And yet I just…want. I want so much more from Angel than I’ve ever wanted before, and it’s kind of terrifying. But also intriguing beyond what I ever expected from another person—let alone the son of the man I killed and replaced.
Angel eventually, and visibly stubbornly, gives up his coquette and steps out of the bathroom, sort of fluttering intothe middle of the open space that is his little studio apartment of captivity.
The place is actually quite nice, naturally. I wouldn’t dream of having him sleep on a cot like in the prison. This is my home, and I want even my guests—and prisoners—to feel comfortable.
That said, Angel is different. I had a specific idea in mind when designing his cage; cozy luxury. Understated elegance surrounded by flowers and birds. Like a secret garden, housing the most beautiful little bird known to humanity.
And just like every other time I’ve seen him, the wind is knocked right out of me. I almost cough, as if someone just whacked me in the gut with a six-foot-one, one-hundred-sixty-pound carving of heart-stopping jaw-droppingbeauty. From the shiny shoulder-length hair, like a silky bronze waterfall, to the perfect symmetry of features in a pointed nose, high cheekbones, full, plush lips, and a jawline delicate in its severity. Eyes of deep green, glittering like emeralds straight from the earth. And thatbody…
Jesus, it would make no difference in binary, or not. There has never been a more exquisitely sculpted frame. I’m positive.
Angel is shuffling, so clearly uncertain of who they want to be in this moment. Used to playing the part, shapeshifting to blend into whichever situation fits best. I just wish they could see themselves the way I do.
An ethereal being who soars so far above the labels and superficialities of this world.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” He grumbles, and in that one snippy yet curious question masking mild insecurity, I can already tell.
That’sAngel.
It nearly knocks me over, the way I canfeelhim.My precious little bird…
Chuckling wistfully, I shake my head, unlocking the door. “No reason, pajarito.” Opening the door, I hold out my hand. “Come, sweet thing.”
He purses his lips, giving me one last lingering look of grumpy disbelief that this is actually happening before trotting over and taking my hand. As soon as his fingers slip through mine, I’m hit with a wave of tingles, like an electrical current in my bloodstream, beginning at the point of contact and working its way throughout my entire body.
My heart is pumping faster, the high of him fogging my senses.
Do I really have to…
Angel tilts his head, gazing up at me. I take his chin in my fingers, tipping him to me.
I brush his lips with mine and whisper, “Lo siento.”
Brows furrowed, he’s puzzled for only a moment. Until the cuffs click around his wrists.
“What the fuck?!” He barks, fighting away from me.
But it’s too late. I’ve already secured his arms behind his back with some very nice leather cuffs, I might add. These are no metal wrist-rashers.
He should be perfectly comfortable.
“Are you fucking serious right now??” Angel jerks at the chain between the cuffs, glaring at me like I’m Lucifer himself.
Unfortunately for him, it’s a look I’m quite familiar with, so I’m impervious to it.
“I’m sorry, my darling, but please try to put yourself in my shoes.” I approach him slowly, pulling the collar and leash off my belt.
His eyes fall to the items in my hand, and he backs up, seething through clenched teeth, “I can’t. Twenty thousand dollar custom Italian loafers aren’t really my style.” I snicker. “And I have no desire to empathize with an evil fucking asshole.”
My lips pull into a purposeful pout. “Love,please. It’s just a precaution—”
“You’re fucked!” He snaps. “You say I’m not like the others, you say I’m not a pet, a slave, and yet you want to walk me around on a fucking leash?! For a date!”
He’s so worked up, his chest and shoulders are jumping with his heavy breaths. I wish it didn’t look so damn good on him, but his torso is truly immaculate.
And he’s just so sexy when he’s mad…
“Give me some credit.” My head slants pointedly. “The leash can come off for the date.”
