Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Did he say he got me a TV? “You can use this.” He hands me a tablet. I accept it. "There's no internet available on that device, but it's filled with movies and shows."
“Thanks.” I’m not a total brat. In all honesty, I didn’t know I could be a brat at all. I took care of myself for the most part. But there is something about this man that’s bringing it to the forefront. He continues to stand in front of me. It takes everything I have not to look up. Jesus, even his boots are big.
“Angel.” My name comes out almost as a whisper. I never imagined this hulk of a man could speak in such a soft tone. I slowly lift my head. If I thought he towered over me before, I was wrong. Holy crap. I swear it takes my eyes forever to meet his.
“Yeah?” His brows furrow together. He rubs his hand on top of his head again.
“Nothing.” Abel shakes his head then walks toward the kitchen area.
The loft is a massive open area. There is a wall that blocks part of where the bed is, but it doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling or around. You can just step around the wall.
The only area that I think is closed off fully are a few closets or bathrooms. What else could some of those doors go to if the floor plan is open to everything else? It’s actually pretty cool, and I see why someone would like it if they lived alone. But we’re not alone.
It has to be getting dark. Which means sleep? I can’t tell how late it is. The thick curtains over the windows hide any light that might come in. I pick the kitten up and put him in a bed with his bowls next to it.
When I pull back one of the curtains, I’m met with blackness. I touch it. It’s cool like glass, but I can’t see anything. It’s not that dark out. What the hell is this?
“Looking for something?” I spin around, dropping the curtain. I feel like I was caught doing something I shouldn’t be.
“Wanted to see how late it was.”
“It’s ten.”
“What is with the windows?”
“They are sealed.” I shift on my feet.
“What if there is a fire?” The door we entered is near the kitchen.
“I can open them.”
“Oh.” I relax. For a brief moment, I experienced a surge of anxiety. Which is ridiculous. Abel was sent to protect me. I wouldn't be shocked if he could walk through fire.
“I made you something to eat.” I think he mutters a curse under his breath, pulling out his phone. “Will you eat?”
“Yes.” Abel took the time to make it. I’m not going to be rude. I’m kind of interested in seeing what he made. I should have watched him cook, but I was pouting.
“Good. I have to go.”
“You’re leaving?” The anxiety I had moments ago starts to build again. But I tamp it down, knowing I’m being ridiculous. It’s not like this man is here to be my babysitter. His job is to keep me safe.
“I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” I stand there. So does he, staring at me. “Is there something else?”
“Shit.” He rubs the top of his head.
“It’s fine, really.” It’s not. I don’t want to be alone. Besides, where is he going this late?
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” To my surprise, he walks over to me. “You’re safe here. Do what you like.” I nod. “Take the bed.”
“But—”
“Take the bed.” It comes out as an order this time. I’m about to protest, but Abel once again presses his mouth against mine. He holds it there for a few seconds before he pulls back. “Eat, watch a movie, and get some rest.” I nod. “I’m starting to get it.”
“What?”
“Be a good girl, Angel.” He gives me one last long look before he’s gone.
5
CHURCH
This feeling of not wanting to handle things is different for me. Before, I used to jump at the chance to work. But I’m finding that all I want to handle right now is the Angel that I have tucked away in my home. I remind myself that she’s not going anywhere. I’ll deal with this bullshit and get back to her. She’s gone quiet on me. I’m not usually a man of many words, but she seems to draw them out of me. Unfortunately for me, Angel gave me a taste of the silence I give everyone else. I don’t like it. I enjoy listening to her. I find her soft, sweet voice soothing.
Still, as I descend the stairs, I pull out my phone to make sure the cameras are working so that I can check in on her if need be. A warm feeling settles inside me when I see her sitting down at the table to eat the plate of food I made her. Will she eat and then lie down in my bed? The thought of returning to find her there is one I have to put to the back of my mind when I see Matteo and his right-hand man, Sergio.