Page 19 of Providence

One day I wanted to see him bare of masks and walls, cracked open so I could see what he hides with such ferociousness.

I looked through the big glass doors, at Solomon with a baby holster, err carrier, strapped to his chest, Madoc tucked inside. My lips tilted up at the scene, but I still had time. Our guests wouldn’t arrive for another thirty or so minutes.

I sauntered toward Marco, maybe putting a little extra sway in my hips. I was rewarded when his eyes dipped down, and shivered at the heat there. Well, I wanted to know what he hid behind that mask and now I knew. Passion so hot, it was going to burn.

I couldn’t fucking wait.

When I was still a foot or so away, he launched. His hands grabbed my hips, yanking me into his arms and his lips were on mine. I gasped, and his tongue shot past my teeth. He kissed me like he would never get the opportunity to do it again, so he was making the best of it. His hand cupped the back of my head, turning my face so he could kiss me deeper.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, threading my hands into the soft curls of his hair. I devoured him back, memorizing the softness of his lips, the feel of his hard body pressed against mine. He sucked my bottom lip between his teeth and I moaned. I could feel the hard press of his dick against my stomach, and I was about to combust.

Marco dragged his lips away, and we were both gasping for air. His eyes were trying to tell me things, and I smiled. I leaned forward and rested my forehead to the hard plane of his chest. He pulled me back a little.

Soon,he said with his lips and eyes.

I stood on my toes and kissed him one more time. Really, really soon. Still breathing heavily, I stepped back and straightened my blouse. Marco reached out, tucking a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. Honestly, what was it about this man? He snuck beneath my defenses. He melted my damn heart.

I looked him over. He definitely had Mediterranean roots; he was all dark, curled hair, and golden skin. He wasn’t as giant as the Horsemen, but he still topped six feet. He had this barely leashed wildness about him that made him so intimidating. He was in perfect shape, and I rested my hand on his chest just to feel the muscles shift beneath my palms. I ran them down the front of his body, over his abs, and he hissed out a breath. I could see the hard line of his cock and my hands burned to touch. Well, I wasn’t about to start with the self-denial now. I ran my hand down the V of his hips toward the magic stick, but his hand shot out, wrapping long fingers around my wrist.

He gave me a stern look, shaking his head, but his mouth was slightly open like he couldn’t suck in enough air. I felt an overwhelming feminine satisfaction that I could make this cold-blooded killer pant.

So I just grinned, brushed his cock with my other hand, and then stepped away. His eyes promised all kinds of delicious punishment later. I couldn’t fucking wait.

I walked back into the house, swaying my hips, and I could feel his eyes on my ass like a brand.

Solomon came over and kissed my temple. “You teasing the killer, Dippy?”

I grinned, reaching over to stroke Madoc’s sleeping head. His fiery red hair was getting thicker, so unlike any color you could find in the natural world. What to do with my perfect angel baby?

I grinned. “I’m teasing us both.” I squirmed, trying to relieve some of the heat that was burning up my core.

Solomon laughed, and kissed my lips once more. “You look beautiful. You’re teasing us all.” He drew back and looked down at me, more serious than I’d seen him all week. “Are you ready?”

I looked around the house. There was enough catered food to feed an army. The house was immaculately clean. Judas and Goliath were out back drinking beer and searing slabs of meat on the barbecue. Everything was ready, except me.

Hope was coming over, bringing all her consorts with her. Including my father. My heart thundered in my chest. After centuries, I was going to meet my father face to face. Nothing could prepare me for that.

But I nodded half-heartedly, even if it was just to reassure Sol. He wrapped me in a side hug, his head touching mine. “It’ll be okay. We are all here for you. My brothers and Killer. We’ve got you.”

I squeezed him back, then pushed him away. “Stop or I’ll cry.”

He grinned at me and guided me toward the door. “Go outside and play with the kids. They’ll take your mind off it. I’ve got everything in here under control.”

I took his advice, unclipping Madoc from his chest and walking back out onto the deck to sit on the grass and watch the kids run around with boundless energy. Honestly, it was exhausting to watch as they played tag.

I laid Madoc on the ground between my outstretched legs, and he kicked his legs like he was soaking in the sun's rays. Finally Sammie and Cara flopped at my feet and laid on the grass, trying to make animals out of the clouds.

I looked at all three of them, and my heart felt so damn full I was definitely going to cry.

Two years ago, I was facing down another thankless century of being alone. Now I had a family and children.

I was equal parts happy and terrified. I almost wanted to thank Uriel. After I ripped off his testicles and suffocated him with them. But just before he died, I would say “thank you”. Without him, I wouldn’t have any of this.

“Dippy,” Judas called, and I looked over my shoulder at the man who held a little bit of my happiness in his bloodied hands. “Our guests have arrived.”

My palms started to sweat, and my stomach was a mess. I was nervous. Scared. Hopeful even though I was trying to push that feeling down. I picked up Madoc, Sammie sticking to my side as Cara raced ahead. He slipped his hand in mine, his eyes too big and full of reassurance. I gave him an encouraging smile, hopefully hiding my nerves a little better. Honestly, having him and Madoc to hide behind did help a little. That probably made me mother of the year, using my kids as a human shield.

I walked through the back door of the house, down into the foyer. It was filled with people, my gaze darting between Solomon and Judas, but it was quickly dragged to the newcomers. Hope, her smile gentle, and two huge angels at her back, although their wings were tucked away. A man with an average face but brilliant blue eyes stood at her side, their fingers twined. And on her other side was another man whose face I knew as well as my own.

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