Page 50 of Angel’s Claim

"No. It makes you smart."

She smiles, then reaches for another fry. "Can I ask you something else?"

"Yeah."

"What's the real story behind the Angel road name?"

I groan. "You really want to know?"

"Yes. Brick called you that sarcastically, and Canvas said it stuck. But there has to be more to it."

I lean back against the headboard and pull her with me, so she's tucked against my side. "Alright. So, I'd been prospecting for about two weeks when this fight broke out at a bar downtown. Drunk off-duty cop and three locals going at it. Could've turned into something bad. Cop had a weapon, locals were getting aggressive."

"And you stepped in."

"Yeah. Talked the cop down, got everyone to back off, made sure they all got home safe. Didn't throw a single punch."

"That's actually really impressive."

"Brick didn't think so. He was watching from across the bar, and when it was over, he walked up to me and said, 'Boy fights like he's got something to prove and talks like he's trying to save souls. What are you, an angel?'" I shake my head. "The name stuck. Half the brothers think it's hilarious because I'm built like I could kill someone with my bare hands, but I'd rather talk my way out. The other half think it fits because..." I trail off.

"Because what?"

"Because apparently I have a savior complex. Always stepping in when someone needs help. Always trying to fix things."

Bree looks up at me. "You don't have a savior complex. You just give a shit about people."

"Maybe."

"Definitely." She kisses my jaw. "And for what it's worth, I'm really glad you have that quality. Otherwise, you wouldn't have stepped in when Dusty was harassing me, and I'd probably still be sitting in that bar trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life."

"You would've figured it out."

"Maybe. But it's better this way."

"Yeah," I agree. "It is."

We finish eating, and Bree yawns.

"Tired?" I ask.

"Exhausted. Today has been…" She stops. "A lot."

"Good lot or bad lot?"

"Both. But mostly good." She sets the empty food containers on the nightstand and curls back into my side. "Will you stay tonight?"

"Already told you I would."

"I know. I just—" She yawns again. "I want to make sure you're still here when I wake up."

"I'll be here, baby. I promise."

She nods and closes her eyes, her breathing already starting to slow. I pull the blanket up over both of us and settle in beside her, one arm wrapped around her waist, her head resting on my chest.

This is it.

This is what I've been looking for without knowing I was looking for it.