Twenty-Three
ANGELO
A ngelo was rarely caught off guard, and he took pride in that. As a man of precision and control, he didn’t leave much to chance. So when Allison texted him with a time and place to meet, he’d prepared for every scenario—a calm discussion, a heated argument, or even a full-blown fight.
What he hadn’t prepared for was this: Allison’s two brothers attacking him the moment they discovered he’d gotten their sister pregnant.
Maybe if I’d kept my mouth shut, I wouldn’t be in this mess , he thought, gingerly touching the spot on his cheek where Leopold had landed a solid punch. It throbbed like a bad toothache, a pulsing reminder that sometimes honesty wasn’t the best policy.
“Start from the beginning,” Leopold commanded, his voice cold and controlled—a stark contrast to the chaos moments before. Angelo met his steely gaze, still feeling the sting from Leopold’s punch. The guy had surprising power, but only because Angelo had allowed it. He could easily fucking crush Leopold if it came down to it, but that wasn’t the goal.
Angelo wanted to be part of Allison’s life long-term, and having her brothers not plotting his demise would make that plan smoother.
Regrettably.
Allison shifted on the couch beside him, and Angelo immediately felt the loss of her warmth. She had moved away, likely trying to avoid provoking her brothers further, but the distance felt like miles. Just moments ago, her thigh had pressed against his, radiating warmth that seeped through his jeans and settled deep in his bones. Her hand had rested so close to his that the slightest movement could bridge the gap. Each breath she took had brushed her honey-blonde waves against his shoulder, a teasing reminder of her nearness. Her bump, a sweet, rounded curve, practically begged for his hand to rest on it, to stake his claim, to silently say that this was his family.
He needed her touch. Hell, he just needed her .
But despite the deep ache in his chest, he managed to keep his hands to himself. Instead, he focused on what was happening around him.
“…and now here we are,” Allison finished recounting their story, and Angelo realized he’d zoned out. He’d been so focused on not reaching out to pull her back that he’d missed the past few minutes.
He glanced across the room and met a pair of icy, duochrome eyes, as if they were trying to penetrate his very soul.
Fucking Frederick Lockwood.
Angelo recalled Allison’s story about her mother’s love for colors and wondered what color Frederick might be. He suspected blue—cold, detached, and probably the kind of guy who’d make a glacier seem warm.
Leopold, who had been eerily quiet until now, finally spoke up. “So, what’s the plan, then?” His calm voice carried an edge that made Angelo’s skin prickle.
Allison took a deep breath. “The plan is that we’re going to figure this out together. Like adults. Angelo and I are going to raise this baby, and you two are going to have to accept that.”
Frederick looked like he was about to argue, but Leopold held up a hand, stopping him. “Fine,” Leopold said, his eyes locked on Angelo. “But if you hurt her—”
“He won’t,” Allison interrupted, cutting off the threat. “Because if he does, you two won’t have to worry about it. I’ll handle him myself.”
Fuck, yes you will, sweet girl.
Her fire had returned, igniting something deep within Angelo. He saw it in her eyes, in the way she straightened her posture, determination hardening her spine. Even the way she pressed her legs together caught his attention—though he’d rather they were clenched for a very different reason.
Her claws were out.
She’d look so hot in a Catwoman suit—NO. Not going there.
“You’re serious? My niece or nephew—”
“Niece,” Allison interrupted Frederick, the single word halting him mid-sentence. His eyes widened as he processed what she’d said, and for a heartbeat, he seemed frozen. Then, as if shaken awake, he snapped out of it, his body stiffening.
“Niece?” His voice came out softer now, almost tentative, a stark contrast to the man who had been shouting moments ago. Angelo couldn’t help but feel like he might get whiplash from the sudden shift.
Allison nodded, and Angelo followed suit, the two of them exchanging a glance as the atmosphere in the room began to change. The tension that had filled the space moments earlier started to dissipate. The brothers’ eyes were drawn to Allison’s baby bump, prominently displayed by the her cropped sweater.
Angelo silently thanked every deity and angel in the sky for her outfit, just as he always did with this woman.
“It’s a… You’re having a girl?” Leopold repeated, his voice barely above a whisper as if saying it louder would make it too real. The shock was evident in his eyes, the earlier worries about fatherhood seemingly forgotten.
“Yes,” Allison confirmed, her hand instinctively moving to rest on her belly, a small, serene smile playing on her lips.
“It’s a fucking girl!”
Frederick was the first to react, jumping up and practically tackling his sister in a hug. No surprise there—Frederick always led with his emotions, it seemed. “Congratulations, Ali,” he whispered in her ear, his voice a gentle contrast to the man who, just minutes ago, seemed ready to alert every cop in the area with his shouting. Seeing him like this, Angelo couldn’t help but think that Frederick seemed more normal—more human—when he wasn’t being consumed by fear or anger.
Allison melted into her brothers’ embrace as Leopold joined in, wrapping them all in a group hug. Angelo stood back, watching as the tension visibly drained from Allison’s body. He could see the tightness in her shoulders ease, the anxiety she’d been carrying leaving her with a deep, heaving breath.
Suddenly, Angelo found himself in awe of this woman. This twenty-eight-year-old woman who had grown up in a house full of men, without a mother figure to guide her; this incredible woman who, upon discovering she was pregnant, had immediately stepped up to protect her unborn child from everyone—even him, at times. This amazing woman who, despite her fears about her brothers’ reactions, had never let a single crack show in her resolve.
This woman, who in that moment, looked very much like his future wife.
Fuck. What am I thinking?
Angelo almost shook himself, but something unseen held him back. Somewhere between the tension in his car and this very moment, something had shifted within him. He was still afraid—terrified, really—of the intensity of his feelings, still unsure of what this need, this burn, truly meant. But if Angelo was anything, he was decisive and absolute when it came to his choices.
And so, he made a plan.
He would finally ask Allison to move in with him, just as he had been contemplating for months. It was the next step, the only step that made sense. Living together would allow them both to explore whatever it was between them—though Angelo already knew, deep down, exactly what it was.
He wanted her. He wanted her in his life, in his home, and in his future. Allison would be his; of that, he was certain.
But there was one small problem. Well, maybe not so small—more like a series of looming obstacles. If his investigation into Lockwood’s shady business dealings uncovered what he suspected, Angelo would soon be on a collision course with Allison’s father. And he still hadn’t told her a thing about it.
Yeah, this should go well.
As he looked at Allison, surrounded by her brothers, he knew one thing for sure: no matter what happened, he wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—stand in the way of what he wanted.
All he had to do was find the right time to tell her.
Moments later, the tension had dissipated, and everyone returned to their seats.
“Now, I’m afraid I must apologize for those punches, Mr. Taylor,” Leopold said, his carefree smile back in place.
“Apology accepted, Leopold.”
Angelo intentionally used the man’s first name, a tactic he’d picked up in the boardroom—meant to intimidate while appearing friendly. However, he quickly realized he had underestimated his opponent. Instead of the tension he intended, Leopold remained calm and relaxed.
There was a moment of silence as the tension in the room shifted from explosive to simmering. Finally, Frederick threw up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. But don’t expect us to play nice anytime soon.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Allison replied, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Angelo, who had been silent through most of this, finally decided to speak. “Thank you,” he said, looking directly at her brothers. “I know this isn’t easy, but I appreciate you both trying to be civil.”
“Don’t thank us yet,” Leopold muttered. “I have one question.”
What could he possibly ask that hadn’t already been covered?
“How are you going to tell Dad?”
Oh. That’s the one.
Allison didn’t miss a beat. “I was thinking John could help us, though it would be safer if we were all present,” she replied, her tone cold and professional. Angelo didn’t like it. He preferred her warmth when she was happy, her sassiness when she was confident. He wanted her to be as vibrant as she usually was.
Leopold shook his head. “No.”
“No?” Angelo echoed, surprised by the naturalness of Leopold’s objection. It was clear that despite his easygoing demeanor, Leopold was not having a good day.
“Allison, you know how our father thinks. He sees our close relationship as a weakness. He’ll think we’re ganging up on him.”
As much as Angelo hated to admit it, from what little he knew about Oliver Lockwood, Leopold might be right. But then again, the man would be difficult no matter what.
“He’ll feel ambushed regardless, Leo. But I can’t do this alone. I can’t… I can’t handle him by myself.” Allison’s voice cracked on the last word, and Angelo felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He didn’t know what compelled him to speak, but he couldn’t stand to see the woman who had been so confident moments ago seem so defeated.
“You won’t be alone, Allison,” Angelo said softly, giving in to his earlier desires. He reached over and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be right there beside you.”
Frederick sneered, unsurprisingly. “That’s part of the problem, asshole.”
Angelo’s patience had been wearing thin with Frederick’s antics, but the man’s snarky tone was the final straw.
“Keep running your mouth in front of your sister, Freddie , and I’ll show you what the real problem is,” Angelo warned, his voice dangerously low.
“Oh, you little—”
“Boys! Please,” Allison interrupted, her voice strained with desperation. The crack in Angelo’s heart deepened at the sound.
“I’m sorry, sweet girl,” Angelo murmured, and he truly meant it. Apologizing wasn’t something he did often, and when he did, it was usually out of obligation rather than sincerity. But with Allison, things were different. He was beginning to think he’d do anything for her.
As he held her hand, he brought it up to his lips, his gaze locked on her jade-green eyes. The moment felt surreal, his usual sense of restraint slipping away. He pressed a soft, barely-there kiss to the back of her hand. It was a subtle gesture, but its impact was undeniable. Allison shivered almost instantly, her eyes fixed on his as she clutched his hand tightly, as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
In that moment, Angelo wished he could be her everything.
Reluctantly, he lowered their hands and tore his gaze away from her, looking at her older brothers. Instantly, he was met with a pair of intense glares; Leopold and Frederick were staring at him as if they could incinerate him on the spot.
If looks could kill, he’d… still be alive. Because despite their menacing expressions, he recognized the truth behind them. They were just like him—overprotective brothers trying to shield their sister from the world.
“Leopold,” Angelo began, his mind made up. “I don’t know your father well, but from what little I do know, it seems safer for Allison not to face him alone.” He chose his words carefully, aware that despite Leopold’s… unique lifestyle, he was still a businessman who could read between the lines. “I think if we all go to his office, he might be more inclined to listen.”
Translation: If we go to his turf, he’ll feel more powerful, like he has the upper hand.
Both brothers seemed to consider his words. Angelo understood their protective instincts, but there was no way—on earth, in heaven, or in hell—that he would let Allison face her father’s wrath alone.
He’d stand by her side, no matter what.
“I’ll think about it. Let me talk to Johnny, and I’ll get back to you both in a few days,” Leopold finally said, effectively ending the conversation. Angelo felt a brief surge of triumph, but it quickly evaporated when Allison spoke.
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
“Ali, please—” Leopold began, but Allison cut him off.
“No, Leo!” she snapped, her face flushing red with anger. It would have been almost cute if Angelo weren’t worried about her blood pressure.
“What Angelo said is exactly what I just told you a minute ago. And yet you agreed with him? How? Why?” She was practically shouting, her breaths coming in heavy gasps as her chest heaved with fury. Angelo understood her frustration all too well.
He knew he had exploited her brothers’ overprotectiveness. It was clear to him that the only reason they had dismissed Allison’s proposal was because it had come from her. They still saw her as a young, naive girl who couldn’t handle herself. Angelo had made that mistake too, once upon a time. But that had been the day Allison had proven him wrong, standing her ground at the boardroom and fiercely defending herself and their unborn daughter.
He felt a sudden surge of anger on her behalf, but he bit his tongue. As much as he wanted to tear into her brothers—or anyone who hurt her—he knew she’d never forgive him if he fought her battles for her. So, he clenched his fists so tightly his short nails dug into his palms, mentally reminding himself that killing his future brothers-in-law would not make his life with Allison easier.
“You’re being ridiculous, Allison,” Frederick scoffed, and Angelo mentally filed that comment away. Just in case he ever got the chance to punch the guy, he wanted plenty of reasons.
“Am I, Freddie? Or are you being a sexist, egotistical pig?”
Crickets. Literal fucking crickets in broad daylight. It was as if the air had been sucked out of the room.
“Allison—” Leopold started, but she cut him off again.
“No, Leopold.” Angelo winced at her use of her brother’s full name. She’d been using their nicknames until now, but it was clear she was genuinely pissed. “You’ve said enough.” Her voice was cold, almost detached, but Angelo knew that came from how deeply she cared. If she hadn’t been hurt, she wouldn’t be so angry.
Angelo admired her even more in that moment—her resolve, her strength, her bravery. She was magnificent, and he was determined to make her his, if she’d have him.
It had taken him an embarrassingly long time to realize his feelings for Allison went beyond mere physical attraction. And even longer to separate those feelings from the fact that she was carrying their daughter.
Mamá would be ashamed of how long it took , he thought ruefully.
But now, he was finally ready to admit his feelings—to himself, at least. Saying them out loud was another matter, one that required more time.
For a long moment, both of Allison’s brothers stood frozen, blinking at her as if they couldn’t believe what just happened. Angelo inched closer to her, unsure if he was doing it to comfort her or to make a point to her brothers. But before he could decide, Allison snapped him out of his stupor.
“Oh my God!” Allison gasped, clutching her belly with wide eyes.
Panic surged through Angelo as he saw the shock on her face. He immediately moved closer, his heart racing. “What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is it the baby?”
Leopold and Frederick, who had been busy staring at the floor, looked up with alarm etched on their faces. “Allison? What happened?” Leopold asked, his voice laced with concern.
For a moment, Allison didn’t respond, her breath caught in her throat as she stared down at her stomach. But then, a slow, radiant smile spread across her face, tears of joy brimming in her eyes. “She moved,” Allison whispered, almost in disbelief. “I felt her move for the first time.”
The tension in the room evaporated in an instant, replaced by a collective sense of awe. Angelo, still holding her shoulder, felt his heart swell with emotion. “Are you serious?” he asked softly, his voice full of wonder. “Where? Can I feel it?”
Allison nodded, guiding his hand to the spot where she had felt the movement. “Right here,” she said, her voice trembling with excitement. “It was like a little flutter, just like they say, but… real.”
Leopold and Frederick exchanged a glance, their earlier tension forgotten as they moved closer, curiosity and a bit of apprehension on their faces. “Can we… can we feel it too?” Frederick asked, his usual bravado replaced by a rare vulnerability.
Allison smiled warmly, nodding. “Of course. She’s your niece, after all.”
As they all gathered around, the room fell silent, Angelo holding his breath in anticipation. And then, there it was—a faint, but unmistakable movement beneath his hands, a tiny nudge as if his little angel was saying hello.
Angelo’s eyes widened with amazement as he looked up at Allison. “I felt it,” he breathed, his grin spreading from ear to ear. “She’s really in there.”
Leopold’s cold face softened, his hand still resting gently on Allison’s belly. “She’s strong,” he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of pride and emotion. “Just like her mother.”
Frederick, still staring at his hand as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just felt, finally let out a breathless chuckle. “And probably just as stubborn,” he added, glancing at Angelo with a smirk.
Angelo chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, we’re in for it with this one,” he said, his voice full of warmth as he looked back at Allison. “But we’re going to be okay. All of us.”
Allison, her eyes still shining with happy tears, nodded in agreement. “We really are,” she whispered, squeezing Angelo’s hand and smiling at her brothers’ presence beside her.
Allison’s brothers lingered for another hour after the miracle of Angelo’s little angel moving for the first time.
It was safe to say Angelo was less than thrilled.
But, ever the gentleman, he bit his tongue every time Frederick decided to “tease” him—if being called a douchebag could be considered teasing amongst grown men—or whenever Leopold joked that Angelo’s daughter might “regrettably take after him.”
How awesome am I? He thought wryly.
When they were finally gone, and Angelo was sure Allison was in a good mood, he decided it was time to put his plan into action.
Phase 1: Approach non-aggressively.
“Allison, I need to talk to you,” he said as soon as the door shut behind her brothers. His voice came out firmer than he intended, and he mentally smacked himself in the head.
Phase 1: Not so well executed, but check.
“Is something wrong?” Allison asked, her brows knitting together, worry pulling at her pouty lips. Lips I’ll hopefully be tasting soon , he thought.
Phase 2: Ask directly.
“Nothing’s wrong, per se,” he began, trying to soften his tone. “But I do have something important I want to discuss with you.”
The worry in her expression eased, though she still looked slightly puzzled, likely thrown off by his suddenly serious demeanor.
He watched her facial expressions carefully as she slowly nodded. “Okay. I guess.”
Needing a moment to collect himself, Angelo led her back to the couch where they had been sitting earlier. This time, he made sure the space between them was nearly nonexistent. He couldn’t stand another second of not touching her.
“I have a proposition for you,” he said, hesitating as he felt his throat dry up like a prune. He mentally cursed his nerves that weren’t made of steel when it mattered most.“And I need you to hear me out before you decide you don’t like it.”
He watched as her eyes narrowed slightly, her mind working to decode the meaning behind his words. He loved when she did that—when she was so deep in thought that he could practically see the gears turning in that beautiful mind of hers.
Her tongue peeked out of the corner of her mouth as she focused, her nose scrunching up in the most adorable way. Her eyes drifted off, lost somewhere in her thoughts. He was pretty sure that if he ever watched her try to solve a puzzle, he’d come in his pants.
Fucking snap out of it.
“Explain,” she said, sitting up straighter, bracing herself as if she was preparing for bad news.
“I want you to come live with me.”
More crickets? Where even are the little fuckers?
An agonizing moment that stretched between them, silence heavy enough to suffocate. Angelo clenched his hands on his lap, bracing himself for whatever Allison might have.
And then, he heard it.
Angelo hadn’t expected Allison to jump at the opportunity, but he certainly didn’t foresee her laughing at it. And this wasn’t just a small, delicate chuckle. It was a full-on, body-shaking guffaw that started with a teapot whistle and ended in honest-to-God wheezing.
It was the most genuine laugh Angelo had heard in a long time, and he couldn’t help but adore it.
Allison’s entire body moved with the force of her laughter, her shoulders shaking as she slapped her thighs so hard it must have hurt. But she didn’t seem to be in pain—no, she seemed relaxed, thoroughly amused.
Which wasn’t exactly a good sign for him.
“You…” she tried to speak but collapsed to another fit of giggles. “You want me to live with you?” She managed to get out between chuckles. By the time she finished, she was laughing even harder, and Angelo would’ve been offended or pissed if it was anyone but her. But since it was Allison, he found himself cracking a smile. Her laughter was contagious.
“Yes, sweet girl,” he said, his voice softer now. “I want you to live with me.”
Her giggled only grew louder, more intense, and Angelo couldn’t help but watch her, utterly captivated. He could listen to her laugh like this forever and never tire of it.
“That’s a good one,” she said after she calmed down, wiping literal tears from her eyes. “You really know how to be funny.”
Angelo prepared himself for the imminent destruction that would rain down on him once Allison realized he wasn’t joking.
“Allison,” he said in that tone she seemed to love so much. He loved it just as much because of how responsive she was to it. He only had to utter her name once to make her grow serious, like nothing mattered more than hearing what he had to say. “I need you to listen very carefully, ómorfi .”
The Greek word for “beautiful” slipped out unexpectedly, a rarity for him since usually reserved Greek for his mamá . But instead of regretting it, Angelo felt the air between them shift. It grew more tangible, heavy enough that Allison’s breathing quickened, her eyes darkening as her gaze locked onto his. She licked her bottom lip swiftly, discreetly, but he was so tuned into this woman’s frequency that he noticed everything.
She liked it.
Right then, he decided he’d say as many Greek words as she wanted if it meant she’d keep looking at him like that.
“Okay,” she whispered as he moved impossibly closer, her posture relaxing instantly. Angelo felt a surge of power—not because he could control her, but because she was choosing to let her guard down, trusting him. The realization sent a thrill through him, threatening to send him to an untimely death. It was a heady feeling, knowing that such a strong, independent woman like Allison Pink Lockwood was putting her faith in him.
“You’re currently twenty weeks pregnant, sweet girl. Your third trimester is fast approaching and you will need help,” he whispered, afraid to break the spell between them. “I want to be there for you. Let me. Please. ”
He was pleading with her for the second time in as many hours, but he didn’t care. He’d beg on his knees if it cane to that—and he knew he’d enjoy the view.
Allison didn’t reply immediately, which Angelo took as a good sign. At least she hadn’t outright refused.
“I don’t understand,” she said finally, her voice laced with confusion.
He knew she understood, but he gave her some time to process. “Why live together? Why can’t we just…”
“Just what, Allison?” he prompted when she trailed off. “You’ll get tired more easily. You’ll need someone to help you with everything, even something as simple as a supermarket run,” he said, chuckling softly.
“I can have my brothers help me. They could—”
“You and I both know that’s not the same, Allison.”
Angelo could tell she wasn’t the type to ask for help, not even from her brothers. And while he believed they cared for her, he wasn’t taking any chances. Not when it was up to him.
Allison huffed, turning away from him, but didn’t deny the truth.
Gotcha.
“So, what? I just move in with you?” She scoffed, looking away and crossing her arms defensively. “I barely even know you.”
“Oh, that’s not true either, pet,” he said, his voice low, though his tone had shifted.
Angelo’s mind filled with all the ways that wasn’t true. Her protruding belly topped the list.
Allison’s head snapped back to face him so fast he worried she’d get whiplash. Her eyes met his once more, and a furious blush spread across her cheeks. That shade of red was quickly becoming his second favorite color—right after jade green.
“You don’t actually know me, Angelo. Just because we had sex once months ago does not mean you know me,” Allison insisted, and suddenly he wanted nothing more than prove her wrong.
“Well that’s not true at all. I know your middle name is Pink because your mom loved the color. I know you have three overprotective older brothers that make you feel suffocated at times.”
Allison opened her mouth to argue, but he pressed on before she could speak.
“I know you’re strong, and mindful, and kind, but you still blush at the tiniest bit of praise.” Her cheeks darkened further, proving his point. “I know you drink your latte lukewarm because you think the milk tastes better that way, and you always pair it with a muffin because it enhances the taste.” A shocked look crossed her face, but Angelo wasn’t done. “I know you fidget with your thumbs when you’re nervous, and you scrunch your nose when you’re unhappy.” He was rambling now, but he didn’t care. “I know you’re protective of our daughter, and you care for her more than you care for yourself. And I know for a fact that you, Allison Pink Lockwood, will be an amazing mother.”
Unshed tears shimmered in her eyes as she stared at him, and Angelo felt a surge of pride. Even if she didn’t believe in herself, he had managed to make her see herself through his eyes, if only for a fleeting moment. He planned on making her view herself that way all the time, but it was a good start.
Suddenly, she was right in front of him, her gaze so intense he thought he might burst into flames.
“I know you,” he whispered as she moved closer. He stayed still, letting her come to him. “And I’d like to know all of you.”
“What does that mean?” she whispered, her eyes darting between his lips and eyes. Shivers ran down his spine as he remembered the feel of her lips against his.
He considered telling her the full truth—that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, that every second away from her made him weak, that he was hers completely and she was his, his, his .
But instead, he simply said, “Move in with me.”
She was so close now, he could almost taste her, but he still didn’t reach for her. Didn’t breath.
He couldn’t, not if it would push her away like it had the last time in his car. That had been excruciating for him. He had been too lost in his own head and desires, completely missing her discomfort. He’d never hated himself more than he had that day, loathing how he made her feel violated. He had spent the following week trying to apologize, but she had avoided him.
And for good reason.
He hated how he lost control around her, but he was also losing the will to fight it.
“Move in with me,” he repeated in a whisper. Her nose brushed against his, their breaths mingling, and yet he remained still.
“I…” She trailed off, her gaze stuck on his mouth. She licked her lips, brushing against his in the process. Angelo trembled with the effort it took not to grab her and slam his mouth on hers.
Give me something, sweet girl.
Anything.
Angelo’s breathing grew heavy as he focused on every flutter of her eyelashes, every deep inhale. She was just as affected by this as he was, and he desperately needed to kiss her.
He opened his mouth to ask her—
Suddenly, a loud ringtone shattered the moment—a silly tune he vaguely recognized. They flinched apart.
Allison pulled back, inching away as she grabbed her phone with an apologetic glance.
“Sorry, it’s Johnny,” she panted, still affected by their moment.
That man is dead.