Page 22 of Darling Psycho

But something happened when Angela was seventeen.

Their relationship changed.

Their friendship was solid... it was everything to her. He was her best friend in the entire world.

And then he left her behind and broke her heart.

It was only seconds, but it felt as though hours passed in that moment of him staring at her. And then a large hand came into her vision. “Let’s go, Angela.” He repeated, firmer this time. And as if her limbs were attached to his rusty vocal cords, Angela’s hand stretched out and placed in his palm.

Being so close, she caught a whiff of his scent. It was temptingly dark, like incense and something that was entirely masculine. Whether it was his natural fragrance or cologne, Angela unconsciously inhaled deeply, filling her nose and lungs.

After being resilient for three years, it took one touch, and her whole fucking soul gaped open, and warmth poured in. She hopped down off the stool as he enfolded his hand around hers, turned to walk away.

“The fuck, Penn,” Jay said.

“I’ll be back,” was the snapped reply, and Angela followed the man she loved because she didn’t have the strength to unglue her hand from his. Then Lawless turned his head toward Jay. “Oh, and this is her last day. She no longer works here.”

She might be five foot seven, taller in heels, but she’d always felt tiny against Lawless’ six-foot-four stature. He towered like a supernatural being.

As if no time at all had passed, as though she hadn’t hated him for over a thousand days...

She blindly followed Lawless.

SEVEN

“He went to prison, and all I got was this lousy shirt.” - Angela

Lawless didn’t say a word through the belly of the casino, out into the bright gold and bustling foyer where customers gathered at the bars.

And Angela was still too stunned to say a word.

His hand felt too big, clasping hers. Too perfect. And she hung on like she was adrift at sea, and he was her only source of life.

It was only when fresh air hit her face that clarity rushed into Angela’s head, and she realized what she was doing.

Freaking following him like a goddamn little lamb.

As she’d always done.

So ready and eager to be his shadow.

All those old dormant feelings she’d shoved to the very back of her heart came flooding back. The ones where she’d been enthusiastic about his company, his attention, and focus.

It wasn’t always a physical crush she had on Lawless.

In the beginning, she felt safe with him, the man who’d dragged her out of a nightmare. But, having witnessed her parent’s murder, she’d then been thrown into an MC basement where it was talked about passing her around filthy pigs like a bargain bucket.

If not for Zara, Rider, and Lawless, Angela knew she would have died that night. So, it wasn’t so strange that she attached herself to the avenging monster who’d been there for death and destruction yet saved her, too. It wasn’t so weird when she sought him out and basked in the safety he provided. To look back now, she’d loved Lawless instantly.

This frightening man prowled like he owned the world in an understated manner, who had people falling over themselves to be in his presence. This man had a reputation of someone not to mess with but who would take care of injured cats so delicately.

She’d loved him as a friend and protector first.

But Angela’s feelings were now cluttered.

Love. Hate.

Hate. Love.