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Angela's POV

*

Immediately Stephano shut the door, I felt the house suddenly become impossibly smaller with Donovan's gaze on me.

He was putting on a white shirt and blue denim shorts. Shorts looked good on him, anything he wore always looked good on him.

"Angel..." He started.

I looked up at him with small eyes.

The confidence I usually had on most days was nowhere to be found right now.

"Hi." I said softly. A bit tiredly too.

He took large, confident strides and I found him beside me, crouching. "How are you?"

My throat felt too small for me to breathe easily. I nodded. "I'm fine. There really is no need to fuss over me like this."

He nodded stiffly.

"Come here." He pecked my forehead softly while his two arms gently went around me to pull me into him. The hug was soothing, and I felt a warm glow in my heart. But this wasn't right. He shouldn't peck me like this, so lovingly.

The same forehead Eros had pecked hours ago and I hadn't stopped him either...because I simply couldn't.

Eros. I suddenly remembered I was getting engaged.

I shouldn't allow another man peck me or look at me with so much care in his eyes or call me baby.

"I...I'm tired." I pulled back and avoided his penetrating stare.

"Well, you can rest here for a bit." He nodded as if he'd just said the wisest thing ever.

"No. You should leave...I need to rest upstairs, in my room." I stated firmly and withdrew totally from him.

His eyes flashed with something. An expression. Disbelief. A tinge of sadness.

Then it was gone before I could even register what exactly it was and he nodded, standing firmly on his feet.

"I'm here. If anything happens..."

"Nothing will." I shook my head frantically as the fear from earlier today returned. I had a stalker, someone was stalking me, for some weird reasons only known to them.

I had to be positive that nothing bad would happen. I just met Donovan, I couldn't give him the wrong impression about myself by showing any sign of fear.

Why in the world would they stalk me though? What on earth did they want with me?

"I should leave then." He cleared his throat.

I found myself wanting him to stay. But that was wrong on all levels.

"Yes. You should." I got up slowly. My head was still groggy but after sleeping for more than five hours today, I doubted if I still wanted to jump on my bed and have another round at it.

"You shouldn't stress yourself." He held out his hand to steady me but I recoiled instantly and almost fell back into the couch I'd just gotten up from.

That hand would be doing more than holding me if I could have myself in his hold. In his strong but tender, and caring hold.

And it was something I didn't want to see again.

Immediately, Donovan's eyes lost their light. He'd been rejected, and maybe this was the first time. My rejection must have stung him so badly because his lips pursed into a grim line.

He swallowed thickly. "Goodnight, Angela."

I shut my eyes for only some seconds, realizing he had just called me Angela. Not Angel.

Well, I brought this upon myself.

"Goodnight, Don."

I watched him leave without a backward glance. I didn't like the invisible wall I had drawn between us, but I needed to.

And another weird thing was how safe I had felt in Eros's arms earlier today. Eros.

What did he look like?

The thought of him brought a smile to my face, even though I hadn't met him.

He had held me so lovingly and told me he loved me, and that he wouldn't allow anything happen to me. Had it been a mere dream?

I shook my head. It had been real. His kisses and caresses were real.

I furrowed my brows in confusion. How could he possibly love me when he hadn't even met me? And how could I like two men at the same time?

I liked Donovan, of no doubt. But to my surprise, it would seem I've began to develop a crush on Eros whom I'd only met today. It'd been an informal meeting too.

And Eros had been so protective and loving. Kissing me so tenderly on my lips and pecking my forehead. It surprised me that I didn't even feel repulsed by it.

I heaved a sigh at my predicament.

On one hand, I was somewhat attracted to my sexy as sin neighbor. Then on the other hand, it had felt so great to be in the arms of my soon to be husband. So comfy.

I rested my head and parted my legs widely, pulling the pencil skirt up a bit with a groan when I couldn't part my legs properly.

"I hope I'm doing the right thing...I hope..." I murmured softly and began to drift into slumber.

I was on a lone street.

Looking around in confusion, I noticed all the houses were alike. But there was no fear in me at the realization that I was the only one on this street. Only anticipation of what was to come.

"Angela!"

My heart fluttered.

"What...how did you...?" I whispered and looked around for the voice. That was Eros, I recognized that voice because I remember him gently cradling my cheeks while telling me how much he loved me. That voice.

"Eros, I'm here..." I looked around with a smile. I couldn't see him. Then all of a sudden, there was a blinding light beside me.

"Angel, baby."  That soft voice.

My smile faltered but then grew wide once again as butterflies filled my stomach. "Donovan. Where are you?"

"I'm in the light." He told me tenderly. As if I would bolt if he dared to raise his voice.

I stretched my hands but there was only air. The bright light beside me almost blinded me as I tried to look into it to see Donovan. 

I needed to at least catch a glimpse of his face.

"Please come out of the light. So I can see you." I pleaded desperately.

"You can't see him Angela. Do you really like him?" The other voice asked, and I caught a hint of curiosity there.

That was Eros. Eros's voice was a bit thicker than Donovan's. It held firmness but also love, while Donovan's voice was pleasant and tender.

"I..I think I like him. I'm sorry," I bit my lower lip in worry, feeling guilty at my own confession. "But I like you too, Eros. I like you..."

"You don't know me, Angel." This voice was hoarse. Who just spoke?

Was that Eros? Or was it Donovan?

"Eros?" I called. I got no response.

"Donovan?" I looked around. The light was still there.

There was no response as well. The brightness of the light became stronger.

It was discomforting. I shielded my face with my arms raised and turned around.

Then two arms circled around my waist. But the fierceness from the bright light behind me was too strong, I couldn't turn around to face the person who was embracing me.

"Forgive me, my love. Forgive me...forgive me for what I did. I'm sorry..." The voice muttered, raining kisses all over my cheek and neck. I craned my neck to give him better access, loving the feel of his lips on my skin. When I tried to pull away and look up at his face, he held me tight against him to prevent me from doing so.

Then the voice slowly began to fade. I came to the realization. My eyes widened and I tried to speak but couldn't. The more I tried to recognize that voice, the more my head ached.

"I'm sorry." He pleaded.

"No...." I whispered and sniffed, suddenly struggling to accept his pleas. I wanted to accept it, but I couldn't bring myself to. In my slumber, I knew what he was apologizing for but in reality, I didn't know it.

Still, he'd hurt me somehow. 'He' had hurt me. It was confusing, but at the same time, I knew it.

I shook my head and struggled to get away from him.

"No, I won't. No. No... I can't forgive you. Yo-you hurt me..." I sniffed as his hold tightened.

Then I heard a loud crash. I bolted from my chair and rubbed grogginess off my face. I'd been dreaming.

I grabbed my head and groaned, trying to remember the events in my dream and piece my puzzle together.

Suddenly I heard another loud crash.

My eyes widened. The crash hadn't happened in my dream.

Fear and panic seized my veins. Where had the sound come from?

With shaky breath, I bolted for my bedroom, picking my bag as I ran up the stairs. Thank goodness Kara had helped me pull off my heels.

The sound had come from somewhere around the kitchen or pantry.

Was it the stalker? Was my home being invaded? The thought made panic seize me.

My breathing came out shaky as I shut my bedroom door as softly as my trembling form could manage. I locked it quickly and went into my bathroom, locking the door as well. I needed to call for help.

The first person that came to mind was Donovan. I dialed his number.

He picked on the first ring. "Angel?" His voice was croaky but he cleared his throat.

"Donovan!" I covered my mouth when I realized I wanted to scream for help, then I took two short breaths in. "It seems someone just broke in...oh my god, someone just broke into my place."

"Shit! Where are you baby? Are you safe? What am I saying? You're not safe!"

"I'm safe. I'm currently in my bathroom." I nodded thickly.

"Good. I'm coming there right now!" I heard shuffling of things and a crack at the backyard.

"Wait...hello?"

"Angel?"

My heart fluttered. I'd all but sent him out of here minutes ago and he was already frantic about my safety when I told him my predicament.

"Please be safe." I shut my eyes. What if something happened to him? What if he got attacked or stabbed? I would never forgive myself.

"No, you be safe. I'm coming now. Stay on the phone." He told me strictly. "Don't leave that place."

I nodded but muttered an 'Okay' when I remembered he couldn't see me.

"Where exactly are you?"

"I'm in my room, inside my en suite. I locked the door." I sat on the tiled ground. My legs were still trembling and I simply couldn't bring myself to remain crouched for a second more.

"Good." I heard a door slam outside. Obviously his.

I rolled my eyes despite the situation of things. He still had to bang his door and probably alert the thief / stalker that he was around.

There was shuffling of things on the other side of the phone. Then silence.

I clasped my hands together and prayed he would be okay.

I needed him to be okay and safe.

Then I heard a thud, as if something was breaking.

I released an involuntary yelp.

They had gotten to him, and now they were coming for me.

What would they do to me?

Who were they?

What did they want wit-

"Angel?"

"Do-Donovan?" My eyes flew open.

"I'm here. Open up."

I got up slowly and opened the door. Immediately, he pulled me against his chest. "Thank God you're okay. Fuck, I almost lost it."

I didn't have the strength to pull away, but I managed to look up into his hazel eyes. His breathing was heavy.

"Did you see the person?"

I wanted to ask if he attacked the person. But then I didn't know if he could attack someone. I mean, he was a nerd who basically read all day, so... Anyway, he had defended me without a second thought. My heart fluttered at that.

"Yes. They've arrested him." He pecked my nose as if he just couldn't help it.

"Huh?" That was fast.

Had I been in here for so long? Realization dawned, someone had tried to break in and attack me. They had only succeeded in breaking in, thank goodness.

"Who arrested him?"

He gave me a deadpanned look.

"Oh." I ducked my head in slight embarrassment, flushing when I realized how silly my question was. Of course he could've had a police officer take them away.

I bit my lower lip in worry. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine Angel. Now to get you out of here."

"No. I'm safe here, the thief has been caught."

I tried to pull away but he pulled me closer and smacked his lips against mine once.

"He wasn't a thief, Angel. He came here for something...he had a knife. We'll go to the station tomorrow to give our statement. I told them you're shaken and can't talk to anyone. Pick your phone and let's go over to my place. There are enough spare rooms there."

He cradled my cheeks and I nodded. There was no need to make him worry. Why was he being so loving though?

I didn't know if following him to his house was okay. What if he kissed me? I would really love that right no- stop it!

Was I doing the right thing? For my own safety, I would say yes.

So I picked my phone, double checked to make sure the windows were shut and followed Donovan out.

This would be a long night.

*

Angela is in danger. And the person that wants her is dangerous. Very.

She has three men to protect her. Donovan, Stephano and Eros. Or maybe they're not three?

There's still grandpa Luca, her protective grandfather in-law. If he hears about this stalking thing, he'll wipe out the stalker's whole generation. Lmao.

Thanks for reading. Don't forget the votes and comments. Share with your loved ones ❤❤

Hephzibah.