It’s just there’s not much kindness in there. I save it for special occasions.” She dropped her foot over one of the armrests, letting it swing for a moment. “And what if the Fallen figure out she’s with Az? If they come after her here—”
“Luke doesn’t know she’s going to be a Sider. Hopefully, he never will. Right now, he’s looking for a mortal, but Eden won’t be one much longer.”
Kristen dropped her head back, staring at the ceiling. “This would be such an inconvenience.”
Gabriel held his breath.
Finally she lifted her head. “Well then, I suppose we have quite a bit of work ahead of us.” She smiled at his confusion. “Special occasions require a party.”
CHAPTER 6
Being Bound had its advantages. First off, faster travel options. Sometimes he pitied Az, having to take the subway when he wanted to get around.
Gabriel materialized in the doorway of a closed shop he’d scouted out earlier, in a quiet neighborhood just down the street from the hotel he and Az had made home. The crowds had thinned. The prospect of a few minutes to himself was more than Gabriel could resist. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket. Az answered on the second ring.
“It’s taken care of,” Gabriel said.
“Already? You on your way back here?”
“No. Think I’m gonna head down to the beach.”
Boots scraped against the asphalt behind him. Gabriel fell silent, concentrating. Someone was there, walking in the road, instead of on the sidewalk. The sound traveled well in the stillness.
“You there?” Az asked. Gabriel didn’t answer. Luke had worn the same style of boots, all zippers and buckles, long enough for Gabriel to recognize the distinctive sound.
“Is she with you?” Gabriel whispered, trying to keep the urgency from his voice, avoiding Eden’s name in case he was overheard.
“No, I walked her home half an hour ago. Why?”
“Call her. Make sure she’s there. Do not come outside.” He snapped the phone shut without elaborating. “Spectacular,” he muttered.
Luke made no effort to soften his steps. Gabriel did his part in return, slowing enough to allow him to catch up. It was best to get the little tête-à-tête over with.
For a long minute, neither of them spoke, walking side by side. Finally, just before the street merged into the main road, Gabriel gave in, flashing him a glare.
“Gabriel!” Luke cried, bursting into a grin so wide it gouged his cheekbones. “My my my! It’s been ages, hasn’t it? So tell me…” The grin fell away, his eyes reflecting maroon in the diffused glow of the streetlights. “What exactly brings you to the neighborhood?”
Gabriel gave him a once-over. “Vacation.” In a dream world, Luke would have laughed and left it at that, the two of them just passing strangers in the night. Unfortunately, the Fallen were more nightmare than dream. From the look of him, Luke was still playing gigs in dingy bars. Still partial to the cheesy Jim Morrison look he had when Gabriel had seen him last. He’d even grown his hair out for the part, long black curls dangling below his collar.
“And is this a working vacation?” Luke probed. He leaned against the railing of the boardwalk, his tight leather pants creaking as he adjusted his stance. They’d played the game hundreds of times. Luke would have his questions, knowing the Bound couldn’t lie. He lifted his jaw in the direction of the hotel. “If you have some free time, maybe I’ll stop by.” Gabriel’s heart sank at the satisfied smile. Luke never bluffed.
The question now was how long he’d been onto them. What he had seen.
“Are we done here?” Gabriel turned, heading back toward the hotel, not bothering to conceal his destination.
“I really have been bad about keeping in touch,” Luke called after him. “I owe Az a visit, don’t I?”
“Stay away from Az, Luke. I mean it.”
“Still trying to save your lost little lamb?”
Gabriel paused, turning back toward him. “He might not be ready yet, but one day he will be. He’ll use the wings. He’ll come home.”
“I beg to differ. Which reminds me, tell him I approve of this latest girl. She’s quite pretty, don’t you think?” Luke pushed off the railing, covering the ground Gabriel had put between them in a lazy stroll and moving past. Just before he turned onto the quiet side street, Luke spun back. “She looks like a fighter. And they’re so much more fun to break.”
Gabriel stumbled back to the hotel, the elevator ride passing in a blur. Az had been strong