Page 34 of Claimed by the Fallen
“Whether you like it or not,” Adrian joins the brothers, “you’re stuck with us, Veronica. From this day on, you won’t bealone.”
Fourteen
When Adrian saidI wouldn’t be alone, I didn’t realize he meant one or more of the angels would be following me around every time I left myhouse.
But that is exactly whathappens.
My first week of summer is characterized by being tailed by tall, muscular, angelic bodyguards. Some girls might not mind their presence—heck, I bet Annie would consider it a welcome imposition—but that’s not me. I hate the extra attention. Throw in the fact the angels continually try to discuss my mysterious Fallen father, and I would rather hide in my room than face them. Unfortunately, I cannot spend all summerinside.
Every time I step out my front door, I try to dissuade whichever angel is assigned to hover over me that day. But not one of the angels even pretends to consider my request. They are determined to protect me from the demons. Apparently, that means I’m not to have one second of alone time when I leave the safety of my home. I consider it a small miracle I even getthat level ofprivacy.
I said as much to Adrian on the second day, when he followed me into post office. I was trying to mail out my thank you cards for all the graduation gifts I’d received when Adrian informed me that he and the “light boys” used their angelic powers to protect my home from demonic intruders. As long as I am within its four walls, I’m safe. But the moment I cross the threshold of my childhood home, I am required to have an angelic escort anywhere Igo.
I gave up fighting the matter on the third day. I’d been vehemently arguing with Gabe after he insisted on accompanying me to my first day at my summer job, when he told me he and his brother killed another yancor demon the previous night. Apparently, my emerging powers continued to draw the monsters near, and one was seen prowling around the wooded area behind myhouse.
Unable to argue against his presence after hearing that information, I am forced to spend my first day as a waitress with a protective shadow lurking in the corner of the Asianrestaurant.
I’m all hands and no grace as I wait on my first few tables. Gabe’s eyes feel like a brand on my neck, and knowing I have his attention makes my palms sweaty and my pulse quicken. Gabe watches my every move, and I stumble every time we make eye contact. I tell myself to stop looking his direction. But the moment my guard is down, I catch myself looking at him. It’s strange; I find his presence almost comforting, and not annoying like an unwanted bodyguard should be. I attribute my comfort to the fact he is Mr. Cohen’sbrother.
Even though my favorite teacher broke into my house, and he helped turn my world upside down when he revealed himself as one of God’s Fallen angels, I can’t deny I trust him. I had spent an entire year valuing his opinions and respecting his authority. I’m convinced the fact Gabe looks like Mr. Cohen is the reason I feel easy around him. Not to mention, Gabe’s easy smile and casual demeanor make him even more approachable than hisbrother.
I’m bussing a table, still aware of Gabe’s gaze, and I fumble with a pair of plates. They nearly slip from my fingers. I count my blessings that my new boss is my best friend’sfather.
Mr. Lee doesn’t notice my clumsiness as I make my way to drop of the dishes in the back. Or, if he does, he doesn’t think it’s any worse than normal. Both Annie and I are working for her family’s restaurant to save up some money for college. My parents don’t want me working while I take classes, so what I make during the next three months will have to sustain me until next summer. That’s the goal, atleast.
I’m in the middle of cleaning another table near the window when Annie sidles up next to me. “Okay. Who is the hottie checking you out in the cornerbooth?”
I don’t need to look to know she’s talking about Gabe. Honestly, I’m surprised it took her this long to notice hispresence.
I try to play it cool. “Who?”
Annie leans forward, picks up a straw wrapper and throws it on a dirty plate. She whispers, “The guy with black hair and piercing blue eyes. I noticed him a while ago, and he’s barely taken his eyes off you this whole time. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he knows you.” I detect the suspicion in her voice. She thinks I’m holding out on her—like I have some epic love story I’ve been hiding all these years. I resist the urge to roll myeyes.
I make a show of peering over my shoulder for my friend’s benefit. Sure enough, Gabe is staring at me. He’s barely touched the Chicken Lo Mein he ordered from one of the seasoned waitresses over an hour ago. The twenty-year-old woman had practically drooled when she went to take his order. And seeing her blatant admiration had annoyed me for somereason.
Gabe, noticing my attention, gives me a flirtatious wink. My faceheats.
“Oh my god,” Annie breathes. “He’s totally intoyou.”
My blush deepens. I turn back toward the table and pick up the rest of the dirty dishes. “He isnot.”
I walk to the kitchen, making a point to avoid looking back at Gabe, while also cursing his instigating wink. I don’t doubt he did it on purpose, and I wonder if he was somehow able to overhear my friend’swhisper.
I scoff. Of course, he heard Annie. Crazy bat hearing is probably one of his many angelicabilities.
Using my hip to push open the swinging door, I duck into the safety of the kitchen. I exhale and relax the muscles in my shoulder. I scrape excess food into the compost bin before placing the dishes in the sink. Annie is on my heels, and she doesn’t let me avoid the conversation thateasily.
“So, do you know that guy or what?” she asks, tapping her footimpatiently.
I roll my neck. Then, I turn to face my pushy best friend. “No,” I lie. “I don’t know him.” Telling Annie the truth would only cause her to ask unanswerable questions. I can’t begin to explain the crazy truth of who Gabe is—of whoIam. I might not like it, but it’s better to lie to my bestfriend.
“Well, girlfriend, it looks like you have yourself an admirer.” Annie nudges my shoulder. “Why don’t you go talk tohim?”
“What?” I stumble, not expecting her nudge. “Why would I dothat?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous man has spent the better part of the afternoon checking you out. He’s obviously interested. Why not go flirt a little? It would be good for you to get some practice in before we go tocollege.”
I cross my arms. “What is that supposed tomean?”
