Chapter 27

**Angela's POV**

My eyes eased open, I felt weirdly exhausted. I shut them again. A few more moments on bed would do no harm.

“Very restless I see.” A voice drawled, a too-familiar voice... My eyes shot open and I sat up with a start, my legs tangled in the sheets and I found myself on the floor. I landed with a thud on my rear and I mentally cursed.

Recollection surged through me and I realised where I was and how I came to be here. When the stars floating over my eyes cleared I noticed Brad’s grip on my shoulders as he lifted me to a sitting position on the bed.

“For heaven’s sake Angela! Could you try to be less of a klutz?” He seemed outraged. He? What the hell! I was the one who fell I stared at him in resistance.

“Are you serious? Does your temper have no bounds? Don’t you dare speak to me as if I am your charge!” I shot back and his eyes hardened.

He opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, I saw him sigh and his eyes calmed but I still saw some of the angry there. “Let’s not fight right now.” His voice steady and I furrowed my brows.

Did I hear him correctly? Did he just play the peacemaker?

I was speechless and he knew it, my eyes roamed and all I saw was hard toned muscle coating his skin. The only thing protecting his modesty, if he had any, was a towel he draped around his waist. How hadn’t I noticed? He had just taken a shower and in the morning I was able to see more than last night and the view did not lessen in beauty instead it was exhilarating. I silently wondered what it would feel like to run my hands along his chest and down...my mouth went dry as my eyes followed down to the thin trail leading to a forbidden area hidden by the towel.

My heart sped up. Thinking about Brad in this way was dangerous. I immediately gazed into his eyes and saw something there. Anger no it was hunger and desire and I melted. I needed to leave.

“Enjoying the view?” a husky whisper, barely audible but clear in the stillness of the room.

“Actually I was hoping you would present yourself in a more decent fashion.” I lied and hoped it was convincing.

He smirked. “If I did that I would miss the slight blushes that redden your cheeks. Your modesty appeals to me.”

My heart oozed and I didn’t dare respond. His gaze warned against it. If I dared it could spell trouble for my defiance to him and I might find myself giving in.

“What time is it?” I mentally pushed thoughts of him away as I carefully got up from the bed a shiver running through me. Dear God! I spent the night in bed with him!

“It’s not yet four in the morning.” He replied, his eyes following my movements with precision.

I was thankful. I had time to make breakfast and pack lunch for Harvey. The thought warmed me. I was a mother and Brad had made that possible. I didn’t really thank him for that and I should. I peered at him.

“Thank you.” His eyes grew curious and I elaborated. “For Harvey. I know you were not fond of the idea of having a kid with me...”

“It’s not about having kids with you, I just never wanted kids. Never had the urge to be a father.” He interrupted me. “And there is no need to thank me, you do enough in my favour and I never show my gratitude.”

“I deserve no such praise. I have not done anything extravagant for you.” I replied.

“You stayed with me last night even though we have no relationship. I would count that as extravagant. You risked yourself, not knowing if I would keep my word and not torment you.”

“Perhaps I wanted you to torment me.” The words were out, before I had the time to restrain them. As soon as they popped into my head it spurred out of my lips. I willed the Gods to strike me where I stood. I had never felt so humiliated!

I saw his eyes darken and his posture turned rigid. “What did you say?”

I peered at him and contemplated running out of the room. But his legs were longer and I would be intercepted if I made but one step.

“Nothing.” I lied, silently hoping that he really hadn’t heard me.

“Don’t lie to me. I heard you the first time. “ his voice took on a dangerous undertone. I stared at him incredulously.

“If you heard me what was the need to ask me again?” I blurted, annoyance setting in. He walked closer and I could smell the aftershave he’d just used.

“I asked again because you are confusing me.” He replied through clenched teeth.

“Confusing you?” I spoke the words shakily, my palms growing slick.

“You reject my advances and yet you say you want me. I am utterly confused at your position. Do you want me or not?” His voice hardened and I was compelled to speak the truth. His stares warned me against saying otherwise.

“I do...” I swallowed hard. “Want you.” I lowered my eyes, unable to look at him any longer. His fingers brushed against my chin and brought my gaze level to his. His head leaned closer and my traitorous body was screaming in delightful anticipation.