Chapter 21: Can’t stop smiling

Nevaeh:

After closing the door, I walked up the stairs and throw myself on the bed. My phone vibrates again with a phone call. It’s Jez. “Hey girl, just checking up on you to see how your night with the golden hunk went.”

I laugh at her statement. She thinks I went home with Azazel. Resting my head on my pillow, I smile, thinking about the events of last night and today. “Actually, I didn’t go home with him. I went home with Mikhail.”

I pull the phone away from my ear at the sound of her shocked squeal. “What!? How the hell did that happen?”

Taking a deep breath. I recount the events leading up to today. Jez remains silent the whole time, which unnerves me a bit. In fact, it’s so quiet that at some point, I wonder if the call was disconnected. Thankfully, another squeal resounds through the receiver, informing me that she’s still on the line. “Are you serious, Nev? Holy shit, you went home with Mikhail Cross? Damn…” Her words are cut off by an unintelligible voice on her end. I listen as a male voice mutters something to her. Jez responds back, “… Can’t you see I’m on the phone...? I’ll be there in a minute.”

Her voice comes back on the line a moment later. “Nev, I have to go, but when I see you tomorrow, I want details. Got it?” I roll my eyes and laugh at her chastising tone. “Yeah, I got it. Love you.”

She hums in reply. “I love you too,” then disconnects the call.

The silence of the room is nearly deafening as I gaze into the cell’s screen. Tossing the phone on top of my bedside table, I rest my hand over my forehead and close my eyes in hopes of centering myself. So many things have happened lately. It’s only when I’m with Mikhail that I don’t feel the crippling loneliness inside of me.

About an hour passes until I hear a fluttering sound outside of my balcony. Mikhail is here. As soon as I think about it, he opens the balcony doors and steps inside. I instantly go breathless at the sight of his tall, muscled frame. Sitting up on my knees, I extend my hand out to him and invite him to lie next to me. Mikhail kicks off his shoes and takes my hand. A sigh escapes my lips at his closeness. Biting my lip, I lie beside him and face him. I love the way his hair curls across his forehead and how his eyes glow like obsidian gems. He’s so masculine and edgy, and I’m drawn to him like a bee to honey.

“Go to sleep princess, you don’t want to get rings under your beautiful eyes.” He mutters as he pulls me closer. Sighing with exhaustion, I wrap my arms around his waist and tuck my head under his chin until the world fades to nothingness. It was the best sleep I’ve ever heard because I dream of Mikhail.

The next morning, my phone alarm startles me from my restful sleep. Head pounding, I yawn loudly and turn over to shut off my alarm. Remembering that Mikhail slept over last night, I turn to find him, but he’s not on the other side of the bed. He must have left earlier. Smiling, I reach for the pillow he was using and melt as soon as I find a sealed note.

Princess, I had to go home before Alex found out that I was gone. I’ll be by to give you a ride to school, so be ready.

Your boyfriend, Mikhail

I smile, looking at the letter again. I run my finger over his signature and the word boyfriend. I rise from my bed. Time to start the day.

After taking a quick shower, I slip on a pair of skinny jeans, a black halter top, and some cute wedges. Opting to not wear makeup, I leave my hair loose around my shoulders, grab my messenger bag, and prepare to meet Mikhail outside. As promised, he’s waiting for me. He looks so hot, leaning on the Hellcat with his arms crossed in front of his broad chest. I love how his black button-down top and black jeans mold to his firm body. I can’t believe that he’s mine. He’s all mine. Laughing with excitement, I rush out and throw myself into his arms. Mikhail chuckles as he lifts me up in his arms and wraps my legs around his waist. The kiss is perfect. The moment is perfect. And it’s all because we’re together.

Groaning, I pull my lips from his and let him settle me back onto the floor. “Are we taking the Hellcat? I’m surprised Azazel hasn’t run over here to collect it by now.”

Mikhail opens the passenger door and ushers me in. It’s only when he sits on the driver’s side that he looks over to me and says, “Actually, princess, Azazel’s is letting me keep it.” I’m stunned at the news. I don’t know Azazel very well, but he just doesn’t seem like the giving type.

Mikhail must see my confused frown because he answers my unasked question. “It’s okay, princess, Azazel’s like family.”

I nod my head even though I’m still not sure what he means when he says Azazel’s like family.

The drive to school is short. We hold hands and do small talk, which is nice. Mikhail and I grin when a group of students stop and ogle the car. It’s amusing to see their gaping mouths. I can’t blame them for staring because the car is seriously cool.

As careful as he can, Mikhail pulls into the lot and turns off the ignition. “Ready?” he mutters warmly. I nod my head and observe as Mikhail gets out of the car, walks to my side, and opens my door.

The morning hum dies down instantly as everyone stops and stares. Uninterested in the gawking crowd, Mikhail takes my hand, entwines our fingers, and leads me to the front of the school. Jez is impatiently waiting for us by the front steps. “Wow, guys, way to draw a crowd.” She says with a smirk.

Rolling my eyes at her comment, I usher her and Mikhail to the entrance.

Morning classes fly by quickly. That day, Mikhail and I do our scene for Lit. After we finish, Jez tells us that it was the hottest scene she’d ever seen.

During our free period, Mikhail and I sneak into the library for a hot make-out session. His plump lips search mine as he pulls me into the bean bag chair and wraps his arms around me. Due to the limited amount of space, I’m practically sitting on his lap. I don’t mind, though. As I slide my hands down his chest, I rub my fingers across the cotton shirt and mold my hands around his pecs and abs. Mikhail groans with pleasure at the contact as he tangles his tongue with mine and wraps his arms around my body. I love the way his big hands slide up and down my back, making goosebumps spread across my skin with every electric touch. Heat spreads through my belly, making my body swell with pleasure as he strokes and pets me. Nipping his bottom lip, I move my head down and kiss the tendon on his neck. “Oh shit, baby, that’s good, but we need to stop.” He whispers breathlessly. I love how aroused he sounds at that moment because it shows me that he’s just as wrapped up in our attraction as I am.

Taking a couple of deep breaths, I reluctantly pull away and lean my forehead against his chin. “I know.”

It’s a good start to our day.

Unfortunately, my happy mood is ruined when Mikhail and I have an unfortunate run-in with Henry and Travis. It’s lunchtime, and Mikhail has just walked away to get me a bottle of water.

Seeing this, Travis takes advantage of Mikhail’s absence and sits next to me. “Hey there, Nev. Where’s your boyfriend? The boys and I saw that hot car you two rode in. Have you given Michael a ride in it yet?” He asks slyly.

I know that he’s trying to get a rise out of me, so I roll my eyes at his stupid comment and turn back to my tray. “Leave me alone, Travis. Please, just go away.” I respond in hopes that he’ll heed my request.

Unfortunately, Henry shows up at that moment and takes a seat across from me. “Hello, sweet.”

I ignore him and scan the room in hopes that Mikhail is near, but the lunchroom is too crowded. Before I can rise from my seat, Travis grips my arm tightly and roughly pushes me back down. “No need to go yet. Keep us company.”

Henry smiles evilly as I try to twist away from his arms. “What the hell do you want?”

Henry sneers in reply and slides from his seat to sit next to me. Cringing, I try to pull away when he caresses my arm and mutters. “There’s a lot that we want, Nevaeh. Maybe you’d like to meet us behind the football field, and we can talk about it.”

My stomach churns with disgust. There’s no way that I’d go anywhere with these two. And to hear them talk to me in such a way disgusts me. I don’t understand why Travis is being this way. Was this the way he was before? I ask myself. If so, how could I have been so blind to who he really was? “You’re both disgusting.” I grit out. “I suggest you go away before Mikhail comes over and kicks your ass.”

They both snicker at my threat, which unnerves me a little. Do they not realize that we’re in the middle of the lunchroom? I mean, it’s not like they can do anything while in a room full of students.

To my relief, Mikhail shows up, and he doesn’t look very happy. Before Travis and Henry can react, Mikhail grips them by the neck, lifts them up, and pushes roughly against another table. Both boys crash into the table with a reproachful cry. I can’t feel bad for them, considering that they asked for it. But I worry about Mikhail because every time he gets in trouble, it’s because of me.

The chatter in the room stills. It’s eerie. Before Travis and Henry can stand, a very angry Mikhail places his hands against their backs and holds them in place. “You’re very lucky that we’re in schoolboys. But, if any of you ever touch Neveah, I will rip you to shreds.” He growls angrily. As soon as he releases them, he turns back and wraps an arm around my waist. “Let’s go…”

Someone clears their throat behind us at that moment. Mikhail releases me and turns to the sound. Mr. Moody is standing behind us, scowling. “Come with me, Mr. Cross.”

Without a word, Mikhail slides his arms off my shoulder, gives him a stiff nod, and reaches for his backpack. I don’t know what to do at that moment. It’s so unfair that Mikhail is getting in trouble over something Henry and Travis started.

Heart beating wildly, I observe as Mr. Andrews ushers Travis and Henry out of the lunchroom. Panic instantly sets in as Mr. Moody ushers Mikhail with him. Following behind them, I reach for Mikhail’s hand and face Mr. Moody. “Please, sir, he didn’t do anything wrong. He was just helping me because Travis and Henry were harassing me.”

Mr. Moody’s eyes narrow with suspicion as he gauges my sincerity. “You better come with us and help us clear this up, Ms. Rivera.”

I try not to show my nervousness as Mikhail and I walk hand in hand into the principal’s office. As we make our way down the hallway, the crowd parts like the red sea. It’s a little unnerving the way everyone stares at us. I guess this is how inmates feel when they’re led to the gallows.

As soon as we get to the office, Mr. Moody offers me a seat. “Have a seat Ms. Rivera.” I take a seat and settle my hands on my knees as he makes his way to his desk. “Now that we’re settled, how about you explain what happened in the cafeteria, Ms. Rivera?”

Mr. Moody lays his hand on the table’s surface and waits patiently for me to begin.

Clearing my throat, I glance back and forth between Mikhail and the principal. “Well, Mr. Moody…” I tell Mr. Moody about what happened between Travis, Henry, and Mikhail. To add credence to what transpired, I show Mr. Moody the bruise that Travis left on my arm. Thankfully, Mr. Moody believes me and lets Mikhail go with a warning. Henry and Travis were not as lucky. Both boys were suspended for a week.

Over the next few days, everything is fine. Right now, I’m sitting in my Algebra class, trying to figure out a problem. I hate math, and I hate it more now because Mikhail does not take the class with me. Sighing, I toss my pencil to the side and tear the page I was working on from my notebook.

Ponyboy releases a frustrated sigh and does the same. Apparently, he’s as bad at Algebra as I am. “Hey, Heaven, how’s it going?” He asks glumly.

I shake my head and look back at my book. Every problem looks like it’s written in a foreign language. “Not good, Ponyboy. I freaking hate math. What’s up with you?”

Ponyboy leans his elbow on my desk and mutters huskily. “Yeah, I hate it too. So, I thought maybe we could do something this weekend. Are you in?”

My head snaps in his direction. I’ve never been so surprised. “Are you asking me out, Ponyboy?” I ask.

Ponyboy nods. “Sure, why not? I thought we would have some fun.”

I don’t know what to say. We’ve been friends for years, and I have never really seen him as more than a friend. Plus, now I’m with Mikhail. At first, I don’t respond because I’m trying to come up with a way to let him down gently. Damn him for putting me on the spot. “Sorry, Ponyboy, but Mikhail and I are dating now.”

At my words, Aaron releases a regretful sigh. “Damn, Mikhail is one lucky bastard.”

“Thanks, Ponyboy.”

The next day, Mikhail and I are at his house having dinner with his family. Carrick and Kell are arguing about who the winner of a game was while Rowan asks me and Mikhail inappropriate questions. Mikhail glares at his brother from across the table, but Rowan persists.

“So, have you two done the deed yet? I can give you some pointers if you want?” He smirks. The boy is oblivious to the peril his brother represents.

“Maybe you need a visual. What do you think, Nev? How about you use me to show him what you want?”

Before Mikhail or I could respond to his comment, Alex slaps him in the back of the head. The look on his face is hilarious.

After dinner, Mikhail and I head to his bedroom. As I’m lying on his bed working on a math problem, Mikhail lies next to me and twirls my hair around his finger, which is very distracting.

I shudder every few minutes as he kisses my neck and shoulder. “You know Khail, the teacher gave you homework too.”

Mikhail shrugs his shoulders. “I can finish it later. I don’t suck at math.”

I want to give him crap over his comment, but the feel of his lips against my neck feels so good that I can barely speak. “Are you going to…to sit there and stare at me?” I mumble breathlessly.

Mikhail smiles against my shoulder and kisses me again. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”

I know that I should protest, but I want him. I want to kiss him so bad that I’m burning up. Mikhail must see the desire in my eyes because he leans close and kisses the shell of my ear.

My body shudders with pleasure as I tilt my head and kiss him gently before I pull away. My body protests, but I know that if I don’t pull away, I won’t ever want to stop. “By the way, your family is awesome. I haven’t had a dinner like that in forever. Thank you for letting me be part of your life.”

At my words, Mikhail’s smile vanishes. I swallow hard as he rises from his perch and faces me. He looks so serious at that moment that I instantly go on alert. “Princess, there’s something I need to tell you.”

My heart stutters at his tone. Sitting up, I mimic his posture and wait for him to continue. Maybe he’s breaking up with me. “What is it?”

For a moment, he doesn’t reply, which makes fear course through my body. “Just tell me, Mikhail!” I cry out, frustrated.

Mikhail rises from the bed and circles the floor for a second before he turns back and faces me. “Nevaeh… I…I’m…” He stops again and takes a deep breath. “I’m not human!”

Brow furrowed, I give him a confused stare. “What?”

He licks his lips and gests on his knees on the bed. “I’m a half breed Angel and Demon.” He states evenly.

For a moment, I stare into his eyes, then I throw my head back and laugh. However, Mikhail remains stoic.

My laughter fades to be replaced with incredulity. “You’re kidding, right?”

I gaze into his obsidian eyes as he takes a step back and sifts his fingers through his hair. I want to laugh again, but he looks so serious.

“No, Nev, this is not a joke. I’m not human.”

I open my mouth to refute his claim, but Mikhail shakes his head and begins to strip off his shirt. “Watch.”

I look on in disbelief as his eyes change color and wings being to sprout from his back. Blinking my eyes, I shake my head in denial, but nothing changes. Mikhail is still standing in front of me with his glowing eyes and wings. That’s when a memory rises to the surface—my dream. I’ve dreamt of this.

Rising from my perch, I run my gaze over his trim form and stare as if hypnotized. His body is ripped. However, my eyes are focused on the magnificent wings that are standing proudly behind his back. “They’re beautiful. Can I touch them?” Mikhail runs his hand, caressingly across my arm and smiles. My breath hitches as he moves closer and whispers sensuously. “My Sodales Semper. Nevaeh, you are my love always.”

Mouth dry, I move forward and extend my hand. My body is shaking with excitement. Mikhail moves closer and tilts his wings in my direction. His breath fans my face, making me shudder with pleasure. Without another word, I reach forward and stroke his silky feathers.

The downy wings are soft and warm between my fingers. His wing flutters, and his breathing quickens with every stroke of my hand. I know that I should be freaking out, but all I feel is awed by the thought that I’m touching an angel. I mean, I think that’s what he is. Shyly, I look through the curtain of my dark hair and sigh. Mikhail’s hand slides down my shoulder as I caress mine across his wings. We are so close that we are practically breathing the same air. Leaning close, I wrap my other arm around his neck and kiss his chin. “Mikhail,” I whisper against his lips before he deepens the kiss.

I close my eyes at the intensity of his kiss and arch my back as our tongues seek. Lying back on the bed, I wrap my legs around his waist and grind my center against his with a breathless cry. Mikhail crushes our lips together with a growl and slides his fingers through my hair. Our breaths mingle, and our clothes rustle as our bodies strain to move closer. I mewl with pleasure as his hands roam my back and move down to my thighs.

Groaning, Mikhail bites my lower lip and rubs his chest against mine. I arch my back as he moves his mouth down my neck and kisses his way to my chest.

I swivel my hips and moan loudly, holding his head close to my body as his wings flutter around us. My nipples instantly harden beneath my shirt as arousal spreads throughout my body like warm syrup. To my delight, Mikhail places his mouth around one of my tight buds and sucks it over my shirt. I breathlessly whisper “Mikhail” as I run my hands over his back sensuously. I move my hands under his wings, wanting to feel his skin. We are both straining now, our bodies gleaming in sweat and craving more contact.

Mikhail pulls the strap of my shirt down, revealing my bare breasts with their cherry nipples. I look up at him as heat creeps across my face, but I don’t stop him. I want him to touch me. My eyes are half-mast, and my lips quiver with anticipation as he gazes down at me and swirls his tongue around my bare bud with gentle strokes. A thunderous roar of ecstasy bursts through my ears with every pull of his lips. Tilting my head back with a whimper, I flip him onto his back and straddle him. His wings disappear and wrap around him in the form of a tattoo. I trace the tattooed wings with my fingers as I grind against his hardness. Mikhail moans at the contact as he rises to crush his lips into mine. As quickly as we can, we slip his shirt off, revealing his broad torso. I run my hands across his defined chest in wonder. His body is a work of art with his toned abs and carved chest and arms. Sliding my hands down his torso, I caress his velvety skin. Chest heaving, I pull him close and moan with pleasure as our naked chests rub against each other, creating blissful friction as ecstasy bursts through every cell of my body. Mikhail’s hands slide up and down my back aggressively as he grinds his hips against mine. The delicious contact sends thrilling shocks through my center, making my body swell with a nearly unbearable need. Clinging tighter, I moan and move my hips faster in hopes of appeasing the molten ache between my thighs. Mikhail’s hand moves down my stomach, making my stomach contract the closer he gets to my thighs. Closing my eyes, I feel his fingers moving lower. His hand is about to close in when the door bursts open.