Graham, Jan - Finding Angel [Wylde Shore] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) by Jan Graham

Steve looked at her with concern.
    “I understand I’m not worth worrying about. I understand all too well that when it comes to the interest of others, I count for nothing. That’s the message I’ve been given since I was young. I exist around others, Steve, and I’m insignificant in the big scheme of things.” Steve could tell she was trying to hold back tears. He went to answer her, but she raised her hand stopping the words in their tracks. “Before you say a word about that not being true, your inaction has already proved a statement like that to be a lie.”
    God, she had him there. As much as he wanted to say it, he couldn’t. She was right. Anyone on the team could have intervened at any time. He had tried on one occasion and had been stopped. Not that telling Angel would make a difference now. The silence that sat between them was deafening, and Steve was, once again, at a loss for words. As if the morning’s conversation wasn’t bad enough, the unexplainable impulse to hug her floored him, keeping him motionless and filled with a strange sense of panic.
    “I think I’d like you to leave now if you don’t mind.” Angel finally broke the silence, stood up, and walked over to the front door.
    Steve stood and collected the items Angel had given him. He watched her standing vacantly near the door, and his heart went out to her. I’m such a fucking shithead. Steve was filled with disgust as he walked over to stand in front of her. She was so small compared to his six-foot-three frame. She gave him the impression of being a pale and tired little girl who needed a hug.
    “Had he not died, Samuel would have faced charges on everything he did to you once Hastings was taken down. We just needed more time. He would have paid for what he did to you.” Steve stared down at her. He still had the overwhelming urge to hug her and tell her it would be all right. What was wrong with him? Thankfully, both hands were full, so hugging was out of the question.
    “I’m not an idiot, Steve. The police would have bargained any information Samuel had on Adrian to get a conviction. Any possible convictions for crimes against me would have been easily traded away. We both know that’s how life works.”
    Steve was a confident man. He wasn’t the sort of guy to be concerned with how he was viewed by others or regretting things that were out of his control, and he had definitely never felt any form of self-loathing. That was until he looked at Angel’s saddened eyes. Now it was devouring him. He should have fought harder at the team meetings to get her moved away. To make her safe, but he didn’t, and that was something he would have to live with. That would weigh on his conscience until the day he died. Steve knew he had to ask about the bugs, but he didn’t want to distress her anymore than she already was.
    “Angel”—he spoke to her as gently as he could—“what happens from here? Now that you know about the surveillance, what are you going to do? Whose side are you choosing to be on, Angel?”
    “Nothing, I’m not going to do anything.” Angel’s answer surprised him. She looked at him for a while before continuing, the sadness in her eyes evidence of his inability to help her. “And I’m not on anybody’s side, Steve, because as far as I can tell, there isn’t a side to choose from. You’re all the same.”

Chapter Five

    “I’m older and I’m wiser, Angel, so you should listen to what I say.”
    “Yes, Grandma.”
    “I’m older and wiser, too, so you better listen to me as well.”
    “Yes, Mummy, but what if you and Grandma tell me different things when I ask a question?”
    “She has a point there, you and I don’t always agree, Mum.”
    “Well, my little Angel, if your mother and I don’t agree then you should listen to both of us and then decide for yourself who you agree with.”
    “But what if I agree with you both?”
    “Oh, then you have a problem.”
    The memory lolled around in