“Stealing isn’t allowed in Heaven,” was Helen’s observation.
“You’re telling me it never happens? How can you be sure? Did you have anything to steal?”
Her mouth worked before she shook her head, her thick curls bouncing.
“In other words, you don’t really know. What about murder? And before you say no, remember how I found you in that alley.” A minute later and he’d have been too late.
“I haven’t forgotten.” Her head ducked.
“Speaking of which, has there been any attempt to kill you since then?”
“No! But Bambi did tell me to lie low and not go out without her. Although I am not sure how lying down is supposed to help.”
“It’s an expression meaning stay out of sight, and you did the opposite of that coming to my office.”
She shrugged. “I don’t want to hide. Not when I still need answers.”
“What questions do you have left?”
Once more, she hesitated before answering. “It’s not one you can answer.”
“Try me.”
“If it is true angels make babies with humans, then how did the storks miss Lector?”
“I imagine the fact his father never knew about him played a part.”
She couldn’t help a dubious, “Maybe he just looks like a cherub.”
“We both know that kid is half angel. I think the more important question is, have angels been stealing babies this entire time?”
“It’s not stealing. They’re angels.”
“They’re also half human, and they’re being taken from their mothers.”
Her mouth rounded. “Humans are emotional beings who care for their progeny.”
“And taking a child away is devastating because humans love their children. Why do you think Samantha never tried too hard to find Theodore and tell him about his kid?”
“She wanted to make sure the storks wouldn’t come for him.” She glanced at her hands in her lap for a moment before saying softly, “The more I discover, the more I question if I want to return.”
“The fact you’re asking might help with that reply,” was his contribution.
“Heaven is where angels belong.”
“Is it? What about your human half? Ever wonder if your mother would have given you a better life?”
She blinked. “I hadn’t until now. Thanks.” Said so grumpily he knew it was sarcastic.
“It never occurred to you, did it?”
“The concept of motherhood is one I only learned of today. Give me a moment to process it.”
“Would you rather I shut up?”
“No.” Her lips quirked. “However, if I’m going to have my entire belief system shattered, then I could do with some of that food you promised.”
She looked so hopeful he laughed. It was as they worked in the kitchen—him getting out some leftovers for heating and her exploring everything—that they ended up toe to toe, face to face.
She paused. “Sorry. I am in your way.”
“Don’t be. You’re curious.” She’d been peeking in his cupboards, avid interest in everything, even texture as she ran her fingertips over items.
“I’ve only seen Bambi’s condo, and yours is different.”
“You mean smaller, I imagine.” He grinned. “Easier to keep clean.”
“I like your place better.”
“Because my décor isn’t about look but comfort. Just like my food is about filling that craving for carbs. Prepare to be wowed.” He fed her leftover lemon chicken, dipped in sauce. They shared a box of reheated fried rice. She gnawed on riblets and groaned. Licked her fingers.
It enthralled him to the point she noticed his gaze and said, “Why do you stare at me?”
“Because you’re beautiful.” The words spilled, and he could have dropped in shock.
“Everyone is beautiful,” she said, staring at him. Her chair was close enough it wouldn’t take much to lean in.
“It’s not everyone I want to kiss.”
“Kiss.” Her glance went to his lips. “It’s forbidden. Especially between our kind.”
“I know.” And that only made it hotter.
She cocked her head. “If I kiss you, I will never make it back to Heaven.”
He couldn’t help a cocky grin. “Don’t be so sure of that.” He winked.
She sucked in a breath and then decided for them. She pressed her mouth to his.
That was it. She held it there as his eyes crinkled. She stared at him then mumbled, “Am I doing it wrong?”
“Try moving your mouth like this.” He then proceeded to kiss her, showed her how to slide sensually. To nibble. Taste. He kissed her until she got the hang of it and kissed him right back.
She clung to him, and it seemed only natural for her to end up in his lap, squirming against his erection. Not that she understood what her actions did to him.
She wore pants, but that didn’t stop him from skimming his hand up her thigh and cupping her. She uttered a sound, and her hips jerked.
He kept kissing her and turned her so she straddled him, better able to control the hard pressure and grind he placed against her, gauging his effects by her gasps and how far her head fell back. She let herself roll against him, the friction enough to make her tighten and cry out.
He held her trembling body, wanting to do more, giving her a chance to recover.
She sounded amazed as she said, “What was that?”
“Your first orgasm.” Hell yeah, he swelled with pride.
“That was…” She couldn’t speak, but she did squirm. His turn to groan.
“Am I hurting you?” she asked.
“Yes, but in a good way.” He drew her in for another kiss and was ready for round two when they were interrupted by the devil.
14
The Dark Lord really didn’t have time to be going to the mortal plane to save a stupid reaper who’d broken a cardinal rule. However, Julio and Helen still had a role to play, so despite the loss of half of his eighth ring overnight, and a riot in the sixth as it got overrun by the encroaching refugees from seven and what remained of eight, he made the time to help a minion in need.
And was the fucker grateful?
“Get the fuck out!” Julio bellowed, while the angel squeaked and buried her face against his chest.
“Are you sure you want me to do that? Because you’re about to have company. Angels to be exact. Here to arrest Helen. Hi, Helen,” Lucifer added just to hear her squeak again.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Julio gently set her aside and stood, a bristling alpha male.
Lucifer had a preference for tough people as reapers. They better handled the sobbing when they encountered a reluctant soul.
“You were ratted out, and now they’re coming for the girl.” No need to mention the fact he’d called in the tip himself. He needed to create a sense of urgency.
“We won’t answer,” Julio growled.
“As if they won’t break in.” The devil couldn’t help but play his own advocate. “Did I mention they have permission to use force to apprehend the disgraced Helen? Rumor is they’d prefer she not return alive.”