Chapter 14

Raphael

I stridethrough the hospital’s bustling lobby, unable to keep a grin off my face. Colleagues and patients alike have remarked all day on my unusually cheerful demeanor. If only they knew the real reason behind my mood change. Ever since connecting with Helena, it’s like I’m walking on air.

Pushing through the sliding exit doors, I suck in a deep breath, savoring the freedom of another day survived. Now for the real reward—I just texted Helena on impulse, inviting her over tonight. Probably too eager, asking to meet two nights in a row. But her swift, enthusiastic confirmation banished any worries of seeming clingy.

The truth is, I’ve come to ache for her presence with startling intensity when we’re apart. My usual social calendar now lies entirely forgotten, only time with Helena can satisfy me. I know better than to put words like love to what we have... but it gets harder denying my true feelings with each secret tryst.

Lost in happy daydreams, I don’t notice the tall figure approaching until I’m pulled into a bone-crushing hug.

“Rafa!” a familiar voice booms as I’m lifted clean off my feet. “You slippery eel, where have you been?”

I regain my balance, blinking up at my eldest brother’s grinning face. “Michael! Hey, bro.” I return his hug belatedly. “Uh, just busy… I guess.”

Michael’s bright blue eyes are alight with his usual manic energy. His time abroad seems to have done him good—no surprise, since he spent it canoodling with his witchy new squeeze.

“Let me look at you.” He holds me by both shoulders at arm’s length. “By Jove, you look ready to burst from happiness! Don’t tell me you finally met a girl without my help?”

I duck my head with an embarrassed laugh. If only he knew how right he was. “Oh, you know me. Ever the bachelor.” I recoil from him with a shrug, aiming for nonchalance. My brother is a freaking empath. I don’t need him digging further into my soul. “I’m just glad to have you back, big bro.”

It’s only a half lie—I have missed Michael sincerely. But right now, I need to extract myself from this conversation before he guesses too much.

“In fact, we need to celebrate properly.” I close my fist and give him a slight punch on the shoulder, cautiously stepping back. “I want to hear all about your romantic European adventures. But can we catch up tomorrow? I’m late for an appointment.”

I’m chatting with Michael near the lobby doors when Uriel storms over, face mottled with righteous fury. Before I can react, he slams something against my chest.

I jolt back, startled.

“Care to explain?!” Uriel demands, snatching the object back and pointing an accusing finger at the glossy page.

I wince as I take in the bold “Mr. August” headline, accompanied by a photo of me baring it all with my wings spread majestically. Busted.

“What’s this about?” Michael asks, stepping between us.

“Our dear brother has been posing nude!” he proclaims, waving the evidence around for everyone to see.

My head lowers, my hand flying to my eyes as I let out a frustrated gasp.

Michael’s eyes widen slightly as he examines the scandalous photo. I shift uncomfortably under their gaze. There’s no use denying it now.

“It was for charity,” I mumble, a flush creeping up my neck.

“Charity?” Uriel sputters. “This is depraved! Have you no shame flaunting yourself so lewdly?”

I open my mouth to defend myself, but Uriel is already off on a tirade about moral corruption and temptation. Patients and other angels are starting to stare and murmur.

Michael watches us, brow creased with concern. “Come now. Let’s keep perspective here,” he interjects gently. “While perhaps ill-advised, I doubt Raphael meant any true offense.”

Uriel looks like he’s about to burst with anger, but Michael gives him a warning look and he finally manages to reign in his temper. His voice drops to a low growl as he says, “Regardless of intent, such indecency promotes the degradation of hundreds of souls.”

I can’t help but scoff and mutter under my breath, “I’m counting on it.”

Uriel bristles, his head snapping to Mikey. “Are you listening?” he demands.

“Rafa... come on,” Michael pleads with his piercing blue eyes. “Let’s not make a scene. Alright, guys?”

Uriel turns to me with a cool, calculating expression. “You think you’re so cool, posing in this calendar, befriending the enemy...” His voice drifts into brittle silence. “You best be wary of the company you keep, little brother. Sooner or later, the line between good and evil will blur. Mark my words, there will be consequences.”

With that ominous warning, he drops the calendar and stalks away. I slump against the wall, rubbing my temples in unease. Uriel is losing his mind now? Wait until he finds out about gorgeous Helena... the thought alone gives me a pounding headache.

Michael’s voice is calm and unfazed as he comments, “Well, that was unpleasant.” He casually picks up the calendar and holds it out to me. I snatch it from his hand without even sparing a glance.

I let out a half-hearted chuckle. “You could say that,” I mumble, shooting up a brow. “I knew it was coming. Sorry you got dragged into it.”

Michael just shakes his head indulgently and lays a steadying hand on my shoulder. “I wouldn’t fret over Uriel’s dramatics,” he assures me. “But perhaps exercise better judgment going forward?”

Although I regret nothing, I nod, shoulders easing under his calm understanding. With a parting smile, I take my leave before Uriel can return or rumors spread further. I may have poked a hornet’s nest with this stunt. But Uriel’s scandalized reaction was still priceless. I just hope the fallout isn’t too severe or long-lasting. Only time will tell.

“So, uh… Catch you later?” I say to Michael, sudden excitement rising as I glance at my watch. I have a date to get to.

“Yeah,” my bro says. “I’ll be on call all night if you need me.”

I grin as I pull Michael in for another hug. “Glad to have you back,” I tell him as we part.

With renewed eagerness, I head out to the parking garage. For now, I put my nosy brothers out of my mind, thoughts turning to Helena and our plans for the evening.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I take a sharp breath, my mind racing with excitement. Whistling cheerfully, I guide my sleek sports car onto the evening streets and head back to my apartment.

Minutes later, I stand before my closet, deliberating what impression I want to make tonight. My hand reaches for a sleek designer suit, pausing as a daring idea strikes. With a grin, I instead select a loosely flowing linen shirt left half-unbuttoned, and distressed jeans. Finger-combing my golden waves artfully tousled completes the casual yet sexy look.

A spritz of her favorite cologne and a final glimpse in the mirror has me nodding in approval, excitement rising. I aim to surprise my lovely Helena by shaking up our usual refined meetings. Tonight calls for effortless spontaneity rather than uppity restraint.