Chapter Nine: The Binds That Hold Us

Alastor cradled Charlie's sleeping form tenderly, a soft smile on his lips as he carefully caressed her warm skin with his hand. His eyes were closed as he hummed a slow tune, listening to Charlie's even breaths as she continued to dream. Her back was towards him, allowing Alastor to get whiffs of her flowery scented hair with each breath he took. It calmed him as he was unable to sleep himself as he continued to imagine Charlie's body in place of Mimzy's at Il Gufo's, as well as other unpleasant memories such as Molly's death. He tried to ignore it, but the images were just too real, and it made him uneasy as he had been on the other end of their untimely demise. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would someday be disgusted with the man he had become up until Charlie entered his life and blessed him with her love.

He opened his tired eyes and sighed before giving her bare shoulder a chaste kiss.

She loved him. She really loved him. He pressed his forehead against the base of her neck, unable to contain the genuine smile that spread across his face. It felt like his stomach was doing summersaults while his heart fluttered in his chest. So, this was what it was like to actually love someone and be loved in returned. A part of him felt a little bad for not being able to return Mimzy's feelings to his full capacity. He had just been comfortable with her is all, and even then, it had been debatable for some time which was why he had rather to break things off with her completely than be miserable for the rest of his life. Would he have met Charlie, regardless? Would they still have fallen in love?

He had so many questions and very few answers, if any. At least he had the confirmation he had hoped for.

Charlie loved him.

He couldn't help but feel giddy, and if he had the power to do so without coming off as crazy, he'd elope with her and disappear to some remote part of the world that Charlie would no doubt find some way to fulfill her dream of helping people. Perhaps running from his former lifestyle wasn't so farfetched, but he knew it would be better in the long run to end things properly. He had been worried she wouldn't want to, but words from early made him believe that, just maybe, she wouldn't mind leaving her family behind.

Charlie shifted in her sleep and groaned, her eyes fluttering open, "What... time is it?" she croaked.

"Midnight, darling." He whispered, kissing her temple as she turned her head to look at him from her peripheral.

"Oh shit... the food." She didn't sound to concern as she yawned.

He chuckled, "Are you hungry? I'm not sure if the food you brought is any good as it's still sitting out, despite how cold it is outside. I can probably whip something up for you while you shower, unless you want me to join you?" He teasingly nipped at her neck, his hand roaming over her hip to the front of her thigh. He then shifted her leg, making her raise it so his hand could skim over her swollen netherlips still moist from their previous love making, "Your choice." He whispered, his middle finger sliding into her. Charlie gasped as he pumped the digit. With the hand that had been pinned underneath her body, he moved it to knead her breast.

"Mmmm, Alastor..." she moaned, rocking her hips into his hand as his ring finger joined his middle and his thumb rubbed against her clitoris, "Ha... Are... are you h-hungry? Ah!" He bit harder on the junction where her neck and shoulder met, but not hard enough to break skin, but the bruise she would no doubt get would fade before the gala. Perhaps afterwards, he'd leave his mark.

"I'm hungry for you." He cooed into her ear as he moved his hips behind her, rubbing his growing erection on her behind. He removed his hand from her womanhood and grabbed her leg from behind her knee, lifting it up as he maneuvered his lower half so his dick slid along her slit, coating it with a thin sheen of their mixed juices.

Charlie whimpered as she gently reached down to aid his cock into her opening. Her back arched as another moan escaped her lips. Her eyes closed as Alastor began a slow, agonizing rhythm. "Faster, please." She murmured, one hand coming to rub her jewel while the other gripped the bed sheets, "Fuck me how I like it."

He kissed behind her ear, "I don't want to just fuck you, my dear, not anymore when you mean so much to me. I want to make love to you. Enjoy it darling, nice and slow. We have plenty of other times to fornicate like wild animals, the way you like it. For now, simply feel me inside you." He did pick up the pace, per her request, yet still managed to make it as sensual as possible. "That's it, mon cher. Steady."

Charlie's hips began to move at their own accord as she rocked back into him, meeting him thrust for thrust. "Oh! Mmm... ok..." she gasped out as Alastor pulled on her nipple between his middle and index finger while the others squeezed her soft mounds. "God, you feel so good."

"As do you, darling. I love being inside you." He bit his lower lip and grunted, his thrusts becoming a little harder. The sound of their skin slapping into one another echoed in their room as the scent of their sex permeated the room.

"Can I... can I ride you?" She whimpered, "Please?"

"Certainly." He stopped and slid out of her, rolling onto his back as he kicked the bedsheets off his legs.

Charlie wasted no time and scrambled to her hands and knees. She leaned over and tenderly kissed Alastor as she repositioned herself. She then straddled him, her womanhood hovering over his throbbing cock. She teased the tip by bobbing her hips over it, allowing only an inch or so inside with each downward motion before snapping her hips back up before he got to comfortable being inside her again. She broke off their kiss and looked down at him with so much adoration that matched his.

"I love you." She said with a soft smile as she leaned back, placing her hand on his chest to steady herself.

Alastor's hands roamed over her hips and backside, "I love you, too." He whispered. He suddenly let out a cry of pleasure as he arched up, Charlie having plunged his cock deep inside, "Christ!"

As much as Charlie had wanted to ride him fast and hard, she too went at a steady pace, feeling every inch of him fill and stretch her as she rocked her hips back and forth, lifting herself up just a little before sliding him right back in. Alastor panted as he struggled to keep his eyes open, grunted through clenched teeth. Charlie looked ethereal in the light of the moon that came through his bedroom window. Her pale skin glistened with a thin layer of sweat. Her mewls and pants mixed with the look of pure pleasure on her face as she rode him caused his body to break out into goosebumps.

This wonderful woman was all his.

"Charlie..." He chanted her name like a prayer as he felt the telltale signs of his release begin to build. Charlie must have sensed it too as she slowed her tempo and leaned forward, her face hovering above his as she held herself up with her hands on either side of his head. His hands freely roamed over her body before settling around her waist. "What is it, love?"

She kissed his lips, then his cheeks, his nose, lips, chin, and jaw. He chuckled. "Nothing really. Can't I admire your handsome face?" Her eyes wandered to his stitched shoulder and gasped, ceasing all motions, "Oh shit, you're bleeding!"

Before she could get up, his arms held her to him as he bucked up wildly, "We'll worry about it after we finish, darling." He grinned as Charlie sucked in a breath then covered her mouth as not to shriek as he hit her sweet spot deep inside. "Cum for me again, Charlie. All over my cock the way I like it."

It was the final push she needed. Alastor was always proper when he spoke, so when he talked dirty to her in bed, it was a huge turn on for her. Charlie threw her head back and let out another sob as her orgasm rippled through her body. She convulsed on top of him, triggering his own release as he shut his own eyes tightly and hissed as soon as he felt her inner muscles milk him. On their own accord, Charlie's hips moved up and down on his shaft, prolonging her release just a little more. Alastor groaned, his muscles twitching. As Charlie came down from her high, she collapsed to her side and rolled, panting for much need air.

"The bed sheets are ruined." She said, "Are you ok?"

"Never better... never better." He chuckled, "I honestly hadn't noticed, dear. I'll change the sheets while you start the shower." He sat up and ran a hand through his soaked hair.

"No, I'll change the sheets. Starting tomorrow, start wearing your damned brace, ok? I don't want you getting nerve damage or something. Cling wrap still in the bathroom?" he nodded, "Alright, just wait for me so I can help you wrap your arm."

"As you wish." He leaned over to kiss her.

Alastor yawned as he pulled up to Husk's bar later that day. Charlie had gone back to her apartment to check up on Angel and spend time with her mother while she was in town. He would have preferred to stay in bed with her all day, but he had some business to attend to, especially regarding Mimzy's unannounced attendance at the bar. The older gentleman may not have much to do with it as Niffty, who had been good friends with his former fiancé, but regardless he felt the need to tell the little dame himself what had become of Mimzy as well as begin the process of detaching himself from his former lifestyle.

As usual, the duo was already at the bar doing their weekly deep cleansing as well as preparing key ingredients for that night. The bar originally had been just a front for their operation, passing information to other members of their organization, laundering money, or hiding a body or two, but over the years, it had also become something more to them. It was a safe place for them overall, to feel normal and productive members of society. The bar had certainly become Husk's pride and joy, whether he cared to admit it or not.

Alastor entered through the back entrance that was always left open during daytime hours when they were in. He slipped through the kitchen, grabbing an orange in a box on his way through, and came out around the corner from the bar where Husk was hunched over the counter going over his inventory sheets. He bit the end of his pen as he held the piece of paper closer to his face, peering over his reading glasses as his brows furrowed. He looked down at another sheet set before him and nodded.

"Adding those mirco brews to the beer list was a good idea, Nift. Let your boyfriend know I said thanks for helping me get rid of some the crap going stale in the back. Beer Flight Night was a hit."

"Will do!" She chimed from the corner as she steamed clean a portion of the dance floor. She looked up and gasped excitedly, "Al!"

Husk looked up as well, "Huh?" He frowned, "Oh, it's you. Thought you would have bled out." He set the paper in his hand down and made some notes.

Alastor chuckled, "Sorry to interrupt your work, Huskers. How are you two?"

Niffty set the steamer against a chair and bounced over to their guest, clapping excitingly, "It's been swell! Baxter's been bouncing some ideas with Husk to kinda help bring in new customers beside the usual college kids. He started his own brewery a little while ago and thought having a Flight Night using what's local would be a good idea. This was the first public sampling of his IPA and it was a hit! We were so packed, Al, it was crazy! How's your arm? Are you hungry? I can make us some sandwiches. You know what... I'll order some pizza. I'll be right back." She scurried away toward the office.

"USE YOUR OWN DAMN CARD, NOT THE BUSINESS ONE!" Husk shouted, shaking his head, "This ain't some damn charity." He sighed and leaned back, digging into his grey vest over his burgundy dress shirt to fish out a pack of cigarettes. "So, what brings you in? Shouldn't you be resting?" He eyed the brace that pinned his arm to his side and around his torso.

Alastor rolled his eyes, "I've rested enough. Besides, can't a man visit his best friends?"

Husk looked at him skeptically, "Uh-huh... sure. You look like shit." He lit up a stick and took a drag, "Vox said he'd do a direct deposit for you into one of your accounts. Ain't got the greens here if that's what you're looking for." He exhaled away from his guest. "You haven't really been here the last few weeks either. Too good for this place to be seen with your girl now?"

Alastor shrugged with one shoulder, "Been busy, is all. Charlie does take up quite a bit of my free time and we've spent the last few date nights at home." He began to peel his orange the best he could. Husk sighed again and grabbed the sphere from his hand to continue peeling for him, "Ah! Thank you."

Husk handed back the unpeeled orange, "I don't even wanna know." He blushed, remembering the sounds of her moans when he stopped by Alastor's not too long ago. That would be the last time he showed up unannounced. He stood up and made his way around the bar to grab two shot glasses and a bottle of whisky, "So, I heard you fucked up with the Ragno girl after all. It's a buzz with the higher ups."

"Don't you mean 'we'? You were my accomplice."

Husk sneered at the brunette, mocking his voice "'You were my accomplice' blah blah blah." He uncorked the bottle and poured two shots, handing one to Alastor, "I wasn't the one who pulled the trigger, asshat. I fucking told ya we should have knocked her out. Maybe then you wouldn't have been so damn skittish like a fucking deer and got in the way of my shot. You're lucky I used a low powered one, else I would have blasted your shoulder clean off ya." He chugged the contents of his glass back and swallowed, licking his lips as he poured himself another, "I'm too fucking old for this shit." He looked everywhere but at the other male. "Using her as bait was a bad idea from the get-go."

Alastor chuckled, "For once you and I can agree on somethings. Maria and Anthony were to be protected and left alone until they came back around. This life is all that they know. It's obvious when you see who they talked too despite witness protection protocols. They came back here on their own accord, well... at least Anthony did when he became Angel and took Valentino's offer. The Ragno's are good negotiators despite their fall from grace, but Henroin bit off more than he could chew when he thought he could fly solo using whatever he could make with his last batch." He lifted the glass to his lips, "I haven't been myself as of late, as well, and quite frankly, I don't want to be who I used to be anymore." He drank his share of whisky, then stared at the glass in his hand, "I'm leaving this behind me, Husk, but I need to tie up some loose ends first." He set the glass down and from behind his back, pulled out a handgun.

Husk gave him a side eye, "Come here to kill us?" He stiffened as Alastor pointed the gun at him but didn't attempt to make any sudden movements. He stared at Alastor's eyes that had dark bags underneath from the lack of sleep.

Alastor shook his head as he set it down on the counter in front of him, "No, actually." He snickered, "I had thought about it, but funny enough, I can't bring myself to do it. Charlie wouldn't like that." He gave Husk a grin, "I do, however, believe you and Niffty should sell the place and start somewhere else. Somewhere new, fresh... void of the kind of bloodshed we've spilt upon these walls." He looked around, "I do have some fond memories here, but I'm afraid you've been compromised."

The bartender slid the firearm away from them then leaned against the bar, "Compromised? I haven't seen or heard of any uncover operations happening on this side of town. Plus, it's been a while since we have had to use this place as a front of any kind. Kinda think Vox forgot about it."

"How would you know?" Alastor looked directly at him, an amused smile on his lips, "You didn't seem to notice Mimzy here. We need not worry about her ever again, though." Husk stiffened again.

"What?"

"Did you guys want pineapple on your pizza?" came Niffty's voice as she returned from the back, cellphone in hand, "Should I get some breadsticks too?" She looked up from her phone and tilted her head in confusion, wondering why Husk looked so shocked and Alastor looking amused. "What did I miss?"

"Mimzy's dead." Alastor said bluntly.

Niffty dropped her phone as her mouth hung open. Her breathing became labored as tears began to stream down her face, "H-how? What happened?"

Alastor's gaze turned to her, his expression changing to that of sympathy, "I did warn her, dear. I had no choice and had either of you done a better job of making sure she never came near me again, especially with Charlie, perhaps things would be different."

"She... was here?" Niffty said in disbelief, "When? I... I would have noticed her. We would have... Al... What the fuck?" her face turned red with anger as she continued to cry, "What the hell happened?"

He grabbed the bottle of whisky and poured some into his glass before sliding it over to her. "Here, drink this to steady your nerves."

"She was my best friend!" she shrieked.

Alastor was unfazed, "I know. However, she tried to get a hit on my dearest Charlie. I must draw the line somewhere, and you of all people, know the kind of person Mimzy is. Was. Stubborn and obsessed. What was I to do?" He placed his good arm on the counter and propped his head up. "I really didn't want to, believe me." He once again couldn't help but imagine Charlie's lifeless body on the floor instead of Mimzy's.

Husk silently grabbed a napkin and walked toward his partner to hand it to her. "We do know the kind of person she was. There's no way in hell she was here without saying something to either of us or making some kind of scene if she saw you and Charlie together. Who told you this?"

Alastor retold his visit with Vox and Valentino at Stolas' restaurant, recalling every bit of conversation. Niffty had calmed down, but her heated glare never left her eyes. When he was done, she took a deep calming breath.

"I don't believe it. I don't think she was here. You know she's rather... flashy. She would have been suspicious and stuck out. She was a great talker, but you know she couldn't go undercover to save her life." She grabbed the whisky bottle and chugged directly from the opening. Husk said nothing as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Alastor shrugged, "This is true, but did you also know she was still talking to Vox?"

"N-no..." Niffty bit her lower lip, "I've been a bit preoccupied with Baxter and the bar."

"Precisely why I wouldn't put it pass her to actually get away with this. She would have known you would be drawn to someone dressed in designer clothing when this place brings in the bottom of the frat barrel. No offense."

"None taken." Husk said.

"If not her, then who? A P.I.? Regardless, she did not respect my privacy and I had told her if she tried to find me, I would dispatch of her body. You know I always keep my promises."

"Charlie is really something, huh?" Husk said as he lit up another cigarette. He had noticed there was a change in Alastor.

"Oh yes. I would do anything for her, Husk." His usual smile relaxed to that of a genuine one as he thought of her. "Which... is why I'm trying to spare the both of you." Husk and Niffty looked at him with shock. "I know neither of you would rat out Vox or myself, or any of his associates. I recommend you try to get out yourselves while you can and start new. Niffty, darling, does that fellow even know what you do for us?"

She shook her head and looked away in shame, "I... I'm too scared to tell him. I don't know how he'd react."

Alastor have her a look of empathy, "See? Wouldn't it be better to put that behind you and focus on what you two have?"

She rubbed her arms as she hugged herself, "I guess. The money is great, but the risks... I don't think I can handle it anymore. What if he proposes?" she blushed as she cupped her cheeks.

The assassin turned to the other gentleman, "Husk, my dearest friend, I know you never enjoyed this, and with you nearing retirement age in a few short years, it's best to do so now while you can still and do the things you wish you could."

Husk snickered as he pulled his cigarette out of his mouth to exhale smoke and flick off the ash, "Didn't realize there was a time limit to fish to my heart's content. Over the years I've stashed more than spent. Hell, I could buy a boat and disappear at sea tomorrow if I wanted. Doesn't sound too bad."

"The both of you are here because of me, therefor you are under my jurisdiction of deciding what to do with you. To put it simply, though I don't see it that way, you are my subordinates." He stood and began to pace, "While yes, you have been a huge help to Vox, he hasn't been using this place like before. He has other venues where he can launder more money than some dive bar for college brats. It's not much of a loss, is it? Do this last task with me, Husk, and I'm sure Vox will say nothing to you. A favor to Maverick is a big deal for him. I'm sure if Von Eldritch wanted him to clean his arse, he would in a heartbeat. He's dating his daughter for the sake of securing a foothold in his family's bank, is he not? If he can do that, there's no stopping him from moving his fortune around and ceasing more property. Is that so much to ask? I can take care of the other business myself to break my chains."

"I guess not." Husk sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, a cynical smile on his lips. "Well, shit."

"I don't believe this." NIffty whispered as she set the now empty bottle of whisky on the counter and sat beside Alastor, putting her face in her hands as she sighed, "Dammit Mimzy... I spoke to her last week, and I didn't think anything was off except..." She looked up and gasped, "Oh no... this was my fault. She asked me if you still came around and when. M-maybe she wasn't here physically, maybe she had someone else come because I know I would have seen her."

"What does is done, no use crying over spilt milk. However, please don't blame yourself, darling, Mimzy would have found me in some way, anyhow." He placed his cheek on the palm of his hand as he stared blankly at the display of spirits. 'Something isn't right about this though.'

Husk snuffed his cigarette out in an ash tray on the counter near his paperwork, "I'll check the cameras n get em to Loona to edit them if she pops up. Might as well start getting shit straightened out when someone finally reports her missing."

Alastor nodded, "Indeed. Well now, friends, how about I treat us all out to eat instead, hmm?"

Charlie and her mother sat outside of a small café enjoying some coffee and pastries. Angel had resumed work at the firm, feeling better after the family outing, and her father had several meetings he couldn't reschedule. The two Magne women decided to stroll around the boutique stores in the downtown area before stopping by her mother's seamstress to check up on her handmade dress for the gala.

"So," her mother began as she set her latte down on the table and leaned back in her seat, "Tell me who they are." She wore a loose-fitting blouse with large billowing sleeves that tapered at her wrist to a cuff and tight-fitting high raise blank jeans with a pair of black Louis Vuitton heels. Her hair was loose as wisps dancing in the slight afternoon breeze.

Charlie looked up, her mouth covered in powdered sugar from her cream puff, "Huh?" the powder had fallen on her chest, blending into the ruffles of her light pink blouse. She dusted herself off, not caring the substance landed on white jeans.

Her mother giggled, "It's a good thing your father didn't join us. I would love how to hear you got that slight hickey on your neck. You didn't tell me you were seeing someone... unless you're being casual?"

Charlie clamped a hand down on her neck and gasped, "Fuck, I thought I set the foundation right." She laughed nervously as she blushed furiously, "Well, I was going to introduce you two to him at the gala. I had wanted to tell you sooner, but with what happened with Molly, it just wasn't the right time."

"Oh, a him?" Her delicately groomed eyebrows shot into her hair line, "Back to boys I see. I suppose Vaggie's behavior toward the end would perhaps put you off toward women for a while."

"Mom." Charlie frowned, "That's not how it works... I'm attracted to either sex equally. My relationships don't tetter based on who I dated last." her blush softened on her pale cheeks, "Well. We... started off as each other's rebounds truthfully, but one thing led to another." She smiled softly as memories of last night flooded into her mind, "I can honestly say I fell in love with him, and he with me. I was just trying to figure out how to tell dad because I know ever since things with Seviathan, he's been harsh with my male companions. He's nothing like him."

Lilith's eyes softened, "I can tell he treats you well, and that's good. What does he know about us? I know you were hesitant to tell Vaggie, and you didn't really tell her all too much, did you?" She picked up a chocolate cake pop set on a small plate.

Charlie sighed blissfully, "He knows everything, and it didn't bother him." Her mother looked shocked, "Mom, you might actually know him. You've met him a couple of times."

Lilith perked up more, "Oh? How so?" it wasn't often her stomach did flips. 'He's not bothered by us being with the mafia? Is he too scared or trying to get in?'

"Do you remember being interviewed at the radio station in town? He interviewed you."

Lilith thought about it for a moment, lifting her eyes up toward the sky in the distance from underneath the umbrella they sat under. "Radio station... hmm. It's been about a year or so ago." She bit her lower lip, painted in a matte burgundy lip stain. Her eyes widen a bit as she gasped happily, "Oh! I forget his name, but if I think who it is, he was such a gentleman! So polite and charming." She covered her mouth and giggled, "That's quite an upgrade from a self-absorbed nurse."

"Mom!"

Charlie's mother waved her hand, "What? You think I didn't notice the signs last Christmas when you brought Vaggie over? Things were rather tense, but I didn't say anything since you didn't seem to mind that everything had to be to her liking. Bit of a control freak she was, but I can honestly say I'm glad it's over between you two. What's his name?"

"Alastor. Alastor Gallow-LaChapelle." Charlie practically swooned.

Her mother nodded, "Alastor, hmm?" she resumed drinking her latte, 'I'll need to ask Lu for a probe. That station... Vox is a sponsor. If he's not the least bit bothered by our hidden family affairs, something isn't right.' She set the cup back down, "Tell me more about him. Start from the beginning."

Angel was typing away at his workstation when a shadow suddenly loomed over him. He moved the mic of his headset up and tore his eyes away from the screen of the email he was typing. He gasped as he straightened up, "V-Vox." Where anger should have been, fear instead took over. The man was tall with board shoulders, slick back black hair, intense cobalt color eyes, cynical smile, with well chiseled features which made him alluring, yet unsettling dangerous with the aura around him. One thing was for certain, he was not a man to be trifled with, "Uh..." he looked down at his calendar, "You um, didn't have an appointment today. Lu's in a meeting, b-but if ya want to wait a little... he should be opening up for his lunch break. He stopped having lunch meetings with clients a while back so you're in luck." He gulped, hoping he wouldn't be forced to interrupt an important meeting with a client that served the other owners' interest.

"Anthony. Nice to see you again." he said as he placed one hand on the counter to lean in, the other on his wait, "I'm not here for the old man. I heard what happened. My deepest condolences things got out hand on my end." With the hand on his waist, he reached inside his coat's inner pocket and produced black colored envelop, "Val sends his regards as well. He misses you."

Angel frowned, "Sure he does." He took the envelop and examined it, "What's this?" he felt a lump inside, "Condoms?" He relaxed a little.

Vox laughed, "Same humor as always, I see." he stood up straight, "Have Lu investigate those for me, will ya? Tell him it's not urgent, just some sites I have a special interest in obtaining but would like his input." He cleared his throat, "Say, Anthony..."

"I go by Angel, thanks."

"Right, Angel... look, about your sister."

Angel raised his hand as he closed his eyes, "I appreciate the concern, but I also know it's gonna be a half assed apology, so save it for when it really matters." He looked up at him, his nerves fizzled away to that of anger as he looked around before lowering his voice for only the television mogul could hear, "I'll never forgive you or that sick fuck of yours for what you did to my sister. She may not have been perfect, but she was still a damn saint compared to the rest of us. Congratulations on wiping out the Ragno name in the underground. If this shit," he held up the envelop, "belongs to my father, it's yours. I want nothing to do with it his shit that hurt my mother. I services are with the Magnes now."

"Smart boy. Guess I don't have to make it look like an accident for Lu's sake." Angel stiffened, causing Vox to laugh, "I'm kidding. Jeez." he rubbed his chin, "It really wasn't supposed to go that way, honestly. However, she wasn't as innocent as you believed, but I won't spoil your week any more than it has. Say," he rubbed his chin, "you're best friends with the Magne girl... Charlotte, right."

"Yea."

He nodded, "She's got some stupid ass luck for not being part of all this." Angel tilted his head in confusion as he watched Vox retreat, "I don't know if she has a guardian angel looking over her, or a deal with the devil. However, the little tart is making things rather complicated."

Angel was at a loss for words.

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