Chapter 18

**Angela's POV**

Everything was all prepared for Brad's business party. Yeah, there were a lot of those and who did the planning fall on? ME!

If I was honest I appreciated having something to occupy my time but somehow I felt as if I was Brad's slave, always at his beck and call. And as anyone could imagine that did wonders for my pride.

As much as I hated it I was a society wife. Me. Who would have thought? I loathed socializing with people I didn't know. It exhausted me and having a room full of strangers was enough to send me into a voluntary coma.

Brad—Holy crap! I forgot about him. I had, for a few careless seconds brushed off our—recent flirtation with each other. I attempted to swallow over the lump forming in my throat. My stomach toppled over and I suddenly felt something unfamiliar. Nausea? Or even...anticipation?

I unconsciously ran my index finger across my lower lip, remembering how he had kissed me just that morning, how soft and coaxing he was—

Damn it! I cursed myself. It was dangerous to think like that, dangerous to think about him. If I continued in this path I might actually consider asking him to put me out of my misery. Wait, not ask. He said I would have to beg...

And that pulled me out and away from the temptation. There was no way in hell I was ever going to beg a man, worse yet Brad to take pity on me.

I may have zero experience but at least I have my self-respect. Self-respect's all good, but you know he would be very good. Perhaps begging is not such a bad idea.

"Oh, for the love of God!" I yelled at myself. My subconscious was seriously trying to drive me nuts.

"Whoa, I just arrived. Fed up of me already?"

I spun around to stare dumbly into Brad's amused features. When was he never amused? Perhaps he paid Rose a visit.

The thought burned and I suddenly was annoyed by his presence. I stared at him for a couple of seconds, my stare deadly. I spun on my heels and got away from him.

I was losing it! He barely touched me and I was so conflicted! Not to mention our latest contact was this MORNING!

**Brad's POV**

I was never as confused as I was in this moment. I was shell shocked and hell, not a lot had the ability to do that to me.

Angela was—perplexing. I haven't the slightest clue as to why she was annoyed with me. Damn it! What did I do?

I loosened the tie at my neck and ran my fingers through my hair. I couldn't help but laugh to myself. This was very peculiar. It's been ages since I was actually in a good mood. I walked off. I had to get ready to receive my guests.

I stood by the mantle, conversation was not something I enjoyed but it was a necessity and well like most things I excelled at it. Well on those occasions I allowed myself to. I scanned the room. Almost everyone was here. Yet there was no sign of Angela. I grew nervous. I longed to see her. Unnaturally, her presence usually calmed me and made me felt at ease.

**Angela's POV**

I absolutely refused to venture downstairs until I have my traitorous body under control. I have been ready for almost half an hour but every time I thought I was ready to face Brad, I clammed up. My stomach knotted and my entire body grew anxious.

There was something seriously wrong with me! Since when was I affected by that—smug idiot? UGH! I fought the urge to bang my head against the mirror. Maybe you should sleep with him. Might get rid of the anxiety.

I gritted my teeth. Every time I made one step forward my subconscious took five steps back! I didn't want to sleep with Brad! Keeping saying it, maybe you'll convince yourself of that!

Crap! That's it! Apparently, I am not safe staying alone with my thoughts.

I compelled myself to make an appearance. I would have to face him sooner or later. And as much as I would choose later, in my terms that meant a minimum of thirty years or so.

**Brad's POV**

"Where is your wife? I expected her to be right by your side. If I had a husband like you I wouldn't let you out of my sight for even a second." A brunette woman, middle-aged at that stared into my eyes longingly, and usually, I would grow annoyed just by her presence. I hate being viewed as the prized hog. But I was in a good mood. I found the humor in her inappropriate behavior and willed myself not be to voice a rude comeback.

"I am right here." I would know that voice even if I was deaf. A smile crossed my lips and felt Angela's presence beside me. We gave each other a smiling look. After all, no one outside of a small group knew our marriage was an arrangement. To everyone else, we were madly in love. She averted her eyes to the brunette, who appeared rather shaken at Angela's arrival.

"I am so sorry I wasn't here earlier. I had a few final preparations to make." Angela apologised. My gaze hadn't left her. She always appeared so elegant and her beauty was astounding. I wondered how she would appear with the soft tendrils of hair caressing her shoulders. She hadn't worn her hair free in ages and all of a sudden my mind raced to having her alone, to savoring her beauty. Removing the dress and claiming the softness beneath.

"As for leaving Brad alone, I never wouldn't unless it was absolutely necessary." Angela continued, her eyes locking on mine and I took advantage of the moment, I laced my arm around her waist and pulled her close to me in an intimate gesture. I felt her resolve waver and knew she was uncomfortable with my touch.

This is what I admired. Angela played the doting wife splendidly. Always saying the right things to the right people ensuring our arrangement seemed legit.

The brunette took a double-take at my hand's position on Angela's waist and I swore she grew annoyed, from the corner of my eye I saw Angela lower her head to hide the growing smile there, and suddenly I felt like smiling.

"The two of you have been married a while now. When are you going to produce an heir?" The woman attempted at polite conversation but her tone gave it away. After all she adored younger men, more so if they were married. But I preferred my deals with women to be on my terms.

Understanding what she was really asking I stared at Angela. She had grown rigid and before I could reply I heard her saying, "It has been a while. But Brad and I aren't ready for children just yet. Right sweetheart?" She turned her gaze on me and even though I was surprised at the endearment her eyes revealed the true emotion she buried within her.
"Right," I responded lightly.

The tension was lifted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. Angela snapped to attention. "I'll see who it is. Excuse me."