Graham, Jan - Finding Angel [Wylde Shore] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the hell have you been, you bad girl?” Chocolate’s chastising was not making people stare any less. “I have been so worried. I asked everyone what had happened to you. All anyone knew was that you had gone away. No forwarding address, no phone number, no good-bye.”
    Angel felt two more slaps on her arse before Chocolate dragged her across the store to the main counter.
    “I just moved interstate for work. It was all a bit of a rush. I’m so sorry for not letting you know. It really has been hectic these last three years,” Angel lied.
    Chocolate was simply lovely and would do anything for a friend, but he was probably the most indiscreet person Angel had ever met. A person did not share their deepest and darkest with Chocolate, not unless they were prepared for it to be public knowledge.
    “Am I forgiven?” Angel batted her eyelashes and smiled.
    “Of course you are. I’m just glad you’re back. Now are you here to buy, sell, or simply to bask in my glorious presence?” Chocolate asked.
    “Sell.” Angel took the items from her bag and placed them on the counter. “Just a few things, they are only sterling silver I think. Anything you can give me for them is fine.”
    Chocolate examined the items carefully while making all sorts of umming noises.
    “Very nice men’s pieces. I assume they are from an ex.” Chocolate began fishing. “Did he break your heart? Is it a revenge sale?”
    “No, he passed away.” Angel put on her best I’m so sad, please don’t ask me anything else face.
    “Oh, you poor thing. You came back because the pain of living where you had a happy life with him was just too much. Oh, you did the right thing to come home, my sweet. Grief is so horrendous you need to be where you have friends who love you.” As Chocolate spoke, Angel nodded. Chocolate was such a drama queen sometimes. “Well, the good news is your dearly departed had wonderful taste in jewellery. They are platinum, not sterling silver at all. And the watch is Cartier. I’ll have to give you a cheque, twenty-five hundred.” Chocolate grabbed his cheque book from under the counter and began to write.
    “Oh, excellent,” was all Angel could manage to say through her surprise. All this time she thought the watch was a knockoff. Well that explains where some of Samuel’s money went.
    “Now, for you I have a lovely little set. You need some sparkle with that dress. Consider it a welcome home present.” Chocolate walked to a cabinet at the end of the counter, returning with a large, ruby necklace with matching bracelet and earrings.
    “Oh, Chocolate,” Angel began.
    “No arguments please, child. You deserve something nice after your loss.” Chocolate’s voice was stern, and Angel knew not to argue. “Beautiful,” Chocolate said as he placed the pieces on her.
    Chocolate insisted on Angel staying, having a drink, and catching up. Catching up meant Chocolate was going to do all the talking about himself and Angel just had to listen. The champagne that Chocolate poured for Angel actually made her a little dizzy. She hadn’t eaten anything at all today, and alcohol on an empty stomach was never a good idea. An hour and three glasses of bubbly later, Angel left the store and made her way to the café. Smiling as she wandered down the street, Angel decided she had needed someone to have missed her like Chocolate and Jig had. She could think of nothing worse than to come back into town only to find she had been forgotten. Her meeting with Chocolate had lifted her spirits, and the champagne had lightened her head. Chocolate was right. She did deserve something nice, especially after her all she had been through.
    Bring on the next nice thing. Angel felt a renewed sense of joy as she arrived at the café.
    She was, however, a little embarrassed at what she found when she arrived. Only one table was vacant, and it was on the outdoor walkway. She walked over to the table and looked at the sign Jig had placed on