Page 123 of Trust the Fall

The words come to me as if I’m simply the puppet, and a ventriloquist is doing the speaking.

“The Nephilim need somebody to help guide them into their powers. Someone to keep humans safe. You’re the only one I trust to do that.”

“If not him, then who?” Michael asks.

“I’ll go,” River says, speaking for the first time.

Camille’s gaze snaps to his. “River, Solis needs you.”

He doesn’t turn to her, keeping his eyes trained on me. “The reaper kingdom has plenty of amazing guards, but I’d recommend that Caterine be moved into my position.” He takes a step toward me, voice lowering. “I need some time away from Solis, and I think this would be a worthy assignment, if you agree, Victoria.”

I nod once, because he would be perfect, and I know he needs to get away from Camille. She’s broken his heart by calling off their pseudo-relationship.

“Then it’s all set. Michael and the angels will help River fortify the barriers of Purgatory, and Luke and I will speak to the subjects of Hell about the opportunity to gain their wings. We’ll all meet back here in an Earth month to give updates on the progress.”

“Anything else?” Michael asks, looking at me with something akin to pride.

I’ve gotten closer with Camille, but I’m still keeping them both at arm’s length. Michael, even more so. A day will come when I’m ready to put the past in the past, but it’s not today.

I shake my head. “That’s it for now.”

Michael and Camille come to my side despite my standoffish behavior.

“We’re very proud of you, Victoria. God is too,” Michael says, and I offer him a small smile. “Camille,” Michael says, tipping his head.

“Michael.” Camille says his name curtly, and I wonder how long she’ll hold on to this unaffected façade.

I know how she feels about him. It’s intense. Reckless.

Much like my feelings for the devil who’s beckoning me toward him.

“Excuse me,” I say, not waiting for a response from either of them.

My reason for breathing is staring at me like I’m the flame and he the powerless moth, but it’s the other way around. All reason escapes me when I look at him.

It’s always been this way, and I don’t doubt it always will be.

“Love... if you keep gawking at me like that, I’m sure to incur the wrath of your father when I strip you naked right here and have my wicked way with you.”

I pull him to me, wrapping my arms around his neck, breathing in the scent that is all him.

“You’re not wicked, Luke.”

He raises a brow in protest. “Care to tempt me into proving my wickedness?”

“I’ll take whatever you offer. I’m yours for the taking.”

He grins, sealing his lips to mine.

He doesn’t need to say the words. I know what he’s thinking.

Mine. Forever.