Page 51 of Raphael
She gathers herself up with as much dignity as she can muster, combing back her tousled mane of raven hair. Without a word, she dashes to the door on unsteady legs and throws the lock, her breath coming in panicked gasps.
“Fuck!” she exclaims. “How the hell did Draven get your number?” I can see the scenarios racing through her mind, each more terrifying than the last. “Of course. It’s Draven. It’s what he does.”
“Baby...” I call gently, trying to pierce through the worries consuming her. But it’s no use yet.
“He must be furious,” Helena says, voice tense. “He’s hunting us down!”
Finally, I rise and meet her by the window as she frantically shuts the blackout curtains. I lay my hands on her shoulders, radiating as much reassurance as I can.
“Helena, it’s okay,” I soothe. “Draven and I have been working together, trying to track down the one who hurt you.”
My words only seem to ratchet up her confusion and fear. “What? You’ve met with Draven and he didn’t kill you?”
I give her a small, teasing smile, hoping to ease her panic. “First of all, I don’t appreciate your lack of confidence in my fighting skills.”
She doesn’t smile back, still caught in the trap of her own mind. I gently cup her face in my hands. “And second, Lucifer arranged the meeting while you were in the hospital. Everything’s out in the open now.”
I see the pieces starting to come together behind her intelligent gaze. “So... so Dravenknowsabout us?”
My thumbs trace delicate circles on her ivory skin. “He knows the engagement is off, Helena.”
Her shoulders slump with relief, but suspicion still lingers in her eyes. “Why would he take that news so calmly?” she wonders aloud. “He’s not known for understanding or mercy.”
“Well,” I reply slowly, “your uncle made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. One that made dissolving the engagement... mutually beneficial.”
At last, I feel the tension start to drain from her body. She turns those gorgeous eyes up to me. “That makes sense. A strategic arrangement.” Her tone shifts, determination coloring her words. “So, what’s the plan?”
I blink, momentarily taken aback by her quick pivoting to tactical planning. “Whatplan?”
“How we trap Kane, make him suffer,” she clarifies, fiery resolve burning away the last of her sleep-fogged state. “How do we stop him for good?”
Though her ferocity doesn’t surprise me, it still ignites my protective instincts. The thought of her intentionally putting herself in harm’s way again sparks an almost panicked refusal inside me.
“No,” I blurt out reflexively. “You’re staying here, where I can keep you safe.”
Fear makes my tone harsher than intended. The painful memories rise unbidden—watching them wheel Helena into the ER, hovering between life and death. I can’t go through that again.
“Raphael, I need to do this,” she says, her voice wavering just slightly.
My throat tightens, raw emotion constricting my words. “Baby...” I whisper hoarsely, cupping her cheek, imploring her to reconsider. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Helena covers my hand with hers, compassion mingling with resolve in her emerald eyes. “You won’t lose me,” she vows. “I’ve got a great guardian archangel watching my back.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, her words make the corner of my mouth quirk up. Even now, she can make me smile.
I pull her into a fierce embrace, memorizing her warmth, her scent. Still reluctant, but knowing further argument is pointless. She’s made up her mind.
“I’ll be with you every step,” I murmur against her hair. “But if things go sideways, promise me you’ll pull back. We’ll find another way.”
She nods against my chest. “I promise. But it won’t come to that. Have a little faith.”
I huff out a shaky laugh at the irony. Faith should be my domain, not hers.
I pull Helena into my embrace, equal parts comfort and protectiveness welling up inside me. Her slender frame trembles against my chest, the panic over Draven’s message still not fully abated.
“Alright, sweetheart. We’ll figure this out together,” I vow, my voice low but fervent. “I promise you, Helena, we’ll make Kane pay for everything he’s done.”
I pour every ounce of conviction into the words, my thumbs gently caressing her ivory skin. It’s a silent promise, both to her and myself, that we’ll face this threat side by side, come what may.
