Page 24 of Protected by the Fallen
“You don’t need to thank me for treating you as an equal.” His breath crosses the space between us and caresses my cheeks. I shiver involuntarily. Heat flickers across his face, and he bites his bottom lip for a split second.
Desire, pure and simple, fills my chest. Joseph’s body language is stiff, but his face screams at me to close the distance between us. Much to my embarrassment, I find myself gravitating towards him. I can’t help it. He’s the Earth, and I’m the moon. The force which keeps us together will never let go. But unlike the Earth, the force of my attraction to Joseph is strong enough to draw me even closer than I ever thought possible. I want to touch more than his hand. I want to feel more than his skin. I look at his bottom lip. His teeth left a slight indent, and I long to press my own lips against it to soothe away any lingering pain.
The strangest part of this moment? Joseph sees my hesitant approach, and he doesn’t back away. The Fallen I thought I knew wouldn’t be so… flirtatious. Is that even the right word? How do I describe the longing I see in his gaze?
His thumb stops its caress. He holds his breath. I feel his pulse against my fingers, and it’s almost as fast as mine. At this moment, I feel powerful. Joseph desires me. It’s written all over his face. His careful distance is gone, and I hope it stays away forever.
The last inch between us disappears. My lips crash into his with gentle force, and I swear it’s like I can hear angels singing.
I smile against him, finding my analogy funny. Joseph, sensing my humor, tries to back away. I don’t let him. Releasing our hands, I rise to my knees and place both of my hands on his shoulders. I kiss him again. And again. They’re only pecks, but the intimacy is huge. Joseph’s been so careful to keep his distance, but no longer.
Strong, calloused hands settle on my hips. He tilts his head back and lets me control this moment.
Our connection swirls around us in a warm embrace, binding our already linked souls together in an unbreakable bond. A robe ties around my heart, and it is attached to his, just like the tie I feel with Zeke.
I want to straddle his lap and fulfill my wish to press my body against his. A throat clears behind us, ending the long-awaited moment.
“Well… hello there, Love.”
Ten
All lust-filled emotionsdisappear in an instant. I scramble away from Joseph. My butt lands in the dirt. I spin towards the newcomer, recognizing the voice. “Lukas! What are you doing here?”
“I should ask you the same question.” Lukas grins from ear to ear. Disheveled hair falls in my face. I tuck the loose strands behind my ears and clumsily rise to my feet. My cheeks color with embarrassment.
Unlike me, Joseph stands with easy grace. He steps in front of me. “What are you doing here?” He repeats my question. You know it is not safe for Veronica to be seen with you.”
“But it’s okay for her to be seen with you?” Lukas lifts a brow. Amusement continues to cover his expression.
“We are being discreet.” Joseph crosses his arms. “A concealment ward is in place.”
His eyes gleam. “I would hardly call your behavior discreet.”
“Stop avoiding the question,” I interrupt, wanting to end this mortifying situation as soon as possible. After weeks working for his cause, I know Lukas. He won’t stop teasing us unless forced onto a new subject. “Has something happened? Do you need my help healing someone?”
“You are not going anywhere,” Joseph states with determination. “It’s not safe.”
“But if someone needs my help…”
“No.”
My blood boils. I thought we were over the Fallen commanding me to do things. I thought we’d finally reached the point where we had discussions about plans and ideas. I thought Joseph considered me an equal. Apparently, I was wrong.
Lukas clears his throat, and I’m stopped from unleashing angry words on the guy I’d been kissing less than two minutes ago. “I came here to warn you.”
Quick to act, Joseph’s power strikes into the air around us. I can feel, more than see, the protective barrier he’s constructed around me. “Warn us about what?” His voice is deathly low.
“The Light Council.”
I immediately look at Joseph. His face is carefully blank. Is that because he doesn’t trust Lukas, or is he hiding something from me? “What about the Light Council?”
“They have been asking questions,” Lukas admits.
Before Joseph can reply, I ask, “About what?”
Lukas meets my eye. “You.”
That can’t be good…
