Free Out of the Dark (Forbidden Love) by DANIELLE JAMES Page A

wrath.
         Dinner went without incident, and soon it was time to get to work.  Angel retreated to his office when Ricco knocked.  “Sir, I am sorry to disturb you, but there is someone here to see Miss Hunt.”
         “Who is it?”
         “He claims to be a friend of hers.  Says his name is Brandon.  What shall I tell him?”
         “You should ask Brea if she wishes to see him.  If she does, show him into the main hall.  I will be along shortly.”
         “Right away, Sir.”  He spun on his heel and left to find Brea.  Angel knew this was the other server from the restaurant.  The one Brea lived with.  After finishing his paperwork, Angel headed for the main hall to join the guest.
         He stopped just out of sight.  The sound of exuberant laughter floated through the hall and hung in the air.  Brea had the most beautiful laugh.  It was like wind chimes in the spring.  He could spend an eternity listening to her chiming laughter.  He would spend eternity learning to make her laugh.
         “Knock it off Brandon!” Brea squealed.  “I’m supposed to be working.”
         “And just what are you working on?  Angel?” the man’s voice said.  It was quite gentle for a man’s voice, the pitch slightly higher than most.  Angel snuck closer so that he could watch from the door.  Brea was sitting very close to the guest.  He was tall, disheveled blonde hair, earrings, and he wore eyeliner.  How odd.  But then Angel remembered something Brea had told him about her friend.  It made perfect sense.  Brandon reached over and laid his hand on Brea’s shoulder.  Angel bit back a growl.  He had no right to be jealous, he reminded himself.  This was her friend.  He could touch her if she wanted.
         “So, what are you doing here?” he asked.
         “I am planning a big party for the local vamps.  And we are making a surprise out of it.”  Angel’s ears perked up.
         “What kind of surprise?”
         “Well, it’s Angel’s birthday soon, and we thought we might throw him a surprise party.”  Ugh.  Angel hated birthdays.  Now he had to pretend not to know about it.  Maybe he could discreetly shut down the idea without offending her.
          “Wicked!  Can I come?  Please, I won’t embarrass you, I won’t!  Please pleasepleasepleaseplease!”
         “I will have to ask, I don’t even know if I am attending.  That part hasn’t been discussed yet.  But if I can manage, I will get you and Keelie in here.”
         “Cool.  So, have you kissed him?”
        “That is none of your business.” Brea snapped.
         “I’ll take that as a yes.  Tell me all about it, I want details!  And don’t leave anything out, I mean it!”  Angel eavesdropped from behind the door frame.  He couldn’t stop the smile forming on his lips.  How much would Brea tell him?  What did she think of him?
         “He has the most amazing lips,” she said, lowering her voice, as if it would help in a house full of vampires.  A He kisses like a God.  I think I almost let him, well you know.”
         “No!” Brandon gasped, clutching his chest.  “You didn’t let that man steal your virtue?”
         “Of course not!  But...”
         “You didn’t!”
         “Well, I couldn’t just get him all worked up and leave him.  So I made sure he was happy.”
         “Tell me all about it.”
         “You are pushing your luck.  I’m not giving you any more details, you slut.”
          “Me?  You get a first- hand account of Angel Knight and all his deliciousness, and you won’t even share meager details with your best friend?  I am offended.  Hussy.”
         “Slut.”
         “You say that like it’s an insult,” he laughed.  The two laughed together like old friends should.  Angel was happy to hear she enjoyed his attention.  But something bothered him.  Her