Page 113 of How Not to Date an Angel

Julian knew what they meant, remembering what they’d said about Atticus. How they hadn’t been able to help their friend. And now Melissa.

Julian understood now better than ever just what Rami had meant.

“I’m sorry,” Julian said.

There was a moment of silence, nothing but the sound of the tires against the asphalt of the road. “For what?” Rami asked finally.

“I don’t know,” Julian confessed. “Sorry it has to be this way, I guess.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know. Doesn’t make me any less sorry, though.”

“Well, like you said, she’ll be okay. She’ll be safe at the shelter, and once she files for the restraining order…”

Rami paused, and Julian didn’t want to push.

“Yeah,” they agreed, but it didn’t feel like enough.

The ride was quiet, headlights from other cars shining through the windshield.

“You know how to drive now?” Rami asked.

Julian chuckled, though he struggled to find levity in the situation. “Not entirely.”

Rami pursed their lips, but let it go until they reached the townhome. “Funny how people keep showing up on my doorstep hurt,” Rami said as they unlocked the door. Their voice didn’t sound like they found it very funny at all.

Julian grimaced, but smoothed out his expression before Rami faced them again.

“Guess you’re just a safe person,” Julian offered, wanting the ground to swallow him whole.

How was he supposed to do what Hell expected of him when Julian felt likethis?This,meaning… soft, remorseful. Julian was putty for this angel. He hated what he was sent here to do—how could he go through with it?

Rami scoffed and poured themself a glass of water, clearly too keyed up to consider bed yet, no matter how late the hour.

“I just… I don't understand how the police can donothing.They aren’t even willing to protect her!” he said.

“That was her call,” Julian reminded him. “The restraining order will—“

“It’s just a piece of paper. And you heard her, she’ll have to go through a court process first. There’s just so much red tape, so much concern about following the right processes instead of protecting a real person.” Rami sneered, shaking their head.

And Julian, unfortunately, saw his last chance.

The temptation was right within reach.

He could press this, like a bruise, poke at the hurt until Rami did something so selfish…

If it worked… Julian would be able to stay on Earth with Rami. He wouldn’t have to leave, and Rami would never be the wiser. Rami could show them more about Earth and Julian couldstay.

Melissa’s husband deserved much worse than whatever the human’s justice system would do, anyway.

It would solve all his problems, this temptation.

Nevertheless, he felt sick as he said, “They might not be willing to do anything, but…wecould.”

Rami’s pacing halted, and he slowly turned to face Julian, bracing themself on the kitchen island.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re implying,” Rami said tightly.

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