Dark Kiss Of The Reaper

by Kristen Painter

  “You’re right. It isn’t any of your business, so stay out of it.”

  Azrael and Dane turned simultaneously in the direction of the interrupter.

  Hands on her hips, Sara stood in the hallway. Kol stood right behind her, waggling his brows suggestively, but Azrael only had eyes for Sara.

  She jabbed a finger in his direction. “We need to talk.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Dean rolled his eyes. “Great. I take it that means you’re still on break?”

  “Yes. Suck it up,” Sara said.

  Kol snickered. “You said suck.”

  Ugh. As Reapers went, Kol was her least favorite. The sooner he went on his merry way the better.

  Dane looked back at Azrael, clearly oblivious to Kol. “See, I told you. She’s been like this all week.”

  Azrael didn’t take his eyes off her. Leaving Dane behind, he went to her. “Sara...I—”

  She held her hands up. “We need to talk in private.” Keeping her hand in front of her, she jerked her thumb toward Kol.

  Azrael looked over her shoulder. “Leave, Kol.”

  “And miss all the fun?” Kol miffed.

  “Go,” Azrael commanded.

  “I have better things to do anyway.”

  Sara heard a soft whoosh, like a match being lit. “Is he gone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Let’s go to the visitor’s room.” She held her hand out to Azrael. To her relief, he took it.

  “I hope you two lovebirds work things out,” Dane called down the hall after them. Sara ignored him. Patients were trying to sleep, after all.

  Once in the visitor’s room, she shut the door. She didn’t bother with the lights.

  “Azrael, I—”

  “Sara, I—”

  They both spoke at once, stopped and smiled.

  “Ladies first,” Azrael said.

  “Good, because I was the one in the wrong,” Sara said.

  “No,” Azrael countered. “I never should have pushed my will on you that way.”

  “I know you had my best interests at heart. I just have a past that makes moving forward hard for me sometimes.”

  He stepped closer. “I would never treat you like that, Sara.”

  She nodded, dropping her head a bit. “I know.”

  “You should also know my feelings for you...”

  She looked up. He’d turned away and now stared at the floor. Whatever he needed to tell her, she would understand. If his feelings had changed because of what had happened, she would work to rebuild things between them. If he was willing. “You can tell me. Whatever it is. I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide anything from me.”

  “I don’t know.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to frighten you.”

  “Kol hit on me. I think my ‘frighten’ threshold is pretty high.” She smiled, but immediately saw the look in Azrael’s eyes was anything but amused.

  “He hit on you?” He stepped toward the door. “That son of a—”

  “Whoa.” She caught him with her hands on his chest. “It was nothing, really. I get the sense he would have laid the same lines on Pallidus.”

  That sent a small grin to Azrael’s full mouth. “Pallidus would have kicked him.”

  “How do you know I didn’t?”

  He laughed, slipped his hands around her waist. “Because you’re still alive.” He bent his head to nuzzle her cheek. “I’ve missed you terribly.”

  Her hands slid up his chest until she interlaced her fingers behind his neck. “I’ve missed you too. I’m really sorry about everything—”

  “Let’s forget it. Move on. Can we? I don’t want to spend my time with you being sorry for what’s in the past.”

  She nodded. Not rehashing her mistakes was fine with her. “What was it you were going to say to me earlier?”

  “I think it’s best left unsaid. At least for now.”

  “Please.” She needed to know. Was dying to know.

  He inhaled deeply, his chest expanding against hers. “Sara...I can’t say with absolute certainty as I’ve never had these feelings before, and certainly never for a mortal, you must understand that, but I believe—”

  “You ramble a bit when you’re nervous, you know that?” She winked. “Just spit it out.”

  He swallowed. “I love you.”

  Her knees buckled, but he caught her.

  “Oh.” He loved her. Loved. Her. “I need to sit.”

  He swept her into his arms, picking her up without effort. “How’s this?”

  She couldn’t answer him. Couldn’t look at him. Not yet. Not before she tried to make sense of what he’d said. This man...this being...loved her. Did she love him back? That wasn’t the right question. Could she love him back? What were the consequences of loving him? Did she care when being in his arms felt this good?

  She glanced up. “Are you sure about this?”

  “As much as I can be. I’ve had no experience—”

  “What does your heart tell you?”

  “That it cannot bear to be without you.” The sincerity in his gaze nearly brought tears to her eyes.

  She didn’t want to hurt him. He might be Death incarnate but he was, by his own admission, also a man. The male ego could be a fragile thing. She cupped his cheek. “I...I need a little more time. To get to know you more...as a person.”

  His mouth thinned, but he nodded. “Whatever time you need. But please, one thing.”

  “Sure.”

  His lids shuttered down, hiding his eyes. “I find I am a jealous man.”

  She smiled. “You don’t want me to see anyone else?”

  “Maybe it’s not fair of me to ask...”

  Her thumb grazed his cheekbone. “I won’t be seeing anyone else, believe me.”

  Their gazes met. “Thank you,” he whispered, sealing his words with a kiss of gratitude.

  She kissed him back, hungry for the mouth that turned her spine to butter, but aware of their surroundings. When her control thinned to the point that the idea of getting him naked in the visitor’s room seemed rational, she broke the kiss. “I think I can stand on my own now.”

  “I don’t want to put you down.” He nibbled the edge of her lips.

  She sighed, wishing they were somewhere else. “Wouldn’t be my choice either, but I’m still on the clock.”

  He eased her to her feet. “I must see you soon, Sara.”

  “I know the feeling.” She clung to him, not ready to return to work.

  “When will you be done this evening?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t tonight. I’m exhausted and I have a shift at Grounded tomorrow morning.”

  He growled softly and clenched his fists. “You don’t need that other job. I could—”

  She put her hands on her hips. “We just went through this, didn’t we?”

  “I don’t care. I want to spend time with you.”

  The little boy neediness coming out of him was cute, but she did her best not to smile. “I need to pay my bills on my own. You’re just going to have to understand that.”

  “Fine.” Except the look on his face said he wasn’t. “When do you work?”

  “I’m on eight to one at Grounded, then here three to eleven. We could meet for lunch, if you want.”

  “I want more than lunch, but I’ll take what I can get.” He crossed his arms, petulant as all get out.

  She gave him a smile. “Thank you for understanding.” She went up on her tippy-toes to peck his cheek. “I’ll meet you at Little Mac’s, the deli across from the parking garage, around 1:15 okay?”

  He grunted something that sounded affirmative. She tried not to laugh. The Angel of Death had the hots for her.

  Of all the men in all the world, she got the one that, well, wasn’t.

  * * *

  “Mmm, mmm, mmm.” Keysha poked Sara in the ribs. “Check out that fine slice in the club chair by the mug display. Makes your drawers damp, don’t he? Not that he�
�s taken his eyes off you long enough to notice a fine sister like myself.”

  Sara wiped her arm across her forehead and looked up from the espresso machine. How many had she made today? A hundred? A hundred and fifty? She followed Keysha’s gaze.

  And froze. He made her drawers damp all right. Azrael lifted his cup of coffee in salute.

  A hot tickle snaked up her spine. She turned away, brushed the loose tendrils of hair back into her ponytail. “How long has he been here?”

  “Since right after the morning rush. You know him?”

  “He’s my lunch date.” She bit her lip to keep from grinning. “And sort of my boyfriend.”

  “Sort of? You mean you don’t know for sure? You want me go ask him?” Keysha laughed.

  “No,” Sara shook her head, eyes wide. Keysha would do it, too. “I already know what he’d say. I’m still trying to figure things out.”

  “Well don’t wait too long. A man like that won’t hang around forever.”

  “Not him. He’s different.”

  “Different? Don’t tell me the brother’s out of work? Is that why he’s here? You’re not giving him money, are you?”

  “Shh. No, it’s nothing like that. He’s got plenty of money.” Her fingers went to the pendant at her neck. “He gave me this on our first date.”

  “All right, that’s cool.” Keysha peered at the necklace, then back at Azrael. “He got any brothers?”

  “Yes, but trust me, they’re nothing like him.”

  “No big.” Keysha shrugged. “Least one of us is getting a little something.”

  Sara felt her face heat. “We’re not exactly there yet.”

  Keysha rolled her eyes. “Fine looking white boy like that and you’re sitting on your hands. Damn shame, you ask me.” She pressed against the front counter, called out the name for the next order to be picked up, then came back to lean against the wall by Sara. “He your first since the divorce?”

  “Yes. And I’m...”

  “Nervous?”

  “A little.” How could she explain that Azrael was the Angel of Death and a virgin, and her worries about sleeping with him went way beyond nerves?

  Keysha waved her hand. “They say it’s like riding a bike, but it’s not even that hard. Just let it happen, you know? Let nature take its course.” She smiled. “You work too hard not to let loose once in a while. And seriously, that man over there is like a major opportunity to get buck freakin’ wild.”

  Laughter bubbled up out of Sara. “That he is.” She snuck a glance in his direction. Sunlight streaming in from the window behind him outlined him with a warm glow. His faded jeans, gray tee and black leather jacket accentuated his athletic build. He winked. Gorgeous didn’t do him justice.

  “Take five minutes.” Keysha nudged her away from the espresso machine. “Go say hi. I’ll finish cleaning this beast.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m the manager, aren’t I?” She slanted her eyes at Azrael. “I can’t believe you’re not on his lap yet.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Sara wiped her hands down her apron and made her way over to him. “Hi.”

  “Hello.” His eyes lit up to match his smile.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  His smile faded a little. “Is it okay?”

  “Yes, very okay. I’m just busy. I can only hang out for a few minutes.”

  He reached out and took her hand. “I know. I just wanted to see what your life is like. I’ve never spent much time in the mortal world, but now that I will be, it’s time I understood it more, figured out how to act.” He hesitated, glancing around the shop. “I also wanted to make sure your ex-husband didn’t bother you.”

  “I don’t think he’d come by, he’s probably working. Besides, I already have his money, thanks to you.” Azrael wanted to protect her. The thought wrapped her in delicious warmth. She sat on the arm of his chair, ran a hand over her hair. “I’m not exactly fixed up, though.”

  “You look beautiful.” He leaned toward her. “I want to kiss you.”

  She grinned. “I want to kiss you too, but I don’t think that’s a good idea while I’m at work.”

  Something passed behind his eyes, a look that reminded her of the night he’d offered to buy her a house. She knew he was thinking she didn’t need this job.

  She squeezed his hand. “Patience is a virtue.”

  “It’s not one of mine.” He sighed. “You’re a stubborn woman.”

  Laughing, she tossed her head back. “See? You’re learning more about me all the time.” Against her better judgment, she gave him a quick kiss, dropping his hand to support herself on the arms of the overstuffed chair. “Don’t pout. It ruins your bad boy look.”

  He slanted his eyes at her. “Bad boy?”

  “You know, that whole dark and mysterious thing you have going on.”

  He raised a brow. “And being a bad boy is a good thing?”

  “Trust me, it’s very sexy.”

  Stretching out his long legs, he relaxed into the chair like a cat before a roaring fire. The way he looked at her made her feel naked. Or like she wanted to be naked.

  “Ahem. I think I should get back to work.” Otherwise, she was going to straddle his lap and kiss that wicked grin off his naughty mouth.

  He started to get up, but she stopped him. “As you were. You can hang out until my shift is over. People spend hours here, it’s no big deal. But you better switch to decaf or you’ll be flying.”

  He stared at his cup.

  “The caffeine, it makes you hyper. Just don’t drink too much, okay?” She stood up and checked her watch. “Not long now.”

  When she finished her shift, she freshened up, added a little more makeup, then changed into her nicer hospital clothes. She smacked her strawberry gloss covered lips. Usually, she waited until she got there to change but she wanted to look her best for Azrael. Or at least better than she did when he’d first come in.

  He stood by the side door, watching the other customers as he waited for her.

  She tugged his sleeve. “I’m ready.”

  The moment they were outside, he turned, threaded his fingers into her hair and kissed her long and hard. His neediness made her weak. She leaned into him for support and everywhere they touched, her body flamed. She sucked in air when his mouth left hers, but held tight to his arm to steady herself. Through the glass door, Keysha gave her a thumbs up from behind the counter.

  Sara doubted any gloss remained on her now tingling lips. “Wow. What was that all about?”

  “You made me wait until you were no longer working.” He took her hand, his eyes shining with earnest light. “I don’t like to wait.”

  * * *

  Want was not an emotion Azrael was accustomed to. However, his needs and desires had never before hinged on a mortal. Sara drove him to distraction. Just sitting across from her in the small sandwich shop, their knees touching, her eyes sparkling at him, the taste of her lips still on his, was enough to make him doubt his ability to maintain human form.

  He wanted her so much parts of him ached that had never before in his existence ached.

  “Are you listening to me?”

  “What? Yes.” He stared at his untouched food. “No. I’m sorry. My mind was elsewhere.”

  “Is something bothering you?” Sara sipped her drink, her rosy lips puckering around the straw. “Because you know you can tell me. Whatever it is.”

  “No, nothing’s bothering me.”

  “Then what is it? You’re obviously distracted.”

  “You.” He put his sandwich down and stared at her mouth. That didn’t help anything. He wiped his hands on a paper napkin. “You distract me.”

  Shaking his head, he picked up the sandwich she’d suggested and started eating. A Reuben, she called it. Sauce dribbled through his fingers, but he kept eating. It was good. He’d like to drip some of the sauce on her.

  “I take it you mean that in a good way.” Her eyes twinkl
ed. “You distract me too.”

  His head came up. That was a good sign. “Don’t you find this...distraction would be better off resolved?”

  “Of course.” She smirked. “Eventually.” She dipped a French fry in a paper cup of ketchup and popped it in her mouth, smiling as she chewed.

  He groaned. She was torturing him and she knew it. Not that he would push her. When she was ready, then it would be the right time. Resigned to the situation, he went back to eating. Maybe what he needed was to torture her back. But how? Being in the mortal world made him second guess every his move.

  He tried ketchup on his fries, but found it too sweet so he ate them plain. Surprising how good mortal food was. Maybe Vitus could make something like this on occasion. His regular menu needed some new dishes.

  A lightning flash of thought shot through his head. He stared at Sara, French fry in mid-air.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He dropped the French fry back onto his plate. “Would you like to come to my house for dinner?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  She leaned forward. “You mean like in the Underworld?” she whispered.

  “Something like that, yes.” Why he hadn’t thought of this sooner, he didn’t know.

  She sat back. “Sounds a little scary.”

  Maybe that was why. “There’s nothing to be scared of. You’d be perfectly safe.”

  Her mouth bunched to one side and she made ketchup dots on the rim of her plate with a fry. “It would be interesting to see where you live. How would I...”

  “I’d have to bring Pallidus for you.”

  The dots stopped. “Nothing could happen to me, like my soul getting trapped there or something like that?”

  A woman at the next table gave Sara an odd look.

  Azrael slid to the edge of his chair, bumping his knees against hers. “Nothing. Perfectly safe. You have my word.”

  “In that case, okay, I’d love to.” She pulled a small leather bound book from her purse and paged through it. “Does it have to be dinner exactly? I’m off all day Sunday and if you picked me up after work on Saturday, I could stay over and spend the end of the weekend with you.”

  With a shake of her head, she closed the book. “That was dumb of me. I’m sure you have souls to—” The woman at the other table leaned closer, obviously listening. “—work to do, I mean. It’s not like you get a day off.”