Chapter 29

**Brad’s POV**

Breakfast was a bit awkward. Not for me, but I sensed for Angela. She couldn’t meet my gaze, only holding conversation with Harvey. My mind drifted to the scene in my room and I understood why Harvey trusted her. I didn’t feel vulnerable around her.

What happened after was what had my body writhing in pain. She slept in my bed...in my embrace and her subtle warmth calmed me. Then this morning she agreed to me—to us having a physical relationship and our agreement was almost consummated...almost.

I sighed. Maybe it was for the best. I wanted to savour our first time and we were pressed for time as it was this morning.

I snapped to reality. I was driving Harvey to school this morning. He sat in the front his gaze fixed out the window.

“Are you liking your new home?” I asked.

From the corner of eyes I saw him shrug. “Its way better than the other places they tried to send me.” He declared. He might try to sound as if it wasn’t a choice but I knew he was glad it was with us. After all he was with the person he trusted the most.

I smiled ironically. “Not to mention Angela is here.” I saw him instantly stare at me.

“Hey I get it. She doesn’t pry or insist on hearing your troubles for her own entertainment. Besides she makes you feel as if you can disclose anything with her.” I clarified, because that is how I felt since last night. She had accepted my denial and hadn’t pushed me and her reaction, one of understanding made me want to reveal all my darkest secrets.

“Oh yeah?” Harvey replied sardonically, “What’s the worst to happen to you getting just under a six-figure salary?” He was bitter.

“You're right. I couldn’t possibly understand disaster.” It was my turn to be bitter.

Silence

“So what’s your goal?” I asked and the tension dissolved.

“I haven’t the slightest idea. I am just going throw the motions right now.” He replied.

“That’s not a bad thing. Since you’re my heir you are entitled to inherit my companies.” I replied, pride filling me. The prospect of me having someone to carry on my legacy filled with a certain amount of joy.

“I am not your son.” He replied instantly.

“By legal definition you are.” I refuted, my eyes staring at the road ahead.

He snickered, the sound disbelieving. “Legally, yes, biologically, no. You will never consider me your own. I'm just the charity case.” He replied.

Is that what he believed?

“Family isn’t constricted to the people you are related to by blood. I do consider you my son, what’s left here is for you to consider me as your father. As for charity, that’s what I use my money for I don’t bring strangers into my home.” I replied casually.

He scoffed. “Really? If you had a son, biologically that is, would I still be given first preference for you company?” He questioned.

“Yes.” I answered truthfully. “You will be oldest and therefore my heir. You are a part of our family now Harvey and as much as you might believe you’ll be brushed aside you won’t.” I responded and he remained quiet.

The car pulled up in front of his school. Without another word he scurried out of the car and shut the door forcefully. I watched him enter the building. I ran my fingers through my hair. I never thought kids could be so strong-willed. It would be difficult to convince Harvey that we really cared for him but with time he would realise.

**Angela’s POV**

The day was slow and being always alone I had a lot of time to think. No, not think. The thoughts and images weren’t voluntary they were close to a plague; unwanted and disastrous. All I thought off was the scene with Brad and I and my skin heated. I couldn’t believe that I had...a part in that. Yet despite my denial I was excited for it to happen again. Quite ardently in fact.

But my excitement was wasted. Brad didn’t come home early but at least he had the good graces to call and inform me that he would be working late. I knew he wasn’t lying only because Scott pulled the phone away from him to tell me ‘hi’. They were in business together and even though they were best friends Scott wouldn’t lie to me about that. He was my friend too, one I trusted completely.

So it was just me and Harvey and I was happy for the time with him, I was desperate to find out how he was adjusting and if he was. So from school, we rented some movies and agreed on a movie night. I knew he wouldn’t have an excuse since it was Friday.

At ten we had breezed through two movies and were on the verge of the third. “How are you feeling about this change? Are you happy with it?” I enquired and Harvey peered at me in consideration. “I actually feel more at home here than anywhere else.” He confided and instantly smiled.

“You’re not just saying that for my benefit are you?” I questioned smilingly and he shook his head.

“No. But Brad being nice to me is going to take some getting used to.” He responded and I was very puzzled.

“Brad’s being nice?” I echoed.

“I guess but I am kind of sceptical.” He replied searching my features for some clue.

“Oh yeah? What did he say to you?” I really wanted to know it also didn’t help that once Brad was mentioned my heart flipped in excitement.

“Basically that I was his heir and would inherit his company.” His attention was glued to the television once more and I sank back into the couch with my thoughts. Brad actually said that? It was perplexing, so unlike the Brad I was accustomed to.

That doesn’t mean that you know him.

My conscious intercepted and I agreed. I didn’t really know Brad but this made me have some new found respect for him. It demonstrated that he accepted Harvey and I was content.

“Don’t forget we are going to Brad’s mother’s house tomorrow.” I blurted and Harvey gave a non-committed ‘uh-huh’.