But Jacinda? She knew. For Gabriel and his witch-demon, there were no more secrets but the ones they kept together. They were partners in every way, just as they’d promised each other—a vow more sacred than any he’d made before or since.
And with Jace at his side, Gabriel knew he’d figure out how to bring Malcolm back. How to make his family whole again—the brothers bound to him by blood as well as the people bound to him by love. For Gabriel, there was no longer a difference.
“I think my New Year’s Eve date is trying to ditch me,” a soft, sexy voice whispered against his neck. The scent of earth and black pepper drifted through the air. “Don’t suppose you’d like to fill in?”
Gabriel laughed, and at the press of her lips on his cheek, something warmed inside him.
Ah, there it was again.
Hope.
How long had he lived without it? How many decades had he lived in darkness, sleepwalking from one night to the next?
Never again.
He turned to face his woman, running a hand down to her hip.
She wore a short satin dress that clung to every curve, as black as obsidian, her hair twisted into an elegant braid that wrapped around her head like a silver crown, showing off her bare neck and shoulders.
Her lush red smile was all for him.
“You look…” Gabriel marveled at the sight, his heart kicking his ribs, his cock stirring.
He couldn’t find the word. Didn’t even bother to try. It didn’t exist.
“It’s almost midnight,” Jacinda said, her eyes sparkling. “I was hoping to find someone to kiss.”
“Someone?No particular qualifications?”
“Hmm. I’d like him to be cute, of course. Well-dressed. Maybe a little mouthy.” She leaned in close. “Know anyone who might be available?”
He traced his thumb along her jaw, down to her collarbone, skimming the top edge of her breasts. “I think I might.”
“Does this mean you’re going to kiss me, Gabriel Redthorne?” she whispered.
“Oh, I’mabsolutelygoing to kiss you, little moonflower. But not yet. And not here.” He held out his arm. “Fancy a walk?”
They headed downstairs and out onto St. Mark’s Place, the night crisp and cool, a light snow dusting the tops of the buildings that surrounded them.
Gabriel removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, and she leaned in closer, letting out a soft sigh of contentment.
They hadn’t had much time alone since they’d been back—Gabriel wanted to give her time with her father, who was still acclimating to his return. He’d been staying in Dorian’s guest house while he and Jacinda looked for a new place for him upstate. As an earth mage who’d been denied access to actual earth for a quarter-century, the man had no interest in living in the city now.
As far as Gabriel knew, he’d only been back to Manhattan once since his return from hell—to take his daughter to Rockefeller Center.
Gabriel was grateful they’d been able to save him. With her mother and sister gone and her father returned to her, Jacinda had never been so happy. So at peace.
But now, he took a moment to appreciate the fact that they were alone, enjoying a few quiet moments outside before the clock struck twelve.
“Gabriel,” she whispered, and the sudden urgency in her voice made him stop.
“I have something to say to you,” she continued, “but every time I try to figure out how, the words get all tangled up. I feel like I should apologize, but the fact that you’re even standing here…” She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m not sorry.”
He cupped her face. “Not sorry for what, love?”
“It’s just…” She pressed her lips together. Shook her head. Sighed. “Youdiedthat night, Prince. You were seconds away from turning to ash. I know how you feel about resurrection, but I didn’t know what else to do. I felt your soul leaving your body, and I just… I couldn’t let you go.”
“Jacinda—”
