Chapter 5

Life was definitely not easy but at that time it felt like God or the fates had decided to play with her. For years she was dreaming of someone like James, of a man so strong-willed and attractive to just take a look at her, to notice her and suddenly he was there. He was kissing her, holding her and he had no idea of the power he held over her.

She was drinking her coffee slowly staring out of the window. The sun was shining for the first time in days but it was still too cold. She wore her jeans, some old socks, a shirt and a pullover over that. James was still asleep. Obviously he had a rough night.

She couldn't help but think that she would miss this place and she would miss the company. Loneliness was a funny thing. When you are used to it you may complain about it but in reality you don't like being with other people too much. James however never made her feel that. He was so independent that living with him was easy for Angela. He let her free to do as she pleased and he didn't nag about anything. Not to mention that he actually asked her what she wanted to watch on TV!!!

Angela who had lived only with Nick before had the worst memories from living with a man but James had proved her wrong. The only problem with their arrangement was that he had kissed and that he had promised to do much more. She would deny it to him but the fact was that she wasn't so sure that she could fight him much longer.

The need to feel loved and satiated was pressing against her chest causing her an almost physical pain. A little voice in her head told her that she was being unreasonable, that she was pushing her luck, that Georgia was her only friend and that she shouldn't risk their friendship for any man and so she promised to herself to listen to that voice and pack her things and leave the next morning.

His footsteps warned her that he was coming in the living room and she braced herself for another fight.

"Morning", he said and he ran his hand through his black hair.

"Morning", she replied and she went in the kitchen to return with a mug filled with black coffee which she handed to him.

"I think I'm gonna miss all these as soon as you leave. Who's gonna bring me my coffee or cook every day?"

"Nobody", Angela answered. "I guess that you'll be back to pizza, beer and porn".

James laughed and almost dropped his mug to the floor. "Your imagination is running wild. Do you think that I actually spend my days like that?"

"Well, that's what guys do, right?"

"Oh, Angela you should date more ... You imagine us all like horny teenagers!"

"Ok. Laugh all you want but I'm leaving and you won't be laughing tomorrow when you have to cook". She was looking at her intently and she noticed that his eyes were becoming a more dark grey when she mentioned her departure.

"Since you're going I should tell you that tomorrow I will talk to Georgia and finish this farce. I don't like the idea of being with her when all I dream about is you in my bed". His gaze met hers and she drew a deep breath.

"Did it ever occur to you that Georgia is happy with you? Did you ever think for one moment that even if you break up with her she would never forgive me?" She braced herself and added one last thing, "And how can you be so sure that even if you dream of me I will actually be in your bed?"

James laughed in his usual devilish way and he scratched the stubble that covered his face. Angela couldn't help but notice how handsome he was.

"Well I suppose that now you are going to tell me that there is no reason for me to leave your friend?"

"I don't know what you are going to do but I can't be a part of it".

"I'm afraid that you are a part of it already darling". He walked towards her and he looked threatening. "And since I want you but all you want is to protect your friendship with Georgia then we have a conflict of interest, don't we?"

"Does this situation amuse you?", she asked and she felt anger overwhelming her.

"I cannot deny that it entertains me..."

"Listen, since you are fine I have no reason of being here. I was only doing Georgia a favour, so right now I'm going to pack my things", she said and she went to the bathroom.

James didn't move as if there was something preventing him from leaving that particular spot. In fact he was concentrating on finding a way to stop her. Ten minutes later Angela was again in the living room holding her rucksack.

"If you leave now I will call Georgia and break up with her. I will describe to her with all the vivid details how you kissed me or the way you looked when you stepped out of the bathroom naked underneath that towel..."

"You 're joking, right?" Her expression changed, though, as soon as she realized that he was serious. "You wouldn't do that, would you?"

"Damn right I would! Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"I'll make you a deal and if you agree, I promise to leave you alone and not to put in danger your relationship with Georgia". He was trying to sound determined because in reality he was never going to do what he had just threatened but she couldn't know that.

"And what does that deal entail?"

"You".

"As simple as that?"

"Yes. You, body and soul for today. Then you can leave and you will never have to think about me again". He was sure that if Angela let herself free for only one day she would be his afterwards and he also knew that if she agreed it would have nothing to do with his deal. If she did say yes it would be because deep down she felt the same as he did.

"Why do I feel like a helpless animal who is about to be eaten by a lion?", she asked and she saw a predatory gleam in his eyes.