Page 12 of Roses for the Damned

Dumbstruck after what had just transpired, Rose did as was told, washing up over a basin that she found in the corner of the space, making herself look somewhat presentable. Her body felt light, the abrasions almost completely gone. It would appear that Gabriel’s balm was, indeed, a miracle cream.

The space appeared to be clean enough, but in dire need of tidying up. Deciding to go ahead and do so without asking for permission, Rose got to work.

First she made the bed, tightening the covers and folding the blanket so they were crisp once more, puffing up the pillows into a pair of ivory clouds. After a bit of searching, she finally discovered an old cloth that didn’t appear to be of any use to Gabriel since it was lying in a corner as if discarded, using it to dust off some of the beams surrounding the bed with it. A pair of pants were folded in a corner, their existence making her pause. “Since when does he wear clothes?”

“I don’t.” She spun around. “I have them for emergencies.”

Her brows shot up. “What kind of emergencies?”

“The kind where I’d do anything to make you feel safe. Even wear those filthy garments.”

Her heart cracked, the reality that someone existed that would put her needs first before his own causing an ache in her chest.

“Come, eat.” A basket filled with cheese, fruit, and baguettes landed on the floor beside the bed.

Her mouth watered. “This is amazing! Where did you get all this food?”

“It’s mine.”

She stared at him.

No one had ever shared a meal with her, let alone their own food rations. The urge to show him her gratitude overtook her. An idea struck her then.

Rushing forward, she made haste with the items, spreading Gabriel’s pants over the bed as a type of make-shift tablecloth.

“What are you doing, little dove?”

“I’m setting the table. I would be prettier if we had some flowers, but this will do just fine. Do you like it?”

She held her breath, nibbling on her lip, desperate to have his approval. Hopeful beyond hope that he would get the message that she was impatiently trying to convey to him.

“If we soil my pants, what will I wear, sweet human?”

“You won’t need them.” He stilled. “I trust you without them on, Gabriel.”

Time froze as they stared at each other, the tension loaded with everything that neither one of them dared to admit. She refused to treat him as anything less than what he deserved, what his kindness and generosity towards her demanded.

She might have been a courtesan, but her father had taught her to always be just and honorable, to be respectful of others, no matter their standings and what they could offer her. To show gratitude when it was deserved.

And in all his monstrosity, Gabriel was more human than any of her own species. She would show him just how grateful she really was for everything that he had done for her.

For him, it might not have been much, but for Rose, it was the world.

Ch. 8

T ime passed. Days turned into weeks, the two of them getting into a comfortable routine, each playing a part in their new arrangement.

It astounded Gabriel how accustomed he had grown to Rose’s presence, as if she had always been around. As if she was meant to be there, with him in his lair.

Over the days he had learned a generous amount about his precious flower, mostly how she had been shown little kindness and how she thrived on his approval. So he did his best to praise her whenever he got the chance, purposely leaving his items discarded in a messy manner just so that she could tidy them up and feel appreciated and useful. It would bring about the most stunning smile that would transform her from a beautiful being to an ethereal angel.

What had pained him the most was how rarely she smiled, an absurdity that he never cared about, especially when it came to humans. But, when Rose smiled – it would light up his world. He would do anything just to see that blissful sight every day for the rest of his existence.

Was that what Heaven felt like to mortals? Did their souls ache like his did when they thought about reaching those overrated heights?

He spread his wings, stretching them out before returning to his sweet human, the Moon already high in the sky.

“You’re back,” she cooed with delight. Her face was aglow, eyes shining bright as she stared at him from her place in bed.

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