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“Okay.” We kiss and it turns into another round of passionate night.

Chapter Seven

Angel

It’s time to put an end to this assignment. I’ve extended it as long as I could have, but I have to return for my true mission. I hate to leave Raymond, but there’s not much I can do. He’s out on a trip and will be back today. My bosses have already demanded I get my ass back to the PI agency or I’ll have a world of trouble I don’t want, so I’m packed and ready to go. I’d done all the spying I could and submitted my report to the lawyer and the payments were made to the agency.

Moreno calls my line, “Carnigal, what’s going on?”

“I’m about to leave Steeleville and head back to San Antonio.”

“Good, we’re making great progress on the case. We just need a bit more from Richter. It’s time you get on his good side.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing sexual, Phoenix. All I’m asking you to do is play nice and deal with his bullshit so we can arrest him.”

“Okay. Fine. I need to wrap up my living space here and then I’ll be on my way.”

I end the call and think about Cowboy. For months our relationship has been growing despite the fact that I’m not supposed to be creating a life outside of my assignment. I’ve done everything I could to avoid meeting his crew, doing my best to limit contact with the strangers in Steeleville so my cover stays hidden until it’s time. My heart breaks knowing that I have to walk away from him and the happiness he brings to me. Even the moments when he’s pissed at me, I can’t blame him. I’ve kept so much of myself from him. I can’t believe he finally gave into the lust between us.

I’m going to his house now to say goodbye. Christmas is a week away and I love the man, but it’s time I leave. The letter I have for him is in my pocket. It’s a little explanation of the truth, but I have to do it because I’m afraid of his reaction to the truth.

I drove to the ranch to say goodbye. I’ve pulled up to the ranch when he calls me. “Hey, beautiful.”

“We need to talk, Raymond.”

“I don’t like the sound of that, Angel.”

“Neither do I.”

“Angel, don’t. I’m not home yet.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m still in Oklahoma.”

“What? I thought you’d be back by now.”

“I tried calling you last night. There was a storm, causing the roads to be damaged. I won’t be home until morning.”

“Oh. I’m leaving, Ray.”

“What? You can’t be fucking leaving. We belong together, damn it. Don’t be doing this shit over the phone.”

“I have to return to work. I’ve been called back.”

“You don’t have to go back. Stay with me. You can investigate my damn obsession with you. Don’t fucking leave, Angel.”

“I’m sorry, Ray. It’s more than that. I can’t tell you the truth just yet, but know that you’re important to me. As soon as my assignment is over I’ll come back.”

“Assignment? What assignment?”

“That’s all I can say.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. If you don’t wait for me…I’ll understand.”

“I’ll wait for the rest of my days, Angel. You might not believe me, but I love you.”

“You can’t. You don’t even know me.”

“I know me, and I know what I feel, woman. You’re so fucking lucky I’m far away because I’d tie your ass to the bed and not let you leave.”

“Then maybe I’m not so lucky. I’m going to miss you, but I’ll be out of contact for a while. I’m sorry.” I end the call, feeling my heart shatter into a million pieces. Tears fill my eyes, knowing that I have to go.

I’m about to drive off when I see movement at the front door of his house. I’m shocked to see a woman I’ve never met.

“Hola, can I help you?” A sexy woman in a tight coat who walked straight out of a fashion magazine asks.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“I’m Raymond’s girlfriend. Are you Angel, the help he mentioned that comes here once a week?” I look down at my outfit which is comfortable and functional but nothing like her stylish one. Besides, I am a federal agent.

“I’m Angel, but I’m not the help,” I inform her, wondering where the hell she got that information and why she’s coming out of Ray’s house.

“Yes, he said you do the cleaning. Well, he’s out of town and won’t be back until tomorrow.”

I swallow hard as this woman walks back into the house and locks the door in my face. I pound on the door because I’m pissed at him and myself.

“If you’re his girlfriend, where have you been all this time?” We didn’t mention exes and that’s because I don’t have any to discuss and I sure didn’t want to hear about his walking trail of human wreckage.


Tags: C.M. Steele Romance