Against All Odds - Angel's Story: Against All Odds (Destiny Series Book 4) (17 page)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Angel

I must admit I’m confused. One minute we’re screaming at each other, the next he’s kissing me like his life depends on it. And boy what a kiss. My anger dissipates immediately, and is replaced with red hot-desire.

Sliding my hands around his waist, I pull him in even closer. I can already feel his arousal pressed against my lower-stomach, but unlike when I was pinned down by Riley, this doesn’t freak me out one bit, quite the opposite.

He growls into my mouth, thrusting his pelvis against me. This kiss is so wild. I love it. I’ve dreamt about having his lips on me again like this. I love the way he makes me feel. If I was honest with myself, I’d probably admit I’m falling in love with him too, but I’d never say it out loud.

He lets go of my ponytail, cupping my face with his hands, thrusting his tongue into my mouth. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want him right now.

I lift my leg, wrapping it around his waist. I use the heel of my foot to draw him in closer. I need more…I need him. He moans into my mouth, and just when I think this kiss may go where I want it to, Chase pulls back from me.

My eyes search his. I’m confused. Why did he stop? He looks conflicted, so torn. “I can’t do this,” is all he says as he pushes away from me, before walking out of my bedroom. I stand, completely dumbstruck.

What the hell!

My head falls back against the wall behind me as I close my eyes.
How could he walk out on me, again?
Tears threaten, but I fight them back down. Instead, I focus on the incredible hot kiss we just shared.

Something happens between us when we’re together. Surely he feels it too, he has to. I’m not imagining it.

I push myself off the wall, making my way into the bathroom. I’m not even sure if he’s still here, but I refuse to go out and check.

Fuck him.

After turning on the water, I strip off, stepping under the spray. This is the first time since the attack I don’t have the urge to scrub myself raw. It’s probably because I can’t get that damn kiss out of my head.

I’m not sure how to control these feeling I have for him. I’m not sure if I even want to. He told me he can’t go there again. Walking out on me just now proved he’s serious. I guess I need to respect that, even if it’s not what I want.

Picking up the body wash, I squeeze some into my hand. My senses are still heightened from that kiss, making my skin tingle as my hands glide over my body. A small moan escapes me as my hands move over my breasts, sending scorching heat coursing throughout my whole body.

For the first time in my life, I have an inclination to do something I’ve never done before—masturbate. I need to relieve this pent up sexual tension that’s present every time I’m around Chase. Maybe it will help me not want him so much.

Who am I kidding?

••••

Chase

The last thing I wanted to do was walk away from her again, but I had to. I didn’t have a choice. I can’t lose her again. If we took that kiss any further, that’s exactly what would’ve happened.

I had to put some distance between us, and fast, before we both did something stupid. Walking away from her again was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Denying myself something I want more than anything, sucks arse. I
want
her with every fibre of my being. I
want
to claim her, make her mine. But I can’t do it to her. She deserves so much more than I can ever give. So much fucking more.

She probably thinks I’m going to leave her again, but I’m not. Right now she needs me. Needs a friend. So, I’m not going anywhere. I’m just going to have to keep my distance, if either of us is going to survive this ordeal.

I stand at the glass windows at the back of the house, looking out over the ocean. My hands fisted in my hair. Fuck, that kiss! That kiss is going to haunt me for the rest of my days. I know it. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, “
Why can’t I fucking have her?”
My cock aches for her, my heart aches for her,
I
fucking ache for her.

I give myself a few more minutes to calm down and try to pull myself together. When she doesn’t come out of her room I decide to go back in there. I need to see her. I don’t want her to think I’ve left. I couldn’t do that again, even though it would be the smart thing to do right now. I need to apologise for what I just did. She’s probably feeling confused as hell. She’s not the only one. This thing between us is making me bat-shit crazy.

As soon as I step into her bedroom, I hear the shower running. Fucking great. That’s not going to help my aching cock. What I wouldn’t give to be in there with her right now, rubbing soap all over her heavenly body.

As I turn to leave, I hear a noise. It stops me in my tracks. Then I hear it again. Fuck me was that a moan? It fucking was. I remember that sound well. Those sweet noises she made when I brought her undone. It’s a sound I’ll never forget.

My cock is so hard now it hurts. I should kick the door down and ask her what the fuck she’s doing. I shouldn’t be pissed she’s pleasuring herself, but I am. I want to be the only one who gives her pleasure. I had my chance a few minutes ago, but being the dumb fucker I am, I walked away. That’s what I need to do right now.

Walk the fuck away, Daniels. Walk the fuck away.

••••

I’m not sure how long I sit out here, but it’s a while. My mind is so fucked up right now, my head hurts. “Hey,” I hear a small voice say from behind me. I turn my head to find Angel standing there.

“Hey,” I reply, tapping the spot next to me. She gives me a small smile before coming to sit beside me.

“I thought you may have gone home.”

“Nope. I just needed to clear my head.”

“Well you picked the perfect place to do it,” she says. I look over at her. She has her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs, as she stares out at the ocean. Her hair is down and still wet from her shower. Her pretty face is resting on top of her knees. I let out an exasperated breath. She looks so beautiful and smells good enough to fucking eat.

Her cheeks look flushed, and I can’t help but think it’s from what she was doing in the shower. I’m still pissed about that. I want to tell her I forbid her to do it again, because I want to be the only one who gives her pleasure.

I have no right to give her orders. Not when I refuse to give her what she wants, what she needs. That must be the selfish side I get from my mum, rearing its ugly head again.

“I love it out here,” she says, breaking my train of thought.

“I can see why,” I answer turning my head in her direction. “It’s beautiful. Peaceful.”
Not as beautiful as her
. Finally she turns to look at me.

“You know you’re under no obligation to stay here with me. I’d hate to think you feel you have to stay if you don’t want to.”

“If I didn’t want to be here, sweet-cheeks, I wouldn’t be. That simple.” She gives a small smile. “I’m sorry I walked out on you before, it’s just…”

“Don’t Chase, please. Let’s just forget it ever happened, okay?” Yeah right. As if that’s ever going to happen.

“Sure,” is all I say. I guess there’s no point talking about it. Neither of us have the answers to solve this fucked up predicament we’re in.

“Why don’t you come back inside? I’ll get started on dinner while you have a shower.”

Fucking shower. Why did she have to mention the damn shower? I already know I’m not going to sleep tonight, just thinking about her getting herself off in there. It has my cock aching already.

I do need a shower though—an ice fucking cold one.

We manage to get through the rest of the night without incident. What happened isn’t mentioned again.

••••

The next morning I think we both look worse for wear. I hardly slept a wink, and judging by the bags under Angel’s eyes, I’m guessing she didn’t either. I wish I had the answers, but I don’t.

I sit at the breakfast bar drinking my coffee, watching her make us an omelette. I know I shouldn’t sit here pining over her, but I do. I want her so much it hurts. I wish more than anything I was good enough for her, but I’m not. I never will be.

She looks sad this morning, and I can’t help but think it’s because of me. I desperately want to hold her and let her know it’ll all work out in the end, but she’s hands off for me from now on. She’ll find someone who’s worthy of her love, one day. That thought makes me sick to the stomach.

I watch as she reaches over for something on the benchtop, the sleeve of her T-shirt riding up. I see black marks on the top of her arm. They look like bruises. I’m off my stool in a flash, going to her. Eager to check her over.

“What’s that mark on your arm?” I ask. Before she even has a chance to answer, I’m pushing up her sleeve to take a look. “Who left these fucking marks on you?” You can clearly see the outline of fingers.

“It’s nothing,” she says, pulling the sleeve out of my hand and pushing it back down. I haven’t noticed them before today, so I’m guessing they’re from yesterday afternoon.

“Is that from Riley’s old man?” I ask as the anger inside me reaches boiling point.

“I guess,” she shrugs.

“Motherfucker,” I snarl through gritted teeth. I fist my hands in my hair. I swear I’m about to fucking lose it. How dare he come here and hustle her like that? What is wrong with that family?

I walk out of the kitchen and out onto the back deck. I need to calm the hell down. The last thing she needs is to see me fly of the handle. Honestly, I feel like I’m ready to explode.

That cocksucker needs to be taught some manners, just like his son. I pull my phone out of my pocket and call Pops. He may be able to give me some guidance on what to do. Marching down to Police Headquarters and punching the shit out of that prick isn’t going to help. It’s only going to get me locked up.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Angel

I give Chase some time to calm down before I go out to him. The last thing I want is for him to do something stupid that will get him in more trouble.

“Hey,” I say when I walk out onto the deck, sitting down beside him on the top step. “You okay?”

“Me? I should be asking you the same question.” His brow furrows as he looks at me.

“I’m fine, it’s just a bruise.”

“That’s not the fucking point,” he grumbles. “I’m so angry he left a mark on you. How fucking dare he put his hands on you? No wonder you were so upset when I found you yesterday.”

“I’m okay now, honestly. You’re not going to do anything stupid are you?” He ignores my question, standing to his feet and holding his hand out to me.

“Come on. We better get some breakfast into us, otherwise we’ll be late for class.” I take his hand and let him help me up. But I can’t help but think he’s avoiding my question.

“Promise me you won’t do anything crazy. Please, Chase. You can’t mess with people like him without inviting a whole heap of trouble.” When he doesn’t answer, I reach for his hand, giving it a squeeze. “Please,” I beg.

He smiles at me, raising his hand to lightly pinch my cheek. “Okay. If it’ll make you happy, sweet-cheeks. I promise.” I hope he means what he says.

••••

The rest of the day goes by quickly. From the talk at Uni, there’s no change in Riley’s condition. I hate to say it, but I’m relieved. As horrible as it sounds, the longer he stays in a coma the better. I’m extremely worried about what’s going to happen when he wakes.

Chase still refuses to leave my side, which I’m not complaining about. I’m grateful to have him.

Dana calls during the day to check on me. She confesses she’s been worried about me since leaving my house the other night. I hate that, so without going into too much detail, I give her a brief rundown of what happened with Riley, but also assure her I’m okay. That’s not a complete lie. I’m feeling better with every passing day.

I didn’t really want to get her involved, but now she knows something’s up with me, she’s not going to let it be until she knows every last detail.

“I’m going to drop by after work.”

“Okay. You can stay for dinner if you like.”

“Will lover boy be there?”

“Yes, Dana. Please don’t be like that. He’s been wonderful and hasn’t left my side once.”

“I bet he hasn’t,” she mumbles. I choose to ignore her smart remark.

“I’ve got to get to class,” I tell her. “We can talk more tonight.”

“Good, because I need to talk to you about something too. That’s if I get a chance to have you all to myself for five fucking minutes.”

••••

Dana arrives later in the night. She actually smiles at Chase this time, which makes me happy. They both mean a lot to me, so I want them to get on.

While I whip us up something to eat, they sit at the breakfast bar. I can tell she’s still not completely okay with him hanging around, but it’s definitely an improvement on the way she has been acting. I’m sure in time, she’ll get a chance to see just how wonderful he is.

Chase’s phone rings. After retrieving it from his pocket and looking at the screen, he rises from the stool. “Excuse me, ladies,” he says as he makes his way out onto the back deck. It doesn’t go unnoticed that Dana rolls her eyes at him. I can understand why she acts that way towards him, but if I can forgive him, why can’t she?

“Good. I thought he’d never leave us alone,” she angrily whispers.

“Please, Dana. I think it’s sweet.” She rolls her eyes at me this time.

“Look, we don’t have much time. Your shadow will be back any minute.”

“My shadow?” I say as I raise an eyebrow at her.

“Hush up and let me talk. I bought you a present today on my lunch break.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I bought you a B.O.B.”

“A what?”

“Battery operated boyfriend, silly.” I look at her confused. What in the hell is that?

“Seriously, Angel. You don’t know what a B.O.B. is?” She pulls a brown paper bag out of her handbag and passes it to me. When I look inside, it suddenly dawns on me.

“You bought me a vibrator? What the hell!” I screech way too loudly.

“Keep it down will you. I don’t want your bodyguard to hear.”

“He’s not my bodyguard.”

“Whatever,” she says as she flicks her hand dismissing my comment.

“Why would you buy me this?” I whisper angrily.

“Look, us girls have needs. How do you think I’ve survived this long without hooking up with someone for a jiggy-jig? I’ve been there, done that. Casual sex is not my thing anymore. I’m more than happy to wait for my Mr. Right, but in the meantime…” She gestures her hand towards the brown paper bag.

“Ewww. Don’t tell me shit like that,” I snap. My reaction makes her giggle.

“Masturbation is normal, Angel. It’s a part of life. Everyone does it. Fuck, don’t tell me you’ve never tried it?” I feel my face flush and she shakes her head in disgust at my obvious embarrassment. I can’t help but think about what I did in the shower yesterday. “Look,” she says checking over her shoulder, making sure Chase isn’t standing there. “When I was here the other night, I could see the sexual tension building between you and Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick.” I burst out laughing. Where does she come up with these sayings? Oh right, her books.

“Dana,” I half groan looking away from her.

“Shhh, let me finish. You’ve been there and done that too, babe. Look where you ended up. This, my friend,” she says as she reaches over and snatches the bag out of my hand, waving it in my face, “is the answer to all your prayers. When the tension gets too much, get yourself off and you’ll find it easier not to cave. Trust me, it works for me all the time.”

“Okay. TMI. This conversation is over.” She chuckles at my response.

“Fuck, now I know why your parents called you Angel. Get out from under your rock little princess and live a little.” I narrow my eyes at her. Before she has a chance to continue her insults, Chase walks back into the room. Shit. I quickly snatch the brown paper bag off the breakfast bar and shove it into the drawer in front of me. I feel my face burning. Don’t ask me why. Chase couldn’t possibly know what’s in it.

••••

Chase

If I hadn’t just heard most of their conversation, Angel’s panic to try and hide the bag, as well as her beet-red face would’ve given her away. What the fuck is Dana’s problem? There’s no way in hell I’m letting that fucking
thing
get near
my
sweet-cheeks. If she wants to get off then she’ll be getting off by
me
.
My
hand,
my
mouth or
my
cock, not a fucking toy. Using her hand in the shower was bad enough, but a fucking toy is where I draw the line.

Hell fucking no!

“So, did I miss anything?” I ask, trying to remain calm.

“Noooo!” Angel screeches and Dana cracks up laughing. My facial expression remains passive, even though I’m feeling anything but passive on the inside. I’ve got to get my hands on that fucker, somehow.

I sit back down at the breakfast bar, while Angel finishes up dinner. All the time trying to concoct a plan to get hold of that damn vibrator.

“Are you okay?” Angel asks out of the blue.

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re just quiet after your phone call.”

“It was Pops on the phone. He needs me to give him a hand to do something at the garage tomorrow, after class. Will it be alright if we swing round there on our way home?” Her face lights up for some reason.

“Sure. I’d like that. I’d love to meet Pops.” I’m sure that’s his intention as well. He has all the guys at the club at his disposal. I told him this morning when I called I won’t let Angel out of my sight after what happened with Benson’s old man. I’m positive that’s why he wants me to call round. He knows I’ll have to bring her with me. My old man can be fucking cunning.

“Oh, fuck me,” Dana mumbles under her breath at Angel’s response. It’s not loud enough for Angel to hear, but I do. By the sounds of it, she’s hell bent on keeping us apart.

Once dinner is ready, Dana and I help Angel carry everything outside onto the back deck. It’s a nice night so she suggested we eat out here.

The food looks delicious. I don’t know how I’m going to go back to those frozen fucking dinners, once this is all over.

“Oh crap. I forgot to grab the salt and pepper,” Angel says once we’re seated. She goes to stand.

“Sit. I’ll get them,” I offer. Of course I don’t mind getting them, but I do have an ulterior motive for offering.

••••

After Dana leaves, we both shower; separately of course. When I’m done, I make my way into the kitchen, looking for Angel. I find her frantically searching through the drawer where she hid her toy earlier.

“Lost something?” I ask, trying hard not to smile.

“What? No,” she answers as the cute blush washes over her sweet face.

“Really? Kind of looks like you’ve lost something to me.” The look on her face is priceless.

“Ummm…no. It’s getting late, I think I might go to bed,” she says slamming the drawer shut. I know she’s just trying to change the subject.

“I can help you look for whatever it is you’ve lost,” I offer taking a step closer. The sheer panicked look on her face has me struggling to hold my smile back.

“It’s really no bother. I’m sure it’ll turn up.”
Like hell it will.

“So you
are
looking for something,” I state. I know it’s wrong for me to make her sweat like this, but I can’t help myself. “I’ll help you look for it. What have you lost?”

“No,” she screeches, quickly moving her body in front of the drawer to block me. I think I’ve had enough fun with her for now.

“Okay. I’m sure whatever it is, it’ll turn up,” I lie, knowing damn well it won’t. The relief that washes over her face when I take a step back makes me want to laugh.

“Well goodnight,” she says, walking around me and hurrying out of the kitchen.

“Goodnight, sweet-cheeks,” I chuckle.

••••

Angel

When our last class is finished, we head over to Chase’s place. I’m really looking forward to meeting his father. We’re in my car. Chase says he needs to look into getting me a helmet before we can take his bike out again. I like the sound of that. Being on the bike is so much fun.

It’s a good ten-minute drive to his place. He lives on the other side of town. I’m not even nervous about meeting his Pops, just excited. My only hope is that his father likes me.

I will admit I get a few butterflies in my stomach when we pull into his street. I’m still revelling in the fact that he’s brought me here.

His place is nice, nothing like I expected; small, but nice. Well I didn’t really expect anything to be honest. It’s in a nice quiet area, in the outer suburbs of the city. The house is red brick and appears to be well looked after. The lawn is neat and tidy.

He shuts down the engine after pulling into the driveway. I let him drive my car since I didn’t know the directions to his place. He reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze. “Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yes. I’m great,” I reply with a smile. “I’m actually looking forward to meeting your dad.”

“You are?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well don’t be intimidated by his looks. Underneath all those tatts and leather, he’s actually a pretty cool guy. I’m lucky to have him.” I smile at what he says. I can tell how much he loves his dad. It’s nice.