“Alright. So that’s the building. How do we know this isn’t a trap? And if we don’t know for sure one way or the other, shouldn’t the Guild investigate instead of us?”
“Their lives matter just as much as ours do,” I say, annoyed.
“That isn’t what I’m fucking saying, Ezekiel. They’re better equipped than any of us to scout the area and get those weapons back.”
Hayliel rubs her fingers up my cheek, over my temple, and across my forehead, soothing me.
I take a deep breath before speaking again, realizing that whatever my personal feelings are on how the Pures see Guild members, they don’t matter here. I’m not dealing with purist shits who think the Fallen are a waste of space in Silver City. But damn, is it ever hard to move past.
“Until we know who we can trust, I’d rather we only involve the Guild when absolutely necessary. I think it best if I check it out myself, discreetly.”
Hayliel’s sigh is so loud it’s almost a groan. “Zeke, I’m only going to say this once. You. Are. Not. Going. Alone. I understand that might be hard to accept, but you have friends now, angels on your side, and we are going to do this together. Except we’re going to be smart about it and have a solid plan. Does everyone agree?”
“Yes.”
“You know it.”
“Fine,” I grumble, not willing to recognize the warmth growing in my chest. “I’m back at the Guild in a few days, so I’ll see what I can find out about how often patrols are in the area, recent call logs, that sort of thing.”
There’s more shuffling from Theo’s end of the line before he adds, “I’ll see if I can find any schematics for the building.”
“Perfect. Raphael and I will keep on researching as we have been, though I’m limited here in the Fallen district. Let’s all agree to keep each other informed and thatno one goes off to investigate anything alone.” Hayliel stares at me as she speaks, and the scolding tone in her voice makes me want to smile.
Everyone agrees, and we end the call with a promise to catch up later. Then it’s only Hayliel and me left, sitting alone on her bed. The moment feels charged somehow, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find my hair standing up on end from the electricity coursing through me.
“I should go,” I whisper without moving.
“Yeah. You probably should.”
It takes every ounce of strength I have to tear my gaze away from hers and stand. My movements are stilted, uncomfortable, but I don’t want to do anything to ruin the great day we had — erm, well, amostlygreat day.
She stands, following me to the door of her bedroom, where I hesitate. Something stops me from going any further, like a whole other being controls my limbs.
“Thanks for today. And for, you know, pretending to be my boyfriend. I can’t imagine that was easy for you.”
I turn suddenly, finding her closer than expected. Close enough that when she sucks in a breath and releases it just as quickly, I feel it against my lips. “The hardest thing about today wasn’t pretending to be your boyfriend or threatening Roderick. It’s walking to this door and leaving you, hummingbird.”
Gently, I grip her face in both my hands, my eyes glued to her lips, and when her pink tongue darts out to wet them, I’m gone. Swooping down, I press a fervent kiss to her lips, and she doesn’t pull away. In fact, she pushes closer, molding her body to mine until it feels like I’m a whole fucking person again.
Kissing Hayliel is like zip-lining down a mountain. That second when you break through the clouds and catch the first glimpse of the world. Suddenly everything makes sense and the issues you thought seemed so big are barely a blip on your radar.
The need to take things further overwhelms me. Why the hell am I leaving when everything I want is right here, lips on mine, and seeming more than willing? Except this isn’t a fairy tale, andI sure as fuck am not the hero who gets the girl. I’m just the foolish angel who couldn’t see what was right in front of him.
I pull back slowly, trapping my yearning deep inside. As much as it kills me to admit it, she’s happy. And even though I don’t really know what type of relationships she has with Raphael and Theo, it’s crystal clear that what they have is far more than what Hayliel and I have. Somewhere along the way, I stopped wanting to hate her, or even them, for that matter.
Finally, I extract myself from her and step back, putting some much-needed distance between us. Her pupils are blown with lust, and I soak it all in for one more second.
Tracing her cheek with my thumb, I give her one last remark. “If you ever need another fake boyfriend, I’m your angel.” And then I’m off. Out the door and flying back to campus with a golden-winged angel firmly on my mind.
By the time I land on my balcony and head into my room, there’s a new message on my slate.
Hayliel: Don’t hate me, okay?
Dread settles in my gut as I contemplate what she means, but then I see another notification.
Hayliel Gracelin has added you to a chat.
She fucking didn’t. There’s no way this is a good idea. But when I click the notification, I realize that she absolutely fucking did.
