Chapter 34

**Brad’s POV**

I had never known myself to awake with a smile. I eased my eyes opened and reached for Angela. Only...she wasn’t there. But the scent of her lingered and my body stirred to life. Blast it! I fear I would never tire of this woman! Just the thought of her was enough to unsettle me. I pushed the covers off and dragged on my boxers.

Her clothes no longer matted my floor. I pulled my door open, not sure where I was going or even why. I should be preparing for work. But, I doubt it would matter if I was late, after all it was my company.

I lowered my head at myself. This is what I had been reduced to. Since when did I feel the desire to skip work all for the company of a woman? Hell, I used work as an excuse to be away from women!

I walked down the corridor, intent; it seemed to where Angela's room was located. I passed Harvey’s door. He would still be asleep, hell it was not yet six in the morning. The thought unsettled me, why did Angela leave my bed only after a few hours?

Maybe my pride was wounded, I mused. No women ever willing left my bed before me.

As I approached her room I heard the faint sound of shattering water. I smiled. She was taking a shower.

**Angela’s POV**

I stood under the cool fingers of pouring water. I had awoken to the sight, feel and smell of Brad and I have no idea why it was so unsettling. I got out as quickly and as quietly as I could. I was afraid he would be annoyed to see me still in his bed and also I was feeling nervous about confronting him after last night.

My mouth turned drier than all deserts combined! I closed my eyes and suddenly I re-lived everything. The way he touched me-- so reverent. The way my body responded to him and the way I wanted to kiss him this morning when I saw him asleep on his bed.

I inhaled and ran my fingers through my hair. My skin felt weirdly sensitised as if my nerves were exposed. I rose my eyelids at the mention of my name.

Maybe I had imagined that?

“Angela.” No that was real and it came from Brad.

Before I could speak he was pulling back the shower curtain the sound of plastic shuffling intensifying my reaction. I yelped and pulled the edge of it to hide myself. I stared up and he was standing in my shower, in all his glory.

He stared at me as if I had just killed a kitten and he was appalled. I screwed my face in response to his expression as best I could but my knees suddenly felt a bit weak and my head spun with a haziness I usually acquainted with alcohol.

“You weren’t in bed when I woke up.” He sounded stiff and much like his self, nothing like the man I gave myself to last night.

Was it just me or did I become more affected by him after we slept together? I thought it was supposed to numb my feelings, but no. My body was betraying me. All my entire being wanted to do was step into his arms and let him hold me, caresses me.

“I didn’t quite like that.” He continued before I had a chance to formulate a proper sentence, which for information's sake was proving to be much more difficult than I remembered!

“I-I.” I steadied myself, holding the shower curtain more securely around me. He saw this and his lips trembled for control. He wanted to laugh? This was in no way funny!

“I rather thought t-that you wouldn’t want me to stay.” I responded lamely, looking away from him.

“Why in the devil would you believe that?” his voice was softer and so were his features.

“Well, I know you never spent the entire night with your other...” I cleared my throat. “women, so I assumed you hated waking up to the sight of a woman sharing your bed.” I wasn’t sure if I made sense, I knew what I meant yet my thoughts were so impaired!

He sighed and the sound reverberated throughout my entire body.

“With other women, yes. I don’t enjoy sharing my bed for the simple reason; I think that would symbolize an attachment and I form no attachment with women. But you are not other women.” He paused and I instantly caught his gaze, my heart thundered.

“I want to wake up seeing you sprawled against my pillows. I want to revel in the sight of you keeping the fact that you are mine in thought. In fact, I think you should move your stuff into my room.”

My heart was near ready to burst out of my chest and offer itself to Brad as a prize. He would love that! Just another heart he procured and then would cast it aside!

Wait. He didn’t have my heart. He couldn’t I hated him. Didn’t I? Yet I don’t remember feeling this emotion as hatred.

“No.” I muttered.

“What? I didn’t hear you.” He whispered. The atmosphere shifting between us. I could almost feel the change as if it was tangible.

“No. I don’t think moving to your room is such a good idea.” I needed to apply some space or else...

Or else you would fall for your husband? But what if you already had?

My conscious whispered and I shivered.

“I think it’s a marvelous idea, and you will agree.” His confident, arrogant behavior made an appearance and I rolled my eyes.

“You seem awfully sure. But let me make this clear. I am in no circum-“

He reached out and pulled the shower curtain out of my grasp. I gasped in surprise, unable to finish my sentence. I felt—

I felt oddly empowered. I thought I would feel insecure but the way Brad let his gaze slid over me triggered not insecurity but desire. He stepped towards me and instinctively I stepped back until I came up against the wall.

“I am sure I can change your mind.” He lowered his head to mine. His lips barely brushing mine. He pulled me into his arms. His hands sliding over my slick skin wantonly. His lips lightly brushed mine in a coaxing kiss. He was trying to persuade me, and I heated at the thought. What if I agreed? What would it be like to wake up to this man sleeping next to me?

His mouth slid down over my jaw and he bit down slightly enough for me to be affected. I moaned in his arms and heard him chuckle.

The bastard was enjoying this! And sadly, so was I.