“Summer?” the man asks, his voice low, familiar.
The way he’s studying me, he’s waiting for me to say something. “Do we know each other?” Even as I say it, I can’t give him my full attention. My heart is in my throat, eyes rapt on the empty corner. “What happened to the gargoyle?”
The new guy steps from behind the counter, drawing my gaze.
He stands far too close for my comfort, and I have to strain my neck to look up at him.
He’s tall, large for a man. I expect someone like him to be the lead singer of a metal band, imposing though not hard to approach. He’s the kind of guy who would never notice someone normal and unassuming like me. He doesn’t look like someone Hopkins would hire unless Hopkins is now on the market for a security guard.
Maybe that explains why this guy is here.
He smiles as my gaze narrows, trying to figure him out.
I stiffen.
For a heartbeat, my eyes meet his and then they flutter, racing across his face. His skin flushes and blue undertones appear across his dark lips. Pitch-black hair cascades down his back, matching the thick, arching brows framing his dark eyes.
His skin is smooth and unblemished like it’s never seen the sun. It’s almost porcelain.
Chest tightening, my heart beats wildly. My brow scrunches, unable to hide my disbelief. Hope bursts in my chest, hollowing out my stomach. The emotions rushing through me are too intense to bear. Because if I’m wrong…
“Is it really you?” I whisper, barely able to form the words, afraid I might be dreaming.
He tucks his silky hair behind a subtly arched ear, like an elf or a…bat.His smile widens. “Hello, Summer.”
Impossible.
Jolted, I crash into him, throwing my arms around his neck, crying out. He wraps his muscled arms around me, lifting me into a kiss.
Every sensation is familiar and strange, his lips firm like stone yet yielding like flesh. I test my tongue against his, seeking his taste. He runs his fingers through my hair, leaning closer as I grip him, straddling my legs tightly around his hips. Just before the kiss deepens, desperation floods me. Gripping his head, I kiss him everywhere my lips can reach. Chin, cheeks, nose, brows, forehead.
I dot him with kisses. “It really is you.”
He holds me tight, elation consuming me as a new warmth radiates across my chest. My eyes brim, and my lips warm, unable to stop kissing him. I run my fingers through his hair, down his back, and along his shoulders, tracing his shoulders, his collarbones. I want to touch every inch of him.
The warmth builds until a fire flares within me, and I gasp again, leaning away to clutch my chest and stomach. The pain fades quickly, leaving only a trace of fever in its wake. Peaking under my sweater, I catch the glint of gold. “The brands. They're back.”
“I know,” he says.
No longer broken, we’ve become whole.
“I met an angel last night, in my dreams,” I gasp.
“They returned me as a reward. Offered me a new purpose.”
My hands return to him, running over his arms and chest. “They made you human—”
He shakes his head. “Not entirely. I’m somewhere between a human and a gargoyle. During the day, I will have this form, while at night I will return to my previous one. And while I’m no longer anchored to a demon, I must continue to guard this realm and the innocents within. As payment for the gift I’ve been bestowed, I will be an emissary for the angels. I hope that is all right with you.”
I blink, still searching his face. “Of course that’s okay. I have you back. That means everything.”
“There may be times when I am called away.”
I nod. “That’s fine. Anything is fine as long as you’re here. Will you do me a favor?”
He streaks his hands through my hair. “Anything.”
“If you are called away, tell me first. Don’t disappear on me. I don’t think I could bear it. I missed you so much.” I don’t care if I sound needy. Iamneedy. I can’t lose him again.
