Page 112 of Blood & Betrayals

Connor’s laugh rumbles through his chest, and he shifts, cupping my chin and tilting my head up. “Summer. I must have been like nine when I did that profile.”

I look away. “Eight and a half,” I grumble, correcting him. “I know it’s silly, but it’s clearly something you wanted, and it is the complete opposite of me.”

“Summer, I am in love with you, not some angel with the whitest wings. And honestly, the fact that I said I want someone like my mother makes me feel like I need some intensive therapy.” He brushes his lips over mine. “You are what I want, Summer.”

I search his bright eyes and the only thing I see is sincerity. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Connor leans in, kissing me again. His desire is unbridled this time, and I can taste his need. I deepen the kiss,moaning softly into his mouth, but pull back before I get lost in him.

“I’m sorry.”

Connor tilts his head and brushes a lock of hair off my face. “For what?”

“Shutting you out.”

“It’s okay, babe. I know today was overwhelming for you. I love you,” he whispers and kisses me again. There is no sense of dread at hearing those words. They almost sound familiar now. They feel easy.

I deepen the kiss, tangling my tongue with his and throwing one leg over his thigh. Connor’s hand slips under my shirt, his hot palm cupping my breast.

“You are just like your father. I swear.” The amused voice comes from above, and I practically jump out of my skin from the surprise.

“Uncle Gabe!” Connor smiles and gently disentangles us before standing and helping me up off the ground. The archangel smiles, his teeth dazzling against his dark skin.

“Hello, Connor. Is this the famous Summer I’ve been hearing so much about?”

I nod, my cheeks heating. “That’s me. Hi.” I smile, brushing some grass off my pants.

Connor nods. “Do me a favor? Don’t tell Dad you caught us here.”

Gabriel laughs. “He wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.”

“Believe me, I’ve heard,” Connor groans.

“How are you enjoying Eden, Summer?” Gabrial asks.

“It’s stunning,” I admit. “This garden, in particular, is simply… spectacular.”

Gabriel beams with obvious pride in his home. “You better hurry home. It’s getting late, and you know your mother will have dinner ready soon.” His eyes sparkle with that somethingspecial that all the Morningstar males seem to possess, though Gabriel’s is slightly more wicked than the others. “It was nice to meet you, Summer.”

I nod. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Connor smiles and leads me past his uncle, back through the meadow. “Thank the Almighty, it was Uncle Gabe. Uncle Michael would have been a dick.”

I laugh as Connor scoops me up and launches into the air again.

46

Summer

“Well, you’ve had a productive first day in Eden. You got caught making out with me in the Garden of Eden. You went for a stroll through the market with…” He glances at me as we step into the elevator, waiting for me to fill in the blanks. He must suspect there was more to my walk and sudden change in attitude. Smart guy.

“Nice try.” That moment with the Almighty is just mine for now. Her words continue to burn in me like a small light in a sea of darkness.

Connor sighs and presses his halo to the pad on the wall. The door closes, and we immediately start to ascend. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

I laugh and squeeze his biceps. The elevator pings and opens, revealing the family house sitting serenely atop the cloud. It is the perfect picture of domestic bliss.

Uriel walks out onto the porch, smiling at us. “Just in time for dinner!”

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