Page 23 of Wicked Angel
One by one, I worked through the targets, my magic flowing more smoothly with each blast. It felt incredible, like stretching a muscle after being cramped for too long. By the time I reached the last dummy, I was breathing hard, sweat beading on my forehead, but I felt more alive than I had in weeks.
“Show-off,” Levi said as I sent a particularly flashy burst of light through the final target, spinning it like a top before it crashed to the floor.
“You're just jealous,” I shot back, grinning at him.
His eyes darkened, and he took a step toward me. “Jealous? Of what?”
“That I make it look so good.”
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest, and suddenly, he was right in front of me, his hands settling on my waist. “You know what else you make look good?”
“What?” I asked, my voice breathier than I intended.
His lips curved into a smirk, and he leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “Everything.”
Before I could respond, his mouth was on mine, hot and demanding. The magic still humming beneath my skin seemed to respond to his touch, warming and spreading like wildfire. I melted into him, my hands sliding up his chest and into his hair.
He backed me up against one of the chaise lounges—remnants from my time trapped in the circle—and pressed me down onto it, his body covering mine. His lips traced a burning path down my neck, and I arched into him, all thoughts of Rhodes and Elysium momentarily forgotten.
“Levi,” I gasped as his hands slid under my shirt, his touch setting my skin on fire.
He pulled back just enough to look at me, his eyes dark with desire. “Yes, sweetheart?”
“Don't stop.”
His smile was wicked, full of promise, and as he lowered his mouth to mine again, I surrendered to the feeling, letting the world fade away until there was nothing but us, tangled together in the quiet of the warehouse.
* * *
Another day passed,and the restlessness only grew. I spent the morning curled up on an armchair, trying to read an actual fiction book, not one for research, but my mind couldn’t focus on the words on the page.
Levi watched me from the couch, amusement flickering in his eyes as I turned another page.
“You know, there are more productive ways to relax,” he drawled, a suggestive note in his voice.
I shot him a look, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “We can't just stay in bed all day.”
“Why not? I'm a demon. Sloth is kind of our thing.”
“And I'm an angel. We're supposed to be virtuous.”
He raised an eyebrow. “That ship sailed a long time ago, sweetheart.”
I tossed the book aside with a sigh, and moved to the couch with him. “I just can't stop thinking about Ezekiel. What if he was caught? What if Rhodes figured out he was spying for us?”
Levi's expression sobered. “He knew the risks when he offered to help.”
“That doesn't make it any better.” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “If we don't hear from him in another day or two, I'm going in.”
“Going in where, exactly?”
“Elysium,” I said, my voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in my chest. “I need to see what's happening for myself.”
Levi's jaw tightened. “That's a suicide mission, sweetheart.”
“I’m not asking for your permission, Levi.” I met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. “I'm not going to sit here while Rhodes dismantles everything I've ever believed in.”
For a moment, I thought he might argue, but instead, he just shook his head. “You're going to get yourself killed.”
