Free Severed Angel by K. T. Fisher, Ava Manello Page B

you go.
    While I'm sitting nursing my guilt I see Mutt appear. He probably stayed out of the way earlier with it being so busy. Mutt is the club 's dog. They kind of adopted him, well the old ladies did. They'd spotted him outside eating some scraps after a barbecue a few months ago and started to leave food out for him. He's been here ever since. He's kind of scraggy looking, his fur's a dirty gold color, but he's sweet and wouldn't hurt a fly, as long as you don't put him in danger or hurt someone he cares about I guess. Kind of like the members of the club, some of them are scraggy looking, some scary looking, while others are sexy as hell.
    I absentmindedly stroke Mutt's fur, swigging from the bottle, wincing as the vodka hits my throat. This is all my fucking fault. Everyone thinks so, I can tell by the way they look at me. Even Teresa thinks this is all down to me and I totally agree. It's my fault her dad was killed. Sue's right, if I hadn't come here he would still be alive. I feel home sick and I desperately want to see my baby girl. The tears are falling freely and I don't bother to stop them. Mutt whines at my feet, I fuss him a little more to let him know I'm fine but it's a lie. I can't do this anymore. I don't belong here. I should go. Satan won't bother me at home will he?
    "You shouldn't be drinking by yourself." I jump at his voice. I slowly look up, seeing Angel frowning down at me. He takes the bottle from my hand, shaking his head. "Especially not Vodka."
    "So what? Nobody gives a fuck."
    Angel sits down next to me. "Why do you say that Princess?"
    "Because it's true." My voice is slightly slurred, I really hope he doesn't notice. "Everyone here wants me gone."
    "They don't." He really does sound genuine.
    I laugh a little. "Of course they do. Even my best friend doesn't want me here anymore and I can't blame her." I take a deep breath to gather myself. "It's all my fault, Angel. He's dead because of me."
    I break down into a sobbing mess. Angel reaches over and holds me while I fall apart, bless him. His body is a little stiff, I can sense his awkwardness. I bet he's never had a girl break down in front of him before. The tears continue to come, but I feel better as he holds me. This is what I needed. I just needed somebody to hold me while I cried. I needed someone to talk to, to comfort me.
    When I have calmed down I back away a little, smiling at him as I wipe my face with the back of my hand. "Sorry."
    "No it's fine, I always have women crying on me."
    I laugh. "Yeah, I bet." He shrugs his shoulders. "I just want to go home."
    His face becomes deadly serious. "You can't do that."
    "Why not? I don't belong here."
    "Who says?"
    "I can see it on everyone's faces, they don't want me here."
    "They're grieving. They'll get over it. None of this is your fault."
    "Yeah well, maybe I'll look at swapping my flight tomorrow. I don't think Teresa even wants me at her wedding anymore."
    "It's not safe for you yet." I don't bother answering. "If you go home you'll put your daughter in danger."
    I stare at him wide eyed. "What?" I'd never even considered that.
    "He's a monster, he won't think twice about it. You have to stay here to keep both of you safe."
    I don't hesitate to agree. If staying here keeps Elizabeth safe I have no other choice. No way will I put my baby girl in danger.
    I grab the bottle back, taking a big gulp. I don't know how I'm going to get through all this. Angel takes the bottle from me, taking a large shot himself. He doesn't even wince at the burn. He takes it like the man he is, then takes a second. Not moving his eyes away from me. "Can't let you drink by yourself." Fuck, he has the hottest blue eyes.
    I smile. "You don't have to."
    He moves in a little closer. "I want to."
    Ok, the temperature just rose. Angel's looking at me like he wants to devour me. I wouldn't say no if he asked me right now.
    Angel asks me about my memories of Elvis. I share some funny ones and happy ones from growing