My Demons (The Angel Trilogy #2)

by Kimberly Blalock

  No, I’m not!

  “You lucky that there’re two surgeons in the other room.”

  “No, I’m good. Do you have gauze or something?”

  She straightens, this time holding both hips. Her mouth opens and I think she’s going to say something, but then just shakes her head. “Scared of the doctor, huh?” She laughs again pulling something out of the cabinet. “This should do the trick, but… you do need stitches. Here,” she scolds, holding my hand over the sink again as she starts pouring peroxide over my palm. “Damn it!” That shit hurts.

  Looking at my palm she leans over shaking her head again and reaches for the gauze. “What are you intentions with Abigale?” She begins wrapping my hand.

  “My intentions?” I squint my eyes.

  “Yes, your intentions,” she mocks looking up over the rims of her glasses.

  “First thing, I want her to remember that she loves me, and second, I’m going to love her for the rest of my life.”

  “Oh dear, you don’t know?” She laughs again.

  Oh shit, what don’t I know?

  “Honey, that girl already knows she loves you she just hasn’t admitted it to herself yet.”

  “What?” I’m totally on the edge of my seat with this info. Why don’t I know this? I do know this, I think.

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “I’ve known Abby since she was born and I’ve never seen her look at any boy the way that she looks at you,” she says taking a deep breath. “I can see her soul waking up at just the mention of your name and I want to thank you for that.” I see a tear fall from her gray eye.

  I don’t say anything and silence fills the room, but hope fills my soul and I’m at the edge of everything when that happens.

  Yes! There is hope, after all…

  Chapter Twelve

  Abby

  I turn toward Evan and he isn’t there. Where did he go? I wonder. “Hmmm.”

  “Abby, how are you feeling?” Hollister enters through the door as we stand in our usual places during a guest’s arrival. “You look beautiful,” he says kissing me on the cheek when I don’t respond.

  Dom clears his throat from the other side of the foyer.

  “Yeah ok, you said hi, let’s go doll.” Amy snatches my hand separating the two of us. “What the fuck?” she hisses under her breath.

  “Where did Evan go?” I whisper as we walk to the living room.

  “Abby dear, you didn’t meet Holster’s guest,” my mom’s voice echoes.

  “What?” Amy asks surprised.

  I shrug, turning to see what’s going on.

  I’m blown away by what I see standing in the entryway.

  The woman standing before us is at least five nine, long curly auburn hair, beautiful tan, blinding white smile, and the biggest, but perkiest breast I think I’ve ever seen. Her curves are out of control and the ridiculous off the shoulder red dress that she’s wearing says she intends to share every bit with anyone willing to look her way.

  I have to admit that I feel very unattractive and very mundane in her presence. I wrap my arms around my not so perfect body in hopes that no one will notice me.

  I imagine a red, shiny brand new Porsche compared to the dull Honda that I am.

  “Abby, Amy, this is Eva,” my mom announces.

  “Hello, it’s so nice to meet you,” she says in our direction probably not knowing who’s who.

  “Fake as hell,” Amy whispers as she turns, not even acknowledging Eva.

  I nod my head feeling very miniscule in her presence, turning when Amy grabs my hand pulling me along with her.

  “We need a damn drink before Barbie makes me want to rip her weave out of her head.” She huffs rolling her eyes.

  “Amy,” I laugh too. “That’s awful.” I try sounding serious because I am, but that was so funny.

  “You don’t think her hair is real?” It looks real to me.

  She turns giving me a ‘you’re-a-dumb-ass’ look.

  “What? It looks real.”

  “Sue?” my mom calls behind us. “Where is she?” she mumbles to herself.

  Dom grabs Amy from behind pulling her to his chest. I watch quietly. They are so in love and I have to admit I’m a bit jealous that I don’t have that right now. Who wouldn’t want that? I mean I don’t need it, but it would be nice.

  I imagine Evan reaching from behind me pulling me into his amazingly decadent chest wrapping his arms around me. The smell alone would have me wrapped in every possible sin a girl could hope to commit in her life.

  I want him. I know I want him. What do I do or say though? Marco hasn’t been around and I know what everyone’s told me about him and I know I can trust what they say, but I still have feelings for him I can’t just turn them off no matter what everyone seems to think.

  “Wine?” Amy offers.

  “Please, thank you.” I sigh

  “Oh doll, what’s wrong? Did her big boobies knock you in the head?” she asks with pouty fish lips and then cups her hand to her mouth breaking out into laughter.

  “Oh good, they’re here,” my mom hums.

  “Oh God, who now?” Amy rolls her eyes.

  “Hey, sorry.” Evan approaches.

  I take a deep breath because damn! My heart skips so many beats when this man enters a room.

  I get excited and grab my belly grounding the butterflies that’re taking over.

  The corners of his lips lift and I wonder if he has any idea what it feels like. I wonder if he’s ever felt like this around me.

  Nah, I seriously doubt it.

  And once he gets a look at the ‘supreme being’ Hollister’s brought, he’ll forget all about me that’s for sure.

  “What did I miss?” he asks, standing so close I can feel the heat from his body.

  “Oh, thank God you’re back because I can’t stand it.” Amy laughs nodding in the direction of Hollister and his perfect girl.

  “Yes, I’m so glad.” My mom laughs. “Everyone, this is Dr. Walter Daily and his wife, Layla. Abby, you remember Dr. Daily from the hospital?”

  “Please, Walter.” He extends his hand.

  Dr. Daily is a very distinguished man in his maybe mid-fifties. He’s very youthful in appearance and was very kind to me during my stay in hospital.

  “Hello Abby, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” Layla is a bit younger than her husband. She reminds me of my mother with similarities in the conservative nature they dress and the neat way her blonde hair hangs around her shoulders.

  Yes, it’s great to see you again Dr. Daily, and it’s lovely to meet you Layla. I reach my hand to his and then Layla’s as my mom continues with introductions.

  Hollister, Walter, and my dad come together quickly as the doctor says something about a drink.

  “Hi there,” Layla says taking Evan’s hand.

  “Hello, I’m Evan. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  “Mhmmm.” She smiles, turning her eyes to me and winks.

  “All right let’s take this into the dining room,” my father’s voice breaks through the chatter erupting throughout the large room.

  Evan’s large hand finds the small of my back gripping tightly. And I like it. I feel a tingle travel down my spine finding that much-neglected place between my legs.

  I suck in a large gulp of air, trying to manage the overwhelming and out of control feelings I’m having.

  Evan’s mouth finds my ear. “You look absolutely amazing Abby and you smell even better.”

  His hot breath finds my skin and his breath on that area of my neck makes me want to jump out of my skin.

  I hope I can extinguish this or I’m in big trouble.

  “I’m so glad your back,” Amy says and I see that her wine glass is already empty.

  “Oh really?” He laughs.

  “Hey, what happened?” Amy asks pointing to Evan’s hand.

  I move my eyes in that direction seeing his right hand wrapped in gauze.

  His eyes fa
ll as he holds out his hand and then puts it back down behind his back.

  “Are you ok? What happened?” I ask.

  “Nothing just a little cut. My glass had a crack in it and it shattered in my hand.” He shrugs.

  “Do you want my mom or dad to look at it?” I reach for his hand pulling it into mine.

  “Abby.” My name drips from his lips and I can’t move because the look in his eyes is pulling me in.

  “Huh?” I ask, never having seen eyes that pierce me as warmly as his do.

  He continues staring not answering my question.

  “There’s nothing to see here, out you go,” Amy says, herding everyone out of the room.

  His eyes never leave mine through the movement of the crowd and I feel like my head’s spinning.

  “Touch me.”

  “What?” He smiles.

  “Huh?” I shake my head realizing I just said that out loud as I’m attempting to come back to reality, but then he smiles and his dimple destruction sucks me into a never-ending free fall.

  His body flows in crippling waves toward me. His hands finding my face as he does.

  Oh my God! Oh my God!

  “You told me to touch you.” The smile is gone and now he has the most breathtakingly gorgeous, but serious as hell look on his face. It’s alluring.

  I suck in another deep breath.

  “Do you want me to touch you, Abby?” He moves in closer.

  “Umm,” I can’t quite get the words that I need out of my mouth.

  I look around to see that we’re the only ones in the room. Turning my focus to Evan and his tantalizing eyes suck me in again.

  “Do you want me to touch you?” He comes even closer.

  My mouth falls open slightly wanting to answer, but I’m left breathless and without words.

  “Do you want me to kiss you? Because I want to press my lips to yours, Abby. I want to taste you.”

  Holy hell! Please do.

  “I’ve been waiting for such a long time for this.” He angles my head as he falls to my mouth.

  His lips take mine for everything they have to give. His tongue moves slowly and wraps around every hope that I’ve ever had.

  Adrenaline moves across my skin in heated waves taking me to another plane.

  He releases his deep hold with his nose touching mine. “I’ll be here anytime you want me to do that again, angel.” His lips find mine again only this time he grips my bottom lip with his teeth.

  He pulls away and I know that I want more. And I want it now, but there’s a full house tonight and this isn’t time or the place.

  He grips my shoulders bringing me into his chest, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and his smell engulfs and envelopes me. He hugs me tight like he’s trying to keep me from disappearing from his grasp.

  I release my hands from my chest to wrap them around him, hearing a slight moan escape as my arms make the contact with his body. He’s so much larger than my tiny body, my arms barely wrap around his sides.

  He breaks his hold. “I’m gonna need just a few minutes. I’ll be in shortly, ok?” He looks very much in distress and I want to laugh as he nonchalantly tries to adjust himself. “Oh God, I’m sorry.” He laughs realizing he’s been caught.

  “No, don’t be, I think it’s kinda hot.” Oh shit did I say that out loud?

  “You do?” he asks with what can only be described as a shocked tone.

  “Yeah…” I trace my fingers along the table I’m standing next to. “I do. You make me feel the same way,” I admit.

  He stands erect. “I do?” The most carnal look I’ve ever seen comes across his face, and for a few seconds I actually think he’s going to attack and throw me to the floor and I think at this moment that I’d actually let him.

  “Mhmmm.” I smile. “You do that to me a lot, actually.”

  “I do?” His mouth falls open.

  Inner sexy girl’s cheering from the rooftops that I actually admitted this to not only him, but myself as well.

  Why not admit it? It’s what I want, and I know better than anyone your life can be taken away in a second, so why not live it for what it’s worth every second that you can.

  “Yes,” I barely whisper.

  “Are you two going to join us?” My mom breaks the sizzling connection my eyes are having with Evan’s.

  I sigh looking at her.

  “Yes, we’re coming,” I turn my eyes back to his running my tongue across my bottom lip. I catch Evan’s body jerk in response, and I smile.

  “Do you think you can hurry, dinner’s being served Abigale?”

  “I’m sorry Alison, I just wanted to chat with Abby for a second.”

  “It’s been like thirty minutes,” she scolds turning to leave us alone.

  We both laugh…

  Chapter Thirteen

  Abby

  “Well, well,” Amy hums as Evan pulls my chair out for me.

  The table is filled with my dad at the head, at the opposite side, my mother to his left then Dom, Amy, me, Evan, Eva, Hollister, Layla, Walter, and back to my dad.

  I want to roll my eyes when Amy nods in her direction. Ava smiles to Evan as he sits in his chair. For a few seconds, I want to rip her weave out.

  Geez Abby, jealous much? Get a grip.

  “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Ava,” she whispers into Evans space and my face heats.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Evan.” He nods.

  “Are you two together?” the words leaving Ava’s mouth in a seductive tone. What is she asking that for? Evan and I look at each other and smile.

  “Are you kidding me?” I hear Amy ask with a pissed off edge to her voice. “Umm, Barbie… I mean, Ava. Tell me what is it you do for a living?” Amy smiles, but only I know how fake it is. I think she’s had a few too many already and dinner hasn’t even officially started yet.

  I pull the napkin from the table and lay it across my lap as Sue arrives with a pitcher of water. Her hand lands on my shoulder and she gives me a gentle tap before walking away.

  “I see no one but you, Abby,” Evan leans into me whispering into my ear. Parts of my body wake for the first time at hearing those words.

  When I shift my head in Evan’s direction our noses almost touch. Dimple destruction is out to play with my heart. He’s setting me on fire and any clear thought I had has totally gone.

  “Only you, Abby,” he reiterates, then sits up in his chair leaving me in a puddle of Evan perfection.

  Holy shit what am I going to do?

  I pretend that I’m not tied up in the erotic thoughts that are trickling through my mind.

  His touch…

  His kiss…

  “Doll?”

  “Huh?”

  “Ava’s gonna to tell us all about herself.” She winks. “So, please continue…” She holds her glass up gesturing for Ava to speak. Wow! This girl might need to start drinking water.

  “I’m a model,” she answers.

  “Oh wow, you’re a model? Like Penthouse?” Amy asks sarcastically and I wonder why she’s getting her panties in a wad.

  “Mhmmm, I’ve also actually been on ‘Page Six.’ Abby don’t you write for that magazine? I’ve read your articles.”

  I nod. I know I did and I’d like to get my hands on those articles.

  “Do you like that? Writing I mean.” She’s smiling.

  “I… I love to write, but I don’t write for ‘Page Six’ at the moment.”

  Please drop it. Please drop it.

  Everyone’s staring at me and sweat is beginning to bead on my forehead.

  “Wait! That’s right you’re Dominic Casta? Yeah, I’ve seen a ton of your stuff.” She bounces in her seat.

  “Yea,” Dom leans into the table. “Who’s your manager?”

  “Levon Clayton, she swears she’s going to get me to New York.” Her words are perky.

  “If she says it then she means it. She is one of the best.” Dom smiles and I think that Amy might a
ctually break her glass over his head.

  My parents catch Amy’s anger brewing and I can see the wheels spinning in my mom’s eyes. “Amy?” She shakes her head.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  My parents are the only people on this earth that can keep Amy’s temper in check. Anyone else can pretty much forget it. Poor Dom, he hasn’t got a chance.

  Dinner’s served and I catch myself watching Evan’s every move, but I don’t want to. I know what he does to me and I don’t like it. I mean I do like it, but I don’t because I don’t feel in control. I need some sort of control, I need to know where it is my heart’s leading me and at this point I feel like I’m being dragged around by my hair to places I don’t even see coming.

  I notice Amy isn’t eating and I think Dom notices it too. Thank God. I think I need to have this conversation with my mom.

  The thing is though, that will cause a shift in mine and Amy’s relationship and I don’t want that. But I don’t want her sick either.

  I’m tossing my asparagus around my plate thinking of ways I can leave my mom subtle hints.

  I feel Evan’s hand gently smooth across my thigh and I raise my head catching Hollister staring at me. He winks.

  Amy nonchalantly sends a text when Evan’s phone vibrates.

  I see him look up at Amy and Dom. Dom shrugs his shoulders while sipping his water.

  What is going on, and why am I always the last one to find out?

  “So how long have you two been together?” I ask Ava and Hollister because I’m putting the pieces together. It’s ridiculous, why can’t we all act like adults.

  Ava’s face lights up at my question. Hollister’s not so much, and I see a slightly annoyed look cross his face.

  “Hollister and I…” She perks up in her seat, “we’ve been seeing each other for a while,” Ava announces.

  Amy chokes on her drink. She despises Hollister and I don’t think even she knows why. “Why would you be asking Abby out just today if you have a girlfriend?” She asks tapping her nails on the empty wine glass in front of her.

  I hear the silver wear clink against the plates as everyone anticipates a cat fight… maybe? My dad, however, looks intrigued and ready for the answer himself.