AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Look. I’m going to grab us a coffee, then we’re getting out of this part of town. We can come back tonight. Sure, a bit less prepared but also not getting kicked out. I noticed a side entrance and the gate is broken. We can get in there,” Jayce says as he takes control of the chaos.
“Thanks,” I say but I don’t take my eyes off of Eli as he nearly knocks a lady over. As he passes back by I grab him and yank him toward me. He almost falls but catches himself against the brick wall I’m leaning against and I take the moment to press my lips to his. It’s a kiss of desperation and he returns it, focusing his energy on me instead. His hands lock onto my hips as he holds us together.
We don’t come up for air until the bell above the coffee shop door chimes again and he pulls back reluctantly, resting his forehead on mine.
“Damn, that’s a nice distraction,” he breathes out, his usual humor coming back a bit.
“There you are,” I smile up at him. “We, apparently, swapped moods.”
“I think we’re all hangry,” Jayce says, like we weren’t just making out on the sidewalk. “Coffee.” We each take ours and the hungry look he gives me as he hands mine over has me blushing and biting my lip.
“So, we grab lunch, head back and prepare, then come back?” I summarize.
“Yes,” Jayce says.
“Damn, it’s kind of hot when you get all bossy,” I tease, kissing him quickly before walking down the street where we parked our car. “My vote is we grab Mexican food on the way home.” They both groan.
“Not that awful food truck one, right?” Eli protests. I turn around and grin at them, because we all know that’s where we’re going. Alejandro makes the best tacos, even if he gets a bit… creative sometimes.
“Shut up, you know his tacos are fantastic, just don’t get mac and cheese on it next time,” I tell him.
“True,” Jayce grumbles. “It was an awful choice. He shouldn't have the combinations he does. The nerd in me can’t help but try all the new ones.”
“Oh, I’m checking the menu already,” Eli chimes in, flipping his phone over to show his business page. “He’s got a new special. Buffalo chicken and chicken parmesan tacos.”
“Dammit,” Jayce curses and I laugh, knowing damn well he’s going to order both which means we get to watch him make faces. It’s definitely the right choice for a stressful afternoon. Despite how crazy our lives keep getting, at least we have each other. These guys make me laugh, turn me on, and make me feel safe.
Yet…why can’t I get Lucien out of my head?
Eli
The cemetery at eleven at night is a whole different world. Between the breeze rushing through the trees and the chime of the clocktower echoing in the night, I’m ready to tuck tail and run. I glance over at Jayce to see how he’s holding up.
In the dim light of the lantern he’s carrying, I can see him gulp. He’s scared, too. Only Raven is holding onto her determination at this point. I’m terrified another vision will hit me, and I don’t want to see any more death today.
Maybe once Stella is sent back to Hell, these gifts we were given will disappear, too. I’m not too keen on the thought of falling into the memories of the dead for the rest of my life. I’m not sure if Rav or Jayce have an aversion to theirs but I, for one, hate not being able to control when they happen or where…it’s a pain in the ass.
“Iris?” Raven asks, stopping a foot from the barely legible headstones in front of us.
“What? Is she here?” I whisper. My voice is low, the last thing I want is to scare her away.
“She’s standing right here.” Raven motions in front of her.
“What does she want?”
“I don’t know, yet. Hush up so I can hear her.”
I mutter ‘Sorry’ as I go to stand near Jayce.
“Are you here to help us? Iris, I can’t hear you.”
The expression on Raven’s face morphs from wonder to frustration.
“What’s wrong?” Jayce asks. I have the same question on the tip of my tongue but I was trying to hold out and not disturb her.
“I’m not sure, she’s really muffled. Like she’s talking to me behind glass or under water.”
“Is she still talking to you?” I ask this time.
