Chapter 77

[Angelica]

The Steele Family has always insisted on having an old-fashioned landline even after cell phones became popular. The one they keep in the hallway near my bedroom was even made to look like an old, rotary phone in shades of white and gold. When it rings, it sounds like tingling bells.

Usually, nobody calls this number except for confused telemarketers and the occasional wrong number.

But tonight, I heard it.

Our signal.

I never told Jude about HIM. The night Jude and I met was no coincidence, no rich girl falling into the arms of a poor boy only to fall into bed. I was sent there.

By HIM.

I wasn't expecting him to find me so soon after I returned.

When the phone rang again I was ready, my hand already above the receiver as I stood outside my door waiting, my hummingbird heart beating in rhythm to my rapid breath.

"Hello," I answer the phone quietly, looking around cautiously.

"Angelica."

His voice sends wave after wave of pleasure down my spine. It is the voice of my sa