Chapter 25

**Brad’s POV**

I did expect things to mend between Angela and I but the turn of events were beyond my expectations. I hadn’t anticipated her reaction to be so...tempting. I was caught off guard, my body in instant arousal. At her apology, I caught her and kissed the thought away. And now we were attending to Harvey. She had even blatantly rejected the idea of us continuing our—act.

I wanted to follow her as she had made her way upstairs but I needed to calm my body, bring myself at ease. I leaned against the wall and waited for the fire coursing through my veins to douse.

Bringing myself to the present, we were at dinner and I never saw Angela so animated. She smiled and laughed during her conversation with Harvey. I wasn’t particularly sure what they were saying but I could see they were both happy.

“Brad?” I slowly turned to face Angela. She had apparently questioned me and was awaiting my answer.

“Yes?” I questioned and noticed that she hardly kept my gaze. I felt satisfied. It could only mean that she was plagued with our recent flirtation.

“I was saying that your mother should be the first to know about the adoption before you officially announce it to society that is.” She spoke carefully and waited for my response. I didn’t speak to mother a lot but Angela was right.

“Of course.” I agreed and she appeared stunned as if she hadn’t expected me to agree.

“Great.” She began cautiously, “When Harvey and I go to her this Saturday, I will inform her, or...” She stressed the word and I raised a brow at her, I know I would regret this but...

“Or what?” I asked carefully, aware that Harvey was eying us intently.

Angela inhaled deeply, “Or you could call her and tell her yourself, she would love to hear...”

“Absolutely not!” I growled, cutting off her words and I saw Harvey’s jaw tense as well as Angela’s but she held her temper in check. I assumed for Harvey’s sake.

“Fine.” She responded acidly and turned her attention away from me. She eyed her plate intently and I was sure she was trying to calm her temper.

“I think I will go off to bed now. You two clearly have a conversation to complete.” Harvey announced and eased back on his chair.

“Are you sure you want to go to bed so soon?” Angela questioned and he nodded.

“I have some homework to complete, so it’s best.” He responded giving her a smile. Then his eyes found mine and I swore he wanted to say something to me. Perhaps something of a rude nature.

“Well good night then.” Her voice a soft melody, she sounded motherly and it astounded me. The true weight of my actions coming to light. I, we... were parents. No matter the method by which a kid was produced into our family, we were parents and somehow that bonded us together in a manner I had never thought possible.

I was a father, and somehow I felt proud. I hadn’t done what I did for Angela’s sake alone, no I also felt a sense of care towards Harvey. Why? I wasn’t sure. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that he reminded me of myself or because he was smart-mouthed. Whatever it was I couldn’t guess.

After Harvey retired, Angela started clearing the table. I got the feeling that she didn’t want to be in my presence at the moment.

How funny it all was. We would share passionate moments yet we would be angered with much the same intensity. Reasons why we would never be an adequate match. We opposed each other too much.





The images flashed as vivid as reality. But it had been real and the impact of the memories never faded or lessened in their strength. The sound of skin colliding against skin violently, screams that were beyond earth-shattering and the sight of blood were appearing in fast succession to each other. But the most gripping was the fear. It coated the body and spoke encouragement to my heart to increase its rate. A light-headedness unknown other than in a situation such as this one fell over me and that’s when he turned on me. His strides purposeful and his glare malicious. I could feel the scream rising in my throat, I opened my mouth but nothing escaped...

“Brad.” The man spoke, his lips curling to reveal his fangs.

“Brad.” His voice changed, half his half someone else’s. “Brad!”

I opened my eyes, breaking the illusion of sleep and sat up in bed. My breathing was labored, as it always was whenever I had that dream. I raked my fingers through my hair, removing the beads of sweat on my forehead.

“Brad?” I stared into Angela’s wide eyes. I now noticed her presence and the sudden illumination of my room. It was the first time she ever entered here and I have to admit, I loved how she looked in my room. Of all the women I bedded none had ever been in my room. I wouldn’t allow it was too personal. It was for the same reason I had never spent a night with a woman.

“I see you have finally decided to come to me. But remember I intend to do nothing until you beg me.” I whispered, my labored breath restricting me from sounding my usual self. I gave a half-hearted smile as I saw Angela flush.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She murmured, her features the kindest I had ever seen them, her eyes wide with concern. It was then I released she was kneeling beside my bed.

“Then why are you here, if not for...” I purposely let my voice trail off.

“I came to check on Harvey and I heard noises coming from here.” She paused, her eyes filled with apprehension. “You suffer from night terrors?” her voice lowered as she considered me.

It was then I noticed that her hair fell across her shoulders. Damn! It was a night my brain was moving rather slowly!

“Night terrors? I don’t think so.” I tried to convince her. She didn’t need to know about that.

“I see.” Was her only reply. She slowly rose, in an instant, her back was to me.

“Angela?” I heard my voice, but was sure I didn’t plan to say anything. She faced me then. “Will you...” I paused and swallowed past the lump in my throat, “Stay with me, please?”