Tangled: A New Adult Romance Boxed Set (12 Book Bundle of Billionaires, Bad Boys, and Royalty)

by Lakes, Krista

  On one of her trips home to change clothes, she heard her mother’s voice calling her name as she climbed the stairs. Angela backtracked, heading to her mother’s office, at the far end of the hall.

  Her mother was seated behind her mahogany desk, impeccable in a tailored designer suit and her ever present strands of pearls. Angela wondered idly which cost more; she’d almost place money on the suit. Her mother considered clothing to be the most important aspect in judging a woman’s worth; Angela had told her once, only partly in jest, she could just wear her check register and stock portfolio around her neck and save time by not having to shop. Her mother had told her there was more in life than material wealth. Angela had tried hard not to laugh.

  “Where have you been, Angela? Sophie said you’ve not been home in over a week, maybe longer. And you look terrible. Bags under your eyes, your hair...” Her mother was squinting at her. She rose, coming around the desk.

  “Are you doing drugs, Angela? We can get you help if you...”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Mom, no. I’m not doing drugs.” She dropped into the wing chair in front of her mother’s desk.

  “I’ve been at Liam’s on and off...and I’ve been home. You’re the one who hasn’t been here.”

  The shocked look on her mother’s face made Angela realized she’d crossed a line, but then, she realized she really didn’t care.

  “I’ve been spending nights over at Liam’s...every one of them for the past, let’s see, nine days.”

  “Angela! You’re not that kind of girl...” Her mother’s tone of affronted shock set something off inside Angela.

  “What ‘kind of girl’ Mom? The kind that sleeps around?” Angela stood, taking a step toward her mother.

  “Like you? Who have you been sleeping with?”

  The sting of her mother’s hand on her cheek was sharper than she could have imagined. It had been a long time since she’d been slapped. Her hand flew to her cheek, her eyes to her mother’s.

  “Hit a nerve, did I?” Angela turned on her heel, walking out the door.

  “You don’t ever speak to me...come back here!” Her mother’s voice rose in volume and pitch, but Angela kept walking. Sophie emerged from the kitchen, her eyes wide, wiping her hands on a towel. The towel fell to the floor as she saw Angela’s face.

  “Miss...Angela...”

  Angela brushed past her, taking the stairs two at a time. She slammed the door to her room, thumbing the lock. As soon as she heard the click of the lock, she sank to the floor, her knees giving way. Her body was suddenly wracked with violent trembling and she hugged her knees to her chest.

  Her cell phone chirped, making her jump. Fishing it out of her purse, she saw Liam’s number.

  “Hi...” Her voice broke.

  “Angela, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

  “I...had a fight with my mother...she slapped me.”

  “Come here...come back here now. You can stay here...I mean, bring enough clothes and stuff and just stay. I’m heading home from the gym. I should be there in about a half hour.”

  She closed the phone, took a deep breath and stood. Her room looked dusty and unused. It also looked overly formal and stuffy. She’d grown used to Liam’s bare apartment, the saggy couch and the bed, the mismatched chairs. And right now, that’s where she wanted to be.

  It took her all of ten minutes to pack, throwing jeans and shirts and clean underwear into a bag. The last things she grabbed were the book she was reading and a pillow from her bed.

  She was halfway down the stairs when her mother appeared.

  “Where are you going, Angela? You need to apologize to me.” Her mother’s hand rested on the banister and as Angela passed, her mother reached out, grabbing Angela’s wrist.

  “I said...”

  “I heard what you said. And no, I don’t need to do anything. I’m not sorry for what I said, since it’s the truth. And I think you’re hypocritical to comment on where I spend my nights, if you’re spending yours somewhere other than with your husband. At least...” Angela twisted out of her mother’s grip “...I’m not cheating on anyone.”

  She slammed the door behind her and was in the elevator before her mother opened the apartment door. The last look she had was of her mother’s face, a combination of anger and shock playing across her features.

  The doorman called for a car for her and Angela paced the sidewalk, waiting for it to arrive. She wondered how long it would be before she was cut off from using the car service. That would be something her mother would do.

  As soon as she was inside the car, she called Liam.

  “I’m on my way...”

  “I’m already home. I’ll be waiting.”

  Someone was going to be waiting for her. Someone who loved her. It occurred to Angela that it had been a long time since she’d had that happened.

  Liam was waiting, folding her against his chest as soon as she was through the door. They sat on the couch, the tears she’d held back falling as she told him the story.

  “So...I think I’m not really welcome there at the moment.” She sniffled, wiping her face on her sleeve.

  “Your father though...what will he say?”

  Angela bit her lip. “I’ll call him tonight. Or...wait. I think he’s out of town. Maybe tomorrow, tell him what happened, let him know I’m okay. I’m sure my mother...and Sophie...will give them their versions of what ‘really’ happened. He’ll be upset, for my sake, but he’s never been one to rock the boat with my mother. He usually just rolls over and does as she says, or lets her do as she pleases.”

  “But she slapped you...”

  “It’s not the first time...although it’s the first time since I’m grown.” Angela shook her head. “She’s either so distant, or actually absent...or like this. With a hair trigger.”

  “Well...like I said, you’re welcome to stay here, as long as you need.” Liam was holding her hand, absently toying with her fingers. He went silent. After a few minutes, she squeezed his hand.

  “Hey...you’re a million miles away. What’s on your mind?”

  “Just...well, in less than, what...two months? I’ve gone from a single guy to apparently having a sort of live-in girlfriend.” He gave her a crooked grin. “I’m not quite sure how all that happened, but I think I’m glad it has. It’s just a lot to take in. I’m trying not to think about it too much...”

  He interrupted himself by kissing her quickly before pulling her to her feet. “Come on, you can put your stuff away. I cleaned out a drawer and moved things around in the bathroom.” He looked at the bag at her feet, the pillow resting on top.

  “Is that it? I somehow expected more...you being a girl and all.” He ducked as she swatted at him with the pillow.

  “I was in a hurry. But no, I really don’t need that much.” She hugged the pillow to her chest.

  Liam nodded. “And the pillow?”

  She laughed. “Well, you tend to hug things when you sleep, Liam. You have to have a pillow under your head, and then hug something to your chest. It’s either me, or my pillow. I don’t mind being hugged, but I’m tired of my pillow going missing in the middle of the night.”

  He smiled. “Okay. I’ll give you that one.” He picked up her bag, taking it to his room, pointing to the drawer she could have and the shelf in the bathroom.

  “I hope this is okay, Liam. I really appreciate at it. I don’t want to impose...”

  “It’s fine. It’s...strange. Knowing that you’ll be here all the time, I mean.” Liam shook his head. “You’ve been here most of the past two weeks, but this is...planned? Somehow that makes it a little...odd.”

  “And you’re not comfortable with this?” Angela was watching him closely, waiting for him to withdraw or pull away.

  “No...it’s not that.” He shrugged before taking her into his arms. “Things have changed so much for me. You’re the reason...it’s all good. It’s just a lot of change all at once. I’m still adjusting, I guess.” He gave
a rueful laugh.

  “Frank says my English has improved since I’ve met you...apparently I don’t swear as much as I used to.”

  Angela laughed. “Thank goodness I’ve made some kind of positive impact.”

  It was Liam’s turn to swat her backside and she yelped as he pulled her onto the bed.

  *

  She’d called her father the next day and, rather unexpectedly, he was extremely upset with her mother. And he wanted to see her.

  “Come have lunch with me, Angela. We need to talk.”

  They met at a restaurant her father had taken her to many times when she was young. It was exactly the same as she remembered, in that way some New York restaurants are. She was even certain the elderly waiter that took their order was same one who’d been there when she was a child.

  “Your mother told me what happened. And Sophie as well...” He shook his head. “But I’m more concerned with how you are, Angela. I know your mother...all too well.”

  He took a sip of his bourbon, the ice clinking in the glass.

  “I’m fine, Dad. Really. Liam has...” She broke off, unsure how much she wanted to tell her father about Liam. They’d had no conversations about him after Liam had been fired from the restaurant.

  “It’s alright. You can talk about Liam. Let’s just say I’m trying to keep an open mind at the moment. I know how important he is to you, even if I’m not so sure he’s the right man in your life at the moment.”

  “I’m staying with Liam now, at least until after the match. He’s got an important fight coming up...I don’t think you know that. Anyway, right now, he’s concentrating on that and I’m trying to be supportive. But it’s hard.”

  Angela waited while the waiter brought their order. She picked up her fork, toying with her salad.

  “What’s really bothering you, Angela? Is it your mother, or something with Liam?”

  “Liam...and the fight, I guess. I worry...he says I worry too much. I’m afraid he’s going to get hurt.”

  “I’m sure that’s a real possibility. Boxing is a dangerous sport.”

  Angela shook her head. “It’s mixed martial arts...more like barely controlled chaos. There’s punching and hitting, and kicking. It’s just overwhelming to think he wants to do this professionally.”

  They ate in silence for a time. Finally Angela pushed her plate way.

  “Dad, what did you want to talk to me about? I’m sure you didn’t call me just to hear about Liam.”

  “No, but I am interested because it concerns you.”

  Her father took a deep breath. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided to divorce your mother. This last incident, along with the rest, has pushed me over the edge. Or, it’s been a wakeup call to something I should have done a long time ago.”

  Angela reached across, taking her father’s hand. “Dad, I’m so sorry. This must be hard for you.”

  “Actually, not as much as you’d think. I do have you to thank though, at least in part.”

  Angela frowned at her father. “Me? Why would you thank me?”

  “You’ve shown me what devotion to someone looks like, what loving someone should be. Your mother stopped loving me...and I her...a long time ago. I see in you and Liam what we were like when we were first together, what brought us together.”

  Her father squeezed her hand. “To see that in you, to see how much you love Liam, against all the odds, makes me realize staying with your mother isn’t what I should be doing. It’s just a sham and both she and I are better than that. She’d found her outlet through...other activities...other men. And I’ve let her get away with that in the context of our marriage far too long.”

  “What are you going to do? Are you moving out?”

  Her father sat back, shaking his head. “No. I own the building and the apartment. Your mother will get enough through the divorce settlement to set herself up nicely, wherever she chooses. I wish her no ill will, but I want her out of my...out of our home.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

  “And by our, I mine your home too, Angela. You are always welcome there. I know you’re an adult, with a life of your own, but you will always have a place to come home to.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Angela brushed sudden tears from her eyes. “Right now, though, I’m happy where I am. With Liam...”

  “Is this a permanent move?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t think so. I just...didn’t feel I could stay home and Liam offered. It’s hard for him; it’s a big adjustment. But he’s so focused on his match right now I don’t think he’s really thought about it.”

  “When is the match?”

  “Tomorrow.” Angela fidgeted with her fork. “I still haven’t told him if I’ll be there or not. I just can’t make myself say the words. It’s too hard. I’m too scared...of what would happen if he gets hurt.”

  Her father reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. “You’ll find a way, Angel. You always do.”

  *

  Liam was at the apartment when she let herself in, sitting on the couch with his feet up on the coffee table.

  “Why aren’t you at the gym? Is something wrong?”

  Liam shook his head. “No, Frank wanted me to get a good night’s sleep, so he sent me home. Where were you?”

  “I had lunch with my father.” She sat next to him on the couch. “He’s divorcing my mother.”

  “Holy shit. Where did that come from?” Liam reached for Angela’s hand.

  “I guess he finally decided to stop letting her treat him so badly.”

  Liam pulled Angela to him and she rested her head in his lap. “I’m sorry, Angela. It must be hard...”

  “Not so much. I’m sad for my dad, but it’s something he should have done a long time ago.”

  They were quiet for a long time, Liam absently playing with Angela’s hair.

  “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

  “Frank wants me at the gym early. He’ll take me to the match.” Angela heard the unasked question in Liam’s voice.

  She sat up, turning to face him. “I’ll be there...if I can. I still can’t promise, but I will try.”

  Liam nodded. “I figured that would still be your answer.” He rose from the couch. “I’m going for a walk.”

  It was a long time later when Liam came back to the apartment. He ate the dinner Angela prepared in silence and then said he was going to bed, that he wanted to try to get a decent night’s sleep. Angela watched as he closed the bedroom door behind him. It was the first night that he’d gone to bed alone, without her.

  She sat for a long time in the darkening apartment, finally falling asleep on the couch, and when she woke it was morning. The bedroom door was open and she peeked around the corner. The bed was empty, Liam’s gym bag gone. He’d left without saying good-bye.

  She slumped back onto the couch. She’d known how upset he was with her decision...or rather her lack of decision. But she didn’t know how much clearer she could be, to make him see how she felt...

  How she felt. But how did Liam feel? This was the biggest day of his life. But until now, she’d been focused on herself.

  “Maybe it’s time to stop thinking of just you, Angela.” The words echoed in the apartment.

  Grabbing her phone, she dialed Liam’s cell phone. It went to voicemail.

  “Liam, I’m on my way. I’ll be at the fight.”

  She ran to the bedroom, glancing at the clock. Lying beside it was a flier for the fight, with the location and the time.

  “Shit...” There was no time for a shower. Angela changed clothes, grabbing the flier, stuffing it into her purse. She called for a car and ran downstairs to wait, anxiously pacing until the Lincoln pulled to the curb.

  “Can you make it to this place by this time?” She held the flier out to the driver. The fight venue was in some remote part of the Bronx, somewhere she’d certainly never been.

  “I can try, ma’am. But no promises.” The car slid
away from the curb as Angela sat back. Like I haven’t said those words myself.

  The sounds of honking horns did nothing to lessen Angela’s anxiety. The last thing she wanted...the last thing Liam needed...was for her to be late. But that’s what she was; hopelessly late.

  She’d woefully underestimated how long it would take to get there, now that she’d decided that was where she wanted...needed to be.

  She tried Liam’s cell phone again, but it still went straight to voice mail. “Damn...pick up. I’m in the car...I’m stuck in traffic. Please...Liam. I’m on my way.”

  She clicked the phone shut, drumming her fingers on the leather seat.

  She leaned forward. “Any idea what’s going on?”

  The driver shook his head. “No, ma’am. Just normal traffic, nothing unusual.” His impassive face in the rearview mirror made her shake her head.

  My own fault...my own stupid fault.

  And now it might be too late. Let him be okay...just let him be okay. She repeated the words over and over, looking out the window of the Lincoln. She tried to remember everything Liam had told her about the match, anything she could grasp that would ease her anxiety, playing back every conversation they’d had in the previous weeks. It did no good. All she could think of was that he was wanted her there and she wasn’t. And how devastated he would be.

  *

  Liam tried hard not to be intimidated by the venue, but he’d never been any place with so many people; at least he’d never been any place where so many people were going to be watching him. He took a deep breath, following Frank to the locker room.

  “Okay, Liam. Get ready for the weigh in. I’ll be right there with you.”

  Liam stripped off his shirt, following Frank through a maze of halls to the weigh-in area. He toed off his shoes, pulled off his sweats and stood on the scale in his briefs.

  “One fifty-five and a half!”

  Frank slapped him on the back and he stepped off the scale.

  “Okay. Get your trunks on and start warming up. I’ve got things to do.” Frank left and Liam was alone

  Liam went through his warm-up, shadow boxing in a corner, working through the rest of his pre-fight routine. As hard as he tried, he could not push the thought of Angela out of his mind. She’d been curled on the couch when he’d left and as much as he’d wanted to wake her, to hug her close and kiss her, the last thing he wanted was to hear one more time what she couldn’t promise.