Nobody's Angel by Kallypso Masters Page A

and golden tomatoes onto the slices of bread and heard the doorbell ring as she drizzled it with imported olive oil. A quick glance at the wall clock showed it was only six-thirty-five. They’d come early. She smiled at their eagerness. She’d serve them a glass of wine while she finished up in the kitchen. At least she was dressed. After rinsing and drying her hands, she nervously smoothed imaginary wrinkles from her dress. Her heart raced in anticipation before she even reached the door.
    Knowing who she’d find there, she opened it without checking first and came face-to-face with Allen instead. Her heart plummeted. Talk about a letdown. He smiled an insipid smirk. Funny she hadn’t noticed what a weak mouth he had before.
    “Angie, you look gorgeous.”
    Looking around his shoulder toward the curb, she hoped to see Marc and Luke pulling up. No such luck. She turned her attention back to the unwanted man standing in her doorway and willed her voice to remain calm. “Allen, I’m expecting company.”
    A shadow crossed over his face and his smile faded. “Those guys from the bar?”
    “None of your business. I really don’t have time to talk now.”
    She moved to close the door on him, but he shoved it out of the way, forcing himself inside. Caught off balance, she retreated a step or two, trying to regain her equilibrium on the wobbly stilettos.
    “Get out, Allen! I told you I don’t want you anywhere near me again.”
    His gaze roamed over her, making her feel dirty from head to heel. “You let those two men paw all over you last night, but you barely let me touch you in seven months. Then when I do, you get all hysterical.”
    Angelina’s heart pounded as warning bells went off in her head. The look in his eyes told her he wasn’t going to take a simple “get lost” for an answer. Something in his face wasn’t right. She tried to remember the lessons her brothers had taught her about fighting off overly amorous boyfriends, but she’d never really had to use them before. Most guys respected her “no” as a no.
    “Allen, leave now or I’m calling 911.”
    If I can remember where I put my damned cell phone .
    He reached out and trailed a finger across her bare shoulder. She cringed, and pulled away from his cold fingers, her stomach churning. “You were so gorgeous on the St. Andrew’s. I can’t wait to see you there again. Only this time, I’ll make it even better for you.”
    Mio Dio! Bile rose in her throat. “Get away from me, Allen.” She wished her voice didn’t shake, but damn, she was more frightened than she’d ever been in her life. He wasn’t acting sanely.
    Allen’s hands gripped her bare shoulders as he pulled her against his body and one hand began mauling her breast. Adrenaline surged through her. When he lowered his mouth toward hers, instinct—and a well-aimed knee—kicked in. She connected solidly with his groin at the same time she thrust the heel of her hand upward toward his chin. But he moved his head and his nose took the full brunt of the intended chin jab.
    “God damn you!” His hand flew out and he backhanded her across the cheek, causing her neck to snap as she hurtled backward. Falling in slow motion, she would have been sprawled on the floor if she hadn’t hit the back of the sofa. Allen doubled over, one hand on his crotch while the other covered his nose, blood seeping through his fingers. She needed to act. Now!
    Taking advantage of his momentary inattention, she charged head first with all the force she could muster and tackled him, pushing him through the open doorway. His bloodied hand reached out for the doorjamb, but he never regained his balance and fell backward down the steps. Not waiting for him to come at her again, she slammed and bolted the door.
    “You’re going to regret this, Angie!” She heard his muffled shout from the other side of the door. His voice sounded so close. He could so easily break down the thin door. Dio, please help me