AllFreeNovel
Share Us
With a sigh, I gather up the books and put them back on the shelves, trying my best not to think about Hayliel and the fact that she might still be here.
It’s Sunday afternoon. I’m sure she has better things to do than sit in here alone.
Slipping my slate into the inner pocket of my leather jacket, I head toward the exit but stop when I hear a soft whimper from the back corner. I should ignore it and leave, but my legs keep moving forward until I see her. Hayliel.
Slumped over on the desk, she rests her head on her arms, her hair fanned out around her. What the hell is she doing in here? She should sleep in her room, not in this cold, drafty library. I consider waking her and telling her just that, but she seemed so worn out earlier.
Her relaxed face shifts into something like discomfort as she releases another soft whine. My heart nearly shatters at the sound, and I’m helpless to the need pulling me forward. My finger dances gently across her forehead until she relaxes once more.
I can’t just leave her here like this.
Pulling my slate from the pocket of my jacket, I check the time to make sure I won’t be late for the Guild before placing it quietly on the table beside her. She doesn’t move as I take off my jacket and drape it across her back.
The sight of her in my clothes turns my dick rock solid. I wish I could see the look on her face when she wakes up. Will she know it was me? Will she wear my jacket around campus? I hope she does. I fucking hope she wears it in front of her Pure boyfriends too.
Maybe then they’ll know they aren’t the only ones with a claim on her.
13
Thegentlebreezeofa warm evening caresses my feathers as I fly. Tucking in my wings, I swoop down toward the dock where Raphael waits. When I land, I can’t help the sharp intake of breath as I survey the setup in front of me.
Past the dock, draped across the sand, lies the same thick blanket from our last picnic. Raphael sits in one corner with a basket of food on the opposite one. Beyond him, the sky is bright with red, pink, and orange as the sun slowly sinks down, appearing to slip beneath the waves. I’m glad I stopped by my room to change before coming out. There’s no need for sweaters or some stranger’s leather jacket here.
“Holy shit. You did all of this?”
“Thiswas all me,” he says, gesturing to the picnic. “But I had no part in the beautiful views here tonight.”
He stares at me as he speaks, like he hasn’t noticed the gorgeous setting sun behind him and instead, he’s referring to me.
Something pricks in my chest, but not in a bad way. I feel alive in his presence, and not just because my heart thuds within my ribcage and the blood pumps quickly through my veins. It’s more than that, and it’s something I want to hold on to for as long as I’m able.
“Have you started eating without me?” I tease, taking the spot beside him that faces the ocean. He looks comfortable here on the beach with his platinum-blond hair, blue eyes, and a smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose. I bet he has more in the summer, too.
“I couldn’t very well show up here and embarrass myself again. What would you think of me then?” He says the words with a smile, like he’s trying to play it off as a joke, but I see beyond the clever mask.
Reaching forward, I clasp his hand in mine, squeezing gently. “I don’t like you because of your charm and fancy words. You’re so much more than that. Plus, your embarrassment is kind of cute.”
“So what you’re saying is you like me and think I’m cute.” He squeezes my hand back, looking completely satisfied with the direction of our conversation.
I laugh, rolling my eyes at him because, of course, that’s what he’d focus on. Even though I don’t want to, I pull my hand back from his and rub them together. “I’m starving. What did you bring me?”
His blue eyes sparkle as he sifts through the basket before pulling out two ham and swiss croissants, a bottle of sparkling apple cider with two paper cups, and a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries.
My jaw damn near drops to the blanket. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but none of this is on the school menu. Where the hell did you get this from?”
He smirks, running a hand through his hair like he’s satisfied with himself. “I might have convinced the lunch lady to let me plunder her pantry and spent all afternoon in the kitchen trying to make everything perfect.”
Heat emanates from my chest, spreading through my limbs with a speed I can’t control. He did all of that for me? “I … Raphael. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you.”
His ears turn pink, but the wide smile stays trapped on his face, showing off his pearly-white teeth. “Maybe don’t thank me until you’ve eaten some of it. If it’s bad, we can just blame Esme.”
“Deal. But I’m sure it’ll be delicious.” I reach for a strawberry, grabbing hold of the leafy green end before taking a bite. Fuck, these are good. I moan, savoring the sweet taste while seriously considering grabbing another.
Raphael only watches, his eyes a darker shade of blue now.
“Are you not having one?” I ask, almost breathless, though I can’t figure out why.Fine, that’s a lie. I know damn well why, and it has everything to do with the angel in front of me.
“We’ll see. Have as many as you want. Would you like some cider?”
