AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She wrapped her arms around herself. “Why do you keep it like this?”
“Right, you come from a tropical climate.” He turned up the thermostat and brought her another shirt.
“What, Los Angeles?”
“No. Africa.”
She choked back a laugh. “Hey, that’s racist.”
“No it’s not. Your ancestors are literally from Africa.”
“Where are yours from? Siberia?”
“Scotland. You like the art in here? I see you looking but you haven’t said a word about it.”
“Yeah I like your art, if you’re gonna make me say it.” Her gorgeous eyes danced at him, twin diamonds sparkling in the deep hearts of jet-black roses. A current passed through him. Strange, Ross thought. She’s not under suggestion now.
“You have nice art,” she said. “Nice big art.”
He licked his lips. “Thanks.”
“But it’s not my taste,” she said.
“What’s your taste?”
“I like when it leads me to something,” she said, looking into his eyes. “But yours? All this…” She looked away and gestured to the paintings. He wanted to stare into her eyes again but she wouldn’t join him. She said, “It just stands still. It doesn’t move. It doesn’t do anything.”
Ross stared at her. “You would be a riot in the galleries.”
“I don’t know about that.” She looked uncomfortable. “You got any more clothes?”
He found a pair of sweatpants for her, and once she had covered herself some more he was able to get his head back to the charted course for the night. The sight of her bare skin caused an unwanted reaction from his body.
“So now what?” He prompted.
“I’m not lettingyou hypnotize me,” Angel said flatly, rolling up the hems of the sweatpants.
“Think about it,” he argued. “Your name makes you lose control, and your memory’s jammed, likely because Manny did something to you before you came here. Hypnosis makes sense. He was running on about some pill they’re developing— but I think he made the suggestion to you the normal way. Your name is a trigger– that’s what hypnosis does. Cue and response.”
“If I get my hands on that Manny motherfucker he’s dead.”
Ross said grimly, “I’m not too happy about this situation myself.”
“Right. Your rich boy life is all messed up.” She blinked. “Sorry. I mean, you got a right to your peace without me invading it.”
“You’re not invading,” said Ross immediately.
“Then why— never mind,” she interrupted herself. “So this Manny guy is your friend?”
“Yeah. We were frat brothers. Don’t give me that look.”
“I didn’t say nothing. Okay, so you said he’s my uncle?”
“Yep. You’re his brother’s daughter. Do you remember your father? Sook-Jae? He would be about fifty years old.”
“No,” said Angel.
“Right,” said Ross. “Got it. No memories.”
