Losing Angeline: London Calling Book Two Read Free

least not since you were involved in less than pristine work.” His stomach tensed against her hand. “I hope you’re not reconsidering your promise to me?”
    When they’d met, John was actively involved in “the grift,” as he called it. He and Patrick made filthy amounts of money from unsuspecting clients who contacted them in hopes of obtaining rare and valued acquisitions. In fact, he’d walked into the museum she worked at in New Orleans partially in an effort to study their extensive collection of Stickley furniture. He’d carefully examined the shop marks on each piece, taking photos of the burned-in branding, metal tags, and decals used over various periods of time.
    As their relationship became serious, he’d eventually confessed to his illicit activities. Horrified, Angeline made him promise to stop and find a better way. She would help him legitimize his business and cater to her socially elite and powerful contacts.
    As far as she knew, everything was going extremely well. They’d left New Orleans, deciding a clean slate was best. Patrick and Alice moved with them to Savannah, where they set up a small store downtown near the city’s old Cotton Exchange building.  
    John was suspiciously silent. Taking a handful of his shirt placket, she twisted him around to face her. His mischievous grin and dancing gray eyes greeted her, easing her concern.
    “Stop teasing,” she said. “You know I worry about everything. I just need to know you’re no longer the sort of man to take advantage of other people.”
    His face sobered. Bringing a hand to her cheek, he cupped her face. “Angeline, you know my past—what I did and what that made me. But I swear I’m a better man now. You make me a better man.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m so lucky you love me. I’ve never done a single thing to deserve someone like you.”
    Angeline’s eyes filled with tears. Wrapping her arms around him in a fierce hug, she kissed his chest before tipping her head up to lock desperate lips to his.  
    “Hey, hey—it’s okay. Don’t cry.” He tilted her head back to thumb away the single tear that traced her cheek. “You’ll make me break my pledge.”
    She sniffed. “What pledge?”
    “To only bring you happiness. I never want you to regret choosing me—not for a single moment.”
    She gifted him a watery smile. “Never, John Sinclair. Not in your lifetime or mine.”

CHAPTER TWO

    J OHN AND A NGELINE arrived over thirty minutes late to the jewelry show. Antique and heirloom pieces would mix with newly crafted artisan items. The event was invitation only, reserved to less than seventy-five of Savannah’s elite art community and society patrons.  
    Turning into the boutique hotel’s private half-circle drive from the cobbled street, John stopped the car to look over at his wife.
    “Showing up late has its advantages, I suppose.”
    She smiled smugly. “Yes?”
    “It appears we’re the last of the arrivals, so there’s no wait for parking.” He opened his door to alight, quickly crossing to open Angeline’s before the valet could approach. With an easy smile, he tossed the keys to the young man.  
    “See? There’s a method to my madness, John. Rather than tease, you should applaud my timing.”
    “Ang, you may be more used to this type of event, but even I know it’s considered bad taste to arrive tardy to someone’s moment in the spotlight.” He ran a finger underneath his collar, subtly loosening the fit. Even now, after years of being married to Angeline, he found formal outings constricting. Confining.  
    Angeline’s lips curved in a secretive smile. “Look at us, darling.” She moved in front of him to adjust the tie he’d just loosened. “They’ll be so happy to see us, no one will breathe a whisper of complaint.” Although unfailingly confident, she spoke the truth. John carried his own brand of charisma but Angeline was in a class of her own. Breathtakingly beautiful,