She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
Christ Almighty, he was falling for her. “We should teleport back.” He looked around. The parking lot was too visible from the busy street. The park. It looked empty and dark. “Come.” He motioned for her to follow.
The side gate was locked with a chain, but with a quick jerk, the chain broke. He led her inside.
They walked down a brick path, flanked by brilliant yellow and red flowers. In the distance, he could see fruit trees bursting with spring flowers. He breathed deeply of the scented air. This was a night he would cherish for centuries.
She sighed. “It’s lovely.”
“Aye.” He stopped by a water fountain. “Are ye thirsty?” He pushed the button, and a spray of water arched into a basin.
She took a drink, then rinsed her hands, and they resumed their leisurely walk.
When they reached a crossroads, she halted with a gasp. “Is that a carousel?”
She ran up to the low fence that surrounded it. “Look at all the different animals. I love it.”
“Would ye like to ride on it?”
She waved a dismissive hand. “It’s closed.”
He leaped over the low fence. “Come on.” He grabbed her by the waist, lifted her over the fence, and deposited her next to him.
“Connor, it’s not working.”
He jumped onto the carousel platform and extended a hand to her. “Trust me.”
She placed her hand in his. He pulled her onto the platform, and it lurched into motion.
She gasped, stumbling to the side, but he steadied her. Music blared around them, a waltz played by a pipe organ. All the twinkling white lights came on.
“Good heavens.” Her eyes widened with astonishment. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Come.” He led her to a white unicorn with a golden horn and saddle.
It was moving up and down, making it difficult for her to mount, so he levitated her up and placed her on the saddle. She tilted her head back and laughed.
When he climbed onto the horse next to her, she looked at him and laughed some more. “Connor, you’re riding a pink horse with a garland of flowers.”
He glanced down and frowned. “Bugger.”
She laughed again, and his frown turned into a smile. When had he ever smiled this much in one evening? Never, not even as a human. Life had been too harsh back then, and survival had been a constant challenge.
He watched Marielle, marveling over the expression of pure joy on her face. What was really amazing was he’d had a part in causing her joy. After centuries of misery and remorse, he hadn’t even thought himself capable of joy.
Or love. His heart squeezed. Christ, he was falling hard.
“Hey!” a voice yelled over the music. “What the hell are you doing here? The park is closed.”
As the carousel swung around, he spotted the security guard taking out a cell phone.
“I’m calling the police!”
Marielle gasped. “Are we in trouble?”
He jumped down from his horse and grabbed her. “Trust me.” He teleported, taking her with him.
They materialized eighty yards away. The carousel instantly went dark. The music and motion ground to a stop.
The security guard stared. “What the hell?”
Connor shot a surge of vampire mind control at him. Nothing happened. Ye’ll go home, remembering nothing.
The guard wandered off toward the front gate. Connor smiled at Marielle and led her farther into the park. His heightened senses had picked up the scent of roses. Sure enough, they were soon in the midst of a rose garden.
Marielle pivoted to look around. “It’s a piece of heaven.” She faced him and grinned. “Thank you. I’ll always remember this night.”
“So will I.” He plucked a budding rose and handed it to her.
With a laugh, she accepted it. The bud unfurled into a large, beautiful blossom. But then it withered and turned brown. She dropped it with a horrified gasp.
Bugger. He should have known that would happen.
She stepped back. “I killed it. I’m sorry.”
“Nay, I killed it the minute I picked it.”
She shook her head. “I hate being a Deliverer. I hate it.” Tears glimmered in her eyes. “All I ever wanted was to be a Healer.”
“Ye are a Healer.” He stepped toward her. “Ye’re healing me.”
Her eyes widened.
He moved closer. And closer. Her gaze held steady, never wavering from his face.
Holy Christ Almighty, he shouldn’t do this. It would give her a chance to see into the black pit in his soul. She might learn what a rotten, coldhearted bastard he really was.
He touched her cheek. She didn’t pull away.
Doona do it! He slid his hand around the back of her neck. “Are ye going to stop me?”
“No,” she whispered, and touched his chest.
And he was lost.
Chapter Thirteen
Marielle’s heart was pounding and melting at the same time. Her mind considered that unlikely, but she couldn’t deny something was happening to her. Something different from last night.
Those kisses had been demanding, and Connor’s passion had left her weak in the knees and hardly able to think. She’d been instantly swept into a storm of glorious sensations, making her intensely aware of her new human body.
Now, somewhere in her bedazzled mind, she knew this kiss was different. He was tender. Hesitant. Almost . . . fearful. And in every gentle movement of his lips, she could sense why. He cares for you.
With a moan, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted him to know how much she cared, too. When he deepened the kiss, she melted into it. When he ran the tip of his tongue against her lips, she opened and let him inside.
Her intent had been to give, but with a small shock, she realized she was receiving, too. With each invasion of his tongue, she felt a spark sizzle down her body. It made her tremble. It made her want more.
She dug her fingers into his shoulders and pressed against him.
“Marielle,” he whispered, and trailed kisses down her neck.
More sparks tingled down her body. With another small shock, she realized all the sizzles were gathering between her legs, and a desperate need was building inside her. An empty ache that begged to be filled.
His hands cupped her rear end, and he pulled her against him.
She gasped. His groin was hard. And large. The empty ache inside her could only mean her human body wanted to join with his. And the two shall become one.
Good heavens! She pulled away. “What am I doing?”
Connor blinked, his eyes red and glowing. “I— ’Tis called making love.”
She stepped back. “Do these things really happen so quickly? We only met last night.”
He frowned. “I thought ye were beautiful the minute I saw you. And we’ve been through a hell of a lot together. Are ye denying there is something between us?”
“No. I—” Her emotions were all jumbled up, but there were a few things she knew for certain. She squared her shoulders. “I care deeply for you, Connor Buchanan.”
The red glow in his eyes intensified.
“But I intend to go back to heaven. I need to stay . . .”
His mouth twisted. “Unsoiled?”
She winced. “I was going to say focused.”
His eyes turned back to their normal smoky blue. “I’m a distraction.”
“No! You saved my life. I will always be grateful.”
“Is that what ye were doing? Showing gratitude? Next time, send me a card.”
“That’s not it! I was dangerously close to wanting sex!” She grimaced and covered her mouth, but the words had already come out.
He looked shocked for a few seconds, but then he scoffed. “A fate worse than death.”
She curled her hand into a fist, ready to jam it down her own throat if she said anything else embarrassingly honest. She’d always been a
ble to share any thoughts she had with the Heavenly Host, but the rules in the human world were confusingly different. And the emotions involved were more powerful than she’d ever imagined. “I don’t think you understand.”
“I understand verra well.” His face turned cold and blank. “Ye need to stay pure and innocent. I doona resent that. ’Tis part of who ye are, and I doona wish to destroy yer chances of returning to heaven.”
She lowered her hand. “I do wish to retain my angelic nature.”
“Of course.” He bowed his head. “I apologize for molesting you.”
“You didn’t molest me!” She glared at him. “You are a good and noble man, and I will not have you speak ill of yourself.”
He snorted. “What do ye expect from me, Marielle? I know damned well I’m no’ good enough for you.”
She made a noise of sheer frustration. “You still don’t understand. I do want you, Connor. I am . . . shocked by how much I want you.”
His eyes widened. “Ye want me?”
“Yes! But if the two become one, then you would be a part of me. How would I ever be able to leave you?”
“Ye—ye would have trouble leaving me?”
“Of course, you dolt! I told you I care deeply for you. Words have meaning, you know.” She groaned inwardly. She’d done it again and said more than she should.
He continued to look stunned for a moment, then a twinkle lit up his eyes. “Did ye just call me a dolt?”
She winced.
“That wasna verra angelic of you.” He assumed a wounded expression. “Words have meaning, ye know.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Careful. I can still knock you down with a blast of air.”
A corner of his mouth tilted up. “Still wanting a peek under my kilt, lass?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Aye. That’s why ye love me.” He winced. “I shouldna have said . . . ’tis merely an expression, I dinna mean to imply . . .” He ran a hand through his hair.
It was almost a relief. She wasn’t the only one saying more than she should. Still, the word love seemed to hang in the air between them. It was strange. She’d lived her entire existence surrounded by love. The Father was love, and she’d always basked in its glow. But now, it had become a fearful, awkward thing that neither she nor Connor could admit to.
“I will do everything in my power to help you get back to heaven,” he said quietly. “Ye have my word on that.”
“Thank you.”
“I should return you to the cabin.” He stepped toward her. “And then I need to drop by Romatech to give Angus a progress report.”
She held up a hand to stop him. “Before we go, can I ask you something? It’s . . . personal.”
He shifted his weight with a wary expression. “What is it?”
“I was wondering . . .” She took a deep breath. “Who is Darcy Newhart?”
He flinched. “What? How?” His eyes narrowed. “While I was pouring my heart out to you just now in a kiss, ye were playing the busybody, snooping around in my soul?”
She scowled at him. “I didn’t see anything then. I was too . . . overwhelmed.”
He arched a brow at her. “No’ overwhelmed enough. Ye were able to stop.”
“If I hadn’t stopped you, you would have kept going?”
“Aye.” He folded his arms across his chest. “A man doesna start something he canna finish.”
She recalled how hard his groin had felt. He really had been prepared to have intercourse with her. Heat rose to her cheeks.
“Then ye spied on me when I entered yer mind to see where to teleport?” he asked.
She shook her head. “It happened last night. It wasn’t intentional. Her name and face flashed through my mind while we were kissing. The second time.”
“In the bedroom?”
“Yes.”
“When I touched yer breast?”
She gave him an annoyed look. “Not at that precise moment, no.”
He nodded slowly with a glint in his eyes. “So I can safely fondle yer breasts without revealing more information?”
“Excuse me?” When he chuckled, she realized he was teasing her, and she slapped at his shoulder. “Brynley must be right about the Three-Step Rule.”
“What is that?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to distract me from the main topic of conversation.”
“Nay, our main topics are merely different. I want to talk about yer breasts. Actually, I’d like to see yer breasts. And then I’d like to kiss them.”
She huffed. “Three steps. Brynley was right.”
The phone rang in his sporran and he pulled it out. “Aye?” He listened for a while. “Verra well. I’ll see if she’ll come.” He dropped the phone back into his sporran.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Shanna wants to meet you. Will ye come to Romatech with me?”
She nodded. “Yes, of course.” She owed the poor woman an apology. And Connor was sadly mistaken if he thought she would forget to question him about Darcy Newhart again.
When Connor teleported with Marielle to the side entrance of Romatech, Phineas was there to greet them.
Connor introduced the young black Vamp. “This is Phineas McKinney. He works for Angus, too, and he’s in charge of security here.”
“God bless you, dear soul.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.
“Wow.” Phineas’s eyes widened. “Robby just said she was dangerous. He didn’t mention she was smokin’ hot!”
Connor glowered at him. “Her hearing works well, too.”
“It’s not her ears I’m worried about,” Phineas muttered. He turned to Marielle. “We have a few mortal and shape-shifter employees here tonight. They have been warned to remain in their offices until you leave the premises.”
She nodded, her face growing sad. “I understand.”
“She wouldna purposely harm anyone,” Connor grumbled.
“I know.” Phineas gave Marielle an apologetic look. “I don’t mean to insult you, but as head of security here, I would feel personally responsible for any . . . accidents.”
She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her hooded jacket. “I’ll be careful.”
Phineas opened the side door and motioned for them to enter. “Shanna’s waiting for you in the cafeteria. Roman is outside with the children. Radinka and Father Andrew are with them.”
“Radinka is Gregori’s mother,” Connor explained as they walked down the corridor, followed by Phineas. “She’s mortal and helps Shanna with the children.” He winced. Radinka would have to watch over the children all day now.
“Gregori has a mortal mother who is still alive?” Marielle asked.
“Aye, he’s a young Vamp. Transformed in the parking lot here after Casimir attacked him. Radinka found him barely alive and begged Roman to save him.”
Marielle nodded. “I thought he was younger. Not as . . . heavily burdened as others.” She gave Connor a worried look.
She was obviously referring to him and the black pit of remorse she kept trying to dig into. He didn’t want to talk about it or even think about it. Tonight had been a magical night, buying her first ice cream cone and sharing her first ride on a carousel. And hearing her admit that she cared deeply for him.
Tonight had filled his heart with joy. It would be a memory he would treasure long after she returned to heaven. He flinched inwardly with a pang to his heart. He didn’t want to think about that, either. It would hurt like hell when she left.
But of course, he was on the list for hell, so it was exactly what he deserved.
They reached the main foyer, and Connor turned left, motioning for Marielle to follow.
“I guess an angel like you has to be really old,” Phineas said as he walked behind them.
Connor glanced back with an irritated look.
Phineas smirked. “I bet you’re even older than grouchy o
ld Connor.”
Marielle smiled. “I am.” She looked at Connor. “How old are you?”
His jaw shifted. “I doona discuss my private life.”
“I can translate that for you,” Phineas offered. “It means he’s embarrassed he was a caveman and ate brontosaurus burgers for lunch.”
Connor arched an eyebrow at him. “The correct translation is ‘sod off.’ ”
“Dude, that’s no way to talk in front of an angel. Just because you’re having a mid-life crisis, it doesn’t mean you can be rude.”
Connor scoffed. “I’m no’ having a bloody mid-life crisis. And I’m no’ rude, so bugger off.”
Phineas leaned close. “I can give you some pointers on how to sweeten her up.”
“She can hear you,” Connor muttered.
“Right. And she heard you, too, bro. You’re in desperate need of some professional help from the Love Doctor.”
“You’re a doctor?” Marielle asked.
“Of love,” Phineas clarified, then puffed out his chest. “You’ll never find so many happily married couples as there are around here. Is it a coincidence that all this romance occurs when the Love Doctor is around? I think not!”
Connor shook his head and led them down a glass-lined hallway to the cafeteria. Through the glass, he could see Roman playing with his children on the basketball court. Radinka and Father Andrew sat on a bench nearby.
“Now let me tell you how to set up the perfect date with your lovely lady,” Phineas continued. “You gotta take her somewhere romantic.”
“Like a park?” Marielle asked.
“Yeah, that would work,” Phineas agreed.
Connor slanted a glance at Marielle, and she was watching him, her eyes twinkling with humor.
“And then, bro, you gotta buy her something sweet to eat,” Phineas said.
“Like ice cream?” Marielle asked.
“Yeah, that’s it.” Phineas slapped Connor on the back. “You just do whatever your angel here wants. She’ll tell you what’s romantic.”
She smiled at Connor, and his heart did its usual squeeze. “My goal is no’ to date her, but to get her back to heaven.”
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