"Like I said before, I wanted to see if Angelique had been prepared to pay or if the hearing for back payment was necessary."

"So," Gabriel stared directly at John, "what exactly is your relationship to my client?"

John had looked pointedly at Angelique when he spoke. "We don't have a relationship."

Angelique cringed slightly at the bitterness in John's voice. So in tune with John's anger and pain, she felt it as if it were a tangible thing. Something she could just reach out and grab hold of. "Is this what Gabriel had meant about being empathic?" Angelique had wondered. "If so, what else was she capable of?"

"Well, that's good to hear because I would hate for there to be a conflict of interest," Gabriel stated, leaning back and taking a sip of his coffee, appearing completely relaxed.

"I guess I should ask you the same, Sinclair. What exactly is the relationship you have with your client?"

Gabriel shrugged and answered, "Just that... she is my responsibility and I am here to look out for her best interests."

"Well, he didn't lie," Angelique thought.

"I would think you would be more properly dressed for your business meetings, Angel," John noted, taking in her rumpled but appealing appearance. What struck John most, though, is the fact that she really looked exhausted, almost as if she hadn't slept all night. 

The bastard, John thought. He has no idea how to treat her.

It surprised Angelique at the brief glimpse of what looked to be sympathy or concern that had crossed John's features.

"I didn't have the chance to change. Gabriel surprised me this morning," Angelique said, smiling at Gabriel. John had remembered when she had looked at him that way as if he was her guardian, there to protect her from all harm. Like the sun rose and set in him.

"Well, John, what information were you looking for? I know of all of Angelique's affairs and I would be more than happy to go over any information or answer whatever questions you may have."

Not wanting to discuss the demise of her shelter, Angelique excused herself from the conversation. 

"John's right. I had best get dressed. I'll join the two of you in a moment. If you don't mind, I would really like to take a quick shower first?"

"No, take your time," Gabriel offered.

Tension filled the air once Angelique left the room. Gabriel had taken a chance playing on John's jealousy. He knew John might be willing to losing Angel to say a would-be-priest. However, a total stranger, someone he believed was using Angelique, was a completely different story. His plan? To turn the tables on John, if he did this just right. John always protects what he believes is his and Gabriel knew John definitely felt Angel belonged to him. 

Angelique enjoyed the warm water that beat across her shoulders and cascaded over her head, caressing her body, soothing her soul. Such a challenge. Maybe this was the challenge Gabriel had spoken of, facing her feelings for John. By all rights, if she were an angel she should definitely not feel the heat of passion she had felt so many times during her relationship with John.

Often she had wanted to give in to that passion, the desire she felt radiating from every fiber of her being. Angelique thought she'd be willing to give up all she believed for the chance to learn what one night would be like in John's arms. However, she knew if she did, she would lose herself to him. She could call how they felt about one another many things, but it wasn't love.

Gabriel's word came back to her in a rush. 'Love is our ruling force, it is what we base all that we do upon, and we can not betray it.'

John had changed after his father had died. He had lost all faith and became cynical and mean. He shut her out completely. It was a devastating loss for Angelique. Almost as if she had lost one of her senses. Becoming blind yet remembering vividly what it was like to see. She had never known such pain. Now she hoped to keep enough distance that she would not experience it again.

She chose not to linger in the shower this morning. Especially with the two men right outside the door. Correction, one man, and one angel. That idea was still surreal. 

With Angelique out of the room, Gabriel took advantage of the opportunity to see just how deep John's feelings for her ran. He had a hunch this man would sooner take a bullet than to see Angel harmed. Gabriel leaned in close to John and said, "Can I tell you something, Lawyer to Lawyer?"

John looked at Gabriel with renewed interest. Maybe he'll have the chance to learn something here. Something to redeem this miserable day.

Knowing he had John's now undivided attention, Gabriel claims, "The truth is... this case is killing me."

"Really?" John tried to look disinterested but secretly was eager for the payoff. "And why is that?"

"Well, you've seen her," Gabriel suggested in a tone that said the problem was an obvious one. "She's so sexy, and she's appears to not even be aware of it. I mean it's really hard not to use my position to get that sweet thing in there into bed."

John quickly concealed his shock. This was not the information he wanted. He couldn't believe what this man was revealing to him.

"You know how it is," Gabriel continued, "the woman is obviously in distress over this whole shelter thing and I come along and I'm like her avenging angel or something. I guess you know how it is. I don't think I need to say much more. She's just so beautiful."

"And you know what the best part is?" Gabriel taunted. "Either way, win or lose, she's coming home with me. I mean when I win I'll be her hero, but even if I somehow lose the victory is still mine because I'll be there to pick up the pieces of her broken life. Mending her heart in the way only a man knows how and by that time she'll be just all too willing."

"So, I guess what I'm really trying to say is, thanks. I owe it all to the law firm of Caldwell, Berkley, and Klein and, of course, you. Hey, who knows if you win you may make partner." Gabriel chuckled, punching John lightly on the shoulder.

Gabriel watched the display of emotions that played across John's face as he talked. First shock, which was quickly recovered, then disgust, then guilt, then pure hatred, and finally an overwhelming sense to protect. Thank the Lord! They may save the man.

Now showered and dressed, Angelique came back into the living room to join the two men, who seemed deep in discussion. As she approached, they broke apart. John looked deeply disturbed by whatever it was they were talking about, whereas Gabriel looked more like the cat that swallowed the canary.

John couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked radiant. The shower had worked its magic of removing the tiredness from her face. She looked vibrant and ready to conquer the world. Her hair, that was still wet, curled at the ends and a few pieces clung to her face. Her hair was significantly shorter, and he wondered why she cut it. He remembered how much he had enjoyed running his fingers through its silky lengths.

He looked back at Gabriel and frowned. He doesn't deserve her. Okay...to be fair, neither of them did, but especially that guy didn't. He had to warn her, protect her, but how?

Knowing now that John was thinking along the right track. Gabriel stood up to take his leave. He walked over to Angelique saying, "Well, I had better get back to the office if I am to get cracking on this case and stay one step ahead of the competition."

He bent over Angelique and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "See you soon, Angel."

"Looking forward to it," Angel replied, which caused an audible groan from John's section of the room as she walked Gabriel to the door and said goodbye.