by Mary Abshire
She rolled her eyes and shifted the gear. She’d been silly to think he would be exhausted from his first night.
“The silver thermos has coffee in it for you,” she said. “I thought you might need some.”
“Thank you, sweet wife.” He lifted the container to his mouth.
Emily switched her head beams on and checked her mirrors before she swung the Jeep around. “So how was your first day on the job? What was it like? Did you see the demon?” Maybe she had missed him some since her words flew out of her mouth.
He swallowed and set the coffee down. “The first half of my shift involved paperwork and watching videos. The second half went better. I’m working with a man about my age and his name is Kurt. He’s married and has a three-month-old baby. He introduced me to a lot of people and showed me around the floor and the basement.”
Emily steered onto the main road. “Did you get my message? Did you see meet the demon?”
“Yes and yes. Apparently she’s a major bitch according to many of the people I met.”
“Seriously? They told you that?”
“Yes. They can’t stand working with her because she’s too bossy.”
“How did you manage to get them to talk to you about her?”
“Kurt mentioned how she had me changing diapers minutes after he introduced me to her.”
“You’re kidding?” she asked, surprised.
“To be honest, I didn’t mind. If you could have seen all those babies… Em, they were all glowing. They’re so cute with their tiny lips and little fingers.” He smiled as he spoke about them.
“Don’t get any ideas, Andrew. You’re here to destroy the demon and three more so you can return to where you belong.”
He inhaled a deep breath and faced the front window. “I never got a chance to have any children of my own. If I were staying on Earth, I’d want to have kids.”
“But you’re not. So don’t get attached to them. Focus on saving their lives.”
“Maybe if I don’t rush to kill each demon—”
“Have you lost a few marbles?” she spat.
“Huh?”
“You were sent to do a job. Do you really think your council will let you knock up a woman so you can procreate? You will have to stay here an extra year if you have sex. And you’ll still have to destroy demons. So stop thinking with your dick and focus on why you were sent here.”
A small part of her felt bad he couldn’t have children. He’d died at a young age and had much to offer. He had a loving heart, a caring soul, quick wits, patience, and a wonderful sense of humor. She could picture him as a good father. But if he let his urgings control him, he wouldn’t be able to return to heaven timely. Even if he was fine with that, Emily doubted the people in charge upstairs would allow him to stay on Earth indefinitely. They gave him a sentence to fulfill and they likely planned to make sure he did.
He let out a heavy sigh. “Those angels are so adorable. How could anyone not love their baby?”
She needed him to stop thinking about the infants and sex so he could concentrate on his mission. “So you met the demon. How did that go?”
“It went well. I mentioned the name of the street we lived on.”
“What did she say?”
“She realized we’re neighbors. I asked if she would be interested in carpooling. I thought maybe it would be a good way for me to take her somewhere and kill her.”
Emily gripped the wheel tighter. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
“Why? She’ll be alone with me and I can take her anywhere.”
“Andrew, she’ll be with you because you’re both scheduled to work at the same time. I’m one hundred percent confident she’d tell her husband about riding in to work with you, which means someone will know. If she didn’t show up to work, people will start to ask questions.”
“But there wouldn’t be any proof,” he argued in a soft tone as if he weren’t confident in his response.
“Maybe, maybe not. But you would be the number one suspect the police would look at. You don’t want that kind of attention. They would likely search my Jeep or her car for any traces of blood, hair, or fibers. They might ask for anyone who might have seen the car or you two together…”
“How did you get so smart about this stuff?”
“Television. There are a lot of crime shows. There’s even a channel now.”
“I guess I’ll stick to my original plan and kill her at the hospital,” he said in a sullen tone.
“I know you want to destroy her quickly before she hurts another child, but you have to be more careful this time. There are too many people who can raise concerns and point fingers.”
She shifted her gaze from the road to glance at him. He was looking at her with downcast eyes. She wondered if the reality of her words had dampened his mood. She hadn’t intended to bring him down, but he needed to be aware of the risks involved in killing this demon.
“I’m looking out for your best interest,” she added.
“I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“I’m sure you would’ve charmed some other girl into helping you.”
“But there’s only one you.”
She took another glimpse at him. The serious expression on his face gave her pause for concern. Did he truly believe she was the only one capable of helping him complete his tasks? “I’m sure you could’ve found someone to work with you. The research is more time consuming than difficult. And there are generous people who could have taken you to wherever you needed to go.”
“It’s more than that,” he said so softly she almost didn’t hear him. “So, what did you do while I was gone?” he asked in his normal voice.
The change of subject took her by surprise, but she followed along. “I slept mostly after Troy called since there was a storm that had passed through.”
“What did Troy have to say?”
“He told me he got a call from the hospital. I thanked him for putting in a good word for you.”
“Was that it?”
Emily sighed as she considered if she should share the rest of the conversation she’d had with Troy. Some parts she didn’t want to discuss again.
“He said he’s staying busy in New York. I asked him if he was okay and he danced around answering my question. I told him if he needed my assistance I would fly out to help.”
“Doesn’t he work with criminals?”
“Well…” She thought of the right words to use. Troy often got jobs from people who broke the law, but they stole from drug dealers, big-time thieves, greedy men and women, and politicians. Troy never robbed common working folk. And he avoided doing business with anyone connected to the mafia. “He does things that are illegal in nature.”
“So you would be helping him with his illegal activities?”
“I have before. It’s not a big deal. He’s my best friend and would give his life for me. I’d do the same for him.” She recalled a time when Troy had killed a couple of men. They’d thought they were in the clear and had left the property on foot through a heavily wooded area. Two punk-ass guys had followed them and had surprised them with gunfire as they reached her car. Troy hadn’t hesitated and he’d killed both. Of course, nothing was ever mentioned to the police or in the papers since the guys he’d shot had been working for a big-time drug dealer.
Andrew turned his gaze to the window. He remained silent for several minutes while she drove.
“You could get hurt if you help him,” Andrew said in a low tone.
“The same can happen while I’m with you. We’ve been through this before.” She gripped the wheel tighter as frustration built within her. She’d argued about the same matter too many times with both men. If she had to state her position again, she was going to go postal on his ass.
“I don’t want to lose you.”
“He said he’s fine, so relax. I’m not going anywhere. But I won’t let him down if he needs me.”
; Andrew said nothing more and stared out the window. They were minutes away from the house.
“Did Troy have anything else to say?” Andrew asked as she reached the last intersection.
“He told me he deposited the proceeds from selling my diamonds and he had deducted his fees for his services in New York and your credentials.”
“I was going to pay him.”
“He said one transaction was better than multiple ones.” The light turned and she accelerated.
“Tell me what I owe you for both and I’ll give you the cash.”
“I’m not worried about it.”
“I know, but I said I’d pay. It was my fault you went to jail and the documentation was all for me.”
“Relax, husband. That stuff can wait for later.”
Emily had zero worry about getting paid back. Andrew was as honest and loyal as Troy. If she ever needed money or anything, she knew either man could help. But she never relied on them. She never depended on anyone.
She steered the vehicle into the neighborhood. As she neared the house, she pressed the button for the garage door on the small device fastened to her visor. The wide door began to rise. She drove up the driveway and into the open garage.
“It’s good to be home,” he said as she shifted the gear into park.
“Even if it’s only a temporary one?” She cut the engine.
“It’s not really the place I’m glad to see, it’s being with my wife.”
She grabbed her purse from behind his seat. “Come on, I’ll fix breakfast. We don’t have to go anywhere, so you can spend the day lounging if you’d like.”
“As long as I’m with you, I’m happy,” he said before he pushed open his door.
His comment brought an instant smile to her face. She couldn’t recall a time when anyone had ever said such a kind statement. It made her feel appreciated. For a fake husband, he wasn’t so bad. He respected her, acted as the gentleman he was, and paid her gratitude frequently. Aside from his constant flirtations and occasional moves that fired up her hormones, he was a good guy with a kind heart. If she could remember to keep her eyes, hands, and lips off her husband, then their marriage could work out. If only she could.
Chapter Fifteen
Andrew stood in the bathtub with his hands against the wall. The spray fell over his head while water cascaded down his body. He’d finished washing his hair and body and had decided to relax under the shower. At least, until his erection went down more. The minute he’d gotten in the car and had seen Emily’s beautiful face, his cock had stiffened. The scrubs had hid his hard-on well since they had been baggy on him. He loved talking to her and hearing her soft voice. If only he could have her and show her how much he cared for her.
He stepped back and pushed his drenched hair away from his forehead. His locks had grown since he’d arrived on Earth and were in need of a trim. He needed to mention it to Emily so she could take him for a cut soon.
Facing the far wall, the spray massaged his shoulders. He wished Emily were in the shower with him. The image of her naked and wet was one he enjoyed. Of course, he’d have to clean every inch of her with his hands and then his tongue. After he was done, he would fill her with his hard cock and make her come again. Damn him, he needed to stop thinking such thoughts. They weren’t calming his erection.
The matter with Troy had bothered him, but he kept silent on the matter. She had a close relationship with him that couldn’t be broken. He knew he couldn’t stop her from leaving if Troy asked for her help. He hoped Troy’s request would never come, but if it did, Andrew would have to go with her. Troy was dangerous and his actions were criminal in nature. At some point all the bad shit would catch up to him. Karma was a holy bitch. Andrew couldn’t stand the idea of Emily getting involved, and he hated to think something could happen to her. He’d fight his last breath to save and protect her.
Andrew turned the handle on the faucet and brought an end to the shower. Sulking didn’t sit well with him. He preferred to take life by the balls, but he wasn’t dumb enough to risk losing the woman he loved.
Dripping wet, he stepped from the tub and grabbed his towel. He headed for the vanity as he patted his face and torso. Steam covered the top quarter of the large mirror, but he could still see most of his reflection. His facial hair hadn’t grown much, so he could wait to shave later.
The scent of bacon drifted into the room. Standing in front of the vanity, he smiled. The woman he pined for was fixing him breakfast.
For a fake wife, she treated him very well. She’d brought him water while he’d mowed the lawn. She’d been kind enough to fix him food to take to work. She’d cooked him a meal before his shift and now after it. Her actions proved she held affection for him. If he could get to open up and acknowledge how she truly felt, they could release their passions and indulge their desires. But he had yet to figure out how to accomplish such a feat.
He ran the towel over his head and then his body again before he tossed the cloth over the shower rack to dry. Upon his return to the vanity, he spotted a box between the sinks. He lifted it and read the back. The contents contained coloring for hair. The woman on the front had brown hair. He wondered when Emily planned to dye her locks. He’d love to see her natural shade, but he doubted he’d get the chance since she was trying to hide from the police. After setting the kit down, he rolled his stick of deodorant under his arms.
The aroma of bacon roused his hunger. He hoped the food was almost ready. Naked, he strolled out of the bathroom and into the adjoining room. The blankets on his inflatable mattress had been neatly folded. He presumed Emily had straightened them. From the closet, he withdrew a pair of boxers and slid them on. After he tugged a shirt from a hanger, he headed for the door.
Emily stood in front of the stove. She had a tall pot sitting on one burner and a pan on another. She took a pancake from the pan and flipped it over. A plate of bacon sat to the left of the stove and popped in the pot. She glanced his way before she checked on the sizzling strips.
“I hope you’re hungry,” she said.
“Starved.” Shirt in hand, he passed behind her and headed for the cabinets. A stack of pancakes sat on a plate. “Are those blueberry cakes?”
“Yes, sir.” She carried a strip of bacon from the pot to the nearby dish.
“You are the best wife ever.”
Grinning, she turned to face him. While her gaze lingered over his chest, her expression changed to a more solemn one. Then she returned her attention to the stove.
“Everything will be ready soon,” she said as she lifted a side of the pancake in the pan.
“Can I help with anything?”
“Yeah, why don’t you set some plates and forks on the table.”
“Got it.” He tossed his shirt over his shoulder before he gathered dishes from the cabinet. The cabinet door thudded after he’d shut it. He opened a drawer with the utensils and dug out forks. Hands full, he headed for the dining room.
“I really appreciate you cooking for me,” he said as he reached the table. “But don’t feel obligated to do it. I was a single man for a long time, so I know how to fix food for myself.” He set the plates and silverware near their usual seats and then set his shirt over the back of his chair.
“I don’t mind.” She headed toward him carrying the plate full of pancakes. “Besides, I’m not doing much. You’re working long hours. It seems fair for me to cook meals for you.” She set the dish on the table.
Andrew captured one of her hands. “You don’t have to cook if you don’t want to.” He gave her hand a light squeeze.
Her gaze lowered to his chest as he’d hoped, but not for long. She looked away from him and withdrew from his grasp. “I have to get the rest of the food.” She headed for the kitchen. “You should put your shirt on.”
He sighed in frustration. He enjoyed having her gaze on him and knew she did too. Her reluctance to gaze at him seemed ridiculous. They were two adults with mutual feelings for ea
ch other. Why not share them? He left his chair and headed to the kitchen.
She grabbed the syrup bottle sitting on the counter. He walked up behind her as she spun and took a step. She almost bumped into him.
“We should talk,” he said.
“Now?”
“You’re avoiding me.”
“You’re practically naked.”
“You want me.”
She held up her free hand. “I will admit to enjoying the view. And it’s fair to say we’re both adults with needs. But we can’t act on them. You can’t.”
“We can do other things. We shouldn’t deny what we want from each other.”
She shook her head. “This is not the time to discuss this. The food will get cold,” she said with a trace of irritation in her tone.
“Okay, but we should talk later. Can you at least promise me that?”
She sighed heavily, delaying her response. “We can talk later.”
With a slight grin, he grabbed the plate full of bacon and headed for the dining table. His victory might have been small, but it counted nonetheless. Although he hungered more for her lips and body than for the food she’d prepared, he didn’t want to push her into anything. She was a strong-willed woman and had a fierce temper if it came to life. He sensed her resistance, so his best option was to avoid starting an argument and ask for her commitment to discuss what they can do to satisfy their needs. The diplomatic approach to foreplay had to work. And if it didn’t, he would find another way to break her out of her shell so they could enjoy each other’s passions.
Chapter Sixteen
Emily woke from her nap and quietly walked out of her bedroom. Voices from the television drifted down the hall. She reached the living room and found Prince Charming still sleeping on his side on the sofa. His head rested on one of the pillows while his body took up the rest of the cushions. His knees were bent since he was taller than the length of the couch. The blanket she’d put on him had been moved to his legs. He’d left his t-shirt on so she couldn’t admire his chest. Although she wanted to look, she didn’t need to stir up her hormones.
