Page 38 of Angel

“I need your help.”

Dominic steepled his fingers and stared at them. “You know there’s nothing I can do. Honestly. I don’t know what you expect. The way you’ve been talking, demanding this information...” His eyes flicked up to me. “It’s like you’re a different person.”

I said nothing. My hands clutched the desk, the tips of my fingers glued there.

“Tell me,” Dominic said. “Is Paige really this important to you? So important that you’re willing to risk everything? For what? A piece of ass? You need to let this one go. Hook up with any one of the countless women out there lining up to sleep with you.”

I straightened up. “She had no idea about any of this. All she wants is to live her life just like any other normal person.”

“Yes, well, our world isn’t exactly normal, is it? Some things just come with the DNA.”

I shook my head and turned to the window for a few moments. “Let’s change it,” I told him. “This is crazy.”

Dominic’s leaned back in his chair. “You sound insane. You know that, right?”

“I need your help with this.”

He leaned forward and studied me for much longer than I had time to tolerate.

“You’re in love with her.” His back fell against the chair. “Well, this is unfortunate.”

I took a seat, tired all of a sudden.

“What do you really think I can do?” he asked. “You really believe I have the kind of influence it’ll take to convince Moretti he doesn’t want Paige, or whatever he damn well wants?”

“You’re persuasive. You understand the big picture.”

“Don’t try to kiss ass and think you’ll get me on board. I can’t help you. Paige is promised to Moretti. It’s a done deal. None of the fine print is important.”

“We can talk to Pops. If we bothtry, he’ll listen.”

Dominic chuckled. “Look at you, little brother. All grown up and fighting for a sweet piece of ass.”

“Fuck off.”

“You’re different. I’ve never seen you like this.”

“Focus, Dom. Pops can talk to Moretti.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Maybe make some kind of exchange.”

“Possibly.”

“I’m willing to make payments of my own.”

His head whipped over at me. “You’dbuyPaige?”

“I didn’t say that, idiot.”

Dominic inclined his head. “It’s a poor choice of words, but it’s basically what you’re saying.”

“Fine. Sure, I’ll buy her freedom. Does it sound melodramatic enough for you, brother?”

“Fuck yeah,” he grinned. “And you know what else?”

“What?”