Chapter 56

**Brad’s POV**

I paced outside and occasionally ran my fingers through my hair. I heard the clicking of the door and stood in one position as Paul emerged. After the incident I called him, asking him to come out here to do a check-up on Angela.

“Well?” I questioned growing impatient.

“She’s fine. The gash on her forehead wasn’t as deep as I anticipated so I cleaned the wound and bandaged it. As for the bite... that needed stitches. Other than that she will be fine.” He sounded so goddamned professional. Is this the same man who had loved her all those years ago?

“Thank you for coming.” I extended my hand to him. He eyed it and shook it.

“Even if I was halfway around the world, I would’ve come.” He replied and it was then I saw that emotion for Angela. It didn’t border on love, not anymore but they had history and I guessed he would always care for her. The revelation warmed and chilled me.

I entered the room and saw she was asleep. I sat at the chair closest to the bed and moved the curtain of hair falling across her eyes. She stirred slightly and I smiled.

A knock sounded and I slowly turned. Mr. Dixon stood at the door, I took one more look at Angela, eased out of my seat and walked unhurriedly to where the other man waited. His face seemed pained as his gaze fell on Angela.

“I am so terribly sorry that this happened.” He began in hushed tones.

“I wish I could respond disregarding it. But you may put your mind at ease. She is fine.” I replied, my anger seeping into my veins once more. I clenched my fists at my side, my nails digging into my flesh.

“What I would like to know is how Evans was granted entrance here,” I demanded Dixon flinched at my tone.

“I didn’t invite him. But from what I gathered he is affiliated with one of the men who came here, I can tell you this was a premeditated act.” He disclosed, but he told me nothing new, I had already assumed as much. I never believed he would make it his duty to do this. Thank God, he would never be able to give any other women such pain.

“I know this is the worst possible time to talk business...” Dixon began.

“It is.” I snapped and he shook his head.

“I just want to let you know that I am accepting your offer. Take the time you need before following up.” He replied and he left the room. I strode towards Angela once more. The door creaked and Harvey peeped in, he regarded me questioningly and I waved him in. We both sat there in silence, keeping our eyes on Angela.

We arrived home later than expected, the door opened suddenly and my mother exited. She stayed over to take care of the puppy. I still was unsure of his name. Harvey ran indoors and the puppy yelped excitedly.

Mother came out to the car as we exited. She saw the gash on Angela’s forehead and questioned.

“It’s nothing. I am so clumsy, I actually banged my head, I was walking and lost balance.” Angela giggled, her lie delivered so perfectly that I almost believed her. Mother rubbed her head and scolded her about being more careful.

I somewhat understood why she lied, she didn’t want to be pitied, she wanted to forget about what happened.

We travelled inside and chatted. Harvey went off to bed and I was tasked to carry mother home. I didn’t want to leave Angela alone but she insisted that she would be fine.

“Angela didn’t fall did she?” Mom questioned on our way to her house. Her cheerfulness subdued.

I gazed at her briefly and answered. “No.” I didn’t want to lie to her, besides I needed someone to talk to about it or else the guilt would stifle me.

I told her the circumstances leading from the first day Angela encountered Evans and then finally to what happened earlier today.

The vehicle drowned in silence for seconds. “I am so sorry. Thankfully you were there in time my dear. There is no reason to feel guilty.” She coached and so the drive went.

I dropped the keys down on the kitchen table and sat down. I was exhausted, I passed my hands over my face, when I was given sight Angela stood in front of me.

“Aren’t you coming to bed?” She questioned her voice soft. I motioned for her to come closer. She strode over and eased onto my lap. She wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her head in my chest. I circled my arms around her and buried my fingers in her hair.

“What’s wrong?” Her voice raspy and the sound stirred my desires.

“Are you okay?” I countered and she sighed. “I am fine.” She declared, tightening her grip on my neck.

“What about you?” She rephrased her question. I lowered my head and placed a kiss on her forward. “If you’re alright then the same goes for me,” I answered.

“Good.” She straightened on my lap and stared directly into my eyes. “I shall very much like for you to take me to bed.” She commented and I smiled along with her.

“Something you needn’t tell me twice.” I trapped her chin with my thumb and index and brought her lips up to mine.

Angela fell asleep in the warmth of my body and I held her close. I tried to be claimed by sleep but I couldn’t slip into unconsciousness. Angela stirred and muttered under her breath. This was a habit of hers although I never made out what she was saying; the words were too soft and muffled.

She cuddled closer to me and I smiled. “I love you.” She breathed. I stilled and my eyes locked on her. The smile on my lips froze and I swallowed over the lump forming in my throat. I felt uneasy. I closed my eyes and sighed painfully. This is exactly what I didn’t want. I untangled myself from her and went to clear my mind.