Page 107 of Angel

Her hand rested in mine, her silk gown whispering over the marble steps while photographers shouted our names from behind silver barricades.

I’d spent the last few weeks fighting my demons, but standing next to this woman made every scar worth the pain.

Roxy radiated pure grace, her shoulders bare, chin high, unfazed by the flashing bulbs and shouting reporters.

A French reporter pushed her mic toward us, her camera crew blocking the top step as the ocean churned below.

‘Angel!’ she called out. ‘Tell us about why you’re here tonight with your beautiful bride.’

I stepped beside Roxy, linking hands with her.

‘I’ve been coming for many years; we love the people, we love the cause, we love the celebration,’ I said, addressing the lens.

‘It’s a glamorous night; I get to take my wife Roxy out. We’re also here to support amfAR, a great cause, by playing a few new songs from our upcoming album, Storm Born.’

The reporter beamed, gesturing toward the marquee where auction tables sparkled under crystal chandeliers.

‘What are the Sinners bringing to the table tonight, Angel?’

‘I’ve sponsored a bespoke package on the auction block tonight. All our albums signed, merchandise from the band, ten VIP tickets to our next concert, and ten days at an Aegean island sanctuary villa, complete with super yacht transport, personal chefs, and a full spa set-up.’

Roxy shot me a playful glance, her eyes flashing under the starlight as she squeezed my fingers.

‘Can we also bid for the Greek villa, handsome?’ she teased, her voice dropping into a rich whisper, making sure the reporter heard.

‘Anything for you, babe,’ I murmured back, pressing my lips against her temple.

We were playing it up for the cameras, and they loved it.

Lenses clicked like mad as I kissed her.

We weren’t hamming up the emotion, though.

The arcs of electricity between us, the charged-up sexual tension, were all real.

‘Enjoy the gala, folks,’ I rasped, guiding my wife toward the grand ballroom where the bass vibrated through the floor.

Roxy leaned her head against my shoulder, chuckling at our horsing around.

‘You’re so chaotic, Angel Forrest.’

‘I’ll show you chaos, babe, and kiss you senseless in this corner,’ I growled, pulling her into a dark alcove.

She arched a brow.

‘I dare you.’

‘Come here.’

I pulled her tight for a deep, passionate kiss that promised much more bliss later.

ROXY

‘It’s so magical, feels like a dream I never earned,’ I murmured to Sofia, taking a slow sip of my prosecco.

‘Oh honey, you freakin’ deserve each single second of this,’ Sofia declared. ‘Evangeline put you and Angel through pure, unadulterated hell, and this tonight? This is your sweet, well-earned victory. So revel in it.’

The grand ballroom of the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc glittered with golden light from stunning chandeliers.