Chapter 21

Raphael

Dusk falls softlyas I enter my building hours later, chasing long shadows up the silvered elevator. I opted for a more relaxed attire, confident Helena won’t judge designer athletic pants poorly. The grey Henley clings to my body, highlighting my toned muscles as I prepare dinner. Never hurts having assets displayed for one’s lover, however domestic the setting.

With a smug smirk, I survey my handiwork approvingly. Clustered candles flicker atop the gleaming breakfast bar, illuminating an array of sushi rolls and nigiri. Helena hinted at enjoying Japanese cuisine. And after the emotional rollercoaster we both weathered today, comfort food should settle our frayed nerves before delving into intense discussions.

As I pour two glasses of rich plum wine, my heart pounds with anxiety. The kitchen gleams with perfection, hiding the turmoil that has consumed me for hours. My mind reels with images of Helena in danger, and my gut twists into knots as I wait for her return. Impatiently, I plead for time to move faster so I can see her lovely face and be reassured. But the clock seems to taunt me, each second dragging on agonizingly...

A crisp knock interrupts my restless thoughts. I glance up, pulse leaping wildly. Can it be? I all but lunge for the entry, wrenching it open, uncaring of dignity. And there she stands, my reason for existing, wrapped in midnight and pomegranate. A timid smile graces her lips as she stands on the threshold.

“Disappointed to see me?” Her maroon eyes hold a hint of wry humor, but I can see exhaustion etched into every line of her face.

Without hesitation, I pull her into my arms, enveloping her in a desperate embrace. My lips feverishly press against her silky hair. “Never.” My voice is raw with sincerity as I hold Helena close, grateful for her safety and whole presence. Her scent of jasmine and woman fills my senses, reassuring me that this is no dream but sweet reality.

Gradually, we part, studying each other’s faces like long-parted lovers finally reunited. And perhaps in some ways we are. Helena’s sudden return to her rightful place only heightens the raw passion between us. The dangers that once lurked in our way rest now forgotten, stripped away by the intimacy we share.

Helena clears her throat softly, glancing around me to the mouth-watering scents emanating from the kitchen. “So... you mentioned dinner, right?” She’s suddenly shy, but food is a safer topic to start with. “I hope you went to no special trouble just for me.”

My answering grin edges wickedly as I draw her further inside. “You underestimate the effects your presence has on me, darling.” I gently seat Helena at the bar with a perfect view of the spread of sushi platters. Sliding her wine glass closer, my fingers trail worshipfully down her arm. “Now relax and enjoy. We have all the time in the world.”

I long to banish the shadows that linger around those beloved eyes. But Helena accepts her drink gracefully, her tension easing somewhat. I serve samples of each roll, withdrawing reluctantly to give her space rather than crowding her. We enjoy the spread, trading lighter talk of the day’s events. Laughter shifts the atmosphere steadily from our tense reunion to easy camaraderie once more.

But underneath it all, there’s a deep current of something unspoken between us. Traces of some unnamed grief or fury tighten the delicate lines around Helena’s mouth between her stories. And when she thinks I am not paying attention, her gaze lingers on me with an intensity that matches my own. This separation has affected us both, then. Good—it means I’m not alone nursing these dangerously intense feelings growing daily, choking all rational thought.

After avoiding the topic for far too long, I gather my courage to bring up the looming issue. For our relationship to truly grow and thrive, there can be no room for secrets to haunt us with their ghostly presence. I refuse to let fear control us any longer.

I slide around the bar, my movements smooth and calculated as I refill Helena’s glass. She looks up at me with a sly smile, her lips stained with wine and begging to be kissed. My body responds involuntarily to her vulnerability, hidden from the rest of the world. But I push down that desire, knowing that winning her trust is more important.

I take her delicate wrist in my hand, planting a gentle kiss on the racing pulse beneath her translucent skin. Our eyes lock and we both lean in instinctively... until I force myself to pull away, reining in our passions before they consume us. Helena’s disappointment flickers briefly across her features, but I store that reaction away for the time being.

Clearing my throat gruffly, I attempt to steer the conversation towards the sensitive topic we’ve been avoiding. But just as I open my mouth, Helena’s gaze snaps past me, fixated on something else entirely. Curious, I turn to see what has caught her attention.

There, on the back counter, lies the charity calendar I posed for recently. And opened right to “Mr. August” with my bare body and wings spread beneath the glowing heading. I flush to my hairline as Helena’s eyes dance with barely suppressed mirth.

“Well, now. Hello, Mr. August...” Her grin turns feline, raking me suggestively. “This is quite the revelation. You do look phenomenal.”

I rub my neck, laughing self-consciously as warmth crawls up my face. “It was for a good cause, at least?”

“Mmm, I’ll say. Think of all the lives enriched by such artistry...” Helena taps one elegant nail against the image of my bare torso, eyes dancing. “Tell me, did the photographer properly capture all your best assets?”

My bashfulness fades and I strike a pose, flexing dramatically. “I was thorough pointing out my best features beforehand.”

“False modesty hardly becomes you.” Helena snorts, flipping another page. “Though I will say these wings are glorious...” Her admiring caress along the photo makes pleasure spike down my spine.

I grin roguishly with sudden inspiration. In a smooth motion, I unfurl my wings into reality, arching them proudly. “Well, in that case, care for a private showing?” I wink for effect.

Helena presses both hands to her mouth, muffling a decidedly indelicate noise. Then she collapses in giggles upon the countertop. Pride swells in my chest, coaxing such delight from her usually reserved self. As Helena continues perusing each glossy page between lingering looks my way, I find myself marveling silently at this magnificent creature fate deigned to deliver into my life.

Clearing my throat gruffly, I anchor us beside her stool, fingers entwined like tether lines, preventing separation. “So… not that I don’t appreciate your company... but dare I ask what changed your mind about stopping by tonight? Clearly, you were having second thoughts.” I gently nudge Helena, being careful not to be too forceful.

Predictably, she glances away, adopting a sudden keen interest in the floral centerpiece. I practiced patience through endless prior battles. But waiting on Helena’s trust stretches me rapidly to the brink. I stroke one stray curl behind her ear and down the pale column of her neck to buy some calm.

Finally, she inhales unsteadily, facing me with brave vulnerability swimming in the depths of her darkened pupils. “You deserve honesty. Not just about the text that night...” Helena’s tongue darts out, wetting wine-stained lips. I quell fresh desire ruthlessly. “But let’s start with that.” A pause. “It involved work. Startling information on who might be responsible for accounting irregularities I’m investigating at the DeLux Café.”

Red flags wave wildly as I listen to this revelation. I cup Helena’s shoulders, fighting to contain the wariness building inside me. “Go on, my love. I’m listening.”

In slow, halting phrases, the incredible story spills out: a local gang lord named Dominique Uphir with sobering if convoluted connections. The ensuing midnight meeting, revealing the culprit behind the embezzlement as a trusted member of Lucifer’s elite inner circle—a shocking betrayal. But what truly ignites my fury is this immortal stranger who has ensnared my beloved Helena in dangerous covert plans, far beyond her position or authority to handle alone.

I grit my teeth, barely containing the rage bubbling inside me as I listen to Helena’s harrowing tale. My focus shifts from thoughts of revenge to her pale face and wounded eyes, a stark contrast to the confident mask she wore earlier. As the facade crumbles, I see the vulnerable soul within, and my duty becomes crystal clear—to protect this exquisite creature whom fate, God or perhaps even the Devil has chosen for me, and only me, to safeguard.

Helena finishes her jaw-dropping narrative, delicately placing her trembling hands in her lap. The subtle quivers give away her lingering anguish. It’s clear that Dominique wields unfathomable power, even gaining the attention of Lucifer himself. Which means he expects nothing short of exceptional strategy to capture his interest this way. And yet, my valiant love dove headfirst into the infernal crossfire, driven by a selfless determination and boundless generosity that knows no limits.

As I process these shocking disclosures from every angle, I take a deep breath. Moving closer, I wrap my arms loosely around Helena and rest my chin on her shoulder. “Well, tonight has certainly taken an unexpected turn.” My words are laced with sarcasm and black humor, brushing over the tragedy that has befallen us.

Helena’s own twisted thoughts follow suit, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Understatement of the year,” she mutters before letting out a heavy sigh. “Welcome to my messed up life.”

A soft, almost helpless chuckle slips from her lips. My throat tightens at the sound of her vulnerability, my strong goddess barely keeping it together. I pepper her temple with fervent kisses, honoring her with tenderness because words could never convey the depth of my understanding. We stay like this for what feels like an eternity, with Helena tucked safely in my embrace.

But then she turns to me, her eyes still shimmering with unshed tears, but now laced with fear. “There’s more you need to know,” she whispers, and my heart clenches at the weight of her words.

My expression hardens into a scowl. “What’s wrong, babe?” I can feel the rush of panic coursing through my veins, but I try to keep my voice steady.

“I don’t know how to say this,” she murmurs, her eyes avoiding mine. “So I’ll just come out with it.” There’s a tense pause that seems to last forever. “I’m engaged... to this guy back home, Rafa.”

My blood turns to ice. “Do you love him?” The words spill out of me without thought or filter.

Helena shakes her head quickly. “No, not like I love you.”

A brief smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “Then we end it with that guy,” I state matter-of-factly.

Helena’s eyes widen in surprise. “Wait,” she says, moving away from me slightly. “Aren’t you upset?”

I let out a laugh and shake my head. “Why would I be?”

“Well, for one thing, he’s seen me naked,” she blurts out.

I run my hand gently along her jawline as I reply, “Darling, the whole worldhas seen me naked!” I wave a calendar between us playfully. “Fuck your fiance! He doesn’t matter to me. You’re the one I care about,” I declare firmly. “If you love me, that’s all that fucking matters.”

A smile finally graces her lips, joy radiating from the depths of her soul. “I love you,” she confesses, blushing and shy. “So damn much.” Tears of pure happiness gather in her glistening eyes, and I can’t help but smile back at her with all the tenderness in my heart.

“We’ll get through this, babe. Together,” I promise her, determination ringing clear in my voice. “No one will dare harm you. They’ll have to deal with me first.” My vow is true and sincere, a fiery passion burning within me for this woman who has captured my heart. Helena meets my gaze, all tension melting away from her body.

I seal our promises with a searing kiss, unable to resist the allure of her soft lips against mine. Our desire simmers just beneath the surface, but we both know that deeper connections have been forged between us. And those are what truly matter in this moment of unbridled love and devotion.

My fingers glide through Helena’s wayward curls, locking her gaze with mine. “I will always stand by your side, fighting whatever comes our way. But for now, my love, let’s put our worries aside.” I take her hands earnestly, nuzzling out the tension from her rigid digits. “Just be here with me?”

Helena blinks rapidly before a look of wonder crosses her features. “Simply... hang out? No thoughts of the future or past, just this moment?”

My smile warms from within as I see the innocence return to her eyes. “Exactly. We deserve some peace. Be with me tonight and let’s leave everything else outside.” The unvoiced promise of forever hangs between us, tempting and alluring.

But Helena hears it without me saying a word, her eyes subtly widening as she nods in understanding. To distract ourselves from the profound words that need time to germinate, I lead us up to the cozy media room. We spend the rest of the evening curled up comfortably on the couch, indulging in bites of rich chocolate cake that I had hidden away in the freezer. With Helena safely tucked under my arm, we lose ourselves in a beloved animated film as hand-drawn stars dance colorfully across the wide screen. In that moment, there is no past or obligations weighing us down; just pure and wholehearted warmth and wonder filling our souls.

As serenity settles into my bones, I feel a wild sense of relief. My fears and apprehensions are finally tamed, replaced by a stillness that comes only when she’s safe and cherished in my arms.

I hold Helena close and heave a heavy sigh. These stolen hours, sheltering her weary heart from the storms that await us, feel like a precious gift. If this is all we have, I will consider it a life well-lived. In Helena’s radiant presence, my battered spirit finds redemption. Her light shines so brightly it makes everything else fade away.

Sensing the weight of my thoughts, Helena tilts her face up to me, her eyes glowing with affection. “This is our haven, where we can be free. No heavenly duties, no hellish vendettas…” she whispers.

I nod and pull her closer, feeling complete in her embrace. Our private world, built in mere days but bound for eternity, is all that matters now. As I caress her soft lips, I make a solemn promise. “Nothing and no one can touch us, my love.” And it’s true—even if everything else were to turn to ash, our love would remain strong and unbreakable.