Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 89 Chapter 89 [Atlas]

Angelica arrived a the office shortly after 8. I was surprised to see her here. I thought I had made it clear to her that the office wasn't a place she should just casually visit based on whims. "This is a place of business," I reminded her.

She had cried for an hour after I told her that, but in the end, I thought we had come to an understanding. What I didn't realize was how different her understanding was from mine.

I thought I had made it very clear that the office was off-limits except for those on official business.

She thought it was off-limits unless she wanted to come be a part of the business.

"Angelica, what are you doing here?" I demand when she waltzes into my office, grinning largely like a satisfied cat. "I thought we had discussed this."

"We did," she nods enthusiastically. "You said not to come here unless I have official business, and I do!" she claps her hands, her eyes bright with delight as she explains that she just personally delivered brand new espresso machines to every floor in the building. I noticed a lot of grumpy faces when I last visited so I figured everyone could use a little fun," she smiled "I figured as your wife, I could be a kind of goodwill ambassador between ownership and management."

It isn't a bad idea, except for one important detail, "But Angelica," I remind her. "You are not my wife. And even if you were, you don't know enough about how this business..."

"Yet," she interupts me. "You mean I'm not your wife yet."

Her eyes are so wide, so innocent. She didn't mean any harm. She's just trying to do something nice for everyone and here I am, insulting her efforts like some kind of brute. 1 "Speaking of which," I stand and move closer. Placing a hand on each arm I ask, "Have you remembered anything...anything at all?"

Her blond waves shake from side to side as she looks down at her hands. "I'm trying so hard, Atlas, but nothing seems to work. I think I might need more of a physical reminder" "Physical?" I take a step back.

"Yes," she bridges the gap, placing a hand on my chest, "Maybe, if you would just kiss me I could remember what it feels like to really be with you," she bites her lip as she tilts her head up. "I want you to remind me, Atlas, what it feels like to be loved by you. The door creaks open behind me and I freeze as Angelica pulls me by the collar and brings her lips to mine They taste sweet, like candied violets and she smells fresh, like sun-kissed linen.

I want to push her away but I feel my body frozen as my own memories from before come flooding back. Kissing Angelica is just as I remember-her body is sweet, soft, and demanding as they work to claim ownership over my heart.

The problem is, that I have given my heart to another.

By the time I come to my senses and free myself from her grasp, it is already too late.

Cordelia is standing in the doorway looking stunned.

"Oh, you're here!" Angelica turns to face her sister. "I'm so happy to see you. Are you here to thank me for the little present?"

Cordelia doesn't say anything at first. She clenches her fists, takes a deep breath, and looks up.

"Thank you, Angelica, for your considerate gesture.

She then turns around and walks the other way.

Moving around Angelica, I chase after Cordelia, who is walking as fast as she can away from me. I finally catch her right as she reaches the elevator. "Wait, Cordelia, let me explain I..."

"No need," she shakes her head. "I think I understand now what I need to do. I'm sorry, Atlas, but I'll need to pull out of our second agreement." My heart drops. "But Cordelia, I thought..."

"It wouldn't be fair,": she continues. "Besides, I need to focus on getting my business running again and you need to help my sister."

I try to argue with her, to let her know that I don't accept these terms, that I need her to be in my "You don't really," she sighs. "You never did." She steps through the elevator doors. I make a step forward to join her.

life.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Atlas," Angelica's voice calls behind me. "Are you coming back? I have so much to discuss with you about the wedding."

"Go," she presses the close door button. "She needs you more."

VictoryAnne Vice Author