“You make them sound like drug addicts!”
“It’s a far truer portrait of the situation than the fairy-tale love story you were opting for,” he said.
I finished my tea and placed my mug down on the thick wooden table, bringing my hands up and playing with my nails self-consciously. I couldn’t help but feel under the microscope with Gabriel, as though he was taking in my every movement, every glance. We sat in silence for a few minutes reflectively.
“Go ahead,” he said.
“I’m sorry?”
“You wanted to ask something.…”
He was finely tuned in to me, and with his encouragement, I said, “And what of that and Angels?” I kept my head down. I was teetering into potentially soul-crushing territory here.
“What of Angels?”
“Can an Angel love a Vampire?”
Hanora’s face flashed across my mind. I had no desire to look at his expression. I was afraid of what he might be about to say, though his initial silence told me that I had caught him off guard. Whatever he had been expecting me to ask, it wasn’t that.
Wasting little time, he tipped my chin up toward him, so I had no choice but to return his gaze. “That’s not my business. This Angel’s concerns are vested only in one individual.”
Her name is Lailah.
I felt the cloud blow through my mind, replaced by his words, which danced—sparkling and shimmering. If it were possible, they were almost turning into colors, swirling, my mind awash with golds and silvers.
Bringing his hands down he placed them over my own, cupping them tightly, his warmth heating them instantly. His face was entirely serious. A long vein in his neck jutted out a little as he tensed. I tried to keep my poker face on for a few more seconds, but I couldn’t help a smile creasing the edges of my lips.
I have so many questions.…
I was suddenly on the verge of tears. I felt so close to him. I knew him deeply, but I couldn’t remember how. It was so frustrating.
“Shhhh,” he soothed me through his pursed lips; he could sense my feelings. I knew because I could feel his washing over me.
Soon, Lailah, soon. I promise.
Gabriel left me hanging, again, but I slept well thinking of him.
* * *
AS A GLIMMER OF WINTER SUN perforated the bedroom curtains, I woke gently. I felt happy, until I remembered the abundance of clothes that needed hanging up and sorting out.
I showered, brushed my teeth, and with Brooke’s words from the car journey ringing in my ears, even ran a little makeup across my cheeks before I decided to brave sorting through the mountain of fabric. Finally, when the last pair of boots had been set neatly in the wardrobe, I picked out something to wear for the day. I opted for black skinny jeans, but was keen to wear the best find of the day—the beautiful lace blouse.
I grabbed for a pair of black knee-length Ugg boots and popped them on the bed. I made for the door and turned the key in the lock before rummaging for a matching bra and panties set and, of course, a camisole to cover up my scar. I slipped off my dressing gown and, stepping into the frilly undies, I began reaching for the bra when I suddenly stopped. The smell of rich fruits and sultry woods breezed through the air. I recognized the scent; Jonah wore it.
I spun around, covering myself with my arms in the process, and sure enough he was standing behind me, leaning against the wall. “Jonah!”
I snatched for the dressing gown from off the floor, but he traveled over so quickly he had it in his hands first.
“You want this?” he replied, handing it to me.
I flung it around my body and tied it up tightly, pushing my damp hair behind my ears. “Can I help you with something?”
“Well, if you’re offering…”
He stepped into my space, overstepping the mark. I raised my hands and pushed his shoulders, and to my surprise, he fell back a little. He gathered himself rather quickly.
“Calm down! I’m just messing with you, Cessie!”
His smirk seemed to suggest he was pleased to get a reaction out of me.
“The door was locked.”
“I’m a Vampire. Plus a locked door is too tempting to resist.”
I scurried around to the other side of the bed, putting a little distance between us.
I was about to ask him to leave when I noticed his eyes seemed to have changed color—the hazel shade was diluted with flecks of maroon. Then I remembered what Brooke had said: he had been feeding a lot these last few days. I felt a chill run down my spine.
“How many people have you killed?” I demanded. I wasn’t usually so assertive, but after what Brooke had said about there being occasional casualties in order for them to survive, I suddenly had to know.
“No light souls, I promise. Only the dark ones.”
His words cut through me. I didn’t care if they were good or bad. The very idea of him drinking from unwilling victims made my stomach churn; but I was well aware that I was wearing nothing but a dressing gown and underwear, so now didn’t seem like the right moment to get into a heated debate.
He, on the other hand, was sporting a rather unusual russet red–colored rugby shirt with the collar flicked upward, which contrasted against his skin and eyes perfectly. His hair, which as I had come to know him was always tousled and flawlessly out of place, was no different this morning. He was stupidly good looking, and I felt a pinch of excitement low in my belly, and my cheeks began to burn in embarrassment.
“Dime for your thoughts?”
I shook the musings from my head, and gave myself a good dressing-down mentally.
“It’s ‘penny’ for them, and trust me, my markup is higher than a penny.”
He smirked at me before replying in a low murmur, “Name your price.” Tilting his head, he winked at me and wetted his lips. His upturned smile was goading me, daring me even, to play his game.
“Again, did you need something?” I said, gesturing toward the door.
I’d never liked playing games.
Straightening himself he replied, “Only to say that I thought I would take you into the village, show you around.”
He wasn’t asking. He never seemed to ask.
“Thanks, but Ruadhan’s actually on duty today. Gabriel’s already arranged it.”
Momentarily, I caught a look of disappointment flit over Jonah’s face, but it only lasted for a brief second.
“Wouldn’t you rather someone a little less ancient and a lot more fun take you sightseeing?”