Page 24 of An Unexpected Ascension
“And here I thought you couldn’t lie in Heaven.” He tuts. “You must be delighted that you’ve found yourself in a perfect little sanctum hidden from the Gods, but if you can lie, then imagine all the things I can do without ever being caught.”
An inked hand curls around my hipbone in a firm grip, pushing me even further into the wall. I shudder as his thumb brushes the skin beneath my shirt.
“You wouldn’t dare,” I warn him.
“I think you forget where I come from. Tell me, Angel, do you think demons have morals?” I shake my head. “No, they don’t, but that’s all fun for another time, yeah?”
He pushes himself off the rock, creating space between us, and my body is suddenly doused in a slight chill from the loss of his heat.
“See you around.” He winks.
In the flash of an eye, he’s gone. Just disappears into thin air, leaving me sweaty, panting, and alone.
Chapter 8
The Demon
That little tug pulls at my chest the moment I leave the Angel. I can’t seem to rid myself of it. It’s not like the annoying little buzz that vibrates within me, calling me to do my damn job.
No, this tug... It’s like each rib bone is being yanked from my chest until I succumb to the lure and follow it to its end, always the green-eyed Angel. I don’t fully understand it yet. There’s no stamp of damnation on her, she isn’t another fallen angel.
As I continue to ponder the conundrum, I find myself in the center market. Yes, there may be that incessant ache in my chest now, but I home in on the familiar little buzz, finding my next victim.
Chapter 9
The Angel
The moment I leave the cave, the pace of my heart returns to normal. I even notice the way my skin instantly dries, the clamminess of fear dissipating. Though, there’s still a slight tremble in my fingertips like the aftershock of touching faulty wires.
I clench my fist to quell the shivering.
Halfway into my journey back home, someone shouts my name. Spinning, I find Anthony jogging toward me to catch up.
“Sorry, didn’t meant to startle you. I just thought we could keep each other company.”
Dimples form on each cheek of his boyish face as he smiles down at me. I’ve always guessed him to be late teens or early twenties.
“Of course. How are you?” I ask, resuming my stroll.
“Good! I just met a friend in the field of daisies over by the garden, have you seen it yet?”
“No, but it sounds lovely.”
“It is! Just breathtaking. There are so many beautiful places in Heaven. It’s like God has made a sanctuary for each and every one of us. It’s such a blessing.”
I can’t stop the slight twitch in my smile, it happens all on its own.
“Yes, just a blessing.”
I say the words, but my chest feels hollow. As I think them over, I’m not sure I even believe them.
“Have you ever been to Galsip Falls?” I ask, crossing the street into the next neighborhood.
We grow deeper into the slums, the beautiful colors of the houses quickly fading to gray.
He sucks in a breath through his teeth.
“No, can’t say that I have. I’ve heard most folks avoid that landmark like the plague.”
