I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

It had taken me thirty-two years, but finally, I’d met the man of my dreams. He was everything I wished for–kind, caring, intelligent and incredibly sexy. The perfect man.

Angelo had an almost ethereal quality about him.

Admittedly, I found him disarming at first, but that was only because I’d never met anybody quite like him before.

He was graceful, and I know that’s a strange word to use when describing a man, but it’s the only way I can delineate it. It’s a quality totally at odds with his outward appearance. He is ruggedly handsome with dark brown hair, shaved high at the sides, the longer hair on top pushed back. A bit punky and edgy in appearance; he rocked the designer stubble and I could lose myself in his piercing blue eyes. So blue, that sometimes I had to look twice as they seemed to emit an eerie glow.

He has a body to die for, rippling muscles, and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm. Holy hotness. He looks like he’s ready to wage war, battle ready, his mask of gentleness in danger of slipping at a moment’s notice.

When he takes me in his big strong, muscular arms and kisses me, there is a passion I’ve never felt before. I crave intimacy with him, and surprisingly, we haven’t made love. Most of the time, it doesn’t matter to me as the animalistic side of his nature bursts forth and he takes control, even when he kisses me. I’m his to command.

He has a mysterious aura about him. I haven’t worked it all out, but I’m eager to learn more.

Good things come to those who wait.

Angelo and I were inseparable.

I was so happy with him, I’d almost forgotten how poorly I’d been.

My speedy recovery was largely due to him. He took my mind off the banalities of life, filling my world with excitement and hope.

I felt stronger as the days passed by, and while it took some convincing, Angelo agreed to take me out for a drive.

“Okay,” he said, groaning. “But only if you agree to take it easy.”

He was the perfect gentleman, always looking out for me, making sure I didn’t over exert myself.

“Deal,” I said. “Now let me get my coat.”

The doctor had told me to stay indoors for two weeks, but I was chomping at the bit, bored out of my mind, craving the outside world once more.

“You know what the doctor said.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I grumbled. “I feel fine.”

“Let’s go then,” he said.

“Where are you taking me?”

“How about the place we first met.”

“Oh, you old romantic,” I cooed.

Angelo laughed. “I’m taking you for a walk on the River Dee, it’s hardly a romantic picnic on the Seine.”

“It’s good enough for me.”

He pulled me close. “And that’s why you’re the perfect girl for me.”

I felt a rush of love for him.

We sat at a bar on the River Dee, close to the place we first met.

It seemed strange to think about my last visit here.

Life then was mundane and meaningless.

Now, everything sparkled with freshness, and I was sitting here with the most amazing man, enjoying a large glass of red wine.

Of course, Angelo complained about the alcohol, but I had my excuses ready.

“It’s medicinal,” I said, tittering.

He shook his head in disapproval, then smiled. I knew he couldn’t stay mad at me. He didn’t drink so settled for a large glass of iced water.

Watching the boats on the river or the happy couples stroll by soothed my soul. It was the ideal way to unwind and relax.

I felt at peace with the world.

The weather was glorious for the time of year–hopefully, we were in for a long, hot summer.

“Are you happy?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied, feeling happier than I had for a long time. Unable to put my finger on why, I felt free, like everything was as it should be.

“You are the most beautiful woman in the entire cosmos.”

“You’re gonna make me cry, Angelo.”

The day couldn’t be more perfect.

I was right in wanting to get out. Too nice to sit indoors, we sat for hours just watching the world go by. I felt comfortable with Angelo, even during long periods of silence.

“What are you thinking?” He looked at me, his eyes full of desire.

“As gorgeous as the weather is here, I’d love to take advantage of my break from work and explore somewhere new.”

“You’re not long out of hospital and might not be allowed to fly.”

“Then we’ll go somewhere on the ferry.”

“You are the most incorrigible woman…”

“I know my own mind, Angelo, and body for that matter.”

“Then call the hospital and find out what you are allowed to do.”

“I’ll call them now, get it out of the way.”

Five minutes later, I had the all clear. I could travel, but not by plane. Angelo didn’t need to know that part.

“I can go,” I said.

“Flying?” he asked.

“All good as long as I’m careful.” I felt bad misleading him.

“Then why don’t we book a flight somewhere?” Angelo said. “I have plenty of free time, and love to travel.”

“Where would we go?”

“I don’t know, you choose. Name the place and I will arrange it.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Sweden.”

“Done,” he said. “I’ll make the arrangements and we can fly out and spend as long as you want there.”

“I only have a few weeks left, you know?”

“Then, we have a lot to fit into a short space of time.”

“I’ll finish my drink and go to the toilet–one drink and I need to pee. I’ve got the bladder of an eighty year-old.” Oh, God! Why did I just say that? I always had a problem with oversharing. “Then we can stop at a travel agent and get some brochures.”

He laughed. “There’s no rush, Ella.”

He wasn’t going to run screaming out the door. “You’re far too laid back,” I said, kissing him on the lips, before jumping up and heading back inside to visit the ladies’ room.

“And you should learn to take life a little easier, especially now,” he called after me. “There is much to see. Slow down and learn to appreciate the beauty God surrounds us with.”

Could he be any more adorable?

I turned to blow Angelo a kiss, crashing straight into an unamused looking man.

“Oops, sorry,” I said.

“ELLA,” Angelo roared. I turned as he leapt to his feet and rushed toward me, a look of horror across his face.

“Gabriella Montgomery?” the stranger said, ominously.

“Yes, but how did you…” I screamed as he lunged for me. He gripped my arm as I tried to shake myself free. “Ow,” I roared, trying to fight him off. “Get your hands off me, you’re hurting me.” My skin felt like it was on fire.

“Let go of her,” Angelo yelled, as he charged at the stranger.

“She is ours,” the stranger shouted, strengthening his grip, as I screamed louder.

“Never,” Angelo said, storming into the man like a battering ram. The stranger never stood a chance. The force of Angelo’s charge sent him flying backwards, but in the hubbub, I was knocked off my feet, tumbling down the stairs, landing in a heap at the bottom.

I managed to glance up as Angelo and the strange man engaged in vicious battle before my vision blurred and I was out for the count.