Broken Angel: A Zombie Love Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

wanted a family. She didn’t
want to be the last Remy, no matter how powerful she might be in
the kitchen. But everything she knew about Yiorgos Michelopoulos
warned her to stay far, far away from the man.
    Because of the rivalry between their
restaurants—so she’d told herself—she’d done her research long
before her father’s death, hoping to find the man’s weakness. A
billionaire playboy, Michelopoulos’s picture had been splashed on
every newspaper and celebrity rag at one time or another. Gorgeous,
rich, and charismatic, of course the man was irresistible.
    He discarded women as easily as he bought a
new restaurant or hotel, right before he fired everyone regardless
of how long they’d been there in order to hire his own staff. Year
after year, she’d watched her father accept his plaque for Remy’s starred status, and each year, Michelopoulos had
brought a new date to every ceremony. Not just the Missouri awards
either—she’d read every article about every reward he’d ever won,
and always, a new beauty clung to his arm.
    He was the kind of man who always got want
he wanted, used it, and then tossed it in the compost bin on his
way to the next conquest. He expected to be sought and lusted
after, not just for his money but his looks as well.
    The last kind of man a woman, who must
remain a virgin at all cost, should be around.
    Deep down, she couldn’t deny a visceral
reaction to the man. Even as a teenager, she’d felt the pull of his
magnetism. Although she wouldn’t admit it, she still had a few of
those wild and crazy dreams of him stashed away in a corner of her
mind.
    Dreams she’d had before her father had died
and lost their family ring—and her key to a passionate life—at the
same time.
    “Clare,” her mother began in her wheedling
voice.
    “I need to speak to Helga,” Clare cut in
without turning around. “Privately.”
    “But—”
    “I insist, Mother. It’s wizards’
business.”
    Selma’s loud sniff proclaimed her hurt at
the sharp reminder to her lack of status, but Clare refused to
regret her mother’s own decisions. Her mother had known exactly
what the cost would be if she chose to marry. What she did regret
was always feeling like her mother held a grudge against her for
losing that power, especially when Clare faced a childless,
loveless life herself.
    Helga always managed to strike straight to
the heart. “What are you afraid of, dear?”
    She took a moment to gather her thoughts
while buttering another piece of crusty rustic bread. “He wants
something from me. It has to be some kind of trap, and I don’t like
going in blind.”
    “As he says in the letter, he needs your
help at Remy’s .”
    Clare turned around, leaning against the
counter. “That man would rather cut off his right hand than ask for
help. He hates Remy’s . I’m surprised he didn’t shut it down
when he won it from Daddy.”
    “The bet wouldn’t allow either restaurant to
be shut down.”
    Clare arched a brow at her mentor. “How much
about that bet do you know?”
    “Your father was my patient. I knew what he
was trying to do, but he swore me to silence.”
    Nibbling on the soft inner crumb, she let
her mind run wild. Even now, Helga might be keeping secrets about
that blasted bet. If Daddy knew he was dying, and he was trying to
protect her, what did he hope to accomplish with a bet that risked
not just their livelihood but also their magic? “Do you know what
Daddy would’ve won if Remy’s had taken the fifth star that
year?”
    “Michelopoulos’s casino hotel and restaurant
in Kansas City, as far as I know.”
    Clare frowned. Yeah, the casino was worth a
fortune compared to their little family restaurant, but they’d
never cared about money or fame before. There has to be
something else he was trying to win. But what?
    “The details of the bet aren’t really what
you’re concerned about, dear, and we both know it.”
    Her cheeks colored at the chiding note in
her