Page 22 of The Nephilim's Touch
“I never knew Hex, or any place, could be like this. Joyful.Happy.” Van looks around and I’m covered in dirt when I pop back to my feet.
“Hex is everything,” I say as I take his hand. Every time I do, he calms, and this time isn’t any different. “And it’s even better because of you.” I squeeze his hand and release him to say my goodbye to Nef.
“I have to work the next few nights, but we’ll be back soon.” I wrap my arms around the wood nymph and they pat my back with their arms and limbs. A yawn escapes me that I try to shake off.
“You need sleep,” Nef laughs as another yawn comes. “See you soon, Gabey.” They rub a limb through my hair, tangling it, yet shaking out all the dirt.
I wave as I lead Van away from the stage.
“Nef seems nice.” There isn’t a hint of jealousy in Van’s voice this time.
“They’re really amazing. We hit it off instantly when we met.”
“I think you hit it off with everyone you meet.” Van laughs and I slightly jab him with my elbow.
“Not everyone. I think your brother hates me or something.”
Van stops in his tracks. “Wick doesn’t hate you. I think the only person, well, people, he hates is whoever is keeping Ethan from him. I wish I knew.” Van sighs and looks to the brighttwinkling stars above. “I’d bring that boy back in a heartbeat. Punishment be damned. I’d take out the entire Speller coven if I could just bring Ethan back. But I can’t. They’ve warded every damn Speller house and safe haven in Hex. No demon, crossroads or?—”
I blink back at empty space. He’s gone.
9
GABE
Van’s goneand for some silly reason my heart aches. I rub my chest. “Someone summoned him, that’s all. He’ll come back. He will.” In hopes of that, I rush home, not caring that I trail in dirt when I stomp through my front door. It’s midnight according to the microwave clock and I pace. How long do deals usually last? What if he’s gone for hours? Days? What if he can’t find his way back? What if he needs help?
I pace and pace, chewing on my fingernails waiting and waiting. Twenty minutes go by, then thirty. Forty-five minutes roll around and I plop onto my couch and stare at the door, willing Van to walk through it. Or knock. He’ll probably knock because I haven’t given him a key. But I left the door unlocked so he can let himself in. I race to my room and tear through my dresser to find the spare key I had made months ago. I should have given it to him the same time I gave him my address, but it slipped my mind.
I clutch the key in my hand as I rush back to the living room, not wanting to miss his arrival. Hours and hours tick by and still no Van. I should be reading my new book, but I can’t force myself to read when I’m so anxious about Van. What if hedoesn’t come back? I try, really I do, to stay awake, but I lose the battle curled up on the couch.
Something rips me from sleep, and I shoot straight up. A rustling coming from my door and hope blooms.
“Anybody home?” Van calls out as the door shuts behind him and I let out a breath. “Olly olly oxen free.”
“Did you find the apartment okay?” I ask as I rub the sleep from my eyes.
“Yep, no problem. The walking earlier actually helped because I could get a feel for where my crossroads is in relation to everything else. I’m pretty close.”
“Good to know.” I try not to seem too eager when I push to my feet. I take his hand and press the key to his palm. “In case you get summoned and I’m not around.”
A smile tugs at Van’s lips. “Moving things a little fast, aren’t we? Asked me to move in within minutes of meeting. Now a key? I think you’re getting attached.” He winks as he pockets the key.
“I just don’t want you locked out.”
“I can sleep in the garden hammocks if I need to, I guess. But I don’t care for sleeping outside.” He pulls at his shirt. “I have a confession I’m not sure you’re going to like. Or maybe you will.”
I swallow as his eyes drop to my lips.
“Iusuallysleep naked.” Van tugs off his shirt. His beautiful vee comes into view again and I have to rip my eyes away.
“So do I.”
“I hoped you’d say that,” Van practically purrs as he steps closer.
My heart pounds harder in my chest at his proximity. He smells like chocolate and I don’t want to know why.
“You know what else I like doing naked?” He says as he licks his lips. His hand finds its way under my shirt and my skin sizzles at his touch.
