Free Promises After Dark (After Dark #3) by Kahlen Aymes Page A

anger.
    “You’re very sweet to worry about me, but I’m perfectly safe. Can we compromise?”
    “Why does everything have to be a fucking negotiation?” He grunted and lifted the pizza to his mouth. It was soggy and floppy. After one bite he grimaced and he threw it back on the plate.
    “You aren’t the one under constant supervision! How about this? We go to the gym and I’ll show you I can take care of myself! I’ve been working on self-defense and fighting with Becs. If I kick your ass, you let me have some freedom. Deal?”
    “Even if you can kick the shit out of someone one-on-one, it might be a group of them. Have you forgotten the last time?”
    “No. I got away from two of them,” Angel pointed out. “So compromise?”
    “Sure. When I’m not with you, Cole or one of the others is with you at all times. End of compromise.”
    Angel cocked her head, an exasperated expression flashing on her features. “Ugh! You’re impossible. Okay, how about this? I’ll stay with you at the estate if you lighten up a little.”
    “Angel. Enough. I want you to stay with me at the estate but not enough to take risks with you. You’ll stay with me because we can’t be away from each other, and that’s it.”
    Angel huffed and pulled her hand off of his leg, but he moved quickly and grabbed it in his.
    “Are you going to dispute it? It’s a fact.”
    “No. It’s just—”
    His fingers threaded through hers, and his eyes softened. “It’s just the way it is. Besides, Max misses you, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to fucking breathe.”
    Her breath left, and she understood his frustration. He loved her. And, she loved him more than she loved total independence.
    Alex continued as Angel paused. “I have to go out of town, and I know you won’t go with me, so I want you at the house. I may even have Cole stay there with you.”
    “Even with the new security system?”
    “Yes. Why take risks?”
    “At some point, we have to have a normal life.”
    “I agree. But it’s too soon. That bastard is out there.”
    “Cole mentioned you’re having Swanson tailed, too.”
    “I am. So?”
    “So, in that case, I’ll ask Becca to stay with me. It would give me some time with Jillian, and she’d love Max.”
    “She can stay, but I still want Cole there. The house is big enough. He won’t bother you.”
    “He doesn’t bother me. In fact, he should get to know Becca. Don’t you think?”
    “I don’t know. He’s more responsible, but she has the baby, and I wouldn’t want her to get involved with him until I’m certain he wouldn’t fuck her over. Jillian doesn’t need to get attached to someone who won’t stick around for the long haul. She already has one loser dad.”
    “Bean will be okay. If not, I’ll kick Cole’s ass.” His thumb started rubbing the top of her hand and he was joking around. She knew he wasn’t angry any longer. He was so good. Her heart swelled with love for him. She could deal with his controlling, over-bearing ways. She knew it was only because he cared. He was so concerned for her, and for those she loved.
    “Okay.” One thing was certain. Alexander Avery would make one stellar dad to some lucky kid someday. The knowledge flowed over Angel like a warm blanket of honey.
    His hand was still laced with hers, and he used his other to touch her chin and nudge it up. “Okay,” he repeated her words then settled his mouth on hers for a warm, gentle kiss. He lifted his head then kissed her once more before pulling back. “My mother and father invited us out to dinner on Friday night. Will you come with me?”
    “Will Ally and Cole be there?” Angel had to ask. Obviously, Cole and Ally knew the two of them were dating, so she assumed his parents would be curious.
    “No. It’s just us.” He didn’t elaborate, but he wanted her to meet his parents, and it was important they have an opportunity to talk to her and get to know her. He knew they’d love her as much as he