Page 146 of Crimson Promises
“Wasn’t Jos a Gifted angel? Would his advice be so different than yours?” I pushed. He wasn't fighting for me or for us. He was taking the easy way out.
Ben rubbed his jaw. “No, he would probably say something similar. Jos was as fair as they’d come. He’d also say that there were things he would never willingly give up as an angel, like flying or having magic. There was suffering, I’m a prime example of that, but there were also incredible angels. I lived off the scraps from generous store owners and other Ordinaries who had nothing but were still willing to share."
I placed my hand on Ben's knee, sensing his need to be reminded that he was grounded here, nottherereliving his pain.
"Jos grew up privileged in a well-to-do home. His entire life was set before him. With someone with your power, you could have whatever or whoever you wanted. While Heaven’s system is broken for many, it works for those who can offer Heaven something invaluable. It would provide you with anything in return."
Ben's gaze flicked down to where my hand was.
"Most importantly, Aurora, you wouldn’t have to hide who you were for one more minute. There would be people who could help you grow and understand your gifts much more than anyone in my capacity could ever offer.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
All I ever wanted was to belong somewhere or to someone. Years of no one noticing if you missed a day of school, or being the only one without an invitation, never having had a date to the homecoming dance or prom, it wore on a person. If I chose to embrace my angelic heritage, I would be leaving a painful past. Besides my dad, would I really be losing out on my present?
I wouldn’t be the outcast there. I would have a proper fresh start, like the one I hoped to find at Arch Cape University.
“There’s still time,” I reminded myself.
“That there is. My turn, I believe.” A rueful smile played on Ben's lips.
"I don't think so," I retorted.
"What was the last question I asked?"
Trying to backtrack my way through our conversation, I said, "I...uh...don't know. We got into such a long discussion I don't even recall what spearheaded it,"
"Welp, guess it's my turn then." He shrugged. “What's your favorite celestial body? Is it the moon, the stars, or perhaps my heavenly chiseled physique?”
I burst out laughing. The laughing turned into giggles as Ben started dragging his hand down the middle of his chest suggestively, which only made me laugh harder. Tears were sliding down my cheeks. I started hiccupping, I was laughing so hard.
Once I could properly choke down some air, I answered, “The stars are my favorite.”
Ben pulled his shirt back over his stomach. “Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing it while you could. From now on, this”—he gestured to his entire body—“is off limits to you.”
I shifted around until I found what appeared to be a soft patch of grass and lay down.
Despite living in one of the most stunning states in the entire country, Stephen James was not someone who appreciated anything about the outdoors. He preferred ventilated areas where indoor plumbing and electricity were accessible at all times. I grew up much the same way, but there were parts of me in moments like this where there were stars as far as the eye could see, which made me yearn for more outdoorsy experiences. Glamping trip? The thought made me snort with laughter. I couldn't picture Ben sleeping in a tent powered by electricity. He'd insist on roughing it. I'd bet money on that.
Ben shifted until he was laying beside me, his hand propped under his hand for comfort. “Where did you disappear to?”
“Nowhere important. Appreciating the view. And no, I don’t mean you.”
Ben clutched his free fist to his heart. “You wound me, beautiful lady.”
My chest expanded at the compliment. Ben had probably been with many women throughout his existence. The fact that he found me beautiful chipped away at the walls I typically hid behind.
Ben rubbed his hands together, his head fully against the ground now.
“Alright, you ready for my next question? I have some diabolical ones lined up,” I mimicked him, moving my hands together.
“It isn’t your turn. It’s mine."
“Would you like to revisit the entire which celestial body do you prefer moment?”
“Come on! That was a pick-up line.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s still a question.”
