Page 30 of Fallen Angel
“Mr. Calloway, I meant no offense. I was merely admiring this young woman’s beauty.” He offered her his hand. She looked up at Ethan and waited for his approval. His expression looked lethal, but he nodded. She let the Englishman take her hand.
“I am Lord Nicholas Winthrope.” He bent and pressed a kiss to the top of her hand, all the while keeping his gaze locked with hers. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss?”
Angel swallowed. “Sullivan,” she answered nervously. “Angel Sullivan.”
A smile curved his lips as he continued to stare at her. Then he straightened and stepped back. “A pleasure, Angel.”
She smiled, then looked away, not knowing how to respond. Ethan’s newest client made her nervous. Her shoulders inched up around her ears, but then she felt Ethan’s hand tighten around her waist. Instantly, her apprehension dissolved. She straightened, standing tall. Ethan would always protect her.
“I think we’re done here, Nick,” Ethan said. “You’ve seen the design basics.”
Angel watched Lord Winthrope smile at Ethan. “I cannot begin to express my delight. You have a rare talent,” he said, offering Ethan his hand.
Angel relaxed when she saw the level of respect the Englishman showed Ethan.
“We’ll talk next week,” Ethan said to his client. Then he turned to Lucky. “Enjoy the donuts. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Ethan led her out to the parking lot. “Are you okay?” he asked as he helped her slide on her helmet.
“He frazzled me,” she confessed. “He was just a little intense, but I’m fine now. I could tell he appreciated your work, which is what really matters.”
“You are what really matters,” he said, firmly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She smiled and put on her sunglasses. “Never better.”
He squeezed her hand, then put up the kick stand. “Hold on tight.”
“Gladly,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
She loved riding on the back of Ethan’s motorcycle, her body flush against his, her head, helmet and all, resting on his strong back while he skillfully wove through the cars to bypass the city traffic. It was a beautiful time of year with the heat of summer behind them and the cold of winter not yet on the horizon.
They pulled onto Beacon Street and, together, made their way up the granite steps. She squeezed his hand tighter, savoring the security of his strength. His capable presence at her side allowed her to walk more confidently through life. She was no longer afraid of what might await her around the corner.
Standing outside his door, he bent his head and whispered in her ear. “Close your eyes.”
Trusting him fully, she smiled, closed her eyes, and allowed him to lead her through his home. When he stopped, she inhaled deeply. Her favorite scents of lilac and vanilla reached her nose.
“Open your eyes.”
She gasped, her hands covering her mouth. His massive, round soaking tub glistened with bubbles. Candlelight illuminated the room with a soft, sensual glow. Steamy warmth enveloped her, and her body started to melt just at the sight of the frothy suds. “How did you do this?”
He shrugged. “When you called to let me know that you were going to have a break, I made a few calls of my own to surprise you.” He drew closer, his eyes narrowing on her with wicked intent. “Stand still,” he said softly.
She did as he asked and stood unmoving, her arms hanging at her sides. He circled around her, his arm sliding across her waist and stomach. Then he stopped behind her and covered her eyes with a soft strip of fabric. Her heart raced as he secured it in place with a knot. The air was thick, the bath scent now stronger. She licked her lips, nervously waiting for what would come next.
“Lift your arms,” he said.
She raised her arms up over her head. Standing behind her, he slowly eased her shirt up, dragging his fingertips up her torso before he swept it off.
His tongue and full lips grazed her shoulders, sweeping down her back, sending shivers shooting through her. She groaned and leaned into him.
“I told you not to move.”
She froze, her hands at her sides, her heart racing faster still.
Several moments passed while she waited for him to touch her. Her body tingled in anticipation.
He gripped her hips, causing her to gasp with surprise. He pulled her against him. She could feel his hard length through her jeans. Then he undid her button and zipper and eased her jeans and panties down.
