Page 20 of Reapers Don’t Ride

“The team leader’s son?

“That’s right. Do you mind if I lie next to you on the tarp? We’ll need to become accustomed to close proximity if we’re going to pull this off.

I held up my handcuffs. “Of course. I’m perfectly safe and incapable of killing you in your sleep since I have these pretty bracelets on.”

He rolled over, pinning me against the side of the ship, his body pressing against my leg. “I know. They do nothing other than cut off the influence of those around you, which makes them very pretty indeed. You aren’t going to kill me because you never kill anyone who isn’t a threat, or someone you’re forced to execute.”

“I…” I swallowed hard as he closed his pretty eyes and his face relaxed. He was going to sleep like this? With me in this position where I could kill him in so many ways? It wasn’t safe. It wasn’t smart. But it was extremely sweet. So sweet.

For a long time, I sat there, listening to his heart beat, watching his steady pulse slow as he went under. He looked like an angel with his face relaxed in sleep, happy, at peace, like he didn’t have death riding him. I hesitated and then touched his hair, careful not to disturb him as I felt the silky strands. I watched him sleep. Sleep was so interesting, counting his breaths, the silences between breaths, until I felt his peace soak into me, spreading like his goodness until I closed my eyes and relaxed against the side of the ship. Not sleeping, because vampires don’t sleep, but deeply relaxed and truly content. Sometimes we pass out, sometimes go into hibernation, but neither of those is a true sleep state. Soaking in the angel was the sweetest dream I could have had. Not that I could have had it because vampires don’t dream.

A sound and a flash of light had me standing, moving in front of Gavriel to protect him from this new, burning threat that stood on the ship’s deck, staring at me with bright golden eyes. He blinked, and the gold melted away, showing pretty blue that went with his golden hair. It was dawn, and he looked splendid with the sun catching his strands.

“How are things?” he asked, directing the question at the angel behind me.

Gavriel stood and moved beside me, putting an arm around my shoulder. “Shockingly complicated. First, she tried to kill my commander, but I stopped her because she has too much goodness in her soul and needs saving.”

The blond figure blinked at Gavriel, brows furrowing. “And second?”

“We are running for our lives to a small group of outcasts and misfits, one of whom is Lorien, and there we are to hide until our love can be free to bloom unhindered.” Gavriel said it so sincerely.

I couldn’t help looking at him and saw the affection in his eyes as he gazed at me in return. My heart felt so heavy in my chest, aching to believe him. “You’re a very good actor. Good thing you’re the one who has to play the part of love-struck angel.” I turned towards Richard. “I’m the cold and ruthless murderer who uses angels for her own ends,” I informed him.

He nodded shortly. “Yes, but there should be a growing affection for the angel who would sacrifice everything for you. At the very least, that would appeal to your ego, even if you are incapable of more tender feelings.”

I winced. I’d been willing to sacrifice everything for David, but it hadn’t seemed to make any difference to him. “Yes, my ego is delighted. I take it you’re Richard, the Team Leader’s son?”

The newcomer blinked at me, then glanced at Gavriel. “The Team Leader talked to her?”

“Yes. He interviewed her in jail before he allowed me to release her.”

“Ah. You have your soul?” Richard asked, frowning into my eyes. “Yes, you do. But how?”

“Do you always ask such personal questions?”

“Yes. Gavriel never answers, but that doesn’t stop me from asking. Have you drunk from him? I’ve told him a thousand times that he should try it. He’s always stressed out. He’s so noble, you know, and nobility equals stress. Nothing is as relaxing as being bitten by a vampire.”

“I don’t drink from live prey. It’s too connected, and I’m a hardened killer. Truly. It won’t be an act for me.” Except that I would try not to act like I was starting to be obsessed with the angel of death.

Richard nodded soberly. “You’re almost too honest to believe, but that bright soul makes it impossible not to see your sincerity. I suppose I should chase the two of you, causing a great scene worthy of an angel before I lose you in the labyrinth of the undercity. The shadows of death will help. Lorien, hm? And of course Gavriel wants to save him, not just torture whatever information we can get out of him before he’s executed.”

Gavriel was looking at Richard with a tinge of disapproval. “We used to be friends.”

“Before he stole my favorite holy artifact and insulted my sister. And betrayed our entire troop. But sure, we can still be friends.” He drew a sword that had golden fire licking up and down its length. “Are you ready to go or do you need to snuggle some more?”

I straightened my spine and glared at him. “Snuggle?”

“Yes, that’s what you were doing before you leapt to defend him from the threat. To be fair, I am definitely a threat. That’s exactly how you should act while undercover: protective, affectionate, the soft side of the hardened killer. I’m going to enjoy this chase scene. I’ll have to singe you, Gav, or no one will believe it’s real.”

Gavriel grunted. “And I’ll have to reciprocate for the sake of believability, of course. Are you ready?” he asked, turning to me, taking my hands and looking at me intently, eyes so soft and concerned.

I cleared my throat and held his gaze. “To destroy a demon? Always.”

He smiled and then picked me up in a bridal carry, dark blades of death stretching out on either side of him. “I’ll be more gentle this time, so you don’t faint.”

“I didn’t faint; I passed out. There’s a difference,” I protested, but I was feeling distinctly maidenly in this position, completely in his power, trusting him not to drop me, but also to release me as soon as he could. The gown really didn’t help me feel tough and capable.

Richard snickered. “Arguing like a real couple. Cute. All right. Let’s go knock down some buildings.”