Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77 

[Angelica] 

+25 BONUS 

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 salvation and my 

damnation. 

Looking around again to ensure nobody is watching. I pick up the phone and its cord and drag it into my bedroom. Thankful it has a long cord, I take it into my private bathroom and close the door. Once I know I am alone, I hold the receiver closer to my face. “Magnus.” 

The phone goes quiet, his breathing on the other end the only indication that he is still there. 

“You were gone for five years.” His tone is even and calm, almost completely devoid of emotion. I recognize this tone. He is so angry he doesn’t trust himself to admit it. “I thought you were dead. I mourned you. I buried you in my mind. I even sent a new envoy to take your place.” 

Taking a deep breath, my nostrils flaring, I try to suppress my fear as I feel my body nearing a true panic. attack. 

“In some ways I was, I admit. Jude made sure I never wanted to leave the island. Staying with him, falling in love with him, was a betrayal of my mission, of everything I valued. “I didn’t think I would return,” I admit honestly. “I failed, Marcus. I am so sorry.” 

“Do 

you know why I am calling?” he lets the words hang between us, knowing I am more likely to talk and admit all my sins if he forces me to face the silence. “Why have I called you, Angelica?” 

“Because I betrayed you,” I bow my head, even though he cannot see me. I know I am a failure. But I also know he wouldn’t call me just to tell me that. “And because you have a new plan..” 

“Have you gotten any closer to securing clearance?” he probes, hoping to hear the right answer. “Or do I 

Chapter 77 

Chapter 77 

[Angelica] 

+25 BONUS 

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 salvation and my damnation. 

Looking around again to ensure nobody is watching, I pick up the phone and its cord and drag it into my bedroom. Thankful it has a long cord, I take it into my private bathroom and close the door. Once I know I am alone, I hold the receiver closer to my face, “Magnus.” 

The phone goes quiet, his breathing on the other end the only indication that he is still there. 

“You were gone for five years.” His tone is even and calm, almost completely devoid of emotion. I recognize this tone. He is so angry he doesn’t trust himself to admit it. “I thought you were dead. I mourned you. I buried you in my mind. I even sent a new envoy to take your place.” 

Taking a deep breath, my nostrils flaring, I try to suppress my fear as I feel my body nearing a true panic attack. 

“In some ways I was,” I admit. Jude made sure I never wanted to leave the island. Staying with him, falling in love with him, was a betrayal of my mission, of everything I valued. “I didn’t think I would return,” I admit honestly. “I failed, Marcus. I am so sorry.” 

“Do you 

know why I am calling?” he lets the words hang between us, knowing I am more likely to talk and admit all my sins if he forces me to face the silence. “Why have I called you, Angelica?” 

“Because I betrayed you,” I bow my head, even though he cannot see me. I know I am a failure. But I also know he wouldn’t call me just to tell me that. “And because you have a new plan.. 

“Have you gotten any closer to securing clearance?” he probes, hoping to hear the right answer. “Or do I 

Chapter 77 

+26 BONUS 

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 salvation and my 

damnation. 

Looking around again to ensure nobody is watching, I pick up the phone and its cord and drag it into my bedroom. Thankful it has a long cord, I take it into my private bathroom and close the door. Once I know I’ am alone, I hold the receiver closer to my face, “Magnus.” 

The phone goes quiet, his breathing on the other end the only indication that he is still there. 

“You were gone for five years.” His tone is even and calm, almost completely devoid of emotion. I recognize this tone. He is so angry he doesn’t trust himself to admit it. “I thought you were dead. I mourned you. I buried you in my mind. I even sent a new envoy to take your place.” 

Taking a deep breath, my nostrils flaring, I try to suppress my fear as I feel my body nearing a true panic