Page 72 of Devil’s Promise

“When we arrive at the wedding, you’re not to leave my side for any reason. Clear?”

“Crystal.”

He smiles against my mouth. “And, as much as I like your voice, keep silent.”

I cock my head at that one, my eyes crinkling. We’re in complete agreement, but I’m curious about his reasons. “Why?”

“You are a much larger asset to me, and a threat to him, with a voice,” Angel answers, his hand sliding down my cheek.

Which makes me pause. Has Angel changed allegiances because of what I offer? Have I become a larger…asset…than my father? He has never promised me affection, and what’s more, I didn’t ask for it. I only asked for him to take my side over my father’s.

But the idea that I’m just a means to some end makes me turn my face away. “Silence is a thing I can do.”

He pops the car door open and then slides an arm under my knees, lifting me from the car. He gently sets me on my three-inch heels and then fluffs my skirts out again as I adjust the top of my strapless gown.

Climbing into his lap in a strapless mermaid gown might not have been the best choice.

“Angel?”

My chin lifts as a man in an Armani suit walks toward us. He might be the most classically handsome man I’ve ever seen, his dark hair perfectly coifed.

Behind him stand two other men.

The first exudes the sort of power my father could only wish to possess. And then other…

The dead look in his eyes makes Rock look downright friendly. Without thought, I take a step back, my back bumping into Angel’s front. His hand comes to my hip, his lips close to my ear. “You’re all right, Promise. That’s Killian Smith and he is here for your protection, not your harm.”

I eye him warily, not moving as my hand comes to Angel’s on my hip. But I do look over my shoulder, my gaze connecting with Angel’s. He gives me a soft smile, his other hand coming to my shoulder.

“You frightened the lady, Killian,” the first man rumbles, his British accent washing over me.

“My apologies.”

I look back at Killian, his face completely different. His expression is relaxed. Easy.

I blink at the change, even as Angel comes to my side, tucking my hand in his arm, his body coming partially in front of mine.

Rock moves to Angel’s other side, Knox squeezing between me and the SUV.

“This is my fiancée, Promise,” Angel answers for me. “Killian Smith and Rushton Smith are business acquaintances of mine. And I can only assume…”

“Mason Kincaid,” the third man rumbles.

Ahh. Yes. I nod to all three of them. Killian steps up first and holds out his hand. For a moment I stare, not sure I want to touch him. But slowly I unwind my muscles and place my hand in his. He gives my fingers a light squeeze, his gaze settling on the small circular scars on my arms.

“What are those?” he asks, his fingers tightening over mine. I try to jerk my hand away, but he holds it in place.

“Compliments of her father,” Angel answers. “Cigarette burns.”

Killian raises his head, even as he lets go of my hand. “You were right to call us.”

“Killian,” Rushton says, a slight admonishment in his voice. “We’re not making promises, just returning favors.”

“Do what you want, Rush,” Killian says, turning to his brother. I can see the resemblance, though Killian is a much rougher-looking man than Rush. “But I know why I’m here. And you know damn well that I do what I want.”

Then he smiles at me, a light, easy smile that makes my shoulders unwind, before he hands me a card from his pocket. “This is my personal number.”

Mason comes to stand next to Rush. “Since we’re handing out cards…” And he pulls one from his pocket too. But he doesn’t give it to me, he gives it to Angel.