted nothing more than to experience every possible moment in this man’s arms. Her hands roamed his naked back, reveling in the play of solid muscles as he moved.
When Jillian stirred in the other room, Alex had reluctantly pulled his mouth away. “Uhhh…” he sighed in frustration.
“Do you know what is most amazing about us?” Angel had whispered against his jaw, sighing in acknowledgment that she had to get up.
Alex huffed and smiled against the skin of her temple. “Is that a trick question?” He chuckled softly, his green eyes sparkling mischievously into hers.
“Not, that. I mean—“ She shrugged and rolled her eyes with a grin. “Sure that, but the kisses…. are so silent. All breathing and brushing… sucking yes, but none of the sloppy, gross, smacking noises.”
Alex burst out laughing, his eyes dancing at her. “I think there was a compliment in there somewhere.”
“Yes… ” she said breathlessly. “The kisses are more than amazing.”
His answer was to take her mouth again hungrily, his tongue probing between her lips and finding hers in a frantic attempt to get enough to get through the day. Jillian’s increased howl forced him to break the kiss and press his forehead to hers. “The most incredible I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough.”
“Never?” she asked hopefully.
“Never.”
* * *
Alex’s morning was spent in meetings with Mrs. Dane rearranging his schedule and going over the expenditures that he would be granting Cole regarding the take-over of Swanson’s business. He met Mrs. Dane’s raised eyebrow with professional indifference, his demeanor clearly communicating that she was to ask no questions, just do as he asked.
Cole wouldn’t be able to move into Angel’s building until the end of the week, which made Alex uneasy. He was desperate to figure out a way to get her to stay with him until then, and he sure as hell wasn’t going out of the country until he knew his brother would be within a few yards of her.
He ran a hand through his lush mop of hair and then over the stubble on his chin, sighing deeply. He left Angel’s later than planned and rushed to the office after stopping briefly at his apartment for a quick change of clothes.
As much as he wanted to put Bancroft on her tail to make sure she was safe, Alex hesitated, unwilling to risk her anger if she found out. No, that wouldn’t happen unless he felt he had absolutely no choice in the matter. It would be better to stay as close as he could, which had distinct advantages. Even hours later, after focusing on work and the laundry list of things he had on his plate, his body swelled to a painful throb at the memory. His mind could still conjure how she felt, her scent, the amazing way her body responded to his. The soft moans she made as he touched her most intimate places drove him wild with desire. As Alex pulled uncomfortably at the crotch of his dress slacks, he had to admit to himself that she excited him more than any woman he’d ever known, and the panic he felt over her current situation only reinforced more tender feelings he wasn’t quite ready to face.
His phone buzzed and ended his musings.
“Your father is on line one,” Mrs. Dane clipped, her even tone sounding over the intercom. “Are you available?”
“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Dane.” Alex reached for the phone and leaned back in the dark brown leather chair behind the huge mahogany desk. “Hi, Dad.”
“I thought you were going to Athens this morning? Has something happened?”
“Not at all. I just didn’t feel like traveling this week. I had Blaine Foster handle it. He’s been doing extremely well and deserves a shot.” Alex tried to hide the agitation he felt at having to explain himself.
“You love Athens. You use any excuse to go.”
“Sure, but I have a personal matter that needs my immediate attention.”
“Are you ill?”
“Nothing like that,” Alex dismissed shortly. “I’m fine.”
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it, then. How’s Cole doing?”
“He’s doing much better than I’d hoped. I put him on security and he enjoys it. Cole’s not a suit and it was a matter of finding something he liked. He’s really surprising me.”
“What do you have him doing? Security is tight already, Alex.”
“In house, yes, but he’s investigating some businesses that I’m looking at acquiring.”
“Oh. Well, wonderful. Your mother was upset that we didn’t see you yesterday, so make sure you’re there next week.”
“Dad, you put billions of dollars in my hands; I’m an adult. I don’t need to have brunch with Mommy and Daddy every Sunday,” he said absently, not really concentrating on the conversation as he fiddled with a pen, twirling it on the smooth surface of his desk. “Cole hasn’t been there in a month and a half, and you’re fine with that.”
“Maybe that will change. Your sister mi
sses you. If you aren’t going to come to family dinners, then at least give her a call.”
“Yeah, okay.”
Alex’s door burst open and Cole stormed in with a flustered Mrs. Dane following. “Mr. Avery, you have to wait! Your brother is on the phone!”
“Alex, hang up the phone.” Cole’s tone was urgent as he stood waiting with his hands on his hips.
“Dad, I have to go.”
“Is that Cole?”
“Yes. I’ll call you later. Have a good morning.”
When Alex hung up the phone, Mrs. Dane moved forward. “Mr. Avery, I’m so —“
“It’s fine, Mrs. Dane. Will you excuse us?”
When the woman had exited the office, Alex took in Cole’s agitated appearance. “What is it? What’s happening?”
“Were you aware that Swanson was meeting with Angel this morning?”
Alex’s brow dropped. “She didn’t mention it specifically, but she hasn’t named him to me. How did you know?”
“Well…. um, since you want me to move in next door, I figured you wanted a tail on her and Bancroft is watching Mark Swanson.”
“As long as it’s at her office, it’s legitimate business. I don’t want to scare her, so keep your distance.” Alex motioned for his brother to take one of the expensive chairs that matched the leather sofa against one wall opposite the windows. “Thanks for doing that, Cole.”
Cole smiled. “Sure, dude. I like this shit. It’s fun!”
The corner of Alex’s mouth lifted sardonically and he pushed his fingers through his hair, sighing. “Unfortunately, it is freaking me the fuck out. Angel won’t tell me anything so I can’t share what I know with her, or that I’m watching that bastard. I sense she’s scared of him, but she won’t admit it.”
Cole took a notepad out of his jacket pocket and began flipping through it. “Well, I have everything you asked. I know which locations he owns and the property value, which properties he rents, who owns Angel’s building…. all of it.”
“Okay, so start buying the locations he rents as quickly as we can. We have an attorney on retainer, so use him. Offer the going rate. If that doesn’t work, increase by twenty percent. Then begin issuing eviction notices.”