“I didn’t need a knight in shining armor, Hunter,” I yell once we have reached the landing. “I didn’t need a savior to climb up my tower and rescue me like some silly fairy tale!” I start to cry but try and hide it out of embarrassment. He takes his key from his pocket and angrily shoves it in the lock.
“I still don’t!” I stomp my foot, causing him to finally look at me as he flings the door open.
He motions for me to walk through, but I stand my ground. “No!” I pout, as I wrap my arms around myself. “Not until you answer me! Why? Why’d you choose me, Hunter? Why!”
He steps toward me. His hands come up and tenderly grab both sides of my face. My body shakes, needing answers he isn’t giving. But my confidence is freeing, making me finally know what it feels like to be in control.
“Because,” he whispers, as his eyes soften. “I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you, Angel. Damn it, I don’t know how, but I did. Call it crazy. Call it fate. But one look at you…” His voice trails off as he takes a step closer. “You complete me, more than I could ever have imagined. My world before ceased to exist and my life only began once you walked into it, Rochelle. Tell me you don’t feel the same, and I’ll walk away. Leave you alone. But I’ll never stop loving you. My heart wouldn’t let me. Not now. Not ever.”
My breathing catches, my heart stops. Speechless, I stare at Hunter in disbelief.
“I’m sorry…” I begin to say but he shakes his head.
“No, I’m sorry you didn’t let me finish. You deserve so much better than I could ever give. But like a selfish bastard, I’m going to keep you to myself for as long as you let me and try and prove to you that I am worthy. Worthy of our love, because God, Angel, it’s the only thing in this world worth living for, if you’ll let me.”
I grab his hands and hold onto him tightly. My whole life, I never imagined anyone could love me the way Hunter does. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally.
The way I love him in return. The way I loved him from the moment he walked into that salon and didn’t take no for an answer. Feeling foolish from my earlier outburst, I start to apologize.
“I’m sorry for ever doubting you,” I whisper, but he shakes his head. His hands lower and grab me around my waist pulling me into his embrace. His breath feathers across my lips, his heart beats against mine. I hold my breath wishing time would stop and we could stay forever suspended in heaven, just like we are now.
“Never apologize to me, Angel,” he whispers. “You did nothing wrong. You stood your ground, and damn if it wasn’t sexy to watch it.”
I laugh. A sly smile graces his beautiful face before he winks at me and kisses the tip of my nose. Backing away, he gestures towards his door once more, and this time I walk forward willingly. Ready to embrace our future and the new confidence I found tonight.
Chapter Twenty
Hunter
My eyes open, but the piercing light in front of me forces them back shut. I hear her. Somewhere out there. Yelling out in pain.
I have to get to her.
“Hunter! Hunter, please! Help me!”
Her blood-chilling scream makes me run, faster, harder, than I ever have before towards wherever she is.
I have to find her.
I have to save her.
I can’t lose her.
Not like them. Not like my parents. God help me. Help me find my Angel!
“Rochelle!” I yell out into the distance. Her name echoes back at me. “Rochelle! Angel! Speak to me!”
But my pleas are met by nothing. Just the echo of my own yell. Through the piercing bright space that surrounds me, I can’t seem to find my way. I can’t seem to get to her.
My heart rate and breaths quicken. I run, but it’s not fast enough. Not far enough. I can’t seem to find her.
Suddenly, I begin to fall. Darkness is all I know as the light stops shining, and fear, terror, anxiety fills my soul. I’m too late. I missed my chance. I failed her. Just like I failed them.
My parents.
Edward.
Sylvia.
