Page 13 of Michael
Wow. He’s not making any move to hop into bed with me. I’m actually surprised—and a bit disappointed, if I’m being honest.
“You’re awfully kind to me, for a demon,” I tell him. I’ve been spilling truths all evening. Why stop now?
“I’m tucking you in, and that’s it,” he adds, pulling the covers over me.
My eyes narrow in disbelief. “Why are you so kind?”
Richard’s features stiffen. “I’m not,” he says. His eyes darken, a glimpse of the fires of hell flickering inside them. “When I have you all to myself—and I will—I will ruin you, Amanda. Each day, I’ll discover new ways to bind you in the sweetest agony. You will weep no tears of joy, but those of longing. Mind you, that day is coming. And when it comes, I want youfullysober.”
Richard’s revelation shoots gooseflesh up my arms. Dread and desire burn inside me as he tilts closer. And as his lips draw near, I think he’ll kiss me, but they land on my brow instead.
And just like that, Richard disappears, leaving the warmth of his kiss on me as a keepsake of his dark promise.
CHAPTER8
Michael
A growlof frustration lingers in my throat as I walk out of the OR and look at the wall clock. 5 PM. I’d hoped the hip replacement would take more of my time.
I operated on poor Mrs. Grady for nearly two hours, and all the while, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Not my patient, but the woman at the DeLux Café. And although the surgery went great—it’s become all too mechanical nowadays—I’m not feeling well at all.
Has the woman bewitched me? Sheisa witch—and not the good kind. No Wiccan spirit lives in her heart. Darkness embraces her. It coils around her soul like a vicious viper, relentless and dreary.
I slip into the rec room, where I plummet onto a comfy couch. The TV’s on, playing some Discovery Channel documentary about the secrets of the pyramids. I can’t help but smirk. I’ve been watching Earth for a while. It may well try, but the world can keep no secrets from me, a warrior of God.
I sluggishly grab the remote and turn off the TV when a flash of her blushing cheeks and silken lips hits my mind’s eye. I remember the faint freckles that dust her nose.
“God!” I wince. “This can’t be happening.” Occult symbols are tattooed on her hands and forearms, I remind myself. She was dating a demon!
Even then, I can’t stop thinking of her dreamy blue eyes, and the pain on her sweet face when I exposed her wicked nature. I spoke too harshly back then. I might have wounded her, and that thought alone is torturing me. But why should I care?
I am convinced. She’s bewitched me. She’s bewitched me and I’m doomed.
“No…” I shut my eyes and shake my head. I can’t fall in love. I just can’t. Not again, and definitelynotwith a servant of darkness.
“Dear God, please no,” I groan, burying my face in my hands.
“Have I found you in prayer?” a snarky voice says. “I’d hate to interrupt a holy moment.”
I look up and find my brother standing in the doorway, smirking.
“Rafa.” I jump off the seat. “How’s Sammy doing? And the baby?”
“Both healthy and doing great,” he assures me, walking in. “Jack’s with them—whateverthat’sworth.” A mirthless laugh escapes him as he sits on the couch. My brother then pats the black leather seat, suggesting I join him.
I do as he asks and rest my elbows on my knees. “Don’t get me started on that demon,” I mutter, locking my hands tight.
“Listen, Michael…” he begins in that comforting voice he uses when he’s on heavenly duty. “Lately, you’ve been carrying too much weight on your shoulders.” He bites his lower lip, hesitant to continue. “I think Uriel is right.A holiday is exactly what you need.” He speaks the words intently. Relaxing, he adds,“It’s time to loosen up, you know. Live a little.” Rafa grabs my shoulder and gives it a light shake.
“Yeah… maybe,” I mumble without thinking.
I immediately straighten, aware of his trick ofpersuasion. “Wait a minute. No one gets to make that call but me, Rafa.” My brow slips into a frown. “I’mthe boss around here.”
My brother tilts his head and shoots up an eyebrow. He throws me a knowing stare. “I hate to break it to you, Michael. But down here, you’re just a Trauma Surgeon.”
The crease in my brow deepens. “Don’t play the mortal card on me!” I all but hiss, feeling the blood boil in my veins.
“Uriel has already filed the paperwork,” he adds, calm and collected while I’m losing my mind.
