AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Bull and Snake chuckled.
“B-But how much will I owe?” Mr. Sheth whined, gesturing at the cash Saber held.
Daniel loathed this part, but he had a job to do. “Two thousand. This is forfeited collateral.”
Saber toppled the old man to the floor as he stood. Snake gave Raj one more swift kick in the ribs. He squatted beside the teen and ruffled Raj’s hair. “That’s only three, kid. We still owe you seventeen.” He chuckled maniacally as he straightened to his full six-foot-four inches of glaring menace.
When they left, there was a cop out front talking to the receptionist. He ignored them as they passed, even as the girl stared with wide eyes.
Back at Troy’s office, Saber counted the money. He grimaced. “Not even 500 bucks here.”
“Well, that’s a shame,” Troy said, entering the room. “Seventeen minus five is twelve, minus the three, is nine.”
Bull cracked his knuckles…
Daniel snapped awake, cold and shaking. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He hated that dream. Why now? It had been a while since the last one.
He flopped back in the recliner. Every joint, every muscle that had been damaged by Bull’s fists hurt. Troy had had Bull deliver Sheth’s punishment on his body, and it had put him in the hospital for nearly a week. Daniel had no choice but to fall in line and fall deeper and deeper into Troy’s cruel abyss. He had to… just to pay the hospital bill and keep a roof over his head and food in his belly.
His gaze focused on Theo.What the—?He grabbed the angel’s arm. “How the hell did you get in here?” Well, he knew the answer, but he feared if he revealed the truth too soon, Theo would leave and not return.
Theo stared at him, the surprise on the angel’s face an interesting mix of embarrassment and fear. He didn’t stop Theo from covering his eyes. He didn’t fight the swell of drowsiness that swamped him. Daniel just wondered when he’d see his angel again as he drifted back to sleep.
????
When Daniel woke the second time, his thoughts shifted immediately to Theo. Had the angel really been there, or had it been part of his dream? He sat up and looked around his barren apartment. He had few creature comforts; his favorite being the recliner he’d slept on and the blanket over his lap, which he distinctly remembered being on the sofa when he’d fallen asleep.
His phone chirped and buzzed. Daniel stared at it, lost in a daze, until its flashing notification light registered. When he turned it on, the first highlight was from Mr. Troy wanting him to… something. He ignored the message in favor of the second notification… the one from Theo.
Hey… I got your number. Hope you don’t mind. I’m working again tonight. Will I see you?
Got my number?How in the world…? Daniel snickered at his stupidity. Of course, Theo “got” his number. An angel could get his number any way they wanted. It was kinda cute, though, how Theo hid the reality of what he was.
I’ll be there. Not sure what time. Boss texted. *grumble, grumble*
Bosses be like that. LOL See you later!
Daniel grinned. Bosses… More like Big Boss Daddy in the sky. His smile faded as he opened up the newest message from Troy.
I HAVE ANOTHER JOB FOR YOU.
Daniel muttered curses even as he sent Troy an okay. He scrubbed the sleep from his face, stood, and peered down at his wrinkled clothes. A shower, change of clothes, and food, in that order, then…Fuck it. Troy can wait…
????
Theo moved smoothly around the bar, taking and filling orders, alcohol, cash and cards exchanging hands, making change, handing over receipts, and graciously accepting tips. Fluid and graceful, a smile for everyone, a smile Daniel wanted given to him and him alone.
Daniel forced himself to turn away and study the crowded nightclub. The mixing of classic tunes of the 80s with newer beats was interesting and, at the same time, annoying. How dare they mess with a classic? As the young crowd writhed and shimmied, singing along with the DJ, he appreciated the kids having some exposure to the best songs of his era.
At thirty-five, he felt older than his years. If an angel could get it on in the human plane, would Theo even be interested in a washed-up old man? One seeking redemption, but doubting he’d ever receive such a blessing.
“Dance with me?”
The silver voice caressed Daniel, making him shudder. Theo slid in front of him, offering his hand, a beautiful smile, and patient eyes waiting for Daniel’s answer.
“I’m more of a slow dance kind of guy,” he replied, not particularly caring to be made a fool of on the dance floor.
“No problem,” Theo said, grabbing Daniel’s hands and hauling him off his stool. He hadn’t even taken one step when the music shifted from crazy fast to sultry slow.
