Page 44 of Living with Death

“It fell once,” he says. “Killed two keepers.”

My eyes widen as the rough sea splashes, spraying us with its cold mist—the whole structure vibrates beneath my feet.

“Don’t worry, darling. You’re safe with me.” He slides his hands into his pockets, the sun gilding his handsome face.

I know this, but I don’t say anything. I walk along the steely stone, running my hand over the side of it.

“There are a few places in the Living Realm I enjoy. I used to sit here long ago and watch the storms roll in. Before they built this, ships would crash against the rock’s ledge below. I took hundreds of souls from right here.”

I stand, crossing my arms, watching him speak about a time when I wasn’t even a thought.

“It’s called Lover’s Light. They installed a flashing lantern. It had a 143 flash, meaning I love you.”

Something in his eyes changes. Across the water, the sun descends, covering us in a magnificent, blistered copper. The water darkens, and the clouds look wispy, swirling, and twisting. Red strands of hair ripple across my face, like ribbons, let loose in the wind.

Azrael walks closer to me. A shiver runs down the backs of my arms. I pull the sleeves of my sweater over my chilled hands, nervous. For what? I’m unsure.

He reaches, moving the hair from my face. “I’ve lived an eternity and never seen anyone look as beautiful as you do now.”

I swallow as he runs his finger down the side of my jaw. “You can’t say things like that.” I lick my lips.

“Why?” He steps forward, my back pressing against the unforgiven stone, and the ocean roaring below resprays us.

“Because you make me feel things I shouldn’t.” Azrael’s finger runs down my throat. I look at his lips, hooded eyes, and how his dark lashes fan against his fair skin.

“Oh, darling. If you only knew what I was feeling.”

He kisses me. My eyes close, and my hands go to his hair. He pushes against me, and his hand holds the side of my face and neck. His lips are full and soft. I slip my tongue between them, licking his as he licks mine. My body warms, and my heart flutters.

I grip his shirt, pulling him closer. I’m no longer sure if it’s the roiling water vibrating this lighthouse or if it’s our kiss. His touch is like a brand, forever marking me. He grabs my backside and lifts me. I wrap my legs around him, needing his body between mine. I’ve never felt like this before.

The ache of wanting another so badly, I could scream louder than the roaring sea. Passion rushes through my veins. The strands of his hair slip between my needy fingers, and my body moves on its own.

He pulls back. “Not here.” His eyes glow, and he holds on to my backside. “When I have you,” he says, “I want you naked and warm.”

I could care less. I’m shameless at this point.

“Mabel,” he says, his voice heavy and raspy. He runs his nose along mine and kisses me again. The last slither of light vanishes on the horizon, and coldness seeps in. Darkness surrounds us. Azrael’s wings stretch out behind him and we take to the sky.

Chapter Twelve

We are near my home when I see my mother’s car parked alongside the curb. The all-black Range Rover stands out in the middle-class neighborhood.

Shit.

“I’ll drop us in the back.”

We land in the yard, and I smooth my hair and adjust my sweater, ensuring nothing is out of line. “You can stay out here. I’ll be back,” I say, moving the face of my watch on top of my wrist.

“I would like to meet her.”

I look to the heavens. “You would not like to meet her.”

“But I would.”

“Azrael,” I groan.

“Mabel,” he retorts, giving me a devilish grin. My insides melt. Why is she here? We were about to have the best night, tangled in the sheets, his body on mine.

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