Chapter 41

**Angela’s POV**

I parked my car almost as if I was on autopilot. My fingers quaked as I gripped the door handle. The keys clanking as if I was trying to gain just about anyone and everyone's attention, a few gazes passed my way and I ignored them.

Sighing and thinking I was just fine, I tripped and almost fell. I straightened and righted my dress. I walked into the building, trying to disregard the lump forming in my throat. I walked directly to the elevator, nodding to those who seemed quite taken aback at seeing me here.

“Mrs Regal. What a pleasure, are you here to see Mr Regal?” Brad’s secretary asked. Why else would I be here? The question seemed irrelevant. I scolded myself. No need to take my uneasiness out on this woman, she was just being polite.

“The pleasure is mine. How are your family?” I avoided the topic of Brad, maybe if given a few more minutes I would stop feeling as if my stomach wanted to explode.

“Oh, they are fine! My eldest son is about to get married. My younger is still at university and doesn’t come home as much as I would like, but I blame his girlfriend for that.” She had the most ridiculous smile plastered on her features and I couldn’t help but share in her joy.

“And the youngest?” I questioned.

“He is just fine! He is starting university next semester.” She claimed and wondered if this how I would sound when speaking of Harvey. It was exhilarating the power kids had over their parents.

“Oh dear! Pretty soon all three will be married! Do wish Curtis every happiness for me.” I begged. Hopefully his marriage will have more luck than mine.

“Thank you!” She replied then her features were strained. “Dear God! I have preoccupied you; let me inform Brad you’re here. He is in a meeting but I am sure he will be happy you’re here.” She began to rise.

“No!” I instantly blurted and she stared at me open-mouthed. I composed myself, “I mean, if he is busy I can wait. No need to interrupt.”

She smiled and patted my hand. “Nonsense! I am sure Mr Regal would prefer your company. I will just be a moment.” She announced and walked to the huge double doors that led to Brad’s office.

I felt my entire body shake, my world quaked and I was so sure I was about to lose my footing.

**Brad’s POV**

I stared at the two men sitting opposite me. Two of my best business associates; of course there was one who was incomparable to the next. Scott sat, ankle on knee propping his head with his fingers, a glass of whisky in the other hand. I could tell he had been up all night, no doubt with one of his lady friends. Whereas, Bayman sat ramrod straight. He had forsaken the offer of alcohol and was the only one in the room without a glass of spirits. He was one of the more serious ones, didn’t drink, smoke or involve himself in any vice. He was a middle-aged man with a wife, two daughters and a son. Quite the settled man, in every sense of the word.

Knock. Knock.

“Yes,” I called after the thud sounded throughout the room, breaking the conversation between us.

My secretary entered her kind smile, easing my anger at being interrupted.

“I am so sorry to interrupt. Your wife is here to see you, sir.” She announced and I glimpsed Scott’s secretive smile. Oh how I wanted to burn it off his face.

I smiled, unable to contain it. She came.

“Show her in please.” I directed at her and when she disappeared I turned to both men. “How about we end this discussion for now gentlemen?” It took the form of a question but I was in no way craving and answer. Both realised this and they vacated their seats. I too stood and walked them to the door. Unable to stand patiently for them to leave.

Angela appeared and she instantly smiled at Bayman. “How are you, Mrs?” He questioned and I groaned.

“Perfectly well. I trust your wife and kids are in good health.” She invited and he smiled, after a few more pleasantries he was gone...but Scott was not.

Her smile brightened as if it would outdo the very sun. She embraced Scott and I clenched my hands at my side. I could feel my nails piercing my palm.

“You really came to see me didn’t you?” He adapted his most charming exterior and she playfully rolled her eyes.

I was clenching my jaw with so much force I was sure I would need to pay a visit to my dentist after this encounter was over.

She opened her mouth to engage him in conversation, I closed the distance between us and laid a hand on Scott’s shoulder. Not exactly a light grip either. I saw Scott suppress a smile.

“Scott has to be elsewhere.” I directed at Angela and she stared at the two of us.”

“No, I don’t, for Angela’s company I can forsake all else.” He replied stoically. Angela raised her brows in amusement.

“I really don’t care. Get out of my office.” I spoke through clenched teeth.

“OK, geez.” He walked to the door and looked back at Angela. “See ya later.” He said and the son of a bitch had the gall to wink to her. I mentally made a note to punch him later. He was flirting on purpose! I was sure of it

The door shut behind him and I turned my gaze on Angela. I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless but she appeared a bit shaken. Better not to scare her anymore. I steeled myself, fighting against my deepest need.

She raised the file to me and I stared at it.

“The file you asked me to bring.” She clarified. I nodded and took it out of her trembling hands. It fell to my desk with a thud.

“Is it very important?” she asked, her eyes focused on the file.

I shrugged. “Not in the slightest, it contains details about a business deal I closed a couple of months ago.” I spoke as I readjusted my tie. I gazed into her eyes and saw them widen.

“Then why in God’s name did you ask me to bring it?” she sounded horrified.

I smirked, walking closer to her. “Isn’t it obvious? I needed an excuse to get you here.”

“You what?” her voice cracked, not her own and I caught her face in my hand; she eased into my touch, closing her eyes, parting her lips, a very clear invitation. One I wouldn’t pass up even if I wanted to.

I leaned in and pressed my lips against hers in a surprisingly chaste kiss. She gasped at the undemanding nature of my kiss and I muffled the sound by pulling her closer into my arms. She hooked her fingers at the front of my suit, pulling me closer I was only too happy to comply.

I tightened my grip around her waist and molded her body to mine. I walked backward pulling her with me until I felt the wooden desk at the back of my knee.

Her fingers found their way inside my shirt, her palms lightly resting on my chest. I groaned into her lips and deepened the kiss. She trailed her hands up towards my shoulder where her grip tightened.

She pulled her lips away from mine and I frowned. “I have a party to plan.” She was breathless.

“Well consider this payment,” I replied huskily. She smirked but didn’t escape my grasp.

“Payment? Oh, no. You have to do something more meaningful than sex in your office.” She retorted, a smile fighting to be removed from concealment.

“I hadn’t known something could surpass sex with me.” I stared at her and captured the mental image of her beginning to laugh.

“Wow. Have you been living in a cave? They are hundreds of things that surpass that.” She was beyond amused and I couldn’t remove my eyes from her.

She wiggled in my arms and I tightened my grip. “Brad, I have to go. There is so much that needs to be done.” She struggled to get out of my grasp.

“Maybe I can come with you.” I offered and she stilled. She peered into my eyes searchingly, for what I was unsure.

“Probably not the best idea. I have my final preparations and you will only distract me.” She finished playfully.

“So now I am a distraction? What about the other hundred better preoccupations?” I teased and she smiled.

“You might get jealous if I go into specifics.” She replied as if I actually wouldn’t be affected but I was. The thought of her preferring other things above me left me with a very sour taste.

“I actually might.” I turned serious and again she gave me that look. I didn’t understand what it meant.

Then she scoffed and smiled. “Sure you would. Can I go now, please?” After a moment of hesitation, I released her. She straightened her clothes and I fixed my shirt.

“I’ll see you later?” The words came out a question and she furrowed her eyebrows and stared at me as if I had lost my mind.

“Unless there is some situation I am unaware of.” She smiled. I walked to her and gave her a light kiss on her forehead.

She stared at me incredulously. “If I kissed your lips then you would not be able to leave here until I have had my way.”