by Willa Blair
Events were in play Michael couldn’t stop. He wanted to, oh yes, how he wanted to play…not God, there was only one God, but archangel with a vengeance. But, vengeance belonged to his boss, and unless something occurred that would endanger more than the players already in place, he would step down for now.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Abby gasped as water cascaded over her flesh, and Darach raked her body with nips and kisses. She thought he might want to make use of the swimming pool he called a tub, after the decadent and sensual massage he’d given her, but instead, he’d stripped her to her skin, turned on the shower, and then tugged his own clothes off. Her offer of help was discarded when she kept caressing his engorged shaft. So much man and so much loving went a long way to turning her thoughts from murder.
Now she surrendered to the touch of his skillful mouth and wished she could return the favor. Darach, however, had trapped her hands over her head. Her breasts were thrust out like a sacrificial offering and she liked it—no, make that loved—being his captive.
She opened her eyes and watched her husband. Darach’s skin looked delicious with water droplets hugging the muscles in his arms and the wide expanse of his chest. Abby wanted to do the same and more.
Her gaze followed the wet tendrils of hair leading the way to his impressive erection. She didn’t think she would ever get enough of watching him as he made love to her. The wolfish look in his eye as he tongued her breasts, nipped her nipples, and then kissed his way toward her abdomen, weakened the stiff posture of her legs. If she eased her control she’d land on the tile floor.
Instead she slid out of his soapy grip and down to her knees. Her hand found and caressed his erection. She welcomed Darach’s groan. She shrugged off his attempt to pull her to her feet. “No, I want to love you like you loved me.”
His hands fell down to his sides, and she once again ran her hands over his impressive sex.
“Abby!”
“Hush, I’m not finished.” She placed her lips against the soft but firm texture of his skin and then sent her tongue exploring from the base of his shaft to the tip.
Darach’s knees bent, his hands found a haven in her hair as she gave him what he wanted. He grew larger, the blood vessels more prominent as she loved him. Finally when she ached so badly from knowing he was close to climax, he tugged her to her feet.
“Enough. Now we will finish this together.” Darach’s words were an erotic growl. She loved how she could make him lose control.
One strong thigh forced her legs apart and rode her center as she now rode his leg. The motion of his mock lovemaking sent her body into overload. She could feel the wetness of desire push pass her woman’s center. And she knew when Darach felt it also. His eyes went the molten silver she loved, he grunted as if trying to retain control, and then he did exactly what she wanted him to do. He lifted her by the waist and slowly lowered her onto his shaft. His fullness stretched her sore spots but she didn’t care. She wanted him, all of him, and still that would never be enough.
She used his shoulders as a handhold and raised her body up and then slid back down. “Abby, ye be killing me.”
Abby wanted to laugh. She loved making her immortal lose control. He’d changed so much since their first meeting, and she never wanted him to go back to the stony-hearted warrior she’d met in that alley.
“Yes, I know, but you love it.”
His chuckle seemed to be ripped from a throat hoarse with desire, but she welcomed it all the same as she did the accelerated movements of his hips.
Her head tilted back against the tile wall. Her mouth opened to emit a scream when his finger slid over her swollen nub. When he tweaked the instrument of her desire, she was lost.
Abby’s scream ripped through the bathroom and beyond. As if waiting for that one sound, Darach’s thrusts became stronger, faster, and again she felt the stirring of desire. Her body, weakened by her first climax, began to peak again as he withdrew and then pushed forward again and then again. One last deep thrust and they both reached the pinnacle of ecstasy.
Darach caught Abby close to him, and still buried deep inside her, he turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. He walked them both to the bed and then collapsed on top of the cover, careful to make sure Abby stayed on top of his body.
“Darach, I don’t think I can do that again.” Abby’s words were a mere whisper.
“And why is that, my love?”
“Because…you almost killed me.”
Darach laughed so hard his ribs hurt. “If it helps, me darling wife, ye almost did the same to me.”
“Well…it might help some.” Abby’s voice was a bit stronger but her lids began to cover the lovely azure of her eyes.
“Rest, wife.”
Abby struggled to open her eyes as she grasped his arm. “Will you be here when I wake up?”
“I have no plans to go anywhere.” Darach allowed her to slip off his body and then turned on his side, pulling Abby with and then against him. He brushed her cheek with his lips, and flipped the cover they weren’t lying on over them. No, he had no plans to leave her side. Holding Abby in his arms while she slept was almost as wonderful as making love with her.
****
Abby woke before Darach did the next morning. She cradled her head on her arm and watched him sleep. His face, even in slumber, was a sensual painting. Dark lashes fanned over his bottom rim. Women would kill for what came naturally to him. His lips were relaxed almost in a smile. She reached out, traced their curve with her fingertip, and found herself flat on her back—Darach’s face above hers, his lips pulled back in a snarl. As she held her breath, he shook his head, looked at her again, and then released the grip he had on her throat.
“Abby, I didnae know it was ye. I be sorry.”
“It’s okay, just try not to do it again.” His actions had startled more than frightened her and even with his hand on her throat it had been more like a protective instinct instead of a threat.
“I dinnae know what happened. I guess I be not used to waking with someone in my bed.”
That bit of information made Abby want to shout with joy.
“Well, I was in your bed yesterday morning too.”
“Aye, but I woke before ye did. ’Tis been a long time since someone touched me while I slept.” His tone remained apologetic.
“Well, do you think you could get used to it? I love doing it. You’re beautiful when you sleep.”
Darach’s face as well as his ears took on a red hue. “I will see what I can do.”
Abby pulled his face down for a quick kiss before rolling to the edge of the bed.
“Abby?”
“I’m going to the bathroom, and then I think I’ll fix breakfast.”
“So the honeymoon’s over?” Darach sounded like a small boy denied a toy.
“No, so quit whining. I want to go over to my house today and grab some more clothes. That is, if you’ll beam me out of here.”
“Of course, but then again, ye could stay naked and I would like that better.” His teasing voice turned her bones to mush, but she really did want to bring some of her own things over.
“Not a chance. If I did, I’d never get to the house, ever.”
“Ye could be right, so go do what ye have to do. I will look forward to breakfast in bed.” His grin was contagious.
“Who said you were having breakfast in bed? I thought we could have it on your back terrace if the weather cooperates.”
His smile became a crestfallen pout but she’d make it up to him later. Breakfast in bed with Darach would definitely lead to other things.
****
Abby knelt and laid the bouquet of roses Darach had given her a few days prior on the spot Lila’s body had been found. Thanks to a couple of aspirin in the water, they were still beautiful. She bowed her head and said a prayer, ignoring the media who still hung out on boats stirring up the poor woman’s death on a daily basis.
Darach took her
arm and helped her to her feet. He’d been against the idea of her coming to the canal’s edge, but she’d argued it was her property, and she was not going to let what happened keep her from walking the grounds.
Sean met them before they were halfway back.
“Hi, Abby.” He nodded to Darach.
“Hi, Sean. Please tell me you didn’t drop by to tell us there’s been another killing?” Abby wasn’t sure she could handle much more. As much as she loved her home, she couldn’t wait to get back to Darach’s.
“Actually, it’s been quiet. A bit too quiet for my liking.” The lieutenant exchanged a look with her husband. One she didn’t particularly like.
“I can’t believe you two. Quiet should be good, right? I mean if there’s no bodies then that means Angus is not doing anything at the moment.”
Darach kept her hand in his as they skirted the house and then mounted the steps. “Abby, Angus never does nothing. There be a reason he is staying quiet for the moment. A reason I be sure none of us want to find out.”
“I understand that, Darach, but sooner or later you’re going to have to quit talking around me like I’m wrapped in cotton. I’m his target, as well as you. The more I know the better I’ll be able to watch my back.” Abby turned to open the door.
Darach tugged her back to face him. “I will be watching your back. As will Sean, Arianna, and Conner. Ye are to stay safe. Do ye understand me?” His tone was abrupt, almost violent.
“Darach, let go of Abby’s arm.” Sean stepped forward and touched his sleeve. Only then did he realize how hard he gripped Abby.
“God’s teeth, Abby, I be sorry!”
Instead of backing away from him, she moved forward and locked her arms around his waist. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. I promise I’ll do what you ask. Just promise me one thing.” Abby looked up at him. “Please guard your back too.”
Tears burned his eyes. He still couldn’t fathom why she loved him, but he was so glad she did. He brushed her hair with a trembling hand before turning to the halfling. “It seems I owe ye again. Me thanks.”
“No need. Emotions run high when you care about something or someone.” Sean opened the door and they walked in and through the house. It seemed the kitchen, with its homey atmosphere, peaceful vibes, and now the smell of pizza wafting through the air would be their meeting place again.
“Hi, all finished outside?”
“Aye, and Abby wants to pick up some clothes.” Darach pulled a chair out for his wife, and then seated himself. Sean chose to stand instead of finding a seat next to Conner.
“Want some pizza? I ordered extra.”
Darach and Abby passed on the offer, but the halfling took a couple of slices and chowed down like his life depended on his next meal.
“So, do we have a game plan for tonight? Will you two be out hunting?” Arianna’s gaze raked Sean as she asked the question, before she shifted her gaze to Darach.
“Yeah, I plan on going out. What about you, Darach?”
“I uh, I will stay with Abby tonight. Conner you can go with him, right?”
“Sure thing. I have a few ideas of me own I want to explore,” Conner mouthed around a bite of pizza.
“Don’t blame you. If I had a woman, I’d stay home too.” Sean gave Arianna a look that couldn’t be misconstrued.
“Well, don’t hold your breath, if you’re waiting on me. I don’t do halflings.”
Darach opened his mouth to say something at the same time he heard Abby gasp. Sean, however, walked right up to the immortal.
“I don’t recall asking you to.” The lieutenant did an about-face. “I’ll keep you posted if I find out anything.”
He left before Darach could say anything in return. Conner followed him out after grabbing another slice of pizza.
“Arianna! That was just plain mean. How could you do that to him?” Abby’s tone was filled with disbelief.
“Abby, I like you, girl, I truly do, but this is none of your business.” Arianna tossed her uneaten slice of pizza back in the box and then left Darach and Abby alone.
“Well, that was a bit awkward.” Abby stood up and began to clean off the table.
“Leave it, Abby. Arianna can clean up her own mess. Grab your clothes and we will return home.”
“You’re right. I’ll be right back.” Abby flew out of the kitchen. He hoped she hurried. Darach was more than ready to get back home.
“Darach, I—”
He met Arianna’s chastised look. “Dinnae say a word. Ye are here to do a job, as is Sean. Ye both need to treat each other with dignity—at least until after Angus is caught. After that, I dinnae care if ye go at it with fisticuffs.”
“You’re right. I allowed myself to get angry. It won’t happen again.”
Darach took Arianna’s chin in his hand and raised her head. “Dinnae promise what ye cannae deliver. We all feel anger for whatever reason, but as an executioner ye have to retain control.”
He released her chin. “Now go. Find something to do this evening, and if ye run into Sean, try to be civil.”
“I will. Thanks, Darach. I don’t suppose we could keep this from Michael?” Her expression was hopeful but resigned.
“I willna tell him, but I figure our archangel already knows what happened.”
“Yeah, me too.” Arianna’s dismay showed in her gaze.
“I’m ready.” Abby tugged an overly large suitcase across the kitchen threshold. She looked a bit harried, but the smile she sent his way made the overcast day a bit brighter.
“Are ye sure ye have enough?” Darach’s grin was returned.
“Well, I figured if I packed more you might not be able to teleport it. You being such an ancient personage and all.”
Arianna’s laughter joined Abby’s and Darach decided he couldn’t win and wouldn’t even try.
“I will take ye and then come back for the bag.”
“Whatever you say, old wise one.”
Darach teleported Abby back to his house with the sound of Arianna’s laughter ringing in his ears. Hopefully her good humor would last for a bit.
After he returned with Abby’s case, he found her in the kitchen. It seemed even here this room would be a center for Abby.
“Hi, you. I thought you might be hungry since I don’t think you ate anything after breakfast.”
Abby was right, he was hungry but not for food. The horror of having her loose in a city without a guard, taking care of herself, had terrified him to no end. Now he wanted to love her like there was no tomorrow, no dead bodies, and no Angus.
“I be hungry but not food.” Darach stalked Abby as she closed the refrigerator.
“And what is it you want?”
“Ye, my love, forever and always ye.”
****
Angus was in a good mood. Soon he would have what he wanted. Word had reached him earlier that his human contact had arranged a meeting with Abby. Once they met, Angus’s demons would have her. She would be the pawn to bring Darach to his side, of that he had no doubt. His cousin would do anything in his power to rescue Abby. His penchant for playing the knight errant would be his downfall. Then and only then would he use the woman before he drove the dagger straight into Darach’s immortal and miserable heart.
Michael shook his head. Why couldn’t his immortals behave like the adults they were? Arianna had been added to his executioners when she’d given her life to save a small child during the Renaissance era. The fact that she’d been running from a cruel husband made her decision to stop and help the child even more extraordinary. The action had resulted in Arianna being beaten to death. It was her inability to forget the past hurts that made it hard for her to trust too many people today. Yet, she had thrived on protecting others from the cruelties of Earth.
Chapter Thirty
Abby was ready to pull her hair out and kick Darach to the curb. He’d pretty much kept her with him twenty-four-seven for the last four days except when he went to
the little boy’s room. It was amazing how he could make love all night long, walk naked around the house (not to mention he expected her to do the same), yet he couldn’t tinkle in front of her.
At least she could take the few moments while he attended to personal needs to grab his phone and call Arianna. Without the other immortal, she would be clueless as to what was happening. Whenever she got near the television set, it magically didn’t work. She was more than ready to go out in the real world.
“Abby, where are ye?” Darach’s yell made her jump and she dropped the cell phone. Great.
“I’m in the bedroom.” She went down on all fours and stretched her hand under the bed. If she hurried maybe she could get it back on the battery charger before he noticed it was gone.
It wasn’t that she was trying to deceive him, but his male ego just wouldn’t understand she needed to breathe. Not a lot mind you, she loved him, but after being used to doing her own thing for years, it was hard to sit back and let someone else coddle her.
Her fingers touched the small cylinder and she began to drag it toward her. Of course, Darach wasn’t used to having a wife either. Maybe if she talked to him.
“Abby!” She jerked so hard her head hit the edge of the bed frame.
“Ouch!” She got slowly back on her knees, and with the help of his hands she found herself standing and facing her husband. The telltale evidence of her deception of being happy as a pig in sunshine resting in her hands.
“What were ye doing?”
“Is it important?”
“It could be if ’tis something ye dinnae want to tell me.” Darach sounded more curious than anything.
Abby decided she might as well tell him the truth and see where it got her.
“I was calling Arianna. I’ve been calling her every day to see what’s going on.” She sounded like a small child but for the life of her, she felt like one at the moment.
“Why didn’t ye just ask me?”
“Because, every time I ask you anything about what’s going on in the world, you tell me nothing. I feel like you want to pat me on the head and say ‘Good Abby, good Abby. Now lie down and go to sleep.’”
