Page 65 of Angel

He shuts off his bike, waiting for me to get off first, and I do. I don’t have words. I can’t find any. I think he smiled. Did Venom smile? God, it’s so beautiful when he does. His dimples, the way his eyes light up, I want more of it.

“You took me to Disney World?” I didn’t think the words would make it out of my mouth.

“You said you’ve never been here, and I, uh, wanted you to get to see the happiest place on Earth.” He holds out his hand for me to take, but all I can do is study it.

Like a bee to pollen. A mouse to a trap. I place my palm in his, and we walk into Magic Kingdom together, taking a step back into our past. Our childhood. A childhood neither of us got to experience, but one we get to relive now. Together.

Families surround us, and some parents give us odd and judgmental looks because of our club leathers. But I don’t care at this moment. My heart is so filled with joy it’s overwhelming, and nothing can spoil it.

How can someone be doing this to me? Making me feel like this. I’m under his spell. I should be taking in all the unseen sights, but I’m too captivated by the man holding my hand and walking me in, and I’m only mesmerized by him.

He’s going to be the one to save me, isn’t he?

Venom

I’m just as stunned as we walk in, hand in fucking hand, like we’re a real couple. Couples hold hands. I don’t. This doesn’t ever happen with me. But with her, I want to hold her hand and never let go. She makes me want to do shit I never would before. I don’t do nice things like this. But… I did it for her. I would do anything for her. I would slay her worst demons. Take down any enemy if it meant she would be safe. If it meant she would be happy.

I slowly detach my hand from her soft palm, and her mouth drops in admiration as she beams up at the castle. For the first time, I see a genuine smile take over her face, and I never want to look away. I don’t pay attention to anyone. Nothing else. It’s all on her.

My complete focus is on her.

I’m hypnotized. By her laugh. Her smile. She laughs so deeply from within her soul, and it sends electricity running through me. This badass woman, member of a biker club, is so stunning right now. And she has no idea.

“The pictures don’t do it justice. Wow.”

“Wanna get a closer look?” I ask her.

She stares at me, eyes wide. “Yes!”

“Then, let’s go. Lead the way.” Her smile grows even bigger, and my heart just shattered into a million fucking pieces. I follow her as she practically skips down the path under the castle. She spins around in circles, laughing, arms out. Her hair twirls around her, creating magic.

“This is amazing!” she shouts, and people look over. Some stare, and I threaten them with a menacing glare. No one will ruin her joy right now. I won’t let them.

I return her smile, a smile I want to wear for her. For myself. It’s unfamiliar. But it feels good. It’s been so long since I’ve felt like this—sincerely happy in a moment. Being here with her. Sure, I’ve never been here either, but I don’t even give a fuck if I miss everything. As long as I can witness her face light up like a thousand dreams, nothing else matters.

“I want to buy Mickey ears.” She hooks her arm in mine, intertwining them together, and I can’t hide the way it makes me feel. Her touch is weakening, but enlivens me.

The chains from our boots clank as we stalk off toward the stand. She pays the gift shop teller and slides on her plastic ears. And fuck me, if she isn’t the most adorable person right now.

She chuckles. “Awesome, right?” She cocks her hip to the side and points up to her ears. “Take a picture of me.”

I pull out my cell and snap a picture of the gorgeous, carefree woman in front of me. “Got it.” I clear my throat. Jesus, who am I?

“Thanks.” She winks and sets off for her next destination, with me trailing behind her. I will follow her to the ends of the earth, wherever she wants to go.

One Mickey-shaped pretzel, a milkshake, and a corn dog later, and Angel leans back on the park bench. “I am so damn full right now. Ugh.”

“You did just eat the whole Magic Kingdom.” She jabs my arm. “Damn, you can pack a punch,” I say, rubbing the spot.

“And don’t you ever forget it.” She laughs, the sound warming my black heart.

A Disney cast member walks by, waving, and stops a couple of feet away to hug the kids who ran over to her. Angel grabs my arm, shaking it. “Look. It’s Cinderella!” She squeals in her seat, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Aren’t you gonna go over there and say hi,” I lean in and whisper.

“Oh my God. Should I? Okay, I’m going. She’s so beautiful,” Angel blurts out as she jogs over to her.

“Yes, she is.” But I don’t mean Cinderella.

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