Page 9 of The Nephilim's Touch
“It’s sad.”
Gabe frowns at me and moves on to a different plant. “You could support him. It doesn’t take a lot to simply give him a bit of hope. That’s all he needs.”
“He’s wasting his fucking time. Ethan’s been sent away because he’s a power player for the Speller family. That arranged marriage he’s supposed to have any day now? Yeah, the Spellers won’t let him free unless every bit of magic is drained from the boy. There’s powerful magic at play keeping those two apart.”
“Perhaps. But that’s not how Wick sees it. He’s been searching for Ethan alongside doing double the work because of you. And what have you been doing?” Gabe waters a few more plants before leaving me to my thoughts again.
I’ve been having the time of my life fighting in the Hell realm because I didn’t want to face the consequences of killing someone outside of a deal. Hardly even thinking of Hexormy brother. I’ve been fighting off the urge to find more evil doers and ripping their heads off, but I don’t relish punishment. Punishment, my brother always ends up taking.
“Soda, juice box, water?” Gabe’s back with his arms full of drinks, and I blink back at him.
“Why are you willing to help me?”
“That’s what I do. I help. I don’t have the constitution to be anyone significant like a doctor or nurse. But I can help in other ways.”
“Like teaching me a lesson.”
“Like giving you a place to stay. That said, you can stay, but I think you’ll need to pitch in for food. You probably eat a lot and I’ve only budgeted for myself.”
“All my money is?—”
Gabe lifts a hand. “You can get a job for the month if you need to. All I’m asking for is food money, which is probably the best deal you’ll find.”
It’s hugely generous for sure. “Hopefully, someone doesn’t mind if I pop in and out on the regular.”
“Speaking of. Pike said you can’t teleport unless someone summons you.” Gabe hands me a piece of paper. “That’s my address, so you can find your way back from your crossroads.” He tips his head toward the door. “The shower is that way. Get cleaned up and I’ll change the sheets.”
“I think I need a few more minutes.” I start in on the second sandwich.
“Of course. Take your time. Pike gave me the night off.”
“You work for Pike?”
“Bartender.” And there’s that grin again. Okay, that’s the goal. Keep Gabe smiling.
“I bet you get all the guys, gals, and pals all hot and bothered.”
“I keep busy.” He winks and the knowledge perks up my cock. I’d wondered if he was a prude.
I push to sit on the side of the bed and my head spins. “Oh, wow. That’s new.” It’s like my head goes swimming, but my body stays in the same spot.
Gabe rushes to me and grabs my shoulders. “Are you okay? Take a drink of water.” He opens the bottle and offers it to me. I gulp greedily before he snatches it away like a meanie. “Not so fast.” The back of his hand presses to my forehead. “Maybe you should stay in bed, you’re?—”
I grab his hand. “Angel, demons run hot.”
“Oh. Right.” And the blush is back. Blushing and grinning. That’s what I want.
“But, I do think…” My head spins and I fall back. I can’t keep my eyes open and sleep takes me again.
5
VAN
When I wake once more,Gabe paces at the foot of the bed. He’s on the phone with someone, but he’s so quiet I can’t hear him.
“Gotta go, I think he’s awake again.” Gabe shoves his phone in his pocket and rushes to my side. “Are you okay?” His eyes roam over my face and I want to reassure him.
I wave off his concern. “I’m fine.”
