Angel's POV
RING RING
RING RING
RING RING
RING RIN—
I groaned, snatching my phone without even looking at whoever was calling."You better have a damn good reason for interrupting my beauty sleep, whoever this is."
"Didn't know you were still grumpy first thing in the morning," came Samuel's smooth voice—like hot chocolate dipped in extra chocolate with honey. Don't ask me how hot chocolate sounds, it just felt right.
"I was never a morning person," I muttered.
"Apparently, that hasn't changed."
"What do you want?" I snapped, annoyed but secretly softening at the sound of him.
"...today?"
"What?" Shit.
"You don't want to—?" Double shit. I didn't even catch the question.
"I didn't catch what you asked."
"Then if I repeat myself, you don't get to refuse what I proposed."
Propose? What kind of propose? The meaning here isn't what I'm thinking, right? It can't be...
"Angel? You there?"
"Yeah. What was the thing you... proposed?"
"What's with the awkward pause?"
"Just tell me."
"I asked if you're free to hang out today?"
"Don't you have work?"
"Uh, it's Saturday. In case you forgot."
"Then why'd you think it was a good idea to wake me up this early?"
He laughed nervously. "I wanted to hang out."
"And you couldn't wait till I woke up on my own?"
"Hey, I was eager! Besides, it's time to wake up anyway."
"So you're not eager anymore?"
"Not really."
"That works for me." I hung up. Sweet voice or not, he doesn't get to disturb my precious sleep. Back to my peaceful abyss.
---
Three hours later
I shuffled to the kitchen, stomach growling like I hadn't eaten in days—which, honestly, I hadn't. Cooking? Rice and stew? Noodles? Nah, too much effort. Better just order food. I wanted to crawl back to bed, but that'd make me look lazy.
RING RING
RING RING
Please don't be Samuel calling again to annoy me.
"Yeah?"
"Snappy much?"
"What do you want, Roman?"
"There's a problem."
"What now? Need me to teach someone a lesson again? I could use the exercise."
"Not this time."
"Then?" I snapped, irritated he interrupted my food decision.
"It's the cops."
"What with them?"
"They found Robert's body."
"What does that have to do wi--? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY FOUND HIS BODY?"
"Yeah, that happened."
"Wasn't your job to clean that up? I told you when I was done, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but I got distracted talking to Daniel and forgot." I could practically see him shrugging, innocent face and all.
"Goddamn it, Roman! You're supposed to be better than this! Should I start teaching you everything?"
"That's why you're my right-hand man."
"This is your screw-up."
"I know."
"So why does this concern me?"
"They found evidence. Some guys got questioned about you."
"What do I do?"
"Hide. Be bored out of your mind."
"Great."
"I've got an inside guy working on it."
"This wouldn't have happened if you weren't getting laid right after I told you the job was done."
"Hey, Daniel's irresistible—fresh out of the shower with those doe eyes and smooth skin. I can't resist him."
"Ew, shut up. I don't wanna know."
"Interesting if you want to listen."
"You're disgusting."
"You love me."
"You're lucky I do."
"How long hiding?"
"Three days minimum. Up to a week."
"You're paying extra, right?"
"Fine, you money monger."
"You love me."
"Better not let Daniel hear you. He'd strangle you."
"I know, Daddy."
"Didn't know you were into that."
"I didn't mean it like that, perv."
"Alright, bye. Stay safe."
"You too."
---
Boredom crept in. Then I remembered Samuel's invite. Maybe I could swallow my pride—hard as that was—and call him back.
RING RING
RING RING
This jerk better not ignore me.
"Hey."
"Yup, what's up?"
"Can I still take you up on that offer?"
"Which one?" His smugness practically seeped through the phone.
"The outing, not whatever's in your head."
"We're still on."
"Where and when?"
"I'll come get you."
"Okay, be here in 10. I'm bored."
"Wait for me, kitten."
"Just come before I change my mind."
"Be good." He hung up, the witty bastard.
I rushed to my room to find something decent—not homeless chic.
"Where are you, Angel?"
"Upstairs." Then I realized my room was a mess.
"Alright."
"Wait, I don't know what to wear."
"Just pick something random."
"Won't I be underdressed?"
"Nope, just eating out and talking."
"Good, I'm starving."
"Yeah."
Silence.
"Get out, I want to dress."
"Oh, right." His ears turned red as he left.
---
Fifteen minutes later
At the restaurant, we picked a table. When the waiter arrived, I asked Samuel to order for me—I had no clue what to pick. Is that a red or green flag in relationships? I'm curious.
We chatted about random stuff while waiting, until they showed up.
Anna, Fred, and James. Samuel's ex's friends—the bitch Lizzy's crew.
I fiddled with my napkin, smile fading as they approached. Samuel squeezed my hand under the table, sensing my nerves.
"Hey, guys! Long time no see!" Samuel stood to hug them.
My anxiety spiked. I hadn't seen them since Lizzy's drama. They thought I was the homewrecker—because of Lizzy's lies. They didn't know me.
"Angel, how've you been?" Anna asked, faux concern dripping from her words.
"Good, thanks." I avoided eye contact, hating the feeling of being judged.
Their chatter flowed, but I wasn't listening. I felt like an outsider. Every glance, every laugh was a verdict.
I needed out.
"Excuse me, I need to powder my nose," I said, pushing back my chair.
Samuel's eyes searched mine, concerned. "Everything okay?"
I forced a smile. "Yeah, just need a minute."
In the bathroom stall, my heart pounded. Panic clawed at me. Thought I was past this, this feeling of helplessness.
Suddenly, the door opened.
"Angel?" Samuel's voice, soft and steady.
"I need a minute."
He stepped in, closing the door. "What's wrong?"
Tears threatened to fall. "I… can't."
"Can't what?"
I gripped his shirt, silent.
"Use your words, kitten." His voice was gentle, but somehow it felt… suggestive? I choked on air anyway.
He pulled me close. "Breathe, Angel. In through your nose, out through your mouth."
His warmth surrounded me. I focused on his heartbeat—strong, steady, comforting.
My breathing slowed. I relaxed.
"I'm sorry."
"No need. I should've come with you."
"I'm safe now."
"You're safe with me." He said it like a promise.
I met his calm eyes.
"You didn't have to follow me."
"I'll always follow you. Through good and bad."
My heart swelled. Maybe he really cared.
"Ready to face them?"
I nodded.
Hand in hand, we returned.
Anna, Fred, and James looked up, surprised.
"Sorry about that," I said, voice stronger.
"No worries," Anna said, surprisingly genuine. I ignored it, focused on eating. I was starving.
The evening blurred. Anxiety lurked, but Samuel's presence kept it at bay. Grateful doesn't even cover it.
Outside, Samuel wrapped his arm around me.
"You did great."
"Thanks to you." I hated admitting it, but I couldn't have done it alone. I'm a coward.
"But we need to talk."
Shit. "About what?"
"Tomorrow."
"Can we not?"
"Why?"
"I'm kinda busy."
"Oh."
"Let's go."
"Mhm."