A Bell Rings

By Alexa Milne

Sometimes you only need to believe.

Raziel Slade and Jack Hastings have been best friends since Raz saved Jack's life twelve years ago. Only Jack doesn't remember Raz at all and he certainly doesn't remember falling in love with him. Now that Jack has moved in with his university housemates, explicit dreams begin of a blue-eyed male stranger. Needing a new flatmate after his best friend moves out, Jack is introduced to Raziel Slade who has extraordinary blue eyes. Jack has no idea how to cope with his attraction to the man.

Raziel Slade has a secret—he used to be an angel. He fell in love with Jack Hastings and happily became human, but the angels aren't prepared to let him go, so they steal him back. All Raz wants to do is return to his lover any way he can.

When a film brings back Jack's memories, will he feel the same as he did when he finds out what Raz gave up for him? And are the angels finally ready to let Raziel, the Keeper of Secrets, go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781786514141

Alexa Milne

Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over forty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions. Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing. She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.

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A Bell Rings

ISBN # 978-1-78651-414-1

©Copyright Alexa Milne 2016

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright April 2016

Edited by Faith Bicknell-Brown

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2016 by Pride Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

A BELL RINGS

Alexa Milne

Sometimes you only need to believe.

Raziel Slade and Jack Hastings have been best friends since Raz saved Jack’s life twelve years ago. Only Jack doesn’t remember Raz at all and he certainly doesn’t remember falling in love with him. Now that Jack has moved in with his university housemates, explicit dreams begin of a blue-eyed male stranger. Needing a new flatmate after his best friend moves out, Jack is introduced to Raziel Slade who has extraordinary blue eyes. Jack has no idea how to cope with his attraction to the man.

Raziel Slade has a secret—he used to be an angel. He fell in love with Jack Hastings and happily became human, but the angels aren’t prepared to let him go, so they steal him back. All Raz wants to do is return to his lover any way he can.

When a film brings back Jack’s memories, will he feel the same as he did when he finds out what Raz gave up for him? And are the angels finally ready to let Raziel, the Keeper of Secrets, go?

Dedication

For my writing angels, Dawn, Cath and Faith, who make all my words better.

Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

iPod: Apple, Inc.

Highlander: Twentieth Century Fox

Iron Man III: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Rubik’s Cube: Rubik’s Brand, Ltd.

The Cheshire Cat (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland): Lewis Carroll. Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Savile Row: Macy’s Inc.

Heaven must be missing an Angel: Tavares, Universal Music Publishing Group

Shard Building: State of Qatar, Seller Property Group

Tannoy: Tannoy Ltd.

Chapter One

Nine months later

Jack reached out and found nothing but space. Confused for a moment, he opened his eyes and stared at the emptiness on the other side of his king-size bed. Two thuds told him George and Fred had landed on the mattress. Seconds later, the meowing began, followed by four paws kneading his side, then George, as always, head-butting him. Before George could stick out a paw to swat his nose, Jack pulled himself into a sitting position and glanced at the clock—seven a.m.

Boys, it’s Saturday. Is a lie in too much to ask for?

From the noises they were making it obviously was. Jack swung his feet over and sat on the edge of his bed, rubbing his eyes. The cats swirled around his legs.

All right, give me a few minutes and I’ll be with you. I have to pee and clean my teeth first.

Jack staggered to the bathroom. He stared, bleary eyed, at the face in the mirror, which currently sported too much stubble. He’d shave later. His dark hair grew quickly, so he didn’t want a five o’clock shadow forming by the time he reached the restaurant. Whatever Kay said about beards being sexy, he liked to be clean-shaven, neat and tidy, just like his flat with everything in the right place. He splashed his face with cold water in the hope he’d feel more awake—he didn’t.

Still wearing his shorts and a T-shirt, Jack dragged himself through to the kitchen. The cats sat waiting next to their bowls, meowing as if they hadn’t eaten for days. He removed two pouches from the box and filled each bowl before topping up their biscuits and water. Next he sifted the litter tray.

I don’t know how I cope with such a glamorous life. Next time I’m coming back as a spoiled cat.

Tea made and cereal and milk poured, Jack opened his laptop to check the news. An hour or so later, his mobile rang—Kay.

Hey, Jack, you’re up, then?

I might be lying naked in bed with the woman of my dreams for all you know.

Yeah, yeah. You have to go out to find one first, and you’ve practically achieved hermit status. Just because I moved out doesn’t mean it’s the end of your social life.

Jack leaned his head onto one hand to prop himself up. "I’m beginning to think I’ll never find the right person. Am I too picky, or what? Come on, you’re