Page 120 of Angel

So many lives were ruined the day my father involved himself in their lives. I am ashamed and wouldn’t blame either of them if they wanted nothing more to do with me.

* * *

Jason is silent on the return journey, and I hate the space growing between us. I’m not sure what to say to him. It’s as if I took a hammer to our glass house and destroyed it.

After a while, he says huskily, “I’m sorry that I never told you the truth before now.”

“I understand why.”

“It was a strange situation but well, I wanted to get to know you and if it took you asking for my help to murder my father, it was worth the risk.”

He smiles, and the relief is enormous as I release the breath I appear to have been holding since I heard the truth.

“Are you saying you like me, then?”

My gentle teasing brings with it welcome relief.

He half turns.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“We have been through a lot. Normal life sure is exhausting.”

He reaches out, his hand finding mine and just like that, everything is alright.

“I feel a little foolish now.” I admit. “Asking a man to help kill my father’s murderer was a little wild.”

“I like wild.”

The air stills inside the car, and I hate how my thoughts turn to Angel. I wonder how I would react if I ever saw him again? I also wonder if I will continue to accept their missions if they ask. That world seems so far away from the one I’m in now.

“What happens next?”

I’m fearful of the answer because Jason really has no reason to ask me to stay.

“We carry on being normal, I guess.”

“Which means?”

Why am I so needy all of a sudden?

“That’s up to you, princess. You can carry on living with me and see where it goes. Or we could move you in permanently and really go all in.”

“Move in?”

My smile almost breaks my face because I wasn’t expecting that.

“Why not?” His tone is light, almost gentle.

“It makes sense. We kind of tolerate one another and it sure beats coming home to an empty apartment every night. We share the food, have someone to talk to about our day and enjoy the same, um, entertainment.”

He chuckles and I find myself smiling, the relief enormous that everything will be okay.

“We could try, I guess.”

“Then it’s settled.”

We pull into the underground car park that leads to his penthouse, and a shiver passes through me. Live with Jason. I want nothing more.