Chapter 9

I remember reading a quote once by Martin Luther King. "It's always the right time to do the right thing." Right now I wish I knew what the right thing is.

It's hard for me to think about Gabriel and believe that he's evil. The same goes for Layla. And even Augustus. I remember what it felt like when he was in my head. There wasn't anything evil, just a lot of concern for the people he cares about.

But I also remember being told by my dad when I was a child that often evil appears as what you want the most. Not scary or horrifying, but beautiful and alluring. That's how it traps you and sucks you in—by offering you what you think you want.

I don't disbelieve what he said—I just don't see it as being much help. I'm stuck between two things I want. On one side is my dad. Elysia says she can get him back for me. I want that so much it hurts. And on the other side is Gabriel. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want him. I do. More than I ever wanted another person. He's my dream.

But how can I choose between the two? And which choice is the choice that brings evil into my life? God, I hope Ellie has some answers when I see her. If I can find a way to do that. I really need to figure this out.

Nevaeh had just stepped into the sidewalk in front of the bar when a car pulled up and stopped. She immediately started walking backwards, intent on turning and running back to the bar if anyone got out of the car.

The passenger window rolled down. "Nevaeh?"

Nevaeh recognized the voice. Elysia. The last person she wanted to speak with.

"Nev?"

"Hey." Nevaeh walked over to the car and leaned down to look inside.

"Where're you headed?"

"Home."

"Walking?"

"Yes."

"Get in, I'll give you a ride."

Nevaeh's first instinct was to say no, but she suppressed the inclination. She still had not decided what to do about Elysia and if she was involved with the people who orchestrated the attack at Asha's estate, Nevaeh didn't want to make an enemy of her.

"Okay, thanks."

She got in the car and Elysia rolled up the window. "Do you always walk to work?"

"No."

"Then why are you walking?"

"Maybe because you drugged and kidnapped me and all my stuff, including my keys and my purse are at the estate, so I don't really have a choice."

"Oh. Oops!" Elysia actually giggled. Nevaeh wanted to punch her but instead looked away.

"I'm sorry, Nevaeh but as I told you, I feared for your safety."

"Well, I'm safe now, so you don't have to worry."

"But you're not. Surely, you don't think every Preterhuman is in New York? There are plenty in Florida and believe me, if Augustus wants to hurt you all he has to do is pick up a phone."

"But he hasn't."

"Yet."

"What does that mean?"

"Let's just say that I have it on good authority that sides are being chosen and if you're not on the right one, you could end up collateral damage. If you let Augustus talk you into doing something—"

"He hasn't tried to talk me into anything."

"Oh? And I guess he has no link with you even though you shared blood. Neveah, don't be naïve. Augustus can be in your head and you'd never know it."

If only. Nevaeh wished that were true because then Augustus would know if this Elysia was trying to pull a fast one on her. Or would he? What do I really know about him? What if he is trying to pull me into something bad?

Nevaeh wanted to scream. She just wanted to talk with Ellie. She needed someone impartial to advise her.

"So what do you think I should do?"

Elysia smiled at her. "I think you should test him."

"Test him? How?"

For a brief moment, Elysia's smile turned sinister and Nevaeh inwardly blanched. What the hell was she getting herself into?

Having reached Nevaeh's duplex, Elysia stopped the car and turned in her seat toward Nevaeh.

"That will be simple. You will contact Augustus and tell him it's imperative that he and Eldric come to Florida, to Eldric's sisters. You say that when you were abducted you overheard your captors talking about going there and capturing the doorway. They believe that if they take Ellie, her powers, combined with theirs will be enough to open the door."

"Oh yeah, that will fly like a lead balloon."

"Pardon?"

"Well think about it. I got abducted and overheard all that and got away… how?"

Elysia laughed. "Why you froze time, of course. That's how you escaped. How you got back here—pretty much the same. Invent something. You stopped time when you got to the airport, stole someone's ticket, and got on a plane."

Nevaeh hated to admit it but it might work. It would be believable to Augustus, anyway. "And just what do I get for all this help? You promised you'd heal my dad."

"And I will."

Nevaeh nodded and looked away. She needed to speak with Ellie before she did anything, which meant she needed to stall Elysia.

"Look, it's late and I'm tired and I don't want to make a decision until I'm rested and have had a chance to think about it. Why don't I call you tomorrow?"

"Why don't I call you?"

"Whatever. I just want to go to bed."

"Then I'll call you in the morning."

"I probably won't be up early."

"Fine."

"Okay." Nevaeh got out of the car. "Thanks for the ride."

"It's what friends are for." Elysia gave a wave and roared off.

Nevaeh made her way around back and let herself in. She was tired. Exhausted. But she had little confidence that she'd sleep tonight.

*****

Gabriel floated to a soft landing and kissed the laughing baby on his forehead. Ellie reached for her child and Gabriel obliged. She cuddled the baby to her then looked up at him. "I can't believe I let you do that."

"Are you kidding? The kid loved it."

"Yes, he sure did. You have a way with children."

"Maybe because I still am one—well in some ways."

Ellie smiled and turned towards the house. "Yeah, I can see that. Probably what made you so appealing to N—"

"To who?"

Ellie cut a look at him over her shoulder as she opened the door. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"What did she tell you?" He followed her inside and waited as she put the baby into his playpen in the family room.

"Not a lot. We only spoke briefly while she was in New York. She just told me about how she met you and how surprised she was at how… how nice you were to her. Please, have a seat."

Gabriel took a seat on the couch. "It was a little more than that."

Ellie straightened from adjusting Carson in the playpen. "Oh? On your part or hers?"

"Both. I think. I thought. Maybe I was wrong."

"Or maybe not. Look, I don't know what Nev feels. All I know is something is obviously bothering her and she wants to talk about it. And she should be here any minute."

"And you'd prefer that I not be here."

"Actually yes. No offense. I like you, Gabriel, and Layla swears that you're the best person she's ever met and I trust her judgement. But Nev's my friend and I don't want her to think I've gone behind her back."

"I understand. I'll go."

"Hey, I do want to thank you for telling me your perceptions of what happened that night. Eldric told me about it but you and Nev—well you had some unique insight didn't you?"

"She's pretty amazing and has no clue."

"Eldric said there's a lot of interest in her. And now in her father."

"Yes, her father. She has no idea what really happened to him."

"If what you say is true and we don't know that yet."

"Are you going to tell her?"

"It's not my place, Gabriel."

He nodded. "Might I impose on you to ask her to call me?"

"Does she have your number?"

"I called her half a dozen times so I think she has it."

"Then I'll be happy to pass the message along."

"Thank you."

Ellie smiled and when he stood she took his hand. "I hope you and Nev work out whatever this thing is between you, Gabriel."

"So do I. Thank you, Ellie. See you soon?"

"I'm here twenty-four-seven."

Gabriel smiled and let her walk him outside. He took to the air, but did not head home. Instead, he headed in the direction of Nevaeh's duplex. He had to try to make her understand the danger she'd placed herself in.

*****

Nevaeh fought her way to consciousness. Sunlight assaulted her eyes when she cracked them open. What the heck was that noise and what time was it?

She fumbled around on the nightstand for her phone. 7:54. "What the…?"

It had been an hour and twenty minutes since she'd last checked the time. No wonder she felt like she was the walking dead. And who the hell was that banging on her door?

It took a minute to untangle herself from the sheets and make her way to the door. She squinted against the light as she opened it.

"I brought coffee." Elysia pushed passed her and into the duplex.

"Well come on it."

"My, aren't we grumpy this morning? Here, have some coffee. It'll perk you right up."

Nevaeh waved away the take-out cup Elysia offered. "No thanks. What are you doing here? I thought we agreed—"

"I couldn't wait. This is important Nevaeh. For us and for you. We just don't have time to waste."

"Whatever. I have to pee."

She left Elysia standing there holding the two cups of coffee and headed for the bathroom. After taking care of her screaming bladder, she brushed her teeth and washed her face. That wasn't going to cut it. It was going to take a whole lot more than that to get her functional.

Not caring that Elysia was waiting, she got into the shower, washed, shampooed her hair, and then rinsed in cold water. Nevaeh took her time drying off and getting dressed. When she finally returned to the living area, Elysia was sitting on the couch with two empty cups on the coffee table in front of her.

"So, are you ready to get started?"

"Doing what?" Nevaeh walked passed her and into the kitchen. She had just enough bottled water and ground coffee to make a large cup in her coffee press. She poured the water into the electric kettle and stood at the counter watching it.

"You are going to help us, aren’t you?"

Nevaeh had been asking that question herself all night. She still didn't know what to do aside from stall. Seeing that Elysia was in a real hurry there was only one way she knew to delay.

"I am. But on my terms."

"Pardon?"

Nevaeh cut a look over her shoulder. "You heard me. I'll help you but you're going to cure my dad first. Once I see he's cured and I mean cured, not just temporary, then I'll help you."

"You bitch."

"Say what?" Nevaeh turned to face Elysia.

"Do you have any clue what I've offered? I offered to cure your father and this is the thanks I get?"

"I don't know what your problem is. I said I'd help. You're just going to do your part first."

"Or?"

"Or no deal."

"After all I've done for you and this is how you treat me? Where's the respect? The trust?"

Nevaeh laughed and turned her back on Elysia to pour the now-boiling water into the coffee press. "Respect? Trust? Do I need to remind you that you drugged and abducted me? Not a lot of reason there for respect or trust."

She turned to face Elysia again. "And trust is a two-way street. You want my trust you have to earn it. So that's the deal. Take it or leave it."

Elysia made a sound that was very similar to the growl of a cat. Not a house cat. A big cat. It unnerved Nevaeh but she refused to give ground. She stared Elysia down until Elysia blew out her breath and pulled out her phone. "Fine. I need to make a call. Can I get some privacy?"

"Yeah, you can have all you want. Outside."

If looks could kill, Nevaeh would have been toast by the look Elysia cut her. Nevertheless, she stomped from the room. A few moments later, the front door slammed.

Nevaeh poured herself a big mug of coffee and walked to the back door. The window beside the door was still covered with the plastic shower curtain. She needed to get that fixed as soon as possible. Shit, she needed to get her things. She'd try to call Layla later on and ask about that.

A few minutes passed before Elysia entered the duplex. "Fine. You have a deal."

"Good."

"So?"

"So what?"

"So are you ready to go?"

Nevaeh paused in the act of lifting her cup to her mouth. She hadn't expected Elysia to act so quickly. "Where?"

"The care facility."

That had Nevaeh's turning to look at Elysia. "You're going to do it now?"

"I thought that was what you wanted."

Nevaeh took another drink of her coffee. She didn't have much choice but to comply since she'd set the terms. Her mind raced, searching for another way to stall. Then she realized she already had what she needed.

"Fine. Let me grab my phone and shoes."

She went into the bedroom, stuffed her phone in the pocket of her cargo shorts, and slid her feet into her old sneakers.

Elysia was waiting at the door. Nevaeh gestured for Elysia to precede her and then followed her out. Had Nevaeh looked up she might have seen a flash of white wings disappearing into the clouds above, but her mind was not on the beauty of the day.

Neither spoke on the drive to the care facility. When Elysia parked, two people got out of a car parked two slots down.

They fell into step behind Nevaeh and Elysia. Nevaeh spoke with the nurse on duty and then led the way to her father's room. As was typical, he was sitting in a chair in front of the window.

"Hey, Nate." She greeted him.

He turned his head to look as her as she walked up beside him. "Hello. Do I know you?"

"I'm Nevaeh. I've been visiting you for a while."

"Oh. Okay."

"I brought some new visitors. This is Elysia and…" She looked at the older woman and the young man standing behind Elysia. "…and her friends."

Nate didn't acknowledge her words or the other people. Elysia turned to her associates and for a few seconds they whispered among themselves. Then Elysia turned to face Nevaeh and nodded.

Nevaeh felt a moment of panic. What if it didn't work? Or what if it was like before? She didn't know if she could take that. Seeing her dad emerge only to watch him fade before her eyes.

Elysia walked around in front of Nate. "Hi Nate. I'm Elysia. I'm going to put my hands on your face."

She placed her hands on his face, her thumbs pressed just below his eyes. Her associates moved up behind him. Each placed one hand on the base of his neck and the other on his head. All three inhaled a long breath and then as one hummed.

Nevaeh kept waiting for the tone to end but it went on and on. For a good minute. She watched her dad. No change. Still that vacant expression and slack posture. This wasn't working.

When her dad threw both arms up and out, knocking Elysia to the floor, she yelped. He bolted to his feet and turned on the people behind him with a roar. They retreated quickly, fleeing the room and he turned on Elysia.

Nevaeh jumped between them. "Dad!"

He knocked her aside as easily as swatting a fly. Nevaeh slammed into the dressing table, grunting at the impact and then went back at him. He was bent over, one hand wrapped around Elysia's neck.

Nevaeh grabbed his arm, tugging with all her might. "Dad, no. You have to stop. Dad!"

He finally turned his head to look at her and when he did, he released Elysia. "Nevie?"

"Yes. It's me, dad. I'm here."

"Oh god, Nevie."

Just then, two nurses rushed into the room. "What's happened here?"

"Nothing. We're fine." Nevaeh assured them. "I brought a friend and—and it must have upset him when he saw her. If you can just escort her out we'll be fine. I promise, everything's fine."

They looked at one another and then at her. Nevaeh addressed one of them, the head nurse on the floor. "Darla, I promise. Just leave us alone, okay?"

She nodded and looked at Elysia who was on her feet. "Miss, if you'll accompany us I will direct you to the waiting room."

Elysia cut Nevaeh a look that spelled her displeasure but accompanied the nurses from the room. Nevaeh watched them leave then turned her attention to her father.

"Dad?"

"Oh god, Nevie, what have you done?"

That was the last response she would have ever imagined. "What do you mean? They—they brought you back, Dad. And they say it's permanent. You're cured. You're—"

"Nevie, ah god, Nevie." He pulled her to him and hugged her tight. Nevaeh went weak, overcome with relief and emotion. She sobbed against his chest for a long time. When he pushed her back to arm's length, she sniffed and swiped at her eyes.

"Nevie, honey, you don't know what you've done, the danger you've put us in."

"Danger? What do you mean?"

"There's no time to explain now. You have to trust me. You do trust me, don't you Nevie?"

"You know I do."

"Then listen close and do everything I say. Can you do that, honey?"

"Yes, dad."

"Good. When the nurses return they're going to find me as I was before."

"No, you're cured, you won't—"

"I will pretend. I have to Nevie. No one can know about this change. You'll tell those people that what they did only worked for a few minutes. You hear me?"

"Yes but—"

"No buts. The time for explaining will come but that's not now. So, you'll tell them I'm just as I was. Then you get away from them. You hear me. Get the hell away from them."

She nodded and he continued. "Then—and this is really important—I need you to find someone for me. Find him and bring him here."

"Who?"

"When I knew him, he went by the name of Taighan Foss. He once lived in Virginia Beach but I don't know if he's still there."

"I'll try."

"No, you have to do it Nevie."

"Okay but what if he's not there? Does he have any family or other friends that might know where he is?"

Nate hesitated for a moment. "Nevie, this is going to sound crazy but it isn't. Tai was close friends with someone named Gabriel."

"Gabriel who?"

"Just Gabriel."

"He doesn't have a last name."

"No. He's—he's an angel. A bit tall guy with long blonde hair."

Nevaeh's knees felt weak. "An—an angel?"

"Yes."

"You—you want me to find a man who is friends with an angel named Gabriel."

"Yes. Look I know it sounds insane—"

"No. No it doesn't. Dad you need to watch the news. Things—things have happened. Big things."

"I can't. If I change my behavior at all someone will catch on there's been a change."

Nevaeh thought about it. "I know!" She ran over, turned on the television, and found the CNN channel. "I'll tell them it seemed to calm you down. We'll turn your chair to face it. They will buy it."

"Maybe but—"

"Trust me; you'll get it when you see the news. Just promise me you'll watch."

"I promise. And you'll try to find—"

"Yes. I will. But why do you need to see this man?"

"Because we're going to need his help. Now go. If you stay too long it'll arouse suspicion."

"I—I don't want to leave." What she didn't say was that she was scared if she left, when she returned he have vanished again."

"I am back, Nevie. And I will be here the next time you come. But you have to go now. Trust me."

"Okay, okay. But I'll be back in the morning."

"I hope so."

She threw her arms around him. "I love you Dad."

"And I love you baby girl. Now scoot. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow."

Letting go of him and walking out of the room was the hardest thing she'd ever done. She wanted to hang onto him, make sure he didn't slip into that gray state of forgetfulness that took him away from her.

"Nevaeh?" The head nurse, Darla walked into the room. "Everything okay in here?"

"Oh, yes. Thanks Darla. I don't know what happened. I guess my friend startled him or something. He just got upset and confused but he's fine now. I—"

She cut a look back and saw her dad sitting slumped in the chair in front of the television. "I turned on the television and it seemed to calm him so I turned his chair so he could watch. I think he likes hearing the voices."

"That's fine, just fine. We'll leave it on and keep a good eye on him after you leave. I'm assuming you were headed out?"

"Yeah. I don't want to but I closed last night and didn't get much sleep and—"

"Honey you don't have to explain. Everyone here knows how much you're devoted to your father."

"Thanks, Darla. Thank you all for taking such good care of him. I'll be back in the morning but you can call me any time if you need me."

"I know."

"Thanks again. See you tomorrow?"

"No, I'm off tomorrow. Cissy will be on."

"Oh, okay. Well you enjoy your day off and I'll see you soon."

"Yes you will. You have a good day, Nevaeh."

Nevaeh hurried outside. As she expected, Elysia was waiting. There was no sign of her associates. "You lied."

"Pardon" Elysia gave her a hateful look.

"You said you'd cure him but he's already right back the way he was."

"That's impossible."

"Oh really? Well then, you go have a look. I should have my head examined for listening to your shit. We're done here."

She started to march away but Elysia grabbed her arm. "Hold on."

"You're gonna want to take your hand off me." She jerked away.

"Wait. Nevaeh, please."

Nevaeh stopped and looked at her. "I swear I thought it would work. And I'll keep trying. I swear I will. But I need your help."

Nevaeh pretended to consider it. She paced back and forth for a full minute then stopped. "You'll try again? I mean not now, of course. The nurse said the doctors would need to check him and that won't happen until late today or in the morning. But you'll try again—say in three or four days?"

"Yes, of course."

"Promise."

"I swear it."

"Okay. Fine. I'll help you. I'll try and get in touch with Augustus. Or maybe Layla. She can get to him when no one else can. If I can convince her she'll get him to do what she wants."

"You'll do that today?"

"I'll try. I can't guarantee she'll take my call or even be available but I'll keep trying until I speak with her."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. So, anything else?"

"No. Just promise to call me when you speak with Layla or Augustus."

"I will."

"Good. Do you need a ride?"

"No. I think I'd like to walk."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Then I will be waiting for your call."

Nevaeh nodded and turned away. She pulled out her phone and called Ellie, but got her voice mail. "Ellie, hey, it's Nev. I couldn't borrow my friend's car. Seems it's in the shop.

"But I do need to see you. And—and someone else. Gabriel. So, if you can get word to him to call me? And you call me when you get this, okay? I have to figure out a way to get to your house and I need to do it soon. Okay, talk to you later."

She continued her walk. It was a good six miles from the care facility to her place but she'd walked it many times when she couldn't afford the gas for her car and she could do it again. Besides, being in motion helped her keep calm and right now her mind was flying in so many directions with so many questions that calm was the last thing she felt.

She was sweaty and thirsty when she turned down the drive. Sadly, her mind was no more at ease. It stopped her dead in her tracks when she walked around to the back door of her duplex and saw Gabriel sitting there in the rickety lawn chair beside the back door.

"Gabriel. What are you doing here?"

"I hear you could use a friend." He stood and opened his arms.

That tore it. Broke down her defenses and her strength. With a sob, she went into his arms. All of the worry and fear, the uncertainty and her own guilt at having worked a deal with Elysia boiled up and out.

Gabriel gathered her up and took to the air. Nevaeh clung to him, giant hiccupping sobs wracking her body and tears pouring from her eyes. She couldn't even appreciate the beauty above or beneath her. She could only hold fast to him and let everything inside her spill out.

She didn't know how much time had passed when they set down. The sound of waves told her it was a beach. "Where are we?"

"Home."

"New York?"

"Key Largo."

"You—but I thought."

He smiled down at her. "I like beach property."

She nodded and squirmed out of his arms to stand. Despite the emotional storm going on inside her, his touch, even his nearness affected her too strongly. He'd been in the back of her mind—sometimes the forefront—but forever present since the first time she set eyes on him, and despite her best intentions, she had feelings for him.

"You want to go up to the house?"

"Sure." She ignored his outstretched hand, shoved her own hands in the pockets of her shorts and followed him the short walk from the beach to a lovely and large white house set among swaying palms.

Gabriel gestured to a wicker sofa with deep cushions and Nevaeh took a seat. He kicked off his shoes and sat beside her. "Want to talk about it?"

She thought about it for a few seconds, trying to decide how much to tell him. She'd almost settled on omitting everything but her father's request when he reached out and cupped her face with one hand to turn it toward him. "Let me help, Heaven spelled backwards. Don't shut me out."

God almighty, how does he have the power to rip right through all her defenses with one touch? She choked back what threatened to be another crying jag. "It's such a mess, Gabriel. I've—I've made such a mess."

"That's not real clear, sweetie."

She moved his hand from her face but could not tear her gaze from his. "I'll never hurt or betray you, Heaven. On my soul I vow that."

Nevaeh had heard empty promises and she'd heard those that were sincere and she believed him to be sincere. She opened her mouth to tell him about her father's request and instead, the words poured out in a torrent. She told him everything, from the moment she heard the woman in the water until now.

When she finished he pulled her into his embrace and held her for a long time. "I'm sorry you got caught up in this."

Nevaeh pulled back to look up at him. "I'm not innocent, Gabriel. I know Elysia is the woman I saw at the event. I know she's part of what happened. Hell, she stabbed me in the neck with a needle and abducted me. I should have gone straight to Augustus but I didn't. I let her—I let her tempt me."

Gabriel wished it was his place to tell Nevaeh the truth about her father, but it wasn't. She had acted out of love for her father, trying to save him. Gabriel couldn't fault her for that.

"You were trying to save your father. No one would fault you—"

"Yes, but at what cost? What if Elysia and the people who follow her actually do get control of the doorways? What if I've made it possible for them to hurt or kill more people? Does that justify it or am I as bad as they are? I only thought about what I wanted."

"Did you help her?"

"Well, no, but I said I would."

"So you lied."

She didn't answer for a few seconds. "Yes. I lied."

"Did you intend to help her?"

"No. I don't know. I didn't want to. I guess I didn't think she could heal my father but after what happened… Gabriel why does he want to find this man Taighan?"

"That's for him to say."

"But you know?"

"I know Taighan."

"And you'll help me find him?"

"Yes. I will find him."

"He's—he's not going to hurt my dad, is he?"

Gabriel considered the question and how to answer. "Tai is… he is an outcast of sorts among the Preternaturals. His mother was fae. Dark fae. And his father was a very powerful demon. They had a daughter. When she achieved adulthood, she met and fell in love with a man who was also of two tribes, demon and wizard.

"Tai and his wife were concerned when the Council forbid the union. Their daughter would not give in. She loved this man and nothing would stop her from marrying him.

"So, the family banded together and went into hiding. They were successful for many years and saw their daughter give birth to a child. For years they were all happy. Then they were discovered. As punishment, Tai's daughter was killed. The child and her father were next in line, but Tai, his wife and the child's father used powerful magic to hide.

"All three swore to never use their powers again, for fear of being discovered."

"And that's who my Dad wants to see? Why?"

"Again, it is not for me to say. I'm sure he'll tell you. You have no reason to mistrust him, do you?"

"Of course not. My dad's the most honest person I've ever known. He'd never lie to me or do anything to hurt me."

"Then let him tell you in his own time."

"Okay. But you're going to find this Taighan, right?"

"Yes. I will personally insure that he meets with your father. I am, however, going to want something in return."

He could see from the expression on her face that his last sentence met with resistance. "You too? Great. What do you want?"

"That after your father has met with Tai and you've gotten an explanation from him, you go with me to see Augustus and tell him everything. And together we warn Ellie and Eldric. If Elysia seeks to open the doorway, she'll be after them. They have a right to know."

"Oh god, you're right. I should call her now and—"

"She is safe for now. Not until you act on your bargain with Elysia will she try anything. She knows she doesn't have the power necessary."

"Okay, but we have to make sure Ellie is safe. I can't let my screw-up put her or her family in danger."

"It wasn't your screw-up Heaven. You were manipulated."

"That makes me sound like a victim."

"Which is what you are."

"Then why do I feel like the villain in the play?"

At that moment, Gabriel wanted to take her into his arms, comfort and love her. Her words demonstrated what was in her heart and it added weight to the feelings he had for her. If he didn't leave now, he might make a mistake of his own.

"Then I will take you home and tomorrow—"

"I don't want to go—yet. I don't have to be at work until nine."

"Oh, all right. Would you like to go on the beach? Or take a swim in the pool? Are you hungry?"

"No. No and yes."

"You're hungry? What would you like?"

Until that moment, she had not truly realized what she did want, but now she knew and while it might be one of the biggest mistakes of her life, she couldn't back down. "I want you."

Surprise registered on his face for a split second and then was replaced by a sexy smile. "Right here?"

"Anywhere."

His answer was to get to his feet and sweep her into his arms. He carried her inside, through the house and into a bedroom. Wind blew the gauzy white curtains at the windows and sunlight danced in lazy patterns.

Gabriel set her on her feet beside the bed and cupped her face in both hands to kiss her. Nevaeh had been prepared for the onslaught of passion his touch evoked, but the tenderness and emotion conveyed in his kiss unhinged her.

Nevaeh surrendered to it, falling under his spell. Time didn't stop, but it did slow. Lips and tongue caressed and explored, slow and gentle, breath mingling as the kiss lingered. She recognized longing in his kiss and echoed it, but felt no need to rush. This moment, this kiss, was all that mattered.

When Gabriel's lips moved from hers, across her face and beneath her ear, her breath quickened. His mouth traveled down the length of her neck then paused. With deft fingers and economy of motion, he pulled her t-shirt up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor.

His hands smoothed over the tops of her shoulders, down her arms and back up to circle around her and unfasten the clasp of her bra. Cool air whispered across her breasts as the bra fell to the floor.

She worked his t-shirt up but paused as it reached his chest. "Will this—how do you get it off with your wings?"

He smiled, grabbed the neckline in both hands, and ripped.

It was the sexiest thing she'd ever seen in her life. Inch by inch his upper body was bared. Strong and firm, smooth hairless tanned skin over taut well-defined chest and abdominal muscles.

Her eyes moved over his chest and torso and then down to his cargo pants that slung low on his hips. There was no need to rip, the button and zipper worked fine. She unzipped the pants and pushed them down over his lean hips and strong thighs.

Gabriel stepped out of the pants and her eyes continued the downward track. He was a woman's wet dream come to life. "You're beautiful."

"As are you."

She looked up into his eyes. "No, I mean, perfection, Gabriel. You're the most beautiful being I've ever seen."

"If you could see with my eyes, you'd know that's how I see you."

"I wish I could see that."

"You could. If you'd let me in." He traced one hand across the top of her breasts and then down the center of her body to the button of her shorts.

"I didn't know I was barring you."

While his fingers busied themselves divesting her of her shorts and underwear, his gaze locked with hers. "Your mind is among the few I cannot touch."

"Why?"

"Because of who you are, Heaven. Take down the walls and let me in and then you will see what’s inside of me."

"How?"

"Surrender."

"How do I do that?"

He smiled and leaned down to kiss the side of her neck and follow its curve with his lips to the hollow of her throat. She sighed in pleasure as those magical lips trailed down her neck and chest to brush feather light over her breasts. His hands moved up, cupping her breasts as his lips toyed with them.

Gabriel returned to her lips. This time the kiss was one of hunger, flame, and desire making it more demanding. Nevaeh felt like fire was spreading on her skin as his hands traced down her back to cup her ass.

He pulled back from the kiss and trailed his lips over her chin and down her neck.

"You're so beautiful."

His lips were warm and soft as they traveled lower. She gasped as his tongue circled one nipple slowly. "Gabr—ahh… "

"Let go, Heaven. Surrender. Just this once."

Nev nearly went weak in the knees. She gripped the top of his shoulders for support as his lips traveled down her body. When he reached her sex, it wasn't just Nevaeh's knees that were affected. Her entire body was suddenly suffused with the most intense pleasure she'd ever experienced.

Talk about being good at what you do. Gabriel was a master. In under a minute he had her fingers digging into the tops of his shoulders and her head thrown back in a moan as a climax ripped through her.

Gabriel rose to face her. "May I make love to you, Heaven?"

Make love? Nevaeh could see he was aroused, so it would not have surprised her for him to say he wanted her, that he wanted to fuck her or have her. But make love? What did that mean? And why did it make her heart race?

"Yes, please."

He smiled and kissed her, a slow and gentle kiss, the sweet taste of him filling her mouth. She breathed in his scent and her desire deepened as if the very smell of him triggered a primal need. Her teeth nipped at his tongue and then fastened more securely on his mouth to feed on his kiss.

Nevaeh had never dreamed that a kiss could produce such an intense reaction. Heat flowed from her mouth to her breasts, through her belly to pool between her legs like liquid fire.

Gabriel lowered her back on the bed. She reached between them, eager to guide him inside her but he stopped her. "We have time."

She didn't care how much time they did or didn't have. She wanted him. Now. But he moved her hand away with ease, his strength far greater than his. "Lie back and let me love you, Heaven."

Gabriel took his time, arousing her more with each touch or kiss. Her breasts felt heavy, the nipples sensitive under his tongue and teeth. He suckled her then laved the taut flesh into plump fullness, only to gather the responsive flesh into his mouth again.

He worked his way down her body, his lips leaving a trail of heat in their wake. His tongue dipped into her navel then traveled lower. He positioned himself between her legs and lifted her so that her legs rested on his shoulders.

When he lowered his head and lapped her sex in one slow stroke, she screamed with pleasure and need. His response was to take her clit in his mouth and suckle it as he had her breasts.

She gasped at the riot of sensation, and then moaned in protest when he stopped. He elicited another gasp from her as his tongue flicked at the swollen nub and then gathered it into his mouth.

Stars exploded in her head when two of his fingers eased inside her and began to stroke. She cried out as a shuddering orgasm started to claim her then moaned as he moved her legs and slid inside her.

Nevaeh tumbled into an unending void of sensation and in that void she touched him. Touched his mind. She saw herself in his mind, knew his feelings. She saw his passion and his love for her.

She knew it the moment it happened. Maybe it was wrong and maybe it wasn't supposed to happen but it did.

She surrendered and fell.

Fast, fully, and forever. She was his.