Page 47 of Angel

However, as I narrowed my gaze on Mrs. Campanelli’s pleading espresso-tinged eyes, my defenses crumbled.

Saying no to anyone in need remained my biggest freakin’ weakness.

Besides, her culinary skills were off the charts.

Despite my garbage appetite, I’d thoroughly enjoyed the triple-cheese omelet she delivered this morning.

I even surprised myself by devouring the entire plate, along with three thick slices of rustic sourdough bread.

When Mrs. Campanelli mentioned earlier that Roxy baked the loaf herself, I arched a brow.

Evangeline never set foot inside a kitchen, let alone kneaded dough; her nails would have never survived the carnage.

I tamped down the memories of my runaway bride, redirecting my focus to the undesirable mission at hand.

Needing to keep us all fed, I shrugged and gave in.

‘Is there a bus?’ I grunted, packing my lyric sheets and notebook into a neat stack.

‘Sì, signor,’ the older woman replied, her sweet smile returning. ‘A transit coach departs from Marina Grande, past our gates to a stop outside the property and climbs to the square in Anacapri. The shuttles run every half hour, seven days a week. Or you can take a local taxi. The ride takes nine minutes and costs fifteen to nineteen euros.’

Still pissed as hell about the inconvenience, I shoved my charcoal pencil into my vest pocket and nodded.

‘Fine. Give me half an hour to get decent.’

I laced up my sneakers, threw on linen shorts, an inky tee and a vest, then slapped my aviator sunglasses on my head.

Striding to the kitchen, I found Roxy locked in a shared joke with Mrs. Campanelli.

Somehow, seeing her laugh while I was going through a shitshow of agony set me off.

‘You engineer this?’ I growled, gritting my teeth, crossing my arms over my chest.

Roxy blinked, her smile faltering. ‘The hell, Angel?’

‘This sudden trip to the Anacapri markets,’ I snarled, thoroughly pissed off. ‘Are you behind this plan?’

Roxy appeared shocked as she flicked her eyes from the housekeeper and back to me.

‘No, but it sounds like an awesome idea,’ she replied, blinking.

I was beyond annoyed.

‘Mrs C. the room please.’

I made the growled demand along with a chin jerk at the housekeeper.

She got the memo and hurried out.

I prowled closer to Roxy.

‘You trying to get some time with me. Why? What you after?’

‘I’m not after anything.’

My rage at the Rosedales and their manipulation churned higher in me.

‘You can’t pull this shit, Roxy. I’ve no desire to be going fuckin’ shopping with you. I want to be left alone. But you won’t; so it’s a play to spend time with me. For what reason? To fuck with me as your sister did?’