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She was looking at him with such awe and reverence in her eyes, he couldnt bear it. He turned away, feeling centuries of despair and remorse seeping through him like poison. Hed lost his faith long ago. And his hope.
Actually, thered been a tiny spark of hope when hed thought Marielle was going back to heaven. But Buniel had dropped her,and Connors hopes had fallen along with her. Maybe if he could help her get back to heaven, it would somehow wash away some of his sins. Did he dare have hope?
What is this? She had spread a pair of jeans and a T-shirt on the bed, but now she was pulling underwear out of the tote bag.
Thats a bra. Ye wear it over yer . . . br**sts. He frowned. It didnt look big enough. Nay, under yer clothes, he added when she placed it on top of the sheet. Ye have to take the sheet off.
Oh. She removed the chip clip and tossed it on the bed.
No now!
She jumped, startled by his shout.
He lowered his voice. Ye doona dress, or undress, in front of men.
She gave him a frustrated look. Youve seen me before. I thought you might help.
He stepped back. Nay. I canna.
Why not?
He shoved a hand through his hair. The bra fastens in the back, the jeans in the front.
All right. She regarded him curiously. Is it because you feel . . . desire?
He groaned. Yere the most beautiful . . . woman to ever set foot on the planet. Any man would desire you.
She gave him a dubious look. I dont think so. Father Andrew looks at me like Im a holy shrine. Robby regards me with suspicion, and Gregori
Hes a pig.
She smiled. He means no harm. Hes merely . . . playful.
A playful pig.
Her smile widened. Will you take my hand?
In marriage? Connors heart lurched, then he slapped himself mentally. Ye fool. Angels doona marry. She only wanted to hold his hand.
He enveloped her hand in his. When their palms touched, he sucked in a quick breath. His heartbeat quickened, and his grip tightened.
You felt that? She sandwiched his hand between both of hers. At first, I thought there was something odd about handshakes, but I felt nothing when the others held my hand. It is most . . . curious, dont you think?
Marielle. He winced when she brought his hand to her chest. Holy Christ Almighty, he could feel the soft fullness of her br**sts. His sight darkened, turning red.
She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. Ive been trying to understand this. I thought it might be lust, but Ive always considered sin to be ugly and ultimately destructive. This doesnt feel like that. What would you call it?
He swallowed hard. Desire. Longing.
Her eyes widened with wonder. Yes. Thats it, exactly.
He grabbed the back of her neck to pull her forward, then halted with his mouth less than an inch from hers. Bloody hell, he had sworn he wouldnt do this. If he kissed her, she would see more of his soul.
She released his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. Yes, she repeated, and all restraint was lost.
He kissed her, releasing all the passion that had built up over the night. How he could feel so much, so quickly, he didnt know, but Marielle had fallen out of heaven and straight into his life, awakening his long-dead senses and filling him with purpose.
He would protect her with his life. He would see her safely back to heaven. And the small seed of hope in his heart would grow because a beautiful angel cared for him. Even desired him.
She pressed against him, kissing him back, tangling her fingers in his hair. How could he be doomed when she desired him?
He invaded her mouth and tasted chocolate on her tongue. She moaned, sinking deeper into the kiss. His hands smoothed down her back, enjoying the indentation of her spine, the narrowing of her waist, the flare of her hips.
He slipped a hand into the side opening of the sheet, and she shivered as his fingers swept across her ribs. He cupped her breast, and she gasped against his mouth.
He planted kisses along her cheek, then nuzzled her ear. He circled her nipple with his thumb, and the skin pebbled. By the time he brushed his thumb across her nipple, it had hardened into a tight bud.
Ive been wanting to touch you again. He kissed a trail down her neck.
She clutched his shoulders. II thought you didnt like my br**sts.
He lifted his head and gave her a fierce look. That was my guilt ye were seeing after I groped an angel. Yer br**sts are the most beautiful Ive ever seen . . . or touched. He gave her a gentle squeeze.
With a moan, she closed her eyes. Im so glad you like them.
Are ye now? Would ye care to know how much I like them?
Her eyes opened slowly. How
A knock sounded on the door. He jumped back.
Is everything all right in there? Father Andrew asked.
Bugger, the door wasnt even locked. Just a minute. He grabbed the chip clip and fastened the sheet back together. Are ye all right? he whispered.
She nodded.
Ill leave you to get dressed.
She nodded again, looking a bit dazed.
He touched her cheek. Yell be fine.
She smiled. Yes. Go ahead.
He eased out the door and shut it behind him. Father Andrew stood nearby, watching him closely.
Robby stood by the couch, his arms folded over his chest, and a scowl on his face. Gregoris eyes twinkled with amusement.
Is Marielle all right? Father Andrew asked.
Connor felt his cheeks grow warm. Shes feeling better now.
Gregori snorted, and Robby nudged him with an elbow.
May I have a word with you in private? Father Andrew motioned toward the back door.
As ye wish. A memory flitted through Connors mind as he walked to the door. The first time hed stolen a kiss had been in the church belfry. The girl had burst into tears, and the priest had boxed his ears.
Hopefully his kissing had improved. He glanced at the priests stony face. Some things just never changed.
Chapter Nine
Connor remained silent as he joined the priest in the clearing behind the cabin. Father Andrew was gazing at the stars, murmuring a prayer, his breath frosting in the chilly night air.
The priest crossed himself, then turned to Connor. I have to thank you. This has been a . . . momentous occasion for me.
Connor hid his surprise. Hed expected the priest to berate him. Do ye think Shanna will be all right?
Yes. The priest gazed at the stars once more. I have faith she will come through.
Connor nodded. Out of habit, he scanned the woods, looking for danger. Then maybe Roman will be able to forgive me.
I believe he will. Father Andrew glanced at Connor. Can you forgive yourself?
He winced. Roman is the one who transformed me. Tis a serious offense in our world to betray ones sire.
The priests eyebrows rose. And Romans sire was Casimir?
Yes. Casimir hates all of us Vamps, but he harbors a special hatred for Roman. That betrayal was personal.
I see. Father Andrew nodded thoughtfully. Still, I dont think what happened tonight constitutes a betrayal. It was an accident. You had no way of knowing.
I should have known. The warning signs were there. Just like they were before hed lost his wife and child. He was always too damned blind, and it was the ones he loved who paid for his mistakes. I have a long history of screwing up.
You might feel better if you talked about it.
He gave the priest a wry look. Weve had this conversation before. I confess nothing.
Stubborn as always. Father Andrew smiled slightly. That can be a virtue in dangerous times. Im sure you realize that Marielle needs a protector.
He nodded. She is wise in spiritual matters, but na?¯ve when it comes to surviving in this world.
Yes, that, too, but Im mostly concerned about the demon you mentioned.
Darafer.
Father Andrew crossed himself. Do you think hell come back?
Im sure of it. He considers her a fallen angel.
She needs protection. Will you do it? The priest regarded him sternly. I do not ask it lightly. I will expect you to defend her with your life.
Connor swallowed hard. I will.
Ill print out some special prayers I want you to have on hand. And Ill make sure you have some vials of holy water.
Connor snorted. I would feel better with a few swords.
The priest gripped him on the shoulder. The demon will attack where you are the weakest. You must be as strong in your faith as you are in physical strength.
Then he was most likely doomed. I have never found faith to be easy.
Of course not. That is the nature of faith. The priest squeezed his shoulder. I have faith in you. And more importantly, Marielle has faith in you. I can see there is a bond between you. She trusts you.
I am no worthy
None of us are worthy, Father Andrew snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes. With a sigh, he dropped his hand. Do you know why I became a priest?
