The heat from his skin radiates toward me, and I try and fail at not imagining how good it might feel to have those tatted hands all over me, like a forbidden touch I know I should resist. I fail again at not thinking about how exhilarating it might be to have them wound in my hair as his lips ravage my own. Crossing my legs to calm the rising tide of arousal pulsating between them, the small amount of friction against the sensitive area has me closing my eyes and letting out an internal sigh of pleasure. Damn, he’s hot. If only I were single...
“You are one wicked little thing, aren’t you?” His fingers twitch slightly, stealing my attention, the little daggers and the letters M-E-R-A tattooed across the skin there stealing my attention..
I force my eyes away from the letters, looking back up at him. “What?”
“Never mind.” He looks down and shakes his head as his lips twitch at the corners.
Our eyes meet and embarrassment washes over me as I remember what he said about sensing what I’m feeling. Shit. He felt that. I’m sure of it. I’m almost certain by the amused look written across his features that he knows exactly what I was trying and failing miserably at not thinking about. I should get home before I embarrass myself any further.
Tearing my eyes away from him, I break free from the alluring thoughts that infiltrated my vulnerable, drunk mind. I’m attracted to guys besides Ere often, but sitting here with Kairos feels different. It feels dangerous, like a wildfire building up inside me that has only just begun. It doesn’t make sense. He’s a celestial being, someone who couldn’t possibly be feeling the things I do right now, could he?
“I’ll walk you home.” He slides out of the booth, offering his hand to help me up.
I stand and face him. “Why are you doing this? I mean…why are you here, Kairos?”
His throat bobs, then he blinks slowly before answering. “To protect you. I vowed to keep you safe.”
“Vowed to who? Or what?”
“The celestial queen in my realm. Gaia asked me to guard you. As soon as I laid eyes on you, I knew I couldn’t refuse. I knew you were special.” He lowers our hands down but doesn’t let go, staring at them absentmindedly.
“A… queen asked you to protect little ol’ me? Do you realize how insane that sounds? All of this is insane.” I sigh. “I’m not special, Kairos. You’re wrong. Besides, I don’t need anyone to protect me. I have plenty of people who care and plenty of people who I disappoint already. Do yourself a favor, and don’t add your name to the list.”
His eyes are a serene sea of confidence as they meet my own. “You’re much more special than you know. I’m not going anywhere. Not until I can be sure you’re safe.”
“Keep me safe from what? Or who? What the hell aren’t you telling me?” I pull my hand out of his, suddenly wanting to put distance between us. “If my life is in danger then I deserve to know the truth.” I take a step back.
He steps forward. “Nora, I’ll tell you everything. Whatever you want to know. It’s a lot to take in, so trust me when I tell you, you need sleep before anything else.” He reaches up, tucking my hair behind my ears as he smiles at me.
“I need to get some air. I’m sorry. Please don’t follow me.” I turn and head toward the exit, ignoring the groans and complaints from the blurry, faceless people as I push past anyone who stands in my way.
I need out. I need to breathe for just a moment.
Most of what I’ve learned tonight isn’t surprising. I knew I hadn’t lost my mind and that something evil had attacked my parents. I know something is after me now, too. But Kairos and celestials and kings and queens is all too much to handle in my current state. I just want to go home and sink into bed where I can process it all before my mind spirals out of control.
Pushing the heavy metal door open, I step into the dark alley and lean into the crumbling, brick wall. The rough rock digs into my skin as I slide down it, pressing my face between my knees and forcing deep breaths in and out of my lungs. A beer bottle rolls down the alley and clinks against the wall as a breeze whips past. I welcome the silence that follows. The club is too loud and it’s all too much. I’m happy to be free of the chaos.
A loud shriek is followed by a guttural growl, and I’m on my feet in seconds, searching the shadows for any movement. What the fuck was that? I stumble forward, squinting into the darkness, but I see nothing.
“Nora! Run!”
That voice, the one that soothes my pain and calms my fears, is panicked and familiar. Ere. Oh god… it’s Ere.
Chapter Fifteen
You Terrify me
NORA
I take a step forward, eyes wide and voice unsteady. “Ere?”
He screams, the sound pained and hopeless and absolutely terrified. My heart shatters.
“Ere! Where are you!?” My words are hoarse as I yell out for him, the scent of death and decay lingering in the air.
Keeping my hand pressed firmly against the wall is all that keeps me steady as I hobble down the alley to search for him. “Ere… oh god. Please be okay. Please be okay.”
The sound of flapping wings thunders overhead and then Kairos drops down from the sky, landing on the pavement in a defensive crouch. His black wings are spread wide, and his bright green eyes are pinned on me. “Run. Now.”
