Page 13 of Raphael
My sister continues studying me with those perceptive eyes that seem to see straight through to my soul. After a weighted pause, she speaks carefully. “Just remember, some flames burn too bright, Rafa. Take care you don’t get scorched.”
I meet Gaby’s worried gaze steadily, hoping to reassure her. “Have a little faith in me, sis? I know how to handle a bit of fire.”
With a small smile, Gabrielle nods and resumes packing up. But I can tell by the crease in her brow that despite my breezy words, she senses this mystery woman is different. Someone who could truly ignite my once cautious heart.
I draw her into a tight hug. She gives me a swift peck on the cheek when my cell phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see a text from my old buddy, the demon Baal:
Hey Rafa, got a huge favor to ask.
I’m organizing a charity calendar to raise funds for the Horus Animal Sanctuary. Was hoping you could pose for the month of August... in the nude.
I know it’s a lot to ask, but hey—it’s for a great cause!
Let me know.
I stop in my tracks, staring at the screen. Posing nude for a calendar? That’s not something I ever envisioned myself doing. “Idowork out enough to be calendar material, probably…” I mumble, eyes locked on the screen.
I’m still debating how to respond when Gabrielle sidles up next to me. “Who’s texting you?” she asks curiously. “Is it yourscorching love?” Her tone is teasing.
I shake my head. “It’s Baal,” I reply with a wry smile. “He never reaches out—unless he wants something desperately.”
Gabrielle’s expression turns serious. “You know, most of your old heavenly buddies ended up on Lucifer’s side.” She pauses. “Curious, that.”
I frown slightly. “What exactly are you implying?”
“Oh, nothing specific,” she says lightly, with a casual shrug. “Just making an observation.”
Before I can inquire further, my phone starts ringing. Baal’s name flashes on the screen.
“Hold that thought, sis.” I answer the call. “Hey Baal, what’s this about a naked calendar?”
My sister’s eyes pop wide open. Her expression slackens in shock, and I lift an appeasing hand, begging her not to make a sound.
I listen to Baal’s enthusiastic pitch, nodding along. It does sound like a fun way to help the animal sanctuary. And I can just imagine my brothers’ reactions.
“Alright, alright... I’m in,” I finally say with a laugh. “Let’s give ‘em a show.”
I hang up and turn to Gaby with a grin. “Well, that’s settled. I’m posing naked for a charity calendar.”
Gabrielle starts. “You want to dowhat?”
“It’s for the Horus Animal Sanctuary,” I explain. “So, for a good cause.”
“Whoa,” Gaby says, eyebrows raised. “Uriel and Michael are gonnalovehearing about this.”
“Oh, yeah. They’re totally gonna lose it,” I chuckle, already picturing their horrified faces.
Gabrielle shakes her head, torn between amusement and concern. “Just be careful, Rafa. You may be biting off more than you can chew here.”
“Relax, sis. It’ll be fine,” I assure her breezily. “Besides, this is gonna be hilarious. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they find out.”
With an indulgent smile, Gabrielle loops her arm through mine as we head off the pier. The fading sunlight casts a golden glow over the ocean, matching my light mood. Posing nude is just the outrageous escapade I need to break up the monotony of endless days. And if it flusters my oh-so-serious brothers in the process, even better. This calendar is going to be epic!
Yet even as I revel in the ridiculous adventure ahead, my thoughts continually drift back to Helena. I struggle to resist temptation’s siren call, summoning me back to the DeLux Café, and to her. The lingering thrill of our passionate encounter plagues me, mingling with my excitement over the calendar. Try as I might to focus on the frivolity at hand, visions of raven hair and burning brown eyes follow my every step.
Despite all logic arguing otherwise, my wayward heart whispers that I should see her again, consequences be damned.
CHAPTER8
