Why do you hate him?
Gabrielle arched an eyebrow. I am merely stating what is true. Have his past behaviors not proven that?
Jeremy shook his head. He couldnt understand the animosity she had towards Lash. Hed thought once Lash had finally proven himself that shed be more lenient with him. Hed returned only to find that she was exactly the same as when he left.
If youre worried about Lash, I assure you, there wont be any interference from him. Ill see to that.
Worried? You could say that. When he finds out that Im the one to be paired with the love his life on her first assignment, Hell
She glared at his choice of words.
Uh, what I mean ishe cleared his throatyou know, hes not the most reasonable of angels. And we did leave things hanging there after our fight.
I had suggested you take the time off in order to give you, and hopefully Lash, space to reflect on all that has transpired. Gabrielle glanced up at the mountain and then back to Jeremy. And maybe resolve any feelings that may be...lingering.
Jeremy swallowed nervously at her innuendo. Im not sure what you mean.
Her voice was low and soft as she spoke. You do realize you have a reputation for being a great poker player. Your skills would be useful in this situation, dont you think?
He furrowed his brow. I dont understand.
Gabrielle sighed. Although I abhor the game, I am quite skilled at maintaining what you call a poker face. I would say Ive been quite successful at it.
Her face changed as if a mask was taken off, and the tough demeanor she was notorious for was replaced by a soft and vulnerable woman. You have feelings for the girl. It was clear when you were by her bedside, waiting for her to awake. In fact, it was written all over your face the first time you saw her when you were on assignment with Deborah and Nathan.
You saw that?
Yes. Her voice was soft.
Why? Why were you watching over me?
Because I knew how you felt about her long ago when she was to become your wife. And I know feelings like that dont disappeareven when memories are suppressed.
He took a step forward and gripped her arm. What do you know? Tell me. He needed to know more. Maybe if he knew what happened in his past, he could get rid of his growing feelings.
She winced and looked down at his hand.
Sorry. He dropped his hand. He was going too far. He needed to get himself under control.
Its not my story to tell. She rubbed the spot on her arm where he had grabbed her. That is something Raphael wants to share with you, Lash, and Naomi. He is with Michael as we speak, seeking permission to disclose some of your past.
Will we get our memories back?
Its unlikely. Im sure Raphael has shared with you that the suppression of your memory is part of his punishment.
Jeremy nodded. While he was waiting by Naomis side for her to wake up, Raphael had told with him why he and Lash couldnt remember their past. It seems like a long time to be punished.
It is not for you to decide how long a punishment should be, she reprimanded. But I agree. I believe this has continued because it is all tied together with what is happening now, including your current assignment. What Raphael did had a ripple effect not only for you, Lash, and Naomi, but ultimately with... she paused as Jeremy stared at her with bated breath.
Well, I must take my leave. I just wanted to tell you that your assignment will come soon, and I wanted to give you time to prepare yourself.
Jeremy let out a breath, disappointed. She wasnt giving away anything. Regardless, he had to figure out a way to get out of this assignment if he ever wanted to make things right with Lash.
Is there any way I can appeal my assignment? Perhaps if I speak to Michael?
You could, but it will only anger him more. I have already spoken to him on your behalf. How do you think you were given permission to leave and place yourself in isolation?
You did that?
Yes. Why do you look so surprised? Ive been known to do a nice thing or two from time to time, she said with a twinkle in her green eyes.
He blinked with shock. She actually looked like she was teasing.
Michael wanted you to be in charge of her instruction as well as pair with her on her first assignment. I convinced him to allow me to do the training.
Gabrielle, I dont know how to thank you. If only she could be this gracious with Lash, life would be so different for his brother. Although Lash would never admit it, all he ever wanted from her was respect.
There you are. I have been searching for you, Jeremiel. Raphael called from the direction of the gardens. An older replica of himself walked toward them with a large smile on his face. Welcome back, my son.
Jeremy swallowed thickly at those words. Raphael had always felt like a father to him. Although hed always seemed to lavish his attention on Lash, Raphael managed to spend some of his time with him.
Based on the smile on your face, I take it your meeting with Michael went well, Gabrielle said.
Yes. Yes, it did. He agreed it would benefit us all to divulge some information about our past in the hopes of strengthening our connections and promoting healing. Raphael turned to Jeremy and slapped him on the shoulder. Come, Jeremiel. We have much to share with your brother.
Just before Jeremy turned, he caught Gabrielle looking at Raphael with such longing that he did a double take. Her green eyes narrowed, and her face shifted back into the old Gabrielle, and he wondered if he was imaging things.
She glanced up at the mountain and back at him, giving him a subtle smile. Remember what I said, Jeremy. Play your game of poker.
3
Naomi placed the dishes in the sink and feverishly cleaned the kitchen, trying to erase the image of a dying Uri out of her mind. She didnt want to think about the possibility of losing Lash like that.
What are you doing? Lash stood behind her, trailing a finger down her neck.
Cleaning. She swept the beans into a container and placed the bingo cards in a small box.
I meant what I said. He took the box from her hands and placed it back on the table.
Smoldering hazel eyes locked with hers and slowly drifted down to her mouth. He gently stroked a thumb across her lower lip and stared at it, mesmerized.
Her breath hitched, and she inhaled his delicious scent, making her forget about Uri, Rachel, Hell, and death. What did you say?
He leaned in closer, his lips hovering above hers, feather light as they brushed against hers, whispering, You know.
He lifted his head and gave her a sexy smirk that never failed to make her body seem like it was on fire. Long fingers wove through her hair. He lifted a thick wavy strand to his nose and inhaled. His chest rumbled with pleasure, making her weak in the knees.
Gently, he swept her hair to her other shoulder, keeping his eyes locked with hers. His fingers curled around the nape of her neck, and he pulled her to him.
She quivered as his tongue swirled around the shell of her ear, hot and wet. She let out a soft moan.
Am I distracting you? His voice was deep and sensuous.
N-no. She gasped as searing lips pressed against her neck and worked their way down. You said...something about...activities?
He lifted her hand and placed it on his chest. She could feel the searing heat of his toned body under his shirt. Mm-hmm. His chest rumbled, making her hand tingle.
Pressing his hand over hers, his eyes lit up teasingly. You like the new and improved Lash?
He guided her hand down his chest, and she delighted in the feel of his hardened muscles. Yes, she breathed as her fingers lined the crevices of his abs. More than you know.
Show me. His voice was rough with desire.
Twining fingers into his silky soft hair, she pulled him down to her. Feverish lips crashed down onto hers. Hot wet lips devoured her mouth; his chin scraped across hers with each plunge of his tongue, leaving her chin pink and raw.
She tugged on his shirt, desperate to feel his skin and the warmth of his chest against hers. They separated for a moment as clothing was tossed on the floor. Then Lash reached down and lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist.
She felt her back against the cool wall as Lash pressed himself against her. She moaned at the hardness of his touch, and she throbbed, wanting him, needing him. They could do this a thousand times, and it still wouldnt be enough.
She clawed at his back as his lips swept down her throat and over the top of her full breasts. She tilted her head back, moaning and squeezing her legs tighter. Lash groaned.
She ran her tongue over his strong square jaw, relishing the scratchy feel of his stubble. He moaned again, and she gasped as he grew unbelievably harder under her.
Before she knew it, there was a loud clatter of table and chairs falling to the ground as Lash crashed out of the kitchen and into their bedroom, holding her tightly against him.
When he released her, she fell back into a cloud of softness. Lash stood over her, his eyes simmering with passion. Youre so beautiful.
Slowly, he lay down beside her, his fingers ghosting over her lips, down her neck and circling her breast. She moaned at his feather-light touch.
Come here. She pulled him to her.
His rock-hard body pressed against her chest as he kissed her deeply.
Naomi, my Naomi, he mumbled as he sucked on her neck, tasting her. I love you.
Her heart swelled with love for him. Shed never grow tired of hearing those words.
You are mine. Forever, he whispered.
A sudden nagging feeling swept through her as the word forever echoed in her mind. Then she saw an image of Rachels grief-stricken face.
Wait, Lash, she said, sitting up in bed. I just thought of something.
Ill clean the mess in the kitchen later. He pulled her back down to him and in between his kisses said, Less thinking, more doing.
She sat back up again. Something about this was off. But what? She hadnt had this strange feeling before. Why now? Somethings wrong.
He groaned and flipped over on his back. What could be wrong? Were alone; were together.
Its not that.
What is it then?
Should we be together?
He shot up, his face looking terrified. Are you having doubts about us?
No, no! Not at all. She immediately felt guilty for making him think that. Thats not what I meant. Youre the only one for me. I cant ever be without you. She leaned over and kissed him deeply.
He sighed with relief. Whats wrong then?
I just meant, should we be doing, you know, this? Naomi pointed to his naked, his gloriously naked, body.
He pulled her to him and nuzzled her neck. Umm, hum. Definitely.
Naomi quivered as his hands stroked her breasts. She fell back into the bed. Yes, this was right. It felt so right. What was she thinking?
Her hands stroked his chest. He felt so good.
God, Naomi. I want you so much.
God!
Wait, Lash, she panted, trying to catch her breath. Slowly, memories of long afternoons in catechism classes and Welitas lectures on chastity resurfaced. I mean should we be together like this, since were not married?
He pulled back and looked at her, stunned. Married?
She bit down on her lip, not sure how to broach the subject. It wasnt like she was a prude or anything like that. Lash wasnt her first. The thought of having sex before marriage never bothered her before, despite Welitas and her fathers lectures about staying chaste. But things were different now. She was an archangel. Wasnt she supposed to be a role model or something like that?
Well, I dont know if angels get married or have some kind of formal union. I mean, I dont know if things like marriage mean the same thing here as they do on Earth.
His lips curled into a smile. They do. Many angel couples make vows of commitment to each other, Uri and Rachel for one. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Is that what you want?
She looked deep into his eyes. Yes. I want to be bound to you, forever.
He cupped her face. His eyes were filled with so much love, it took her breath away. Theres nothing I want more than to be bound to you too. Ill talk to Michael tomorrow and make the arrangements. He then leaned over and kissed her.
Slowly, she felt herself falling back into the bed, and his hands caressed her inner thighs.
She moaned, and the guilty feeling resurfaced again. Lash, maybe we should wait until its official.
He groaned and flipped on his back again. Youre killing me, Naomi.
Im sorry. Its just, well, maybe it would be better if we did this the right way.
Why now? Weve been doing this nonstop since you got here. He sat up and gave her a smoldering look. And if I recall, your loud enthusiasm was one of the reasons why I built our home up on the side of this mountain far away from prying eyes and ears. I think you may have even busted Gabrielles ear drums, based on the dirty looks shes been giving me lately.
Her jaw dropped, and her face grew hot. Besides having enhanced sight and strength, angels also had amplified hearing. Most of the time, that was seen as a positive. But when you were living in close quarters and wanted privacy? Not so much.
I ... you... well... She was so embarrassed.
He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. Youre so cute when youre flustered.
Argh! She got out of bed and put on a robe. Im being serious.
He leaned back against the headboard, his arms behind his head. Tell me: whats the real problem?