Silent Ties

after story (Shadows of the Past 1)

The night was meant to be a quiet, private affair. A gathering of close friends and acquaintances, where Adele and Angel could relax, away from the prying eyes of the world. Yet, as they prepared for the event, a tension hung in the air.

Adele stood by the wardrobe, watching as Angel slipped into a sleek, form-fitting dress. It was stunning, no doubt, the fabric clinging to her curves, revealing just enough to tease the imagination. But tonight was different. Tonight, there was someone in the crowd who Adele knew all too well—someone she didn't trust, who had once crossed boundaries with Angel.

"Love, please change it," Adele said, her voice calm but with a hint of urgency.

Angel looked at her reflection in the mirror, admiring how the dress accentuated her figure. "Why? It's beautiful, and it shows off my best features," she replied, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Adele sighed, stepping closer. "Darling, everything looks good on you, even the ugliest dress in the world. But please, change into something a bit more... covered. Something that doesn't show so much skin."

Angel raised an eyebrow, surprised by Adele's sudden concern. "You've never commented on my dresses before. What's different now?"

Adele's frustration began to bubble to the surface. She didn't want to seem controlling, but the thought of that man leering at Angel was too much to bear. "This party... it’s different. Just trust me on this, okay?"

But Angel, stubborn as ever, wasn’t convinced. "I don't see why I should change," she muttered, turning her back to Adele.

Seeing no other option, Adele decided to take a different approach. She stepped behind Angel, her eyes trailing over the exposed skin of her back and legs. Without warning, she leaned in and bit down gently but firmly on Angel’s back and then her leg, marking her skin with love bites.

Angel let out a surprised yelp, spinning around to face Adele. "Why did you bite me?" she asked, her eyes wide with shock.

Adele smiled slyly, her eyes dark with a mix of frustration and affection. "Because you weren’t listening to me, darling. Now, go and change."

Angel frowned, rubbing the reddening marks on her skin. She wanted to stay angry, but the bite had been more playful than hurtful, and she could see the concern in Adele’s eyes. Reluctantly, she changed into a more modest dress, though she made sure it was still elegant enough for the occasion.

At the party, Angel couldn’t shake the lingering irritation. She knew Adele had her reasons, but it still stung to be told what to wear. She stayed by Adele’s side, her mood darkening further when she spotted the man in question. His eyes followed her every movement, his gaze predatory and unsettling.

A chill ran down Angel’s spine as she recalled the last time she had encountered him. He had cornered her, tried to force her into a conversation, and his intentions had been anything but innocent. Now, seeing him again, she understood why Adele had been so adamant about her dress. The man’s stare made her skin crawl, and she instinctively began searching the room for Adele.

But Adele was nowhere to be found. Panic started to rise within Angel as she slipped away from the crowd, heading towards the bathroom to collect herself. The hallway leading to it was dimly lit and eerily quiet, far removed from the noise of the party.

As she reached the bathroom door, Angel felt a presence behind her. Turning slowly, her heart skipped a beat when she saw the man standing there, a twisted grin on his face.

"Going somewhere?" he asked, stepping closer.

Angel’s heart pounded in her chest as she backed away, her voice trembling. "Leave me alone," she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

But the man was relentless. He lunged forward, grabbing her arm and trying to pull her into an unwanted embrace. Angel screamed, struggling with all her might, but he was stronger than she anticipated. Her mind raced, thinking of Adele, hoping she would somehow appear and save her.

Just as her strength began to wane, the man was suddenly yanked away from her. Angel stumbled back, gasping for air, and looked up to see Adele, her face contorted in rage, as she landed a fierce punch on the man’s jaw. He staggered back, shocked by the force of the blow.

Adele didn't stop there. She kept hitting him until he was on the ground, groaning in pain. Within seconds, a couple of Adele's security men appeared, quickly dragging the man away, ensuring he wouldn’t trouble anyone again.

Angel, still trembling, watched as Adele turned to her, her anger fading into concern. Without a word, Adele scooped Angel up into her arms, carrying her as if she weighed nothing.

"Adele, put me down," Angel protested weakly, feeling self-conscious. "You'll hurt your back."

"I'm fine, love," Adele replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "You're so light, I could carry you all night if I had to."

Back at home, Adele was patient and tender with Angel, making sure she was okay. But Angel could sense that something was still bothering her. Adele’s eyes, usually so full of warmth, held a shadow of unease, as if there were thoughts she couldn’t quite voice.

But Angel didn’t press her, knowing that whatever it was, they would face it together. As they lay in bed that night, wrapped in each other’s arms, Angel whispered, "Thank you for saving me."

Adele tightened her hold on her, kissing the top of her head. "I’ll always protect you, Angel. No matter what."

And as Angel drifted off to sleep, she knew that she was safe in Adele’s arms, where she belonged.