I left Eugene after promising that we would cook up the greatest Christmas dinner the angels had ever known as a way to celebrate the lives of the angels we had lost – a feast in their honor. I was sure Cupid and Michael would agree, but that was a discussion for tomorrow. Now, I just wanted to curl up in the security blanket that was Joshua’s arms, and get the sleep my body was screaming out for.
I rounded the corner, passing the entry way when I realized that wasn’t going to happen as soon as I wanted. “Angelina Louise Connors,” a stern voice called, making me wince: it had been a long time since anyone had used my middle name, and there was only one person who did. Usually when I was in trouble…
“Sarah!” I said, giving her a nervous smile, while feeling like a jerk. I had barely thought about her.
Her expression softened as she hurried over, pulling me into a bear hug. “Cupid filled me in on everything. I’ve been so worried about you.”
“I’m sorry I made you worry,” I said in a small voice, the tears making a sudden reappearance.
She pulled back, wiping them away. “You and I can have a talk later. I’m going to be here daily helping out again. We have plenty of time to discuss everything, but it looks to me that right now, you need a bath and bed.”
I had to smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she promised me. “Would you like me to bring you some food up? You look like you’re in need of a bowl of my dirty rice.” My stomach answered for me. “I’ll go heat something up.”
“Joshua is there too.”
She gave me a knowing smile. “I’ll bring extra.”
I watched as she disappeared down the corridor, humming to herself. I was surprised she hadn’t made more of a comment on my appearance, but I was thankful she hadn’t. She was pretty awesome – always had been. Finally, I made the climb up the stairs to my floor, surprised to find Joshua lingering in the corridor. “Is everything all right?” I asked.
“I… uh…” he looked sheepish. “I was contemplating raiding the kitchens,” he said, hurriedly.
I slipped my hand in his and tugged him towards my room. “Sarah is already on that. We’ll have her dirty rice soon.” I looked at him, frowning at his still soaking wet appearance. “You didn’t shower? Joshua, you’re going to catch a cold.”
“Yeah…” he trailed off, rubbing at the back of his neck.
We arrived at my room and I pushed the door open. He stood back, allowing me to enter first, and I did, sighing. “Joshua, I know it’s weird with Michael being back and in this building, but he knows about us. I won’t lie and say everything is sunshine and roses, but you being in here? It’s fine. Just relax, please?” I reached over pulling him to me, and held him until he didn’t feel as rigid and he relaxed against me. I pulled away and smiled. “I love you, but if you’re not going to take advantage of having that shower first, then I’m going to take it.”
I set my damaged dagger on the side, realizing that even though the other had been left in Michael’s office, for the first time, I felt like I didn’t need either with me. Stripping down to my underwear felt good, and I tossed the remains of my clothes into a pile behind the door. I looked at Joshua, finding lust written all over his face. “How about we have that shower together?”
I laughed, but shook my head, disappearing into the bathroom and closing the door. The warm water rejuvenated me a lot, and it was satisfying to see all the dirt, grime and blood disappear down the drain, even if watching it felt like déjà vu. I changed into my pajamas, ran a comb through my hair then emerged in the bedroom, switching with Joshua. Sarah had been by with the food while I had washed, and I had scarfed down my serving before Joshua had finished.
While he finished his meal, I brushed my teeth. By the time I crawled into bed, I could barely keep my eyes open. Joshua pulled the curtains shut, blocking out the late afternoon light then joined me under the covers. I snuggled up to him, then frowning, peeked an eye open to stare up at him. He was watching me with an amused smirk. “Joshua, where are your clothes?”
He shrugged, the smirk remaining. “They were wet. You want me to wear your underwear or something?”
I closed my eyes, too exhausted to think of a witty retort. “No, I don’t want you leaving my side.”
“Don’t worry, babes. I’m not going anywhere,” he promised me.
I ached all over, my wrists still thrummed with pain, and even my feet continued to throb. My heart was hurting in a way I couldn’t put into words at the loss of Raphael and the cherubim – Garret included. But, for the first time, I felt safe and secure. For the first time, I fell asleep not worrying about anything. Everything was safe. Not yet good – and it wouldn’t be for a while – but we were safe.
So why was there a niggling voice in the back of my head telling me I wasn’t done yet?