Chapter 23

**Brad’s POV**

Two days. It’s been two long days since I saw Angela. She studiously avoided me. I came down to breakfast and there was no sign of her. I would think she had left except for the table aligned with freshly cooked food. The same occurrence marked dinner.

It was frustrating and frankly I was worried. I was accustomed to seeing her and now I felt as if I alone lived here.

I packed up and left for the office. I silently hoped that she would make an appearance. I couldn’t fathom her reasoning behind such behaviour. I shrugged the thoughts away from my mind and vowed to forget this ‘situation’ for the time being.

I peered up from my desk at the sound of a very familiar voice. I sighed.

I was in no mood for company. I felt the vein at my temples begin to pulse as the door to my office swung open to reveal Scott. His cheerfulness made me scowl.

“What?” I inquired and he grew even more amused.

Damn it! I hadn’t the time for such insolence!

“Is that how you speak to your soul mate?” He feigned innocence. It was a wonder he was so successful when all he did was joke around.

I was beyond exasperated. “What do you want?” I began tapping my fingers against my desk.

“Someone’s grouchier than usual. What happened?” Joker or not, this is why we were best friends. He knew me and even though I deny him the pleasure of being told he was able to read me.

“Nothing’s happened.” My mind ran to Angela and the words came out in a growl. Scott nodded his head and appeared to be contemplating.

“My awesomeness tells me this had something to do with Angela.” He pronounced each syllable flawlessly.

“Does it now?” I questioned. I knew it would save time if I just conceded but that was not in my nature.

Scott nodded. An indication that he was thinking. “It does. From what I have observed, you are attracted to her.” He was confident, his humourous persona retrieving into himself for a conversation he clearly believed to be serious.

“Am I? And how did you...observe this? What in my behavior evoked such clear conviction?” I questioned as I silently rose from my chair.

We stood at eye level now.

“I see it in the way you tense up whenever she is mentioned and in your state of protectiveness over her.” He voiced persuasively.

I could feel myself tensing up right now! I wasn’t comfortable having this conversation. I continued to stare at him and I was certain all he saw was a flawlessly made blank expression. Seeming to give up Scott sighed and changed the topic.

“Speaking of protection. Do you know a Mr. Evans? He is aligned with Craft’s company.” Scott inquired his gaze intent.

The man in question flashed before my eyes. How could I ever forget Evans? He blatantly made his attraction to Angela known, just thinking about him my hands clenched involuntarily at my sides.

“I am aware of his existence.” I spoke through my gritted teeth and saw Scott shot me a curious glance.

“The man is notorious for his exploits of women and recently it has come to my attention that he has set his eyes upon Angela.” He proceeded carefully.

I stared at him. It was no surprise regarding his attraction but why did Scott behave as if there was something to be worried about? The lines on his forehead creased and his jaw was set.

“Why do you appear worried? It’s not likely that Angela will divorce me for someone of his stamp.” I responded carefully, I was unaware of this change in Scott but my mind raced to the image of Angela re-marrying...anyone... and I swore the man wouldn’t survive his own wedding!

Scott sighed and he sat on the opposite side of my desk. I followed suit and re-inhabited my chair and waited for Scott to grow comfortable with the thoughts plaguing his mind. This was highly unusual and it set me on edge.

“Evan’s taste usually focuses on single women and from what I have heard...” He paused and I knew where his sources came from. Scott got his information almost from the underground as if the devil himself saw it fit to reveal his evil exploits. It was always reliable yet it was a reality no one else was aware of.

“He has a reputation for destroying women’s lives. He forces them into intimate acts beats them up really badly and of course, he has never been complained against. The women usually fear for what’s left of their lives. It’s a bone-chilling business. I needed to warn you to ensure Angela steers clear of him.” He was dead serious and I had just realized that I was holding my breath.

I was anything but squeamish. Hell, I have seen a lot worse in my time but the thought of Angela being prey to that predator made my skin crawl.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I have revoked my offers from Craft. There is no chance of Angela running into that monster.” I replied, truthfully since the first time I witnessed his behavior towards her I had convinced myself that I couldn’t do business with a man who had such scum in his employment. Turns out my gut decision was proving to be right.

I saw Scott relax considerably. “Good. It’s not as if Craft had much to offer you anyway. You’re not losing anything.”

I smiled at him. He really cared for Angela and I didn’t know if I should be thankful or jealous. Maybe both?

Jealous... Me? No fucking way!

That can’t be right. I pushed the impossible emotion away and focused on Scott.

“Thanks for letting me know.” I praised him. I really was thankful. This knowledge proved my deep-seated dislike for Evans.

“It’s Angela. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something had happened and I hadn’t said anything. Besides between the two of us, I am pretty sure he won’t survive five minutes if he ever tried anything.” Scott vowed and I agreed. If he dared, I wouldn’t allow him life.

“Right now I am not certain whether I should thank you for being so concerned about my wife or if I should be offended.” I had grown amused yet I couldn’t wipe the frown that I was certain was settling upon my features.

Scott laughed and he stared at me. “I hadn’t thought the great Brad Regal even knew what jealousy was.” He mused and my frown deepened.

I placed a finger at my temple and sighed. “You’d try the patience of a nun.” I retorted.

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t keep nuns as my companions, although the novelty of it entices me.” He tried to hide his smirk and I stared squarely at him.

“All joking aside, you really should not hold my history with Angela significantly. It was a mistake. I would have thought that after that she and I would be pretty hot and heavy...”

“Is this supposed to clear my suspicions ‘cause you’re doing a foul job.” I interrupted; I didn’t want to think of him and Angela. Of any man with Angela.

“For Christ’s sake, would you allow me to finish!” He erupted and when I gestured for him to continue he did. “As I was saying, I thought we would have a relationship but she made it perfectly clear that what happened was not due to proper judgment. They were sort of wasted that night and well, she confessed to have been ruled other than by her sensibilities.” He stared at me.

“She...rejected you?” I simplified, my amusement growing and I realized that he adapted a frown.

“No need to sound so pleased. I am happy to have her as a close acquaintance besides I am not the one she is angry with.” He replied and my amusement wavered.

She was angry with me! By heaven how had I managed to forget that!

“She is angry with me and because I accused her of being unfaithful and I have no clue how to fix this one.” I finally felt the need to confide and who else than my best friend? The one person who understood my bizarre reasoning.

“Damn it Brad! I hadn’t told you what I did for you to throw it in her face. She is not the one with a long-lasting affair. But at least you have some guilt. It is a step that you want to fix it.” Scott retorted and I felt elevated that he knew. My simple words were not simple, he would understand that I am attracted to her.

“I know I screwed up. She hasn’t spoken to me in two days, nor have I seen her. As for Rose...”

“Brad, you are playing with fire! Who wants the stone when the diamond is in your grasp?” He interrupted me. He had never approved of my affair with Rose.

“I understand what you’re saying but with Rose, it is easier, I have no obligations and I do as I please. She doesn’t demand anything emotional from me. But with Angela I would be in a position to give that which I have not.” I responded lightly.

“I understand. However, Angela has not asked anything of you and I am sure she knows you are not emotionally willing to venture into silly notions of love with her. All I am saying is give your marriage a chance. At least on the physical side of it, you never know the outcome. Angela is attracted to you and I am sure if she knows you are faithful then...” he let his words trail off.

“But I am faithful to her. Now anyway. I haven’t been with Rose for a while now.” I confessed.

“You broke it off with Rose?” He rose his eyebrows in shook and I nodded. “Does she know that?” He asked and I shrugged.

“I know, not so certain about her.” I confessed and we laughed.