Chapter 17

  Alice

  My eyes open a little when I don't feel Angel next to me. I sit up, bringing the covers up with me, and grab Angel’s shirt. Its presence lets me know he's still here. Looking around, I see him sitting in my living room smoking a cigarette and looking out the window.

  I slowly make my way over, but freeze as Angel grabs his gun and points it at me.

  "It's only me," I say, my voice trembling.

  Over the past week, Angel has been here most nights. He has been more and more on edge as the week has gone on. The security outside my apartment has been doubled, but I’m not sure if it’s for me, or him.

  Angel puts the gun on the table, and I slowly make my way over to him. I stand between his legs, then slowly kneel, my hands softly run through his hair.

  “Did you get any sleep?” I ask.

  “More than I normally do,” he tells me. My eyes search his for an answer to what is keeping him awake.

  Vinny is still on the need to know basis, for now, and the only thing he has told is that he needs to make sure no one comes close to me. I have no idea why he said that. The only people I really talk to are Angel's family. Who else am I going to say anything to?

  Angel never tells me what’s going on in his head, but now I see what Robert meant. He thinks about work all the time. I suppose having so many family enemies doesn’t help. He has to be on the lookout at all times.

  This week, Angel has been intense. He has had Vinny and Pike tell anyone who comes close to me to walk away. No matter how much I have told Angel that the only person I have eyes for is him, he still doesn't listen to me.

  His words were, “I know that only you see me, and will only touch me, but other men don’t think like that.” I started laughing and kept telling him that everyone in Sinwick, and most of London, now knows I'm with him. Anyone who does come close to me is just stupid.

  Then the next words that came out of his mouth have stuck with me. “Alice, you have taken over my world, and if anything happened to you, I know I wouldn’t be able to live.”

  The more time I've been with Angel, the more I realize my life without him would be a painful, lonely one. My nights with him take over my world. Every moment I get to be with him is perfect for me.

  To the outside world, Angel is the darkness of the devil, but with me, behind closed doors, he’s not the devil. Not at all times.

  The other day, I got to hear him laugh, and not a laugh to scare someone either, a genuine laugh. We were watching a comedy film, and even though he spent most of the film on his phone, there was a time he was watching it and he laughed. After hearing that sound, I couldn’t stop watching him, his cheekbones, his sexy eyes looking like they didn’t have a care in the world for once.

  "Shall we head back to bed?" I ask him as I stand up.

  Angel pulls me closer. “Or we can both sit here and wait for the sun to appear.”

  My back hits his chest as I sit on top of him. Angel begins kissing my neck and says, “All I want to do is hold you, hold the only person who matters to me.”

  I look up at him, and he plants a kiss on my lips.

  “You are the most beautiful woman in the world, Alice,” Angel whispers against my ear.

  I can’t help but smile.

  Angel really can be an angel…when he wants to be. I get the devil in bed, and an angel out of it. Well, behind closed doors anyway.

  ***

  When I wake up, Angel is gone. I at least woke up to a message saying something had come up and he had to leave.

  “I’m thinking about telling Angel about Ben.” I turn to face Vinny as I plate our breakfast. “I know he has a feeling I’m hiding something from him.”

  Vinny leans back in his chair as he drinks his coffee. "I think that would be a good idea." Vinny's lips curl up a little at the corner.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. I just never thought I would see the day.” Vinny starts eating his breakfast, and I crease my brows together. What is he talking about?

  “What day?” I ask.

  "The day you would love someone. You've always kept people at arm's distance, worried for their safety. So it's nice that—"

  "I'm not in…" My words get stuck in my throat, as I think about what he said. "I'm in love with Angel Frost," I whisper to myself.

  “Yep. You got more bacon?” Vinny asks.

  “Yeah.” I get up with a smile on my lips.

  “You going to tell Ben tonight?”

  "I was going to tell Ben that I'm telling Angel about my past. I think I will leave out the part of being in love with him. One thing at a time," I say with a little chuckle in my tone. "Have you spoke to him this morning?"

  "He will be in London for Midlands business. He will meet you at the same place," Vinny tells me as he takes another mouthful of food. "Do you have plans for the day?"

  "You need to tell, Angel?" I ask him as I drink my coffee.

  Vinny clicks his tongue. “Yep.”

  I laugh to myself. Vinny hates that he has to report back to Angel. He thinks it's because Angel still doesn't trust him. When you really look at Angel's inner circle, you can see he doesn't trust many people. Only a handful knows what plan he has, but Vinny isn’t part of that yet and doesn't know any of that stuff.

  "I wanted to go shopping. Drew and Ellie are meeting us. I think you're going to love girls’ shopping trips," I say, laughing at him. I've known Vinny a long time, and shopping is hell for him.

  "Can we not go to the pub or something?" Vinny moans, making me laugh even more. "Better call the boss, and let him know."

  "We're not going shopping. We are going to lunch, that's all," I tell him. He doesn't seem too happy with shopping, and I feel bad for him that he has to be there when I know he hates it.

  “Thank God. I will let Angel know.” Vinny takes out his phone to let Angel know my day’s plan.

  "You know, the moment you tell him about the Midlands, there is going to be a lot more protection around you," Vinny shakes his head. "I really don't think that Angel will let you out of his sight. He rings me on the fucking hour."

  “Yeah, it’s going to be interesting,” I agree.

  One thing I’ve learned about Angel this week is that if he wanted to control the whole of London, he could. He has the power to control anything he wants. If anyone gets in his way, I have a feeling it will end in one way, blood.

  There is only one thing that worries me when it comes to telling Angel about my past. Is it too much to protect me from a family they have already made a truce with?

  ***

  As I enter through the back door, the bar is in full swing. Vinny went in ahead of me to let Angel know I'm here. I make my way to the bar alone, and look up at Angel and Pike talking. They do not look happy. Something has happened, which only means Angel is going to be more closed off than usual.

  Vinny walks up to me and grabs my arm. He pulls me to the side and says, “We need to talk.”

  “Vinny, you’re—”

  "Angel got one of his men to follow us. All I know is he saw you going into the hotel then out. Nothing has been said about Ben." Vinny stops talking, and I look up at the window. "Looks like he doesn't trust me as much as I thought."

  I know I have to tell Angel about Ben. Even Ben said I should. I'm still worried about him, though. Putting him in danger is the last thing I want, and I have to get Angel to understand that he cannot interfere with Ben being in the Midlands. I already hate Vinny being a part of the Frost family, so putting Ben in there too is the last thing I want.

  “Angel is calling you up to the office,” Vinny says, and there is something different in his voice.

  I can see that one day I will lose Vinny to Angel. I’m just not sure if it will be out of fear of Angel or because Vinny will be too deep into the world he won’t be able to get back out. It’s clear that I’m losing my best friend, either way.

  I can't even walk. I’m so scared of what he thinks I did. I drag my feet, which feel so heavy at the moment. Each step I take, I can feel myself getting closer to the devil’s pit. As I get to the door, I look over at Vinny and Drew talking.

  I jump out of my skin as the door opens wide, and see Pike standing in front of me.

  “Are you staying?” I ask in a whisper. I’m not sure I can be alone with him.

  “Yeah.” One simple word from Pike.

  I’m not sure if his answer gives me relief or more fear. Taking a step into the office, I look over at Angel as the door closes behind me. His hands are in his pockets as he looks down at the dance floor. I have no idea how long I’ve been standing there, but it feels like hours. I’m waiting for him to say something to me. Say anything.

  "Why is it I'm so blind when it comes to you, Alice?" Angel asks, still with his back to me.

  His voice sounds even more intense than normal, making me look over at Pike. He shakes his head, telling me not to answer.

  I watch as Angel begins to turn around and I prepare myself. The moment I see his eyes, a cold shiver runs through my body. Angel’s eyes burn with fire. I thought I looked into hell before through his eyes, but no. Today, the fire is burning hell’s flames.

  "How have you become a blind spot? I can't do my job when I'm worried about what you are doing behind my back." Angel’s eyes lock with mine the whole time. "So where were you, Alice?"

  “I...I went to see a friend.” My voice comes out full of nerves.

  “Don’t lie to me, Alice!” Angel shouts. It sounds like thunder around me.

  As Angel takes a step closer to me, I involuntary take one back, not realizing how close I am to the door until my back hits it. Before I can move, Angel closes the gap between us. His hand is under my chin as he pushes my face up so I can see him. I don't think I've ever seen someone with so much rage in their eyes before.

  “You go to a hotel, a fucking hotel, to let some fuck touch what is mine, then come here like you have done nothing wrong.” The words leaving Angels lips hit my skin like venom.

  Angel’s accusing me of something I haven’t done, and I’m terrified he won’t listen to me.

  I make a noise to speak, but the anger pouring out of Angel frightens away my words. I can see how hard he’s fighting himself. There’s a part of him that wants to hurt me for betraying him. Another part wants to listen to what I have to say.

  My hands move to his shoulder to push him away, but he’s too strong.

  "Angel, get off her!" Pike shouts, pulling him away from me. As soon as he does, I fall to the floor in shock.

  “I didn’t…”

  “Stop!” Angel shouts.

  I wipe the tears away then look up to see him pacing the office.

  "You don't understand, Alice. You're mine. I want to rip out the eyes to anyone who looks at you, cut the tongue out of any guy who talks to you! I want to fucking chop off Vinny's hands every time he touches you," Angel shouts, and his words hit me like lightning.

  For Angel, I'm his whole world.

  I get to my feet and take a step towards Angel, but stop when his hand raises.

  "Leave before...before I hurt you," Angel says without even looking at me.

  I start to retake a step, but stop.

  Angel walks over to the window, hands again in his pockets, fisted up into balls. He stands there, completely closed off.

  I look over at Pike, then back at Angel, wondering what I should do. I start to say something, but Pike speaks first. "They’re five minutes away," he says to Angel. Turning to face me, he says, "Alice, I think…"

  “Yeah,” I cut Pike off, before turning to Angel. “I would never betray you. Trust…”

  I stop the moment Angel lets out a small chuckle and starts shaking his head. He doesn't say anything, and it tells me that I need to leave.

  The moment I get back to the bar, Vinny and Drew pull me aside.

  "You need to leave. Ben said the Midlands are on their way," Vinny says as Drew puts my coat on. "Ben didn't know about it because he was here, but Angel wanted a meeting now, so they are coming. Alice, are you listening?" Vinny shouts, pulling me out of my fear.

  "You open the door for no one. Get a bag packed. Get your gun ready. Ben is on the corner of your street. As soon as you flick your light on and off twice, he’ll know you’re safe. Then he will come to the bar for the meeting." Vinny is telling me all this too fast. I'm not sure I can process all the information.

  Drew turns me to face her. "Open the door for no one," she repeats, then pulls me to the back door. "They’re here! Go!"

  Chapter 18

  Angel

  She's become my weakness, but she's also become my air. Alice has taken over every part of my body, and I almost hurt her.

  I hear the door close behind me, and my gaze darts to the right. I watch as she walks towards the stairs.

  “Angel…”

  “I know,” I say, cutting Pike off.

  Pike knew from the start that Alice had grabbed my attention. He knows how much I've fallen for her. Pike also knows I will kill anyone who touches her.

  My gaze stays on Alice. I’ve seen her scared before, but whatever Vinny and Drew are saying to her right now has put pure fear in her eyes.

  I watch her every movement. She’s not focused. She's phased out. What did they just say to her?

  "Angel," I hear my dad say from behind me.

  I don't turn to face him. I can’t. I watch Drew take Alice to the back door.

  "They're here," my dad says again.

  I stand for a moment, just watching Vinny and Drew, staring at their lips to see if I can make out any words. Fine, sure, Ben. There is that name again…Ben. Who is Ben?

  "Angel, let's go," Pike shouts.

  I turn to face my family, who are all waiting for me, and we make our way down to the basement. Business like this never happens in my office. No outside business ever happens in my office.

  Craig opens the door for me and I look at the Midlands all standing in front of me. My gaze stops on one of them, the same man in the pictures with William. Now, this is interesting. What business do the Midlands have with the Young family?

  “Mitch, thank you for coming.” My dad looks over at the boss of the family. The old man refuses to let his boys control anything. He needs to be the one that calls all the shots.

  “Robert, we came here believing the truce is still running. We have not got involved with Frost business, so I would like to know what this meeting is all about.” Mitch looks at us all one by one.

  “The truce is still in place, but there is a family in town selling drugs, and word is that they’re being supplied by you,” my dad says.

  They all look between each other. No one has said the drugs have come from them, but one of our pawns told us that the last time they had good coke, like O’Reilly had, was when the Midlands used to sell here.

  "I assure you that my family has stayed out of this part of London. We don't set foot here," he says.

  I look over at Harvey, the middle son, and narrow my eyes. He is a mother fucker I would love to put a bullet in. The way he treats women makes me sick. The stories I've heard make me want to cut off his balls and make sure he is in a lot of pain as I do it.

  “What is your link to the Young family?” I ask.

  "Loving the scar, pretty boy," Bruce says, interrupting the conversation. He turns to face me and sneers.

  He is such a wanker. One who talks a big game, acts a big game, but even his own dad doesn't trust him. Why? Is he behind the connection to the Young family? There has to be a link, but we haven’t found anything connecting their family business with them aside from rumors

  "Would you like your own scar?" I ask him.

  He takes a step towards me, but John, the younger son, stops him.

  "No fighting," Mitch shouts at him.

  It looks as if Bruce has a short fuse.

  "The Young family, yes we do business with them. What that business is does not concern you. It is outside of your territory." Mitch puts his hands in his pockets, putting on a serious facade. If I had to be scared of any of the family, it would be him. My grandad used to tell me the stories of their fights, how he could shoot a man without even looking at him.

  "We only called this meeting face to face because we wanted to know if you were selling drugs here before we moved forward with our plans. We don't want a war to break between us," my dad says.

  We all know that a war between us will end very badly. There is a reason that we made a truce between us. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want a war.

  “Like we have said, we have no link with any family inside your area…”

  "The Young family, just so you know, there will be blood spilt with them," I warn. They have a link there, I’m sure of it, but fuck if I know what it is.

  “They mean nothing to us,” Bruce replies.

  I look at the guy who was in the pictures, then look at Vinny. I look back at the guys, my gaze settling on Bruce. They know more than they are letting on. They have a link to the Young family, and they’re all willing to lie to protect it.

  Are the Midlands and the Young family in this together? Are the Midlands hiding behind the Young family?

  I look over at my dad, who looks at me, and I think he is feeling the same things. I glance at my family, wondering if we should start the war the Midlands want us to start, or wait for them to make the first move.

  If it were up to me, I would put a bullet in Bruce's head right now, but dad shakes his head.

  "Again, thank you for coming this way and meeting with us," my dad says.

  "Thank you for speaking to us to make sure this doesn’t involve us," Mitch says.

  "Craig will lead you out," Elijah says.

  My gaze locks on them as they leave one by one.

  “They’re in with the Young family. You can feel something is happening.” Warren is the first to say what we are all thinking.

 

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