Page 25 of Heal Me

“I didn’t mean that literally,” Aubry chides.

“If everyone will excuse me, I have business to attend to,” Damion takes over. Eight contracts float in the air. And that’s our cue to exit.

“Charlotte, may I accompany you outside? We’ll leave Damion to his work.”

She nods, linking her arm through mine, and we step outside. Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her tight. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to walk down those stairs,” she says softly against my chest, trembling slightly.

“But you did,” I say, kissing the top of her head. I’m sure it triggered flashbacks from her time in captivity. “That took a hell of a lot of courage.”

“I was scared shitless,” she says with a little laugh.

“Courage is being scared shitless and doing it anyway.”

“I didn’t have courage back in Brad’s warehouse. I pretended to be unconscious so he wouldn’t notice me when Aubry joined us. It was a coward’s move,” she whispers.

“I disagree. You played the hand you were dealt. But regardless, I don’t see a coward standing before me today.”

She smiles, looking up at me and cupping my cheeks. “Thank you.”

I swallow, wanting to say so much, to tell her how I want to be more than friends. Funny, I’m the one who’s the coward now.

“What?” she asks, looking up at me. “I can see the wheels turning.”

“Just thinking of how we’ll get home.” Coward.

“You can’t teleport me with you?” she asks.

“No.”

“Why?”

“I’m half-human. I don’t have full angelic powers.”

Aubry soon joins us, with a smug smile on her face. I assume that means Damion is in control, and in control of more souls. Some might have a problem with my best friend’s…we’ll call it a side hustle. I’m not one of those people.

The Dominions returns with Aubry’s aunt, and he not so subtly asks us to vacate the scene. Luckily, I won’t have to call in a favor from a Watcher, as Aubry’s aunt has a vehicle on-property. Everyone’s silent as we walk down the wooden path to the car. I use my power and Charlotte is now wearing my sweatshirt. She looks over and smiles appreciatively, and while I desperately want to entwine our hands, I keep mine firmly planted by my side.

We’re dropped off at Charlotte’s apartment and I escort her inside. “I’m pretty exhausted, and not sure if I can teleport home,” I lie, not wanting to leave her alone in case tonight’s events trigger a nightmare. “You mind if I just crash on your couch?”

She gives me a dubious look but fetches a blanket and pillow from the closet. “Good night, Gabe.” Kissing my cheek, she walks upstairs.

Tossing and turning, I try to get comfortable. A futile effort, as this couch isn’t long enough to accommodate my tall frame. It feels like I just drifted off to sleep when I startle, and the sound of crying has me teleporting to Charlotte’s room. Grabbing her, I pull her close. “Bad dream?” I ask, smoothing the hair out of her face.

“Yes,” she admits, although she didn’t have to—I can feel her heart thudding frantically against my chest.

I lie down and pull her to me, covering us up. She snuggles in close to my bare chest, and damn if that doesn’t feel good. “Your couch isn’t very comfortable. Mind if I sleep in here? I’ll behave, scout’s honor.”

“You’re not a Boy Scout, and I see right through you, Gabe Jennings,” she says, tilting her head up at me with a smile. I take my thumb and wipe the last tear from her cheek.

“Do you want the lamp on or off?” I ask.

“Off, please.” I use my power and the room goes dark.

“Need anything else?” I ask, still holding her tight. Her breasts are pressed against my chest, and I try to ignore the feel of her hard nipples poking through her thin tank top. I’m willing my cock to stand down, as that’s the last thing she needs right now.

I feel movement, and then I’m taken aback when her lips are pressed against mine. She moves her body closer, and I can’t hide my erection. She gasps against my lips, then surprises me by grinding herself against my cock. Fuck, she’s trying to kill me. “Gabe.” She says my name in such a breathy tone I might embarrass myself and come in my boxers.

“Yes, Charlotte?”

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