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Theo stood at an angle in conversation with Walt, who held a matching shiny blue robe in his hands, enabling Daniel to ogle the angel. His shaggy blond hair was slicked back into a tiny ponytail, his sky-blue gaze intense as he listened to Walt. Theo wiggled his broad shoulders, drawing Daniel’s gaze to them before he slid his appreciation downward to the smooth chest, cut abs, and over the light blue shorts to admire the muscular, furred thighs and toned calves as Theo bounced on his toes.
And when he turned…Dear God…A colorful backpiece stretched from Theo’s neck to the edge of the waistband. A haloed angel, his head bent, nearly nuzzling a man he held in his arms… No, that wasn’t a man; it was a demon. The glossy black wings that faded toward the tips gave it away. The urge to get upfront and personal with that man and that tat…
He must have made a sound, because Theo turned to face him, a wide smile crossing his face. The angel sailed across the small divide, lifted Daniel off his feet, and spun him around. Daniel had no choice but to hang onto his shoulders for dear life, and maybe for other reasons.
“Daniel…” Theo eased him to the ground. “I haven’t been this nervous since… well, a long time.”
Daniel imagined that time was probably thousands of years ago. He held Theo’s biceps, subtly squeezing them and tamping down on wondering what they’d feel like around his body. That is, if he wasn’t wearing any clothes, either. “You’re going to do great. Remember, I’ve seen you in battle. I couldn’t hear what you said, but whatever it was, you totally threw that de— guy off. It put him off-guard.”
Theo cocked his head, and then his eyes grew wide. “Heavens, you really did witness that.”
Daniel nodded, letting go but trailing his fingertips down Theo’s arms until he could catch and hold the angel’s hands. “Please… Keep yourself safe.”
Theo squeezed Daniel’s hands, then let go and gently took Daniel’s face between his palms. “I will. That is a promise I will make to you always. I must keep myself safe so that I can protect you.”
“I don’t need—” Daniel wrinkled his nose.
“Please… It’s what I need.”
Why an angel needed anything was beyond Daniel, but he nodded anyway, hoping the answer to why Theo felt compelled to protect him might materialize at any moment. Besides, Theo had looked stricken and only relented when he’d agreed to his protection.
“There’s the man of the hour!” Mr. Troy bellowed, pushing through the swinging door of the locker room, striding up to Theo, and forcing them apart.
On second thought, protection isn’t such a bad thing.Daniel stepped to the side where he could watch and listen as Troy spoke with Theo.
“I’m told you have some sweet artwork,” Troy said. “Turn around. Let me see.”
As Theo turned, he caught sight of Daniel and held his gaze while Troy expressed his delight. Like a spider to a fly, Daniel stepped closer. He wanted to be in the arms of his angel.
“The feathers of these wings look almost real,” Troy whispered, raising his hand.
Oh, hell no! Daniel snatched the robe from Walt’s hands and flung it across Theo’s shoulders. “We’re nearly out of time, Mr. Troy. You should get back out there and get comfortable before the match starts.”
Troy’s gaze cut to Daniel, his eyes flashing red before settling to a nearly black ring. “You’re right. Do me proud.” He clapped Theo’s arm and strode from the locker room.
Daniel expelled his breath in a loud whoosh. Strong arms surrounded him and he curled into Theo’s chest, resting his cheek against the warm flesh. As a calming peace overcame him, he blissfully wondered if he could just stay there forever.
Theo’s light chuckle roused him, however. “Though I don’t want to let you go, I do have a fight to win.”
The roar of the crowd filled the room. “Let’s go,” Walt said, holding open the door.
Daniel half-heartedly grumbled as he stepped back. “Fine, but you better win.”
Theo chucked him under the chin. “You bet I will.”
Thelial
Theo wanted to steal a good-luck kiss from Daniel, but he held himself in check. They weren’t there just yet. Soon, he hoped.Soon.
He followed Walt from the locker room toward the crowd. Walt stuck out his arm, and Theo halted abruptly enough that Daniel bumped into him from behind. Without looking, Theo reached back and snagged Daniel’s hand. His mate’s palm was sweaty and a little shaky, but as the seconds ticked by, and Daniel pressed closer to his back, he seemed to settle.
It was barely audible, and Theo doubted he was supposed to hear, but Daniel’s murmur hit him squarely in the chest. “Hey God, I know I’m probably the last person you expected to hear from, but look over your angel, okay?”
Heavens…
Indeed, came the reply, along with a rush of peace and power.
Theo inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as he held Daniel to him. He was about to turn when the Master of Ceremonies began the introductions.
