The Steele Family Wealthy Romance Box Set

Forbidden Hearts

The Steele Family Wealthy Romance Prequel

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Jessica Kelly

Shane Steele's life was supposed to unfold like one big fairy tale.  He was destined to take over the billion-dollar family business and inherit the historic family mansion.  He was supposed to become the latest in a sea of Steele family success stories, and future generations of Steeles were supposed to pay homage to his leadership and business sense one day.

It all seemed so perfect—until real life got in the way.

Shane learns the hard way that the so-called proper path in life isn't always the most enjoyable one to take.  All he wants is to be with the woman he loves, but that's not good enough for a hard-nosed, calculating father who's so wrapped up in business that he's forgotten all about what's really important.  When Shane defies his father's orders, the consequences are so severe that there's no going back—for the entire Steele family. 

Does true love really conquer all?  Or, will these forbidden hearts be forced apart forever?

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Chapter 1

The string quartet began to play, but all Shane could hear was Dionne Warwick's new hit I'll Never Love This Way Again.  That was the song Hannah had picked out for their first dance, and suddenly, the sultry song sounded more like a death march as it played over and over in his head. 

He looked around and realized he hadn't picked out anything for the wedding.  The venue, flowers, the guest list, the food, it was all Hannah.  He was simply told what time he had to be at the church and what color boutonniere he needed to wear. 

Is this how the rest of his life was going to be?  Like some kind of puppet on a string that's told when and where to dance?

Every time a new bridesmaid started her march down the aisle, Shane got dizzier.  How many close friends did Hannah need standing beside her?  He wished the dizziness was from the shot of scotch he and his brother had taken right before the ceremony.  It wasn't.  He'd had enough scotch in his life to know that it didn't produce a feeling as horrible as this one. 

Maybe he should've drunk more.  Maybe if he was drunk he'd actually be able to go through with this.

Shane looked over at his father.  He was beaming.  Of course he was.  This whole wedding had been his idea.  Shane thought Hannah Van Allen was a nice enough girl, but his father was in love with her father—or, more specifically, in love with the thought of the endless business perks that could come from merging their two companies together after a wedding.

But what would Steele Cotton need with Van Allen's cattle ranching business?  That's what Shane didn't understand about the whole thing.  Generations of Steeles had worked hard to give Shane the life he enjoyed today.  He had no idea how a cattle rancher—even the most successful cattle rancher in Texas—would make the Steeles any more successful than they already were.  But that was his father—all business, all the time.  The Van Allens were just something else his dad could add to his portfolio.

Shane gulped when Hannah and her father started walking down the aisle.  Every time her white high heel stepped on one of the gazillion flower petals that lined the aisle, Shane felt like the heel was stepping onto his soul.  The closer she got, the more Shane lost of himself.

How the hell did he get here?

When Hannah got to the altar, her father gently lifted up her veil and patted Shane on the back.  Oscar Van Allen would've dumped Shane's body in a cattle field if he knew what Shane was really thinking at this moment.  Instead, he smiled at his soon-to-be son-in-law and took his seat.

The priest began talking, but Shane didn't hear a word of it.  Dionne Warwick started to sign in his head again. 

"You looked inside my fantasies and made each one come true

Something no one else had ever found a way to do

I've kept the memories one by one, since you took me in

And I know I'll never love this way again"

What a pile of crap.  He and Hannah didn't have a laundry list of fantasies and memories.  They'd shared a few nice months, and before Shane knew what was happening, there were flowers and candles and bridesmaids everywhere.

I do, Hannah said with a perfectly pearly-white smile.

Her words shook Dionne Warwick right out of Shane's head.  Oh shit!  Had they gotten to that part already?!

Shane, do you take Hannah to be your lawfully-wedded wife? the priest asked with a smile that was almost as big as Hannah's.

He didn't have a choice, did he?  After all, the entire who's who of Dallas society was watching.  This wasn't the time to chicken out.  Steeles aren't chickens, he heard his dad's gruff voice echo in his head.  He opened his mouth to speak. 

Nothing came out.

He looked around.  All 600 of their closest friends, acquaintances, and business contacts leaned forward in their chairs.  This was supposed to be the big moment.  This was the reason they'd all worn their black-tie finest and spent thousands of dollars on the stupid gifts Hannah had registered for at Neiman Marcus.

I... I, Shane stammered.  I... don't.

The church suddenly filled with gasps.  Hannah's jaw dropped.  One of her bridesmaids yelled out a What?!?  The vein in his father's forehead started to throb—the way it always did when he was livid.

Shane couldn't take anymore.  He turned around and ran down the aisle and out the door.

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Chapter 2

Shane darted up and down the sidewalk outside the church, desperately wishing that a cab would come by so that he could jump in and drive away forever.  But this was Dallas, not New York.  And, furthermore, cabs only appeared out of nowhere in the movies.  So, Shane was left to pace the sidewalk and figure out what to do next.

Get in here, he heard hissed behind him.

It was his father.  Spencer Steele had a reputation for being a cut-throat businessman, and he had never been the warm and fuzzy type at home.  Still, though, this was the angriest he'd ever seen his father get.  He wasn't even this mad when Shane crashed his brand new car into the mailbox after a night of drinking when he was 16.

You heard me.  Inside.  Now.

Since that magical cab wasn't going to show up, Shane had no choice but to follow his father into the church.  But instead of heading back up the aisle, his father escorted him into a small side room.

What the hell was that?! Oscar Van Allen shouted.  You've completely humiliated us!

Have you lost your damn mind?! Shane's father yelled.  Steeles stand by their word!  Who the hell taught you to run away like a coward?!

Shane waited for Hannah to join in on the yelling, but instead, she was crying.  Shane didn't know what was worse—being yelled at by two of Texas' biggest businessmen or watching his bride's eye makeup drip onto her white dress.

Can you give us a minute alone? she asked quietly in between sniffles.

Sure baby, Oscar said before patting her on the back and following Shane's dad out into the hallway.

What happened out there, Shane?

I don't know.  I just couldn't go through with it, he admitted.  Do you really think we're ready for this?

Give me a break, Shane, she said with a dramatic wipe of her nose.  You have to look at this for what it is—a comfy arrangement.

What are you talking about?

You're a nice guy, Shane, and I definitely wouldn't mind being married to you.  But I'm not stupid.  This marriage is a joining of our two families—not us.  I'm OK with that.

Well I'm not, Shane said.

You don't need to be madly in love with me, Hannah explained.  You can even have other women on the side, as long as you're discreet about it.  That's how things are done in our world.

Oh, so that's how it's supposed to be?!  We get married as a pseudo business deal, and then you go off and screw the gardener while I enjoy a bevy of mistresses?  And we're supposed to be happy like that?!

Shane had seen his parents together before his mother died.  They loved each other.  They'd both come from prominent families, but that wasn't why they got married.  They got married because they wanted to, because they wanted to build a life together.  That's how it was supposed to be.  It wasn't supposed to be cheap and dirty like this.  It was supposed to be about love—not contracts and mergers.

I guess that's the difference between you and me, Shane said calmly.  I want something real, and you don't.

With that, he turned and left the church again.  After that conversation, wild horses couldn't drag him back inside.  He'd made the right decision for himself, and everyone else would just have to get over it.

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Chapter 3

A week later, Shane was a lot less defiant.  It had been one thing to puff out his chest and tell Hannah that he was right, but once the story of his non-wedding hit the papers, he was embarrassed.  It was one of the very few times in his life that he hated being a Steele.  If he'd grown up in a regular family, his love life wouldn't be front-page news.  But when Shane Steele runs out on his beautiful blonde bride, the entire world feels like they're entitled to have an opinion about it.

What the newspapers failed to mention was that Shane had done something nice—he had sent Hannah and some of her friends off on what would have been their honeymoon.  He'd already paid for an entire trip to Acapulco, and there was no use letting it go to waste.  By now, Hannah was sunning herself on the beach and enjoying all kinds of tropical drinks.  It was just the kind of comfy arrangement she loved. 

OK, enough moping around, Stu said when he showed up unannounced at Shane's townhouse.  It's been a week.  You've got to leave the house.

I just feel so bad for dragging everyone into this mess, Shane said sadly.

Are you kidding?  Watching you run out of the church was one of the coolest things I've ever seen, Stu said with a sly smile.

I don't think Dad thought so.  The newspaper sure didn't, Shane rebutted.

Who cares?  It's your life.  Speaking of which, you haven't had much of a life lately, so let's go out and paint the town red.

No way, Stu.  The last thing I need is a bunch of girls like Hannah trying to take her place.

Screw those snobby girls.  We're going to the Silver Star.  You won't find any of our crowd there.

The Silver Star?  Is that the place some of the Dallas Cowboys are rumored to own?

Sure is, big brother!  And since it's so close to Love Field, it's popular with pilots and stewardesses.  You know, the no-strings-attached crowd, Stu said with a wink.

What the hell.  I could use a fun night out, Shane admitted.  Let's do it!

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Chapter 4

Angelica sipped her Tequila Sunrise and looked around.  Why on earth had she gone to the Silver Spur of all places?  She wasn't a party girl.  This was so not her scene.

In fact, the only reason she'd agreed to come out was because her girlfriends at work kept telling her how much fun this club was.  But now that they were all out on the dance floor singing and dancing to I Will Survive, Angelica wondered what she was doing here.  There weren't enough Tequila Sunrises in the world to get her out on that dance floor, and she wasn't looking for some random guy to take her home.  So, she sat at the bar and watched the craziness around her.

She was thinking about ordering another Tequila Sunrise when a man plopped down on the barstool next to hers.  She heard him order a Whiskey Sour, but she didn't pay much attention to him.  Her should-I-or-shouldn't-I debate over the Tequila Sunrise was way more important. 

You look like you're having as much fun as I am.

She looked up.  It was the guy with the Whiskey Sour.  He looked like he was about her age—maybe a few years older—but he was definitely younger than all of the horny pilots that had been hitting on her all night.  She gave him the once over and decided that he was kind of cute.  He had short brown hair and was wearing a preppy sweater that suggested he didn’t come to places like the Silver Spur too often.

Still, though, she couldn't be too sure.  The nice guys had a bad habit of breaking hearts, too.

Angelica cocked one eyebrow at the man and said, You mean making an idiot of yourself on the dance floor isn't your idea of a good time either?

He laughed.  Not in an 'I'm-only-laughing-so-you'll-sleep-with-me' way, but in a way that made it seem like he actually found her statement funny.

My brother dragged me here tonight, he explained.  He's the idiot in the red shirt out there.

Angelica looked at the dance floor.  Oh, then he's making an idiot out himself with my friend Carol.  She's the one in the pink dress.

So?  You having another one or not?

Angelica glanced down at her empty glass.

I was just debating that, she explained with a smile.

I'll make your decision easy.  It's on me, he said before waving the bartender over.  The lady will have another—

Tequila Sunrise, she answered.

Well if you're already finishing my sentences, I guess I should introduce myself.  I'm Shane.

Angelica.  Nice to meet you.  And thanks for the drink.  I won't be going home with you, though.

He laughed again.  That wasn't why I bought it, but thanks for letting me know!

She laughed.  Maybe Shane was one of those nice guys who didn't have a hidden agenda.  They were a rare breed, but she'd heard they actually did exist.  She decided a little chit-chat wouldn't hurt.

An hour later, Angelica's face was actually sore from smiling and laughing so much.  She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun with a guy—and this wasn't even a date. 

This may sound corny, but I'm having a lot of fun with you, Angelica.

She smiled yet again.  Me too.  Funny how life works sometimes, huh?

Suddenly, the man in the red shirt stumbled up to Shane.  Bro, Peter just puked in the bathroom.  I think it's time to go.

How wonderful, Shane said with a roll of his eyes.  Looks like my night has come to an end.

It was nice to meet you, Angelica said.

I'd like to see you again.  Can I get your number?

Sure, she smiled.

She jotted her phone number onto a cocktail napkin, and then he handed her a business card.

I'll be in touch soon, Angelica, he said before helping his drunk friends out of the club.

She watched him walk away and realized she was really glad she'd come out tonight.  It certainly didn't go the way she'd planned, but it was actually better.

Once Shane and his friends were out of sight, Angelica looked down at the business card he'd given her.

Shane Steele.  Steele Cotton, she read out loud.

Oh crap!  He's a Steele?!  She'd heard of the family before—everyone in Dallas had, since the Steeles were like local royalty—but she never imagined meeting one in person.  The thought of going out on a date with Shane Steele terrified her.  She really liked the Shane she'd seen so far, but he was way too fancy for an airport counter worker like her.

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Chapter 5

Three months later, Shane couldn't help but laugh when he snuggled up to Angelica.  Her tiny apartment could've fit in the master bedroom of his townhouse, but he didn't look down on her for it.  Instead, he loved that she worked hard to take care of herself. 

He didn't necessarily love her roommate, though.  Sandra was a sweet girl, but having her around made it harder for them to enjoy the physical side of each other—and Angelica had an awful lot of physical attributes that he wanted to get to know better.

What are you laughing at?! she asked with wide eyes.

I'm not laughing at you, sweetie, he said through the chuckles.  Well, not exactly.

Then what exactly?!

I'm just thinking about the night we met.  I went out looking for some good, clean, no-strings-attached fun, and now look at us.  We've been joined at the hip ever since!

We certainly have, she said before reaching up and kissing him on the cheek.

I was a little scared of you when we first met, she confessed.  I didn't know how I would have anything in common with Shane Steele.  But you're just so sweet.

What?  Rich people can't be sweet?! he teased. 

He loved that they were so good at joking back and forth with one another.  They'd had that spark instantly, and it hadn't dimmed even a little bit over the past three months. 

I don't really know any rich people, she said.  Maybe you're all sweet as pie, I don't know!  But after that whole thing with Hannah—

Which I told you about right from the start, he interrupted.

Yes, and I'm glad you did.  I might've thought you were some kind of playboy, but you're not.  You're a good man.

He wrapped his arms around her.  He was falling hard for this girl.  It was never like this with Hannah.  It hadn't even been half this good with Hannah.  Every time he looked at Angelica, he thanked his lucky stars that he ran out of the church that day.

So when are we going to check out some stuff in North Dallas?  I feel like we've done everything there is to do down south.

Her question instantly made his muscles tense up.  He'd originally told her that he wanted to try new places in South Dallas because he'd seen and done everything in North Dallas.  But the truth was, he didn't want to risk running into anyone from his social circle in North Dallas.  After the way things ended with Hannah, he knew everyone would judge his next girlfriend even tougher.  They'd all want to know what made her a better choice than Hannah.  He knew his dad would be exceptionally critical, and he didn't want to subject Angelica to that.

We'll go out in North Dallas soon enough, he promised. 

He meant it, too.  With the way things were going, he wouldn't be able to keep Angelica a secret much longer.  But he wasn't ready to face his father yet.  So, he'd just have to come up with a few more restaurants to try down south until he was ready to take the next step.

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Chapter 6

A week later, Angelica was at her usual spot—behind the Southwest Airlines counter at Love Field.  For the past few months, her time was either spent working or with Shane, and she loved it.  Sandra was the only one of her friends who had actually met Shane, but her other friends had heard all about him.  After all, there was a lot of downtime in between flights, so it was the perfect way to catch up on girl time.

Just as the bulk of people on the 3:30 flight headed for the terminal, Rhonda walked up to the counter with a strange look on her face.

What's the matter?  Angelica asked her.

I don't know if I should tell you, Rhonda said reluctantly.

Come on, we've been friends forever.  You can tell me anything, Angelica said with a smile.

It's today's paper.  I assume you haven't seen it yet?

No, Angelica said slowly. 

She was so confused.  What could a newspaper article say to make Rhonda act so weird?

You need to see it.  Here, Rhonda said.

Angelica unfolded the paper and saw a big picture of Shane.  He was dressed in a tuxedo and looked as handsome as ever.  But next to him was a busty blonde in a strapless dress.  Their elbows were linked together, and the caption underneath the photo said, Shane Steele steps out to black-tie benefit dinner with Patty Billings.

Who the hell is Patty Billings?! Angelica screeched. 

A few passers-by turned around and looked at her with wide eyes, and Angelica remembered that she needed to keep her cool.  Just because her boyfriend was a lying asshole didn't mean she could yell in the middle of the airport like a lunatic.

Are you sure that you and Shane are exclusive? Rhonda asked.  Maybe he thinks you're just casually dating.

Angelica appreciated her friend trying to soften the blow, but Rhonda couldn't have been more wrong.

There's nothing casual about us, Angelica said through clenched teeth.  We've been inseparable for months.  I don't know how he would even have time to date anyone else.  How is this possible?

You know how those rich guys are, Rhonda said with a shrug of her shoulders.  They think the whole world is their playground.

Angelica didn't say a word.  Up until she met Shane, she'd shared Rhonda's view.  But Shane was different.

Wasn't he?

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Chapter 7

Angelica had to wait four agonizing hours until her shift was over before she could confront Shane about what she'd seen in the newspaper.  Every time she checked in a male passenger, she wondered if he was lying to his girlfriend, too.  Maybe he was headed off on a trip to see the other woman, leaving the unassuming girlfriend at home.  Was every guy a big, fat liar? 

As soon as she was done working, she raced home and dialed Shane's number.  It was time for the liar to explain himself.

Are you embarrassed by me?! she yelled as soon as he answered the phone.

What?!  Of course not, Angelica!  Why on earth would you ask me that?

Don't play dumb with me!  I saw you in the paper with Patty what's-her-name.  Her giant boobs were draped all over you, Shane!

Oh crap.  I can explain.  I swear!

I can't wait to hear this, Angelica said sarcastically.

Patty is yet another girl that my dad set me up with.  The dinner was the first big social event since the wedding, and Dad swore up and down that if I was seen out alone, it would make me look weak.  He said I needed a pretty date, so he told me to ask Patty.  My dad and her dad play golf together, he explained.

The way he said it—so calmly, so straightforward—made it sound legitimate.  If he'd been making up a story on the fly, it wouldn't have sounded so smooth.  But what if he'd rehearsed some story in advance, just in case Angelica found out what was going on?  Was this all a big con?

So this was some kind of friendly favor?  I don't know Shane, the two of you looked pretty cozy.

Angelica saw the picture flash in her mind again.  She absolutely hated seeing some other girl with her man. 

I've known Patty since I was 12.  Taking her to the dinner was no big deal, but I didn't want to hurt your feelings by telling you.  I'm so sorry you found out about it in the newspaper.  That must have been awful.

It was, Angelica said softly, trying not to cry.  Why didn't you just ask me to go?  I'm your girlfriend, aren't I?

Yes you're my girlfriend!  And a great one at that!  How about I come over and we talk?

Fine, she sighed.

She didn't really want to see him right now—she was too upset—but she hoped that she'd be able to read him better in person.  She wasn't sure she bought this whole Patty story.  She was terrified that Shane was playing her for a fool.  She wanted to analyze his body language.

Less than an hour later, Shane arrived at Angelica's apartment.  As soon as she opened the door, he gave her a big bear hug.

I'm so sorry, he whispered.  Please believe me.  I would never do anything to hurt you.

You better not, she whispered back.

Shane sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to him.  Angelica sat down reluctantly on the very corner of the couch, as far away from Shane as she could get.  She didn't want to cuddle up like they always did.  All of a sudden, their snuggling felt tainted.

Look, this is real, you and me, he said.  There's just a lot of pressure in my world, with my dad and the business.  The wedding disaster made things even worse, and I don't want to subject you to all of the crap before we're both ready, OK?

So I'm really a part of your life?  You're not just pulling a fast one on the poor girl?

Oh my God!  No!  Is that what you think?  That you're just some game to me?

Maybe.

The truth was, she didn't know what to think.

If I wasn't serious about you, I would've been gone months ago.  OK?

Angelica didn't say a word.  Instead, she thought about the past three months.  She'd taken things slowly—at least, physically—and she realized he was right.  If he was in this for a quick lay, he would've cast her aside a long time ago.

She looked into Shane's eyes.  They looked sad—like they had soaked up some of the pain she was feeling—and she believed him.  At least, she desperately wanted to believe him.

Shane leaned forward and ran his hand through her long, brown hair.  Then, he cupped her chin with his right hand and pulled her into him.  As soon as their lips met, Angelica knew for sure that Shane was telling the truth.  There was just something about the way he kissed her that made her feel loved.  There was no way he could fake that.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and let her fears melt away.  When her tongue found his, she felt a tingle race through her entire body.  She'd kissed Shane plenty of times before, but this was different.  She could feel a distinct connection between them this time.

Shane tugged on her hips and pulled her up so that she was straddling him.  They were both fully clothed—and her roommate was in the next room—but Angelica didn't care.  She wanted to feel every part of Shane.  No, she needed to feel every part of Shane.  It was time to stop moving slowly. 

She began wiggling her hips, grinding her jeans against his.  She could feel his hard manhood through the stiff fabric. 

Where's Sandra? he whispered.

She's in her room reading, she whispered back. 

Oh shit.  I need you Angelica.  I can't wait any longer, he whispered before burying his lips into her neck.

Then we'll just have to be very, very quiet, she whispered.

She hated pulling herself away from him, but she stood up and held out her right hand.  As soon as he grabbed it, they tiptoed into Angelica's room.  Angelica flipped on the radio.

Just in case I can't be totally quiet, she whispered into his ear.

Shane let out a soft mmmm and rubbed his hands down her back.  He gave her butt a tight squeeze and pulled her in close.

They began kissing again, but Angelica couldn't wait any longer.  After growing so close emotionally over the past three months—and dealing with the emotional rollercoaster today—she needed to grow close to him physically.  This wasn't going to just be about satisfying some sexual need.  She needed to take their entire relationship to the next level.

She slowly unbuttoned his shirt.  He peeled her t-shirt off quickly, unhooked her bra, tossed them both aside, and plunged his mouth onto her breasts.  She fumbled for the buckle on his belt, but she couldn't concentrate.  His lips felt too good on her bare skin. 

Without pulling his mouth away, he gently pushed her down onto the bed.  As soon as he lay down on top of her, she felt the bulge again.  As much as she didn't want to, she tugged on his shoulders and pried his lips off of her nipple.  His mouth had felt so good, but she knew his manhood would feel even better.

She unbuckled his belt, and he stood up long enough to slide out of his jeans and underwear.  She felt her eyes widen when she saw his naked body.  He looked even better than she'd imagined.  His muscles were big without being too big, and he didn't appear to have an ounce of fat on him.  He looked almost god-like—and he wanted her.

She gasped at the thought of having him inside of her and then wriggled out of her own jeans as fast as she could.  As soon as she was naked, he dove into her.  She could feel his giant erection throb when her most sensitive muscles enveloped it.  He felt so good—like he was made just for her.

My God, Angelica, he whispered while he rocked back and forth ever so slowly.

She wanted to scream, but she knew she couldn't.  She started sucking on his neck to try and keep herself quiet.  He moaned quietly and then started to thrust a little bit faster.  She grinded her hips to the rhythm of his.  They were totally, completely in sync.

Oh Shane, you're amazing, she whispered breathlessly before devouring his neck again.

She could've rocked back and forth like this forever.  His hardness was right where she'd wanted it for so long—wrapped up inside her warmth.  Every time he thrust into her, it felt better and better.

She was nearly in a trance with pleasure when she felt his muscles tighten.  He held his breath.  A split second later, his manhood quivered inside of her.  The sensation sent her over the edge.  Heat raced through her body.  Fireworks exploded inside her eyelids.  She thought every inch of her was going to explode. 

She whimpered and he pressed his mouth into hers.  Their tongues met again as their grinding slowly eased to a stop.

Finally, she had to pull her mouth away from his.  She was completely out of breath, totally exhausted, but had never felt better in her entire life.  She silently begged him not to pull out of her.  Now that she knew how good he felt, she wasn't sure she could go even one minute without him.

After a few silent minutes, Shane eased himself out of her and lay down next to her.  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly on the forehead.  It was gentle and tender—the perfect expression of what this had meant to both of them.

You are incredible, she whispered.

He smiled.  She could feel his heart pounding. 

You are more than I ever could have hoped for, he whispered back.

Now that they'd had a few minutes to cool off, Angelica realized it was freezing in her room.  She pulled her blanket over them.  Still in his arms, she started to drift off to sleep.

But then the sound of his voice woke her right up.

I've got to go, baby, he said softly.  I've got an early meeting tomorrow.

Really?

It had been bad enough when he pulled out of her, but her heart sank at the thought of him actually getting up and leaving.

I'm not going because I want to.  If it was up to me, I'd stay here like this forever, he said with a smile. 

He slowly got out of the bed and started getting dressed.  Even though it meant he was leaving, she loved watching him.  His muscles rippled just from doing the slightest things.  He was so hot, and he was all hers.

So when do I get to meet these important friends of yours?  Or your brother?  she asked dreamily.

Soon, sweetie, I promise.

He