Page 115 of Angel

“Yes, Gabriel decided to trial a genetic system. He is very successful at it. No human or animal is harmed while testing his products. He merely uses DNA to grow cells in his lab to test the effects of the drugs he is using. He takes diseased cells and manipulates them into a kind of cloning system. It’s groundbreaking, which is why he is so rich. Drugs make money in every aspect of the word. He is a legitimate drug dealer, and his methods are admired all over the world.”

“Now I understand the security.”

It comes from nowhere.

“But he couldn’t save mom.”

She reaches across and squeezes my hand and says softly, “That must have hurt him. You say he died before your eyes. Yet I’m meeting him now, or is this the man he sent you to live with?”

Luckily, I am saved from answering as we arrive at his door. I park the car and she stares up at the huge, marbled entrance and gasps. “Wow. This place is already impressive, and I haven’t even seen inside it yet.”

“It is.”

I say no more, and as I exit the car and head around to help her out, I have an extremely bad feeling about this visit.

CHAPTER 47

SOPHIE

Iam used to wealth. I consider myself rich, but my homes are nothing like this. Even Jason’s home pales into insignificance compared to this.

The entire entrance hall is made of white marble. Pillars, porcelain floor tiles and a grand staircase that dominates the space.

But there is nothing else.

No pictures, mirrors, lamps, or tables. No flowers, no rugs, carpets, or any personality.

Jason takes my hand and heaves a deep breath.

“I apologize in advance for my father’s eccentricity.”

“He doesn’t believe in material things, then.”

I state the obvious because aside from the fact the house is impressive, our voices echo around us. It’s as if he never moved in and it remains an empty property.

Jason guides me to a huge set of double doors, and as we walk inside, I’m relieved to notice a few couches set around a low-slung table. That is all save for a small drinks trolley nearby.

But it’s the man who stands as we enter who takes my breath away. Tall, commanding, powerful, are adjectives I would use to describe him. His hair is dark, flecks of gray peppering the sides. His body is impressive and finely toned, revealed by the white shirt that stretches across the obvious muscles below. He is wearing black pants and a brown belt, leather shoes and his gold wristwatch gleams as it catches the light.

“Welcome, Sophie, I’m–” He falters before adding, “Jason’s father.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you.”

I offer my hand and his grip is strong as he shakes it.

His aftershave is gorgeous and I’m guessing Bethan would be mesmerized by him. He may not be a silver fox yet, but he is probably one of the most handsome men I have ever met. I see where his son gets his looks from.

Then I see her.

Hanging above a marble fireplace. A vision in oils.

He notices the direction of my gaze and his deep voice caresses my soul.

“Nicole. Jason’s mom.”

“She is stunning.”

I gasp as I look between them.