a formidable woman. Freed momentarily from his personal demons, his chest swelled with affection and pride.
“Forgetting you and me for the moment,” she began, knocking his ass back into the present, “you need to decide how badly you want this archangel gig.”
She pressed her fingers to his lips when he started to speak. “Think about it. Running with the theory that seven archangels is the limit—what’s going to happen when we get Gadara back? Are you going to take him on? Step aside? Take out one of the others? How will you feel if God decides he likes things the way they were and knocks you back down to Mark?”
The determined glint in her dark eyes told him that he’d better keep his silence for now and pretend that he was still undecided. He’d learned long ago that women wanted men to overthink things like they did.
“And,” she continued, backing up, “I don’t mean to heap added pressure on your decision, but I won’t invest myself in a relationship with someone who can’t love me.”
“Angel—”
“Hey.” Her voice was husky. “No hard feelings, if it works out that way. I haven’t forgotten that we were always going to be temporary.”
As Alec started toward her, a familiar figure rounded the corner behind her. Alec’s fists clenched.
“Eve.”
She turned around at the sound of Abel’s greeting. To Alec’s surprise, her fists clenched, too. “What?”
Abel’s eyes narrowed at her tone. “You ready to go home?”
“I have to go to the police station and give a report.”
“Okay.” Abel’s gaze lifted to Alec’s, but he continued to speak to Eve. “I’ll give you a lift.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m riding with Ishamel.”
“Why?”
So.. . Abel couldn’t read her either. She was like a radio station with static. A problem they’d have to look into.
The tempo of her walk changed, the click of her heels betraying agitation.
Go home, she told Alec sternly. Park Montevista and Sidney in front of my Wii and don’t let your parents out of your sight for even a minute until I get there.
And here I thought I was running the show After I get back, you can go do whatever you want, she offered.
Whatever I want, huh?
But jf you take that necklace off, I’ll kick your ass.
What do I get if I keep it on?
She stalked right past Abel. Keep the necklace on, keep a lid on your parents, and it’ll keep you on my good side.
After yesterday, he couldn’t ask for more. But she didn’t know about that. . . yet.
I’ve got shit to do, angel.
After your personality transplant yesterday, I still trust you, she argued. You owe me a little trust in return.
I trust you.
Good. Then do as I say. I’ll see you later.
He wasn’t used to following orders from anyone but Jehovah. But she was right, he owed her. And he was exhausted. He hadn’t slept in almost two days. That was too long even for an archangel. He’d take a nap, then track down Sabrael when Eve returned.
Abel pivoted and followed her around the corner. Alec had no idea what his brother had done to piss her off, but he was glad they were both on the outs with her.
He tried to tell her that he’d have dinner waiting, but the connection was static again.
They’d really have to talk about that when she got back.
“Let me guess,” Reed drawled. “You’re mad at me.” Eve reached the elevators and stabbed the call button with her finger. “I don’t have time to play games with you now.”
He moved in front of her, forcing her to look at him. As with Alec, the sight of him made her a bit weak in the knees, despite what an asshole he could be. “How many times do I have to tell you, Eve? I’m not playing with you.”
Her lips pursed. “You know ‘The Gift of the Magi’?” Not the biblical story; the one by O. Henry.”
“Who doesn’t?” His dark eyes narrowed.
“You and I are working at cross purposes now, Reed. I know what I’m doing, you don’t. Take my advice and take a trip somewhere. Come back in a few days.”
“Eve.” He caught her hand. “What are you talking about?”
He had a great game face, but she knew him well enough to sense that his guard was up. Guilty as charged, apparently. But she believed he was trying to do the right thing—to get Gadara and the priest back, and save her from the Nix. However, she didn’t doubt for a minute that Reed was willing