Page 2 of Protected by the Fallen
I close the door behind me and place my hands on my cheeks, feeling the heat from my blush. I know the logistics of sex, and I’ve been attracted to guys before, but there is something about the Fallen that make me want to pounce on them and give in to every yearning I have. It’s both bewildering and marvelous. And I don’t know how much longer I will be able to control my impulses if Adrian continues to walk around with nothing but a towel. Part of me wonders if he does it on purpose. I wouldn’t put it past him.
I pull my t-shirt over my head and throw it in the hamper by the door. I search the closet and find a gray winter sweater. Summers in London are cooler than I’m used to, and my normal shorts and t-shirt don’t cut it. After changing into a pair of jeans, I return to the parlor. Adrian isn’t there. I assume he’s still getting ready. I am about to resume my seat on the expensive couch when I hear a knock at the door.
I freeze. The flat is the only one on the fourth floor, and the building has a doorman. It’s unlikely the visitor has arrived by mistake, but I cannot begin to think who could be here. I know for a fact it’s not the Light Fallen. Gabe and Joseph cannot visit while the Dark Council has such a close eye on me and the Dark Fallen. We are fortunate the powerful angels do not know about my dual-angelic bloodlines, or the fact that I have two otherbashertens. And we’d like to keep it that way. My chest twinges in pain, and I rub the spot. I miss the Light Fallen. More than I thought I would.
Another loud knock hits the door.
Where is Adrian? Surely he would have heard the door with his enhanced angelic hearing. From where I stand, I can see the entrance. I quietly step back, planning to go hide in my room until the visitor is gone, when I hear an exasperated voice call out, “For Heaven’s sake, Ezekiel and Adrian. It’s me. Let me in.”
I recognize Sarah, the Dark Fallen’s mother. I look down the hallway on either side of me, but neither of the Fallen make an appearance. I tiptoe toward the door, softly placing my hands on the frame. Squinting one eye closed, I look through the peephole. Sure enough, the ebony haired beauty stands on the other side of the door. And she looks irritated.
“Veronica, please be so kind as to let me in.”
How she knows I’m the one at the door is beyond me, but I don’t put it past angelic abilities. I’m guessing the only reason she didn’t transport directly into the flat is because it is warded against such entry. The Fallen had enacted the same protective measures from my home in Valley Lake.
I unlatch the bolt and twist the knob. As I open the door, I see the stunning angel conceal her annoyance and smile warmly. I can’t tell if it’s fake. “Thank you, Veronica. You are a dear.”
She steps into the flat, and I take a matching step backwards.
“What is this?” I glance back and see Adrian’s hair still glistens with moisture. A towel is slung over his shoulder, and he rubs it against his head. He stills when he sees his mother in the doorway. “Angel, why did you answer the door?”
“Come now, Adrian,” Sarah interjects before I have the chance to defend myself. “I am your mother. Surely yourbashertis permitted to grant me entrance into your home.”
“This isn’t our home.” Adrian tosses the towel onto the side table. “And no. She isn’t supposed to answer the door for anyone.” He gives me a chastising look. I can practically hear him asking what I would’ve done if his mother had meant me harm. Was I prepared to attack someone? I’d like to think I would, but my behavior as of late makes me question if I would be able to. I haven’t bothered to continue practicing my powers lately. I’m probably rusty.
“Oh, relax, Adrian.” Sarah brushes past him and enters the parlor. “I’ve already assured you Veronica is safe here.”
“Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Adrian closes the front door then follows his mother. I trail after him, sure to stay a step or two behind. I still haven’t figured out the dynamic between mother and son. There is obvious tension, but I can sense the smallest tendril of affection Adrian holds for the stunning angel. I wonder what has transpired to cause him to conceal his feelings.
Sarah turns and gracefully lowers herself on the ivory settee by the bay windows. “The Council will not harm Veronica so long as you and your brother continue to assist us with our problem.”
Adrian snorts and crosses his arm. I stand to his right. He shifts until I am positioned behind his shoulder.
I hear Sarah release a breath. “What do you want from me, Adrian?”
“I want you to tell the Council to forget about Veronica.” I lean to the right so I can see Sarah around her son’s arm.
“You know I cannot.”
“It seems being the leader doesn’t mean shit.”
“Language,” she snaps. “There is a lady present.” She gestures towards me. It reminds me of something my mom would say. The thought makes me sad. I miss her.
“Trust me, Veronica has experienced worse than one curse word.”
“Regardless, she is yourbashert. Treat her with respect and watch your tongue in her presence.”
I’m surprised when Adrian doesn’t reply with another snarky remark.
Zeke enters from the hall on the left. He stops short when he registers the scene. “Mother?” He glances at his brother before locking eyes with me. “What are you doing here?” With his stare, he asks if I’m alright.
Sarah clears her throat, drawing my attention. “Thank you for asking, Ezekiel.” She shoots Adrian a disapproving glance before continuing, “The Council has a job for you.”
Zeke frowns. “Why didn’t they reach out in the typical method?” The Dark Fallen haven’t told me how the Council summons them, but I know each has left the flat at least two times to complete tasks on behalf of the Dark Council. They keep the details to themselves. I imagine they think they are protecting me, and I don’t have the energy to bother insisting they confide in me.
“Because there wasn’t enough time.” Sarah waves a hand in the air. “But that is irrelevant. We need to go. There’s been an incident.”
I see Adrian’s shoulders tense. Once again, he shifts so he is blocking my view of his mother. “What incident?”
