relentlessly gnawing away at her insides. The mere thought of Angelina ever forgiving Michael for even the tiniest transgression, such as a single missing hair, seemed utterly unfathomable. Deep

sed a certain carelessness th

ng his name or thanking him for the drive. "Where is she?!" Alexa

u to them, ma

d driven them to Angelina's school. Why did he have to look so sophisticated? He was probably

whole body. She turned around and searched for the source of the voice

stranger that claimed to be her daddy. "How are you, baby girl?" His eyes raked over the little girl's form, his brows already creasing at the c

te burgers and fri

t and trembling lips. He didn't want to share his daughter with him,

th Mrs.

clothes?" He gritted out,

the strength to be able to deal with him. He didn't even hear him approaching. His voice was so casual compared to his fidgety self. Allen hated it. Nothing was

etrating his skin, avoiding his gaze. Their eyes met. Fire matched fire a

father's tight hold. Letting her go, Allen pecked Angelina's cheek and told her she had

ood straight and stepped closer to Michael

, Michael?" Allen asked calmly. A storm was brewing inside him, and he

ael? Oh, I know. You were busy doing other things even though you probably knew about her existence. You know what, I can't do this right now." Her eyes were bloodshot

as hers, h

he cupped Angelina's cheeks, noting the way the li

daddy,

up. "We're going

rembled as she waved at the ma

to her height. He wrapped his arms around Angelina

gave her the softest smile Alexa had ever seen and Angelina equally

stance. "Take care of yourself too. You both are

sincerity in his tone

at had prompted this unexpected transformation, as the Michael she had known in the past had been characterized by a self-centered nature, showing little concern for anyone

o pursuing his own desires. Their past encounters had been defined by his relentless pursuit, his ability to effortlessly charm her into his embrace and bed. It was an unset

autious of the potential repercussions. The unspoken history between them served as a constant reminder that his advances had always succeeded in drawing her closer, rendering her vulnerable to his pe

rmness on her cheek. Angelina giggled. Then Alexa

ir daughter. She tightened her hold on Angelina's hand and they start

at the male figure behind th

or her to leave except hail a cab and she didn't have her purse

ocky voice came behind her just wh

tha

you intend

he raised a brow. This

and she had to think of Angelina. No matter how energetic her dau

me with us... your body

ill attracted to him and his charms were still pretty much effective on her. Michael's jaw clenched

conseq

that rushed back at the closeness was unwelcome, stirring a mixture of emotions within her. She instinctively recoiled at the possessiveness conveyed by his firm grip, recognizing that any display of resistance or confrontation in front of her daughter would only exacerbate an alrea

he company of another man. So I am driving you home myself, let's go now." His tone

What's the difference between you two anyway?" An irritate

putting the needed d

him in awe and he instantly caught himself. No way was he going to expose her to any bad

a was saying when her d

say sorry to kitty, now!" The adults exchanged glances as the businessman's eyes widened. Michael

ry kitty. I meant to say..

s back on the li

d and leaned in to peck her cheek. Alexa fought not to breathe but when she finally did, she c

gelina giggl

. It must be really good." He thought

olled h

he desperately wished to distance herself from. With a resolute determination, she turned her gaze away from the immediate surroundings, realizing that her presence in that particular space was no longer serving any purpose other than prolonging an uncomf

t's

what I t

as she suddenly so interested in his bodyguard? Was she attracte

ed, annoyed. Alexa paid him no attention as she glared, allowing her thought

for the rest of the ride. When they drove in through

want to see you again, for the

f by inviting himself in or just wait for a few more days to set the p

ved at a now dozing Angelina. "Bye b

he little girl trailed off and snugg

rds the door, managing to close it firmly without resorting to slamming it. As she locked the door behind them, her anger flared up. However, deep down, she couldn't shake the feelin