“Yes.” Dominic’s tone warned him that the topic wasn’t open for discussion.
“Well, I’m glad you knew it would work. She’s on the ninth floor. At least I get the strongest vibe from that number.”
The other Enforcer punched the number and they rode up in silence. William worried that they wouldn’t get there in time to save the woman he loved. Dominic worried that William would have to pay a terrible price to save Abby. The doors slid open just as a gunshot sounded.
The two men looked at each other and took off running in the direction of the shot. They burst into the room as Thompson was about to pull the trigger for the second time. Dominic knew there was no way they could reach him in time. He threw out a hand and sent power surging into the madman. With a scream, Thompson’s face contorted and the demon flashed into appearance. It reached out its claws trying to get a hold of Abby. Dominic’s power was enough to overwhelm the man’s body so it couldn’t move.
The demon swore at William. “You touched her and corrupted her. Abigail was mine until you tempted her to evil.” Drool ran from its mouth. It fought the restraints it was under. The demon wanted to kill the fallen that dared to touch that temptingly pure soul.
Dominic knew he had to do something or the demon would break free. Focusing his power into a sharp bolt, he shot it into Thompson’s body, killing him instantly. The demon screeched as the body housing it collapsed.
“She should have been mine.”
Dominic shook his head. “She was never meant to be yours. Leave before I’m forced to kill you.”
The demon screamed as it headed towards the window. A path of destruction was left behind it.
William trusted Dominic would take care of Thompson. All that mattered was getting to Abby and stopping the blood he saw pooling under her. It was his worst nightmare in the flesh. He understood now why Mika’il sent those particular dreams to haunt him. He leaned over to staunch the blood but he was afraid that too much damage had already been done. He used his powers to try and stop the flow of blood. Nothing was working. Tears dripped down his cheeks as he started to pray. He didn’t think of the foolishness of his praying to a God who didn’t acknowledge him. He knew God recognized Abby and would want to help her. He looked up to see Mika’il standing beside him.
“She can’t die,” William pleaded with Mika’il. “Not this way.” The panic was building as he tried to stem the flow of blood. “Do something,” he snarled at the archangel.
“There is nothing I can do, William. I wish there was.”
He glared at him. “What good is being God’s archangel when you can’t lift one damn finger to help Abby?”
The archangel’s silver eyes shone with tears. He took no offense at the anger in William’s voice. “I am sorry.”
William rose to his feet. He swore violently at the sky. Anger, pain and loss swamped his heart. “Damn you,” he yelled. “How dare you do this to her? How dare you take her life? She doesn’t deserve this. She deserves to live and love. Abby deserves to know she is loved.” Rage flushed his cheeks and made sparks shine in his eyes even as the tears fell. “I’m glad I rebelled. If you can allow such an innocent to die then I’m glad I’m no longer one of yours.”
As quickly as the rage came, it left, leaving behind an overwhelming sorrow. Falling to his knees, he buried his face in his blood soaked hands and sobbed. “Take me instead. I may have no soul, but I have a heart. Let my heart beat in her.”
Mika’il reached out and touched his shaking shoulder. “Do you know what you are asking?”
“Yes.”
“You will go to hell, never to touch foot on earth or Heaven again. You will suffer forever.”
“I will go crazy in this world without her. Celeste and Dominic would have to hunt me down. If I’m in hell and she’s alive, I’ll be happy because she’s in the world.” He touched her pale cheek with a gentle finger. “I don’t know if you understand love, Mika’il, but I’ll do anything to keep her safe and alive.”
“You would spend eternity in hell for her.”
“Yes.
“So be it. A gift given with sincerity should never be thrown away.”
He felt Mika’il touch his forehead and he placed the emerald heart on her chest before his world went dark.
* * * *
“Where’s William?” Abby demanded for what felt like the hundredth time. She didn’t remember much about her ordeal. She knew she had been shot and she was sure she was going to die, but when she regained consciousness, she only had a few bruises. She had spent a few days in the hospital then come home. Dominic had stayed with her, but he wouldn’t answer her questions about Thompson’s death or William’s disappearance.
Staring at her, Dominic’s usual charming smile was gone. There was no reason why she should know that William went to Hell for her. He had to keep the secret and hope her heart would heal. Loving these mortals was a difficult thing. He sighed. “I’m not sure, cherie. He hasn’t been seen since you were attacked.”
“He left me.” Her quiet statement broke his heart.
“I truly don’t believe it was as simple as that.”
“It wasn’t.” A new voice entered her living room.
They whirled to see William standing there. She cried out and threw herself into his arms. He wrapped her to him. She never saw him wince as she squeezed him tight or the madness sparking in his eyes for a moment. He looked at Dominic.
The Cajun Enforcer had figured out where William had gone. He nodded as he headed for the door.
If you have need of me, you know my number. The door shut behind him.
“Where have you been?” Abby asked.
“In Hell. I was in hell without you.”
When she laughed, he realized she didn’t understand. He hoped she never did figure out what he had endured so that she could continue living.
“I’ve been in hell as well. I love you and without you, the world is a very dull place.” She laid her head on his chest.
He felt Mika’il’s presence. How long have I been gone?
In her world?
Yes.
For a week.
How is that possible? I feel like centuries have passed.
Time works differently for God.
He nuzzled Abby’s hair. Why did He let me come back?
Mika’il gave a mental shrug. His ways are mysterious. Maybe He believed you learned your lesson. The archangel’s voice lingered in William’s mind as his presence faded. I will see you again.
Thank you. He sent a feeling of gratitude to Mika’il.
William crushed his lips to hers. A moan surfaced as she rocked her hips against him. His cock hardened painfully and he knew he had to have her. Trailing kisses down her neck, he stripped her. “It’s been so long, sweetheart. I love you. I need you.”
She cried out as his fingers drove into her pussy. She pushed herself against his hand. Hot and wet, she needed him to quench the fire he started. “William, please,” she begged.
He ripped open his jeans. His cock sprang free, urgently seeking her. Lifting her, he wrapped her legs around his waist. He took her with one thrust of his hips. They both cried out as the passion overwhelmed them. Their climax shot sparks through their bodies. For one moment, they were connected; one body, one heart, one soul.
“I’ll never leave you again, Abigail Hanson. You are my love and my life,” he pledged as he carried her to the bedroom. They both lay down in the bed and he gently touched a finger to the heart in between her breasts. “I’m glad to see you took care of my heart for me.”
She snuggled close to him and fell asleep never noticing the scars fading on his body.
The End
About the Author:
Tiffany Aaron has always been writing. She still has one of the first stories she ever wrote about a time machine and talking mushrooms. While her head was in the clouds, her parents told her to prepare for the “real” world. So she got a degree and a job, but nev
er stopped writing. Her favorite question is “What if?” and so a story is born.
She lives in Michigan with her loving husband. She has two dogs—one who believes he’s human and the other who loves to hear the sound of her own bark. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or watching Jet Li movies. Please visit her at www.tiffanyaaron.com
She loves to get email at [email protected]
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Fallen: William Page 10
