The Gift
Page 2
His parent’s sorrow, along with Ren’s self-blame, was the impetus for him quitting, but it was his beautiful angel that kept him on the wagon. She believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself. She insisted he deserved forgiveness, and that he should reach out to his parents. Encouraged him to let them know how far he’d come. Unfortunately, that was wishful thinking, and unrealistic.
His job as a head mechanic wasn’t impressive compared to his father’s career as a successful Program Manager for a big gaming company. His dad was the epitome of a good man. Hard-working, honest, and loyal to the bone. Ren had always admired and looked up to his father.
Regardless, Ren was proud to say he not only quit using but put himself through trade school and worked hard to get every possession he owned. It wouldn’t win back his parent’s affections, but Ren couldn’t help but wonder if his beautiful angel would be impressed.
He didn’t understand how an imaginary woman could impact his life so profoundly, but she did. Perhaps the reason he couldn’t stop thinking about her was that she was the only one to come back, night after night, despite the fact he let her down every single day.
2
“Where can that archangel be?” Arial murmured as she glanced around the park.
Typically, she found peace when she visited the lush, green area. The archangels went to great lengths to bring vegetation and animals from earth. The songbirds were her favorite, and she preferred their music to that of the heavenly host. Arial spotted several Joybringers and Dominions sitting by the stream, watching the massive catfish swim playfully with each other, but Raphael was nowhere to be seen.
Despite the beauty that surrounded her, Arial’s heart sat heavy in her chest. Not even the fragrant flowers could lift her spirits or bring a smile to her lips. Her nerves played volleyball in her gut as she thought about what she would say to the archangel when she found him.
Releasing a heavy sigh, she moved toward the imposing white building that housed the archangels. She nearly toppled to the grass from the overwhelming power that emanated from the marble structure. When she reached the oversized double-doors, Arial took several deep breaths then pushed open the heavy door, entering the spacious room.
The white, marble dais in the archangel’s temple was empty. Passing the familiar paintings and sculptures, Arial headed to the private offices behind the large chamber.
Arial wrung her hands beneath her robe, twisting the material into a knot. Her legs trembled, and her heart raced. What if Raphael denied her request? She didn’t know what she would do then. It was imperative Arial see Ren face to face. It was the only way she’d ever find peace from the constant turmoil within.
She shook off her anxiety and took another deep breath. Hopefully, the divine leader would see her viewpoint and grant her permission to visit Ren in person.
Just thinking about seeing Ren had her heart galloping for a different reason. She’d fantasized countless times of being near him, flesh to flesh. To touch him just once.
Dammit, she thought. Zakara was right. Arial was obsessed with Ren. Would Raphael sense it, and deny her request? She closed her eyes, and sent a silent prayer to God, asking for His guidance and understanding.
Standing outside Raphael’s office, Arial felt the archangel’s power buffeting against her skin like razor blades. It was enough to make her want to turn and flee from the building, but she garnered the courage to knock.
Arial rapped softly on the wood panel and twisted the knob when she heard the command to enter. In her haste to get the conversation behind her, Arial nearly yanked the metal handle from the wood. She took two steps through the threshold, and the door automatically closed behind her. Raphael sat behind his desk, and her mouth went dry the moment their gazes locked.
Raphael was always the same, no matter the circumstance. Domineering. Zakara called him an arrogant jackass, but Arial knew better. Her friend had a soft spot for the archangel, and vice versa. Raphael was her most frequent customer, aside from Camael. Apparently, archangels had quite the sweet tooth, and Kara happily baked the males their favorite confections.
How Zakara wasn’t terrified of Raphael, Arial didn’t understand. The male’s demeanor alone had most angels sweating in their robes. And, that was before he leveled those intense green eyes upon you.
Perspiration beaded Arial’s brow and her heart pounded against her chest. She swallowed hard as her gaze traveled from his short black hair to his massive wings that arched behind him. The stark-white wings fluttered once then settled behind his back while his piercing green eyes pinned her in place. His authority dominated, sucking the air from the room to where she couldn’t breathe. Or perhaps, it was the panic constricting her lungs that had her suffocating. Either way, she needed oxygen before she passed out in front of her superior.
Taking another deep breath, Arial went for broke. “I need permission to visit one of my charges in person,” she said in a rush.
Raphael narrowed his eyes and crossed heavily-muscled biceps over his chest. “Good afternoon to you, too, Arial,” he countered, and she felt her cheeks heat at her disrespect. This was not the best way to ask a favor.
“Sorry, Sire. Good afternoon,” she stated with a nod.
“Is this about the human, Ren? The one you’ve failed to lead to forgiveness? I have decided to put another angel on his case,” Raphael informed her without hesitation.
Arial’s heart dropped to her feet at hearing his words.
No. He couldn’t do that.
Arial masked her wince as Raphael announced his decision. A lump formed in her throat and she fought back the tears threatening to spill. She needed to gain control of her emotions, or the archangel would see straight through her crumbling façade.
“With all due respect, Sire, I feel that would be unwise. It will stop Ren’s progression. I know he hasn’t found forgiveness, but he’s made great strides. I’ve seen it. The problem is the dreams are too brief. He dismisses it as his wishful thinking. I know that if I could speak with him face to face, I could make more progress,” she explained and hated the desperate tone in her voice.
“So this has nothing to do with your desire to experience the pleasures of the flesh with him?” Raphael stated with a raised eyebrow as he stared her way.
Crap. He sensed her feelings for Ren. Arial’s palms dampened, and dizziness assailed. She had to think quick, or else.
Arial shook her head vigorously, but before she could respond, the archangel uncrossed his arms and leaned across his desk. His presence towered over her, despite the fact he was the one sitting, and she was standing.
“You need to work harder to reach the human, Arial. I’ll leave you in charge, but this is your last chance to help this male find forgiveness,” Raphael warned her.
“It’s all I think about, Sire. I never stop trying to figure out the best way to get through to him,” she admitted.
“Which is part of the problem. You’re too emotionally connected, and that is why you cannot visit Ren in person. You must use your other powers to reach your goal. That is my final decision,” he stated as he stood and walked toward Arial, stopping a few feet in front of her.
“Yes, Sire,” she answered with a small bow. “I will be successful with Ren. You have my word,” Arial mumbled.
The archangel towered over her, and Arial suspected he had more to say, but she couldn’t risk Raphael changing his mind, so she rushed from the room. It was a challenge to keep her thoughts hidden from him as she raced out of the building.
On swift feet, she sprinted to the park. She was half-elated, half-disappointed. He didn’t remove her from the assignment, but he didn’t grant her permission to visit in person, either. Standing at the edge of the pond, Arial contemplated her next move.
Should she obey Raphael, and continue visiting Ren in his dreams? Or, throw caution to the wind, and see him face to face? If Raphael discovered she went against his orders, there was no telling what her punishment would entai
l. Then again, what if she finally got through to Ren? Wasn’t he worth the risk?
Before Arial realized her decision was made, she was standing in a urine-soaked alley behind a bar. Loud music blared from the interior, and she quickly glanced around to see if anyone was coming her way. As soon as the coast was clear, Arial closed her eyes and called upon her powers.
The air thickened right before she felt her wings disappear, along with her robe. She opened her eyes and glanced down. Blue jeans hugged her hips and a rose-colored sweater, made of the softest cotton she’d ever felt, covered her arms and upper body. She couldn’t recall the last time she wore clothes, but it felt good.
As she scrutinized her attire, Arial nodded approvingly. “Not too shabby for an old broad like me,” she muttered aloud then headed toward the bar.
Ren tipped back his beer and took a deep swig of the frothy drink. The waitress winked at him with a seductive smile as she wiped down the wooden bar top. For a brief second, he contemplated following through on the invitation in her eyes. She was a beautiful woman, not to mention, dressed sexy as hell.
The woman and her co-workers donned elf costumes, and the bartender wore a Santa suit. Ren enjoyed the Growler Bar for the extensive list of craft beers, but also appreciated the festive atmosphere. The staff dressed up for every holiday but went all out during Christmas. It had been too long since Ren enjoyed the company of a woman, He wanted more than anything to feel soft arms around him again. Before he opened his mouth to return the greeting and accept, Ren’s mind played through his faults and reminders about why he hadn’t dated.
As he turned back to his cold brew, movement near the back door caught his eye. And then Ren’s jaw dropped.
He immediately rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. His dream angel stood in the hallway, looking lost. She was dressed differently, and her wings were gone, but those gray eyes and long brown hair were a dead giveaway. Was it really her?
Standing, Ren headed toward the woman, unable to stop his feet. His heart thumped against his chest, leading the way to her side.
His feet faltered as he neared the woman. She was stunning. And, he couldn’t deny he liked the tight jeans and sweater, as opposed to the long robe his dream angel wore during her visits. One thing was certain. This curvaceous woman had his body all jacked up, and Ren willed away his rock-hard erection before he embarrassed himself. When she moved slightly, Ren swore he could see a glowing outline of beautiful green wings.
Was this another dream? If so, he never wanted to wake again. Seeing her in person was too good to be true.
“Ren,” she whispered when he reached her side.
His head snapped back and his brow creased as he wondered how she knew his name. “Do I know you?” he asked.
“No. I’m so sorry. I’m Arial. It’s nice to meet you,” she replied as she held out a hand. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and matched the color of the tight sweater hugging her full bosom.
“Arial. That’s the same name as—” Ren trailed off, not wanting to admit she looked like and shared the same name of his fantasy woman.
“As the mermaid, I know. But, as you can see, I have no tail,” Arial laughed and turned, pointing to her rounded backside.
“How do you know my name?”
“Your shirt,” she muttered with a laugh as she shifted from foot to foot.
Ren glanced down, and his laugh joined hers. “Of course. I forgot to change after work.”
He hadn’t given it a second thought, but now standing in front of her with her sweet smile and gorgeous eyes, he wished he wasn’t wearing the dirty evidence he was a grease-monkey. It was suddenly crucial that he impress Miss Arial.
“Would you like a drink?” he asked.
“Sure. Whatever you’re having is good with me,” Arial replied. “Boy, they really like the holidays in here, don’t they?”
His smile got wider. He hadn’t grinned in forever yet he couldn’t stop the goofy expression in her presence. It must be her resemblance to his angel, he surmised. She even gave him the same sense of peace and acceptance.
“It’s one of the reasons I like coming here,” he divulged as he led her to a quiet section of the bar, and held out a chair for her to sit in.
They sat at the table, and Ren motioned for the waitress. The elf-clad woman frowned when she noticed him with Arial, but he didn’t give her a passing thought. All his attention was on the beautiful woman sitting in front of him. Ren ordered two beers then returned his focus to his guest.
“I’ve never tasted a beer before,” Arial admitted as she sat and glanced around, wringing her hands in her lap. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was nervous.
“How have you never had a beer?”
“I’m not from here, and I’ve never visited the bar close to my home. I prefer the bakery owned by my friend, Kara. She’s a Goddess with the sugar and flour.”
“My mom makes the best cinnamon rolls. We ate them every Christmas morning. I used to look forward to those as much as the presents,” he shared impulsively. He hadn’t given away personal information, but it was more than he’d admitted to anyone in over five years, and it was unsettling.
“I’ll have to bring you one of Kara’s rolls, and you can tell me if your mom would give her a run for her money,” Arial offered with a broad smile.
The waitress returned and deposited Arial’s beer on the table. “Thank you,” Arial said and picked up the glass to take a sip.
He was curious about what she would think of his hoppy selection. Most would say it was an acquired taste. The bitter beer expression that followed was as comical as her insistence that he could keep his God-awful beverage.
Luckily, that didn’t cut their evening short. Instead, they fell into easy conversation, and Ren found himself chatting freely and telling her childhood stories while laughing at her tales.
Without thought, Ren reached out, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. He leaned closer and barely held back from kissing her full lips. “Would you like to dance?” he asked when a slow song crooned from the jukebox.
Arial’s face paled and her eyes flew to the dance floor. She watched the few couples for several seconds before sitting straighter then nodded to him. “Sure, but you must know, I’ve never danced before.”
“You’ve never danced or tasted beer? Where do you come from?” he asked with a chuckle as he stood and offered his hand.
Arial went stiff when he pulled her into his arms, swaying to the music. When she pulled away, he tugged her closer and shook his head.
“I’m just kidding. Lots of people don’t prowl seedy bars. But, I feel I should warn you. I’m not one of the good guys, and you should probably walk away. Usually, I’d keep my distance, but tonight I’m feeling too selfish to leave you be,” he shared as their bodies moved as if they’d danced together a million times.
“I think you deserve more than you give yourself credit for. I can tell you’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’re a good person, Ren. You need to stop thinking so negatively, and embrace the blessings in life,” Arial murmured, reminding him of his angel.
His head spun at the familiarity. Was he clairvoyant? If so, this was the first time. He decided not to ponder it further. He was enjoying his time with Arial and didn’t want to spoil it.
“I’m not a good person, but that doesn’t matter so much when you’re next to me,” he said as he lowered his head closer to her mouth.
He moved slowly giving her time to object. When Arial’s lips parted and her hypnotic gray eyes glazed over, Ren took that as permission and pressed his lips to hers.
Electricity zapped the second his mouth touched hers, sending arousal straight to his groin. His lips crashed against hers with more force than intended, but he couldn’t complain as she responded with vigor. Her kiss tasted like the sunset. Warm with a hint of honey. The flavor exploded in his mouth, and he parted his lips to take in more of the soothing sensation.
Like a spring flower, her mouth parted and her tongue tentatively touched his. Her nervousness was evident in her timid response, but she didn’t let it stop her.
As he tugged her to his chest, her lush breasts smashed against his muscles, and he thanked God for giving him such an incredible gift this holiday season. He wanted to rip the clothes separating their bodies so he could explore further. Apparently, she felt the same because he felt sharp nails dig into his back, pulling him closer.
The moment their tongues touched, heat scorched his mouth, making him forget everything, even his pathetic life. Nothing mattered except his raging desire for her. Ren was a washed-up junky with nothing to offer but was helpless to stop kissing the alluring woman in his arms.
Their embrace turned heated, and he grabbed her ass, melding them firmly together. Arial moaned against his mouth but didn’t make a move to take more. It reminded Ren they were standing in the middle of a crowded bar. Opening his eyes, he met Arial’s lust-soaked gaze.
“That was…that was the best kiss in all of history,” she declared.
“Yes, it was. I hate to end it, but this isn’t the place to get carried away,” Ren divulged as he swayed with her, begging his body to calm down.
“I know. Everyone’s watching us,” Arial replied and buried her head into his chest.
“They’re just jealous that I’m making out with the sexiest woman alive,” he confessed as he held her tight.
He refused to ask the question burning on his tongue. He wanted more than anything to take her back to his place and ravage her into next week. But then she would think he was only after a piece of ass from her.
He opened his mouth to ask for her number then closed it. She was everything he could possibly want in a woman. Smart, funny, beautiful, kind, not to mention, sexy as fuck. She deserved better than a louse like him.