She accepts the phone from my hand and sets it aside. “Just making sure my parents don’t worry about me. I don’t want my dad showing up here unannounced. I don’t know how I would explain this.” She buries her face into the blankets. “Thank you again... Tonight was… tonight was wonderful.”
“You are lucky they care. And you’re welcome.”
“I am.” She gives me a lazy smile. “Will you stay with me?”
“Always.” Lowering to her side, I curl my arm under her and pull her against my side, pushing one of my wings beneath her, the other over her. “Sleep, Summer,” I breathe, looking up at the cobwebbed ceiling. “I will not let anything happen to you.”
My words fall on dormant ears. She’s already gone.
Chapter20
When Day Becomes Night
Summer
Sirens wake me,and my eyes drift open. Red and blue lights permeate the museum’s curtains, flashing against the ceiling. Glowing like Christmas lights, they’re reminiscent of my dreams.
My brow furrows, and I groan, rising on my elbow.
It’s morning.
Zuriel’s perched above me, solidified anew. I’m lying at his feet, wrapped in sheets with Ginny sleeping nearby. He must’ve carried me upstairs while I slept. Looking up at my gargoyle, my gaze fixates on his smooth groin, and a smile teases my lips.
Last night was… unsettling, wild, andamazing.
Stretching out my aches, I preen. I’m proud to have taken all of him. He worked me, prepared me to accept his burden—he pushed me up against the wall, pounding into me with his massive cock, and filled me with his tail.
I’ve never had sex like that. I never imagined it could be so wild, so primal. I’ve never done more than missionary, never realizing I wanted more. No one has ever gone down on me, worshiped me as he has. I felt his frenetic desire and heard his praise.
My cheeks heat, recalling the things he said. Delicious things. My chest tightens with embarrassment while my heart rate skyrockets.
He’s more than I ever imagined, ever dreamed, treating me like I’m precious when I’m nobody, a failure. He knows me and still likes me, wants me. He’s been listening, eager to know me even better. He’s risked everything so we could be together, and despite my fears, I finally feel like there is someone in this world who understands me, body and mind. He saw me as I am, just another human being, and didn’t shy away to search for a better one. He came closer.
So close.
I glide my hand under the blanket, testing my opening—I’m sore and swollen, but it’s not as bad as I expected. I can accommodate him. When my finger grazes a sensitive spot, I squirm under the sheets. Gazing up at his long, stone tail, I rub my backside, aching there as well.
The distance between us, night and day, doesn’t stop me from throwing off the sheets, baring my naked body, and streaking my fingers through my folds. When they’re wet, I stand and smear my arousal across his snarling lips.
“Thank you,” I whisper, pressing my naked body against him. He’s cold as I slide my hands down his chest, over his groin, along his wings. “You can’t stop me from touching you now.” I laugh, emboldened though still nervous at this new side of my ego. “If you allow me, tonight I want to return the favor.” Licking my lips, I lean back and search his fixed expression. “I hope you let me.”
If his cock were out, I’d give him a taste of what I mean.
The siren stops wailing, but the flashing lights continue. They’re not moving on.
Turning around, I locate my phone and confirm Dad was placated by my final text, at least until five minutes ago. There’s a new message waiting. I quickly scan it, realizing what the lights outside mean.
Carol.
Sending a rushed reply, I search for my clothes, dress, and gather Ginny’s things. She gives me a wary stare as she steps into the cat carrier—one that reads along the lines ofthis better not be bullshit. “I hope not,” I reply.
Approaching Zuriel again, I place a hand in his and caress his cheek.
“I hate leaving you. I know it’s dark and lonely in there. I’m sorry it’s awful, and I promise to find you tonight. Too bad you’re too heavy to carry.” I chuckle—he said he likes my jokes—and then sigh sadly. “I guess I wanted to remind you that you’re not alone anymore. Neither of us are. I’ll find you this evening if you don’t find me first. I’ll stay safe and won’t do anything stupid. I hope you like my gift.” I eye the glossy slick across his lips.
Taking Ginny’s carrier and the bat house with me, I open the front door.
The acrid stench of bird droppings assaults me as I brace for the sight that assails me next. Several police cars and two ambulances are parked nearby, clustered outside Carol’s Cattitude. A news anchor from the local station is reporting across the street. Several groups of onlookers shuffle about with their shoulders hunched.
