Page 92 of The Wildcard

“That’s quite alright.” She said, tilting her head to gaze at him as she patted his hand. Angel ran a ruffled hand through his hair as she continued, “Your father needed me. That’s the only reason why I’m here. I am not looking to impose at all.”

That shred of guilt ripped his heart open as he gulped and turned to face her, his eyes pleading, “That’s not what I meant–” he started and paused at the knowing gleam in her smile,

“Notentirely.I just thought you wouldn’t be safe here.”

“Oh nonsense,” Miranda laughed and slapped his hand lightly, “Martin’s got enough people out here to protect me. And I pose no threathere.”

Angel pressed his lips together. It was always so heart-breakingly annoying to see a great woman like Miranda have such unwavering trust in Martin De Santos. Angel’d had this conversation with her multiple times, urging her to leave this god-forsaken family and take Mia with her. To not get involved with a man like Martin. But Miranda had always smiled back at him, ruffled his hair, and said gently,

“Everything happens for a reason Angel.” A breath of silence and a calm smile, “And my reason is love.”

He averted his gaze now, trying not to start the same conversation with him as Miranda continued, her voice light and happy, “And this is a good way for me to expand my business.”

That made him laugh lightly and turn back to look at her, “Your business? Here?” he teased, and Miranda’s smile widened, her dress crinkling as she nudged him and huffed in mock annoyance,

“What? I think the people here could use some flowers to lighten their lives.” She said. Even Mia joined Angel’s light laughs at her words. He shook his head and looked over Miranda’s shoulder in Mia’s direction,

“Flowers.” He said and she nodded, forcing her expression to seriousness even as a smile broke free of her lips.

“Flowers.”

And they both erupted into laughter again.

Miranda clicked her tongue in annoyance, turning away from both of them as she crossed her arms,

“Just you see. People here are going toloveflowers.”

Angel was about to respond when a loud buzzing sound filled the room. His eyes snapped to Mia’s, both their laughter sobering as Mia fished out her phone from her pocket. She still had a smile on her face as she saw the caller ID and said softly,

“I have to take this.” She said and Angel nodded briskly, turning to Miranda with a smile as they heard Mia pick up the phone.

“Hello?” she said, turning away from them.

“So, Angel–”

“Wait,wait. Slow down.”Mia’s voice crashed through their conversation. The smile on Angel’s face dropped when he saw the redhead’s brows furrow as she turned to face him. He got up from the couch slowly, ignoring the confused looks Miranda shot both of them as he crossed the room.

“What are yousaying?”Mia started but was cut off by a voice from the other end. Angel’s frown deepened as she shook her head vigorously, “But how’s that possible…god, where is this?”

“How is this possible?” she snapped furiously. A chill ran down Angel’s back as Mia froze in her spot, her eyes going wide and wider as the voice continued speaking. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure Miranda being here was a good idea. He wasn’t sure ifanyof this was a good idea.

“Oh my god,” Mia breathed out, her hands shaking as she lifted her chin, “Are you sure? Do you have all of this confirmed?”

Angel heard the tremor in her voice, the insistent tapping of her feet as she bit on her nails. His impatience grew, his entire body shaking with pressure as he urged her to look back at him. To saysomething.

“Who knows?” she whispered, and her eyes widened at the response,

“What are they doing about it? Where are they?”

Angel grit his teeth, and Mia, noticing his growing annoyance turned to face him with a grim look in her eyes. She shook her head,wait. This is bad,she seemed to say, and Angel let out a harsh breath.

Without thinking he removed his phone out of his pocket and dialed the number of the first person he thought of. Mia saw him move, her eyes following his movement as he pressed his phone to his ear.

He picked up the phone within two rings.

“What thefuckis going on?” he snarled and heard Kyle’s harsh exhale. His scowl only deepened as the other boy remained silent for an entire second. And then he heard it. The faintest of all sounds.

“Kyle.” Angel said lowering his voice, “Why am Ihearing fucking sirens? Where the hell are you?”

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