A N G E L

I watched the video over and over again. The more I watched it, the more satisfied I felt.

Morton's operation was busted in a police sting. They found two containers filled with drugs and a few underground cages filled with women. The police locked the entire place down, and took him in for questioning.

There was no escaping a life sentence in prison for him.

I closed the laptop and placed it on my desk.

"So, we won't have to worry about him anymore," Tyrel said, a smirk on his lips.

I grabbed my whiskey and leaned back in the chair.

"We weren't worried about him in the first place, " Michael cut in.

I took a long sip, a smile playing on my lips. I was in a good mood. I wasn't worried or stressed. Life was going good. I was feeling good.

I watched as a menacing smile sprung to Tyrel's lips. "Boss, you seem to be in a pretty good mood."

I stilled, raising an eye at him. "I'm always in a good mood."

Michael chuckled. "He means that you're in a very good mood today. Like, very."

I took another sip, my eyes flickering between the both of them.

"What are you both getting at?" I asked, my voice firm.

Tyrel shrugged. "We are not love experts but... we see the way you look at Skai."

I paused, narrowing my eyes at them. "And so what?"

Michael shook his head. "Nothing boss. We just like seeing you like this."

I smirked before taking another sip. They were right. I'd been eyeing Skai like a hawk every time I saw her. The way she moved always managed to lock me in a trance. When she caught me looking, a blush would crept from her neck all the way to her cheeks.

I still remembered the day I first kissed her. It was unexpected, but it happened. Her lips were soft and delicate. She wasn't a really good kisser, so I took my time. I savored every taste, enjoying every second of it.

It only made more sense when she told me she'd never kissed a guy before. I was more than happy to be her first. And then she told me that she'd never had sex. I got even harder when she confessed. But I didn't just want that, I wanted her. All of her.

"Have you thought about taking her out?" Michael said next, his eyes locked on mine.

I pursed my lips. I've never thought about it. I was romantic, but only in bed. Dates and flowers were never my thing.

"I have not."

Tyrel smiled. "Well, it's time to start. If you're serious about her, then you should. Showing a little romantic side won't hurt."

I hummed to myself. He wasn't really wrong...

"Take her out to dinner and see if she likes it. Skai's a bit more of a… what should I say? Tomboy-ish. But maybe she'll like it," Michael cut in.

I nodded slowly. "Maybe I should. Will I have to get her flowers as well?"

They both nodded.

"I can order the flowers for you. That won't be a problem," Tyrel stated, his voice sure.

Michael sat up. "And I'll make the reservations for you. I think The Solara Skyline would be perfect for you both."

I smiled. "Thank you both, for being love experts and helping me out."

They chuckled. I was grateful for their ideas. This would bring me and Skai much closer.

A sharp knock sounded at the door. I took another sip before setting my glass down.

"Come in."

The door opened, and in stepped the one person I wasn't expecting. Like at all.

Michael and Tyrel stood up before leaving the office.

"What are you doing here?"

She took a few steps forward, her heels clicking on the tiled floor.

"I came to see you Angel. You know I can't stay away."

I ran a hand through my hair. If I would've known Nova was like this, I wouldn't have slept with her in the first place. She was like a damn leech.

"You have one minute to get out," I said, my tone flat and serious. I wasn't in the mood for her nonsense.

She threw her bag on the desk, and took a seat in the opposite chair.

"I don't see why you're like this Angel. I mean, you were all over me those months ago."

I rolled my eyes to the point I damn near saw my patience pack a bag and walk out.

"That was months ago. And I strictly told you that I don't do relationships."

She crossed her arms. "But you can try you know. At least, for me."

I glared at her. "Nova, I swear, your form of delusion, is astounding."

She only laughed. "It's not delusion Angel. It's knowing what you want, and going for it. And I want you."

I pushed my chair back and stood up. I wasn't going to listen to her any longer.

"Don't walk out on me Angel!"

I shut the door with just enough force to make a point, then walked the hallway in silence. I descended the steps and made my way to the lounge room.

The room was occupied by Smith, Jones, Tim, and Benny. Skai was there too. They were playing cards and laughing, completely at ease.

When Skai noticed me, her face lit up. I gave her a wink, and I watched as the heat rushed to her cheeks. She was so fucking adorable.

"Hey boss, you want to join us?" Jones called, barely glancing up from his cards.

Skai wasn't playing, but she was clearly invested in the game. She was sitting by herself, and I took that as an invite.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her up. She blinked in surprise, then froze when I settled back and pulled her into my lap.

"A-Angel," she breathed, embarrassed but not pulling away.

Everyone glanced at us, before going back to their game.

"What baby?" I whispered in her ear.

She didn't answer, but she didn't need to. I smiled in satisfaction, before turning my attention to the game.

"Well, well, well."

We all looked up. My jaw clenched.

Nova stood there, arms crossed, her face twisted in disgust.

I felt Skai stiffen in my lap, and I grit my teeth. By now, everyone had set their cards down. They all knew Nova, and they knew our history.

"Hi boys," she said next, taking a few steps forward.

I kept my grip on Skai's waist, steady but tight. The anger was building, slow, sharp, and dangerous.

"You really chose this," she gestured to Skai, over me?"

That was my last straw.

I was just about to get up when Skai held me back. She glanced at me, then stood and took a few steps toward Nova, her expression serious.

"Repeat that," Skai said, her voice as calm as ever. But that was just the calm before the storm.

Nova took another step forward. "I don't even see why Angel chose you. You have nothing he likes."

Skai laughed. Not the kind you hear when something's funny, but the kind that makes you regret opening your mouth in the first place.

She took a step forward. Now they were directly face to face. "Yet, I was the one in his lap, not you."

I smirked to myself. That comeback burned hotter than the chili Tyrel swears doesn't burn.

Nova clenched her fists. "You're nothing bitch!"

Skai tilted her head sideways. "Angel, what should I do to her?"

I let out a soft hum, smiling. "Anything you want baby."

She didn't hesitate. The back of her hand connected with Nova's cheek.

Nova grabbed her face in disbelief. "You little-"

She didn't get to finish. Skai grabbed her collar and shoved, and Nova's feet gave out; she hit the floor hard.

Skai crouched so they were now eye to eye. "If you come here or insult me again, I'll order a gun, with one custom made bullet... then I'll blow your fucking brains out. Don't fucking tempt me."

With that, Skai stood and slid back onto my lap. I kissed her cheek, pride swelling inside me.

Nova lay frozen for a moment before clutching her cheek and stumbling to her feet. She fled like the house was burning.

Because, in a way, it was.

|||||