Page 28 of Protected by the Fallen
“Of course not. Mom and Dad would support me in anything I want to do.”
“Anything?”
“Yes.” I answer with complete confidence. I know how lucky I am to have landed in my parents’ home. I’ve heard countless tales about pushy, controlling parents. Mine are nothing like that.
“Hm. I am sure I can think of something that your parents would not approve of.”
I don’t miss his serious tone, and I take the bait. “I doubt it.”
He smirks. “How do you think your mother and father will react when they learn you have four boyfriends?”
I choke on saliva. Coughing, I lean forward and try to hide my flaming cheeks as I struggle to clear my throat. Did he really just say “boyfriends”?
“Yes, that is exactly what I said.”
I think he’s reading my mind. I’m ready to vehemently protest the invasion of privacy right as Adrian says, “You’re projecting your thoughts, Angel. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what is causing your near-heart attack.”
I haven’t a clue what to say. My reaction seems silly, even to me. After all, I’ve accepted the four Fallen are my soulmates. It’s hard to deny now that I have access to my powers, allowing me to feel each individual connection. My link to Adrian, Zeke and the Light brothers is deep and undeniable. I’ve accepted it. I really shouldn’t be shocked by the romantic title.
“No, you really shouldn’t be.” Adrian grins, teasing me.
“A-are you sure you can’t read my thoughts?” I sputter.
“If only, Angel,” he sighs dramatically. “My life would be so much easier if I knew what thoughts danced around that pretty little head of yours.”
I refuse to be flustered by the fact he called me pretty. “Well, you’re definitely making good guesses,” I mutter in accusation.
“What can I say? You’re easy to read.”
“Whatever.” Still not fully recovered from my coughing fit, I force another cough to try and clear the scratchiness in my throat. The effort fails, and my eyes tear up. I pick up the crystal goblet in front of me and take a healthy sip of water. The cool liquid soothes my raw esophagus.
Adrian waits until I lower the goblet to speak. “So, how do you think they would react?”
“What?”
“Your parents.” Amusement sparkles in his warm brown eyes. “How will they react when they learn their little girl is being courted by four males?”
“Courted?” I repeat the old-timey word. “Is that what’s happening?” Fighting demons, running from The Darkness and hiding out among Dark Fallen to avoid discovery by Light Fallen is hardly my idea of dating.
His amusement grows. “You’re avoiding the question.”
“Because it’s a ridiculous question.” My entire body warms. I snatch the goblet and take another sip, using the move to give my face a reprieve from his uncanny scrutiny. Adrian, like the other three Fallen, knows my expressions too well.
“Then it should be easy to answer.” Adrian will not let the matter drop. He’s persistent. Especially when I put up a fight.
I have no choice. I have to rip off the band aid. “I honestly don’t know how they will react.” I never really thought about it. Obviously, my mom and dad will not be thrilled to learn their only daughter is dating four men. Just thinking about admitting that to them makes me want to laugh out loud. Talk about an awkward conversation…
Arms still crossed, Adrian stares at me with purpose. “You do not think they will handle it well.” It isn’t a question.
“No,” I admit. “I can’t think of a parent who would.”
Adrian pretends to be affronted. “I’ll have you know there are many angel and Nephilim parents who would be honored to have us as their daughter’sbashertens.”
I laugh. “Yes, I know. Vera pretty much told me all about what a catch you two are.” I give a dramatic eye roll.
“I knew I liked Vera.”
Again, I laugh. This time, it is incredulous. “Really? Is that why you got all grouchy at Vera for showing me around the library?”
