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She waved a dismissive hand. Its closed.
He leaped over the low fence. Come on. He grabbed her by the waist, lifted her over the fence, and deposited her next to him.
Connor, its not working.
He jumped onto the carousel platform and extended a hand to her. Trust me.
She placed her hand in his. He pulled her onto the platform, and it lurched into motion.
She gasped, stumbling to the side, but he steadied her. Music blared around them, a waltz played by a pipe organ. All the twinkling white lights came on.
Good heavens. Her eyes widened with astonishment. Its so beautiful.
Come. He led her to a white unicorn with a golden horn and saddle.
It was moving up and down, making it difficult for her to mount, so he levitated her up and placed her on the saddle. She tilted her head back and laughed.
When he climbed onto the horse next to her, she looked at him and laughed some more. Connor, youre riding a pink horse with a garland of flowers.
He glanced down and frowned. Bugger.
She laughed again, and his frown turned into a smile. When had he ever smiled this much in one evening? Never, not even as a human. Life had been too harsh back then, and survival had been a constant challenge.
He watched Marielle, marveling over the expression of pure joy on her face. What was really amazing was hed had a part in causing her joy. After centuries of misery and remorse, he hadnt even thought himself capable of joy.
Or love. His heart squeezed. Christ, he was falling hard.
Hey! a voice yelled over the music. What the hell are you doing here? The park is closed.
As the carousel swung around, he spotted the security guard taking out a cell phone.
Im calling the police!
Marielle gasped. Are we in trouble?
He jumped down from his horse and grabbed her. Trust me. He teleported, taking her with him.
They materialized eighty yards away. The carousel instantly went dark. The music and motion ground to a stop.
The security guard stared. What the hell?
Connor shot a surge of vampire mind control at him. Nothing happened. Yell go home, remembering nothing.
The guard wandered off toward the front gate. Connor smiled at Marielle and led her farther into the park. His heightened senses had picked up the scent of roses. Sure enough, they were soon in the midst of a rose garden.
Marielle pivoted to look around. Its a piece of heaven. She faced him and grinned. Thank you. Ill always remember this night.
So will I. He plucked a budding rose and handed it to her.
With a laugh, she accepted it. The bud unfurled into a large, beautiful blossom. But then it withered and turned brown. She dropped it with a horrified gasp.
Bugger. He should have known that would happen.
She stepped back. I killed it. Im sorry.
Nay, I killed it the minute I picked it.
She shook her head. I hate being a Deliverer. I hate it. Tears glimmered in her eyes. All I ever wanted was to be a Healer.
Ye are a Healer. He stepped toward her. Yere healing me.
Her eyes widened.
He moved closer. And closer. Her gaze held steady, never wavering from his face.
Holy Christ Almighty, he shouldnt do this. It would give her a chance to see into the black pit in his soul. She might learn what a rotten, coldhearted bastard he really was.
He touched her cheek. She didnt pull away.
Doona do it! He slid his hand around the back of her neck. Are ye going to stop me?
No, she whispered, and touched his chest.
And he was lost.
Chapter Thirteen
Marielles heart was pounding and melting at the same time. Her mind considered that unlikely, but she couldnt deny something was happening to her. Something different from last night.
Those kisses had been demanding, and Connors passion had left her weak in the knees and hardly able to think. Shed been instantly swept into a storm of glorious sensations, making her intensely aware of her new human body.
Now, somewhere in her bedazzled mind, she knew this kiss was different. He was tender. Hesitant. Almost . . . fearful. And in every gentle movement of his lips, she could sense why. He cares for you.
With a moan, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted him to know how much she cared, too. When he deepened the kiss, she melted into it. When he ran the tip of his tongue against her lips, she opened and let him inside.
Her intent had been to give, but with a small shock, she realized she was receiving, too. With each invasion of his tongue, she felt a spark sizzle down her body. It made her tremble. It made her want more.
She dug her fingers into his shoulders and pressed against him.
Marielle, he whispered, and trailed kisses down her neck.
More sparks tingled down her body. With another small shock, she realized all the sizzles were gathering between her legs, and a desperate need was building inside her. An empty ache that begged to be filled.
His hands cupped her rear end, and he pulled her against him.
She gasped. His groin was hard. And large. The empty ache inside her could only mean her human body wanted to join with his. And the two shall become one.
Good heavens! She pulled away. What am I doing?
Connor blinked, his eyes red and glowing. I Tis called making love.
She stepped back. Do these things really happen so quickly? We only met last night.
He frowned. I thought ye were beautiful the minute I saw you. And weve been through a hell of a lot together. Are ye denying there is something between us?
No. I Her emotions were all jumbled up, but there were a few things she knew for certain. She squared her shoulders. I care deeply for you, Connor Buchanan.
The red glow in his eyes intensified.
But I intend to go back to heaven. I need to stay . . .
His mouth twisted. Unsoiled?
She winced. I was going to say focused.
His eyes turned back to their normal smoky blue. Im a distraction.
No! You saved my life. I will always be grateful.
Is that what ye were doing? Showing gratitude? Next time, send me a card.
Thats not it! I was dangerously close to wanting sex! She grimaced and covered her mouth, but the words had already come out.
He looked shocked for a few seconds, but then he scoffed. A fate worse than death.
She curled her hand into a fist, ready to jam it down her own throat if she said anything else embarrassingly honest. Shed always been able to share any thoughts she had with the Heavenly Host, but the rules in the human world were confusingly different. And the emotions involved were more powerful than shed ever imagined. I dont think you understand.
I understand verra well. His face turned cold and blank. Ye need to stay pure and innocent. I doona resent that. Tis part of who ye are, and I doona wish to destroy yer chances of returning to heaven.
She lowered her hand. I do wish to retain my angelic nature.
Of course. He bowed his head. I apologize for molesting you.
You didnt molest me! She glared at him. You are a good and noble man, and I will not have you speak ill of yourself.
He snorted. What do ye expect from me, Marielle? I know damned well Im no good enough for you.
She made a noise of sheer frustration. You still dont understand. I do want you, Connor. I am . . . shocked by how much I want you.
His eyes widened. Ye want me?
Yes! But if the two become one, then you would be a part of me. How would I ever be able to leave you?
Yeye would have trouble leaving me?
Of course, you dolt! I told you I care deeply for you. Words have meaning, you know. She groaned inwardly. Shed done it again and said more than she should.
He continued to look stunned for a moment, then a twinkle lit up his eyes. Did ye just call me a dolt?
She winced.
That wasna verra angelic of you. He assumed a wounded expression. Words have meaning, ye know.
She narrowed her eyes. Careful. I can still knock you down with a blast of air.
A corner of his mouth tilted up. Still wanting a peek under my kilt, lass?
She couldnt help but smile. Youre incorrigible.
Aye. Thats why ye love me. He winced. I shouldna have said . . . tis merely an expression, I dinna mean to imply . . . He ran a hand through his hair.
It was almost a relief. She wasnt the only one saying more than she should. Still, the word love seemed to hang in the air between them. It was strange. Shed lived her entire existence surrounded by love. The Father was love, and shed always basked in its glow. But now, it had become a fearful, awkward thing that neither she nor Connor could admit to.
I will do everything in my power to help you get back to heaven, he said quietly. Ye have my word on that.
Thank you.
I should return you to the cabin. He stepped toward her. And then I need to drop by Romatech to give Angus a progress report.
