Chapter 43

**Angela’s POV**

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” I questioned as I adjusted Harvey’s tie. He resembled Brad in such formal attire and I wondered if people would think he was Brad’s biological kid. The resemblance and manner of both were uncanny.

He sighed deeply. “No. But I will certainly try to be polite and despite my dislike for socialization I will learn.” He sounded determined and I smiled at him.

“I am sure you’ll do just fine! Besides some of them might actually deserve your snarky comments so hold off on the politeness oath.” I winked at him as I walked out of his room and made my way to my room...Brad’s room uh our room.

I pushed the door open as I saw Brad adjusting his tie. He appeared Godlike in his black suit. Very powerful.

He looked up as I entered and I froze all reason and thought dissipating. A slow smile started to spread across his features. “See something you like?” he growled sensuously and I snapped out of my spell.

“Actually, your tie is a bit crooked.” I lied. The faint smile occupying his features told me I had in no way convinced him.

“Is it?” He raised a perfectly sculpted brow and my breath caught. Swallowing hard I nodded.

“Then come over here and fix it.” The huskiness in his voice and the glint of darkness in his eyes sent a tremor of longing dancing in my already heated veins.

My body became mesmerized by the promise glittering within his eyes and I was moving towards him until I was mere inches away. I let my fingers trail his tie and I pretended to fix his already faultless tie. I brought my gaze to him and he cocked his head to the side, studying me.

“Better?” He whispered, his breath giving flight to lose tendrils of my hair that fell out of their binding. He began moving his face towards mine.

“Much.” I responded. Not sure if I meant his tie or our proximity. He brought his hand to cup my cheek as his lips found mine. He maneuvered against me and I wrapped my arms around his neck, his free hand adjusting to my hip, pulling me rigidly against him.

I trailed my fingers from his nape to his chest where I spread my palm flatly, a clear indication that we should stop. He dragged his lips from mine and rested his forehead against mine as we both fought to control our breathing. Then he smiled.

“Why are you smiling?” I gasped between breaths.

“I have never had a woman deny me as many times as you do.” He confessed and I grew worrisome. Was that a comparison? Did I meet his standards or did I not even qualify.

As if reading my distress he replied. “I rather like that, Angela. It shows me your strength and that’s something I never associate with women.”

I didn’t know how to reply. So I did the next best thing, ignore the statement. “I have to get dressed.”

My eyes widened as I felt the zip of my dress slowly making its way down. “Wh-?”

“I am helping you.” He clarified as the dress fell to the floor. He released his grip from me and I stepped out of the dress. I saw him walk over to the closet and pull out a dress. He spread it out before me.

I usually wore a lot of dark colors in an attempt to blend in but this dress was aquamarine. It wasn’t revealing, it rather slid into my taste with its simplicity but the neckline was really low. Not to mention I had never seen this dress before.

I looked at Brad questioningly. “I saw this and thought of getting it for you.” He explained and I had no intentions of analyzing the way I felt.

“It’s beautiful. But—” I started to negate but he stopped me.

“Angela, it’s a gift. Don’t over think it. After all, this is what husbands do.”

“You’re not exactly the typical husband.” I hadn’t realized I echoed my mind’s hesitation until I saw him darken.

“I am sorry, I didn’t mean...”

“Just take the dress, Angela.” His voice was hard. He handed the dress to me and walked out of the room. The door crashing shut.

Shit! Did I just screw up a flawless moment? Damn it! I think my insecurity was getting in the way, but I couldn’t help but think that this dress came with a price tag, one that would require me to pay something I might never be able to retrieve.