Chapter 34

Raphael

I adjustmy tie for the tenth time, fussing anxiously with my appearance as I pace the lobby of the upscale restaurant. The space is even more sumptuous than I expected, with vaulted ceilings draped in gossamer fabrics, brilliant crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sprawling, glittering cityscape beyond. Gentle piano music fills the air, mingling with the quiet murmur of conversation and the tinkling clink of cutlery.

My nerves jump as I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time. Helena should be arriving any minute now for what she believes is a refined dinner date, just the two of us. But in reality, I’ve orchestrated something far more meaningful for this special night.

I suggested meeting at this extravagant restaurant under the pretense of it being for an intimate first real date to throw her off the scent. She’ll be expecting a cozy table for two, fine wine, and me, focused solely on her. Little does she know what awaits upstairs, in the elegant rooftop courtyard I’ve privately reserved for the occasion.

Before I can second guess my appearance further, the host discreetly gestures towards the entrance. I glance up and unnecessary breath leaves my lungs in a rush. Helena glides towards me in a figure-hugging red dress with a plunging neckline, her dark hair cascading perfectly across one bare shoulder. She is stunning, an immortal goddess among mere mortals.

“Raphael,” she greets me with a dazzling smile, embracing me lightly. “Sorry I’m late, I got held up at—”

“No apologies necessary,” I assure her, taking her hands in mine. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” Still holding one hand, I step back and gallantly spin her so I can appreciate how breathtaking she looks from every angle. “Simply ravishing, as always.”

She laughs, the sound melodic and eyes sparkling. “And you’re looking rather dashing yourself tonight.” Her fingers straighten my already pristine tie, smoothing over my chest before trailing lightly down my arm. Just that subtle contact sends a shiver through me.

I offer her my elbow with dramatic flair. “Shall we then, my lady?”

With a grin, she loops her arm through mine. The host leads us not to the secluded table on the terrace I had originally reserved for our fictional date, but instead, right past it to a sweeping staircase. I feel Helena’s curious gaze linger on the intimate table set for two, with flickering candles and a crystal vase of red roses. But I just smile mysteriously in response.

“Wow, this place is so fancy,” she comments as we make our way up the stairs, her heels clicking on marble. “Just having pizza and beer together would have been more than fine with me, you know. Not that I’m complaining...” She quirks one brow in that irresistible way. “But why are we going up?”

“You’ll see in just a moment, my love,” I reply, barely containing my eagerness now that we’re moments away from the reveal.

We reach the heavy oak doors that open onto the rooftop courtyard. As the doors swing open at my subtle nod, Helena’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Surprise!” our gathered loved ones all shout in unison when they see us enter. “Congratulations, Helena!”

Helena’s stunned expression melts into delighted laughter as she takes in the scene before her. Twinkling string lights are woven through the lattice walls, flowers and candles decorate every table. I have cleared a small space for dancing, and most importantly, all our closest friends and family stand cheering her arrival.

I watch joy light up Helena’s face as she embraces her mother, who is beaming with pride. Her father and younger sister have also flown in from England to celebrate Helena’s triumph. She hugs them tightly, blinking back moved tears at their surprise presence.

A lavish buffet of treats and refreshments awaits along one wall, while in the corner, a live orchestra starts playing a cheerful celebratory melody. But Helena only has eyes for her family in this moment. After enduring so much loneliness and trauma, having those she loves most here tonight means everything to her.

Eventually, she turns that radiant gaze on me, joy and gratitude shining from her face. “Raphael, did you plan all this for me?” she asks.

I’ve rarely seen her look so sincerely touched. I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close against my side. “After everything you endured, after the incredible victory you achieved, you deserved so much more than just one special evening out together. I hoped this might at least bring you a little joy tonight, surrounded by people who love you.” I kiss her softly. “No one more than me.”

“It’s absolutely perfect,” she declares. And to my delight, she kisses me again, deeper this time, her body melting against mine. I forget we have an audience until someone whistles and calls out teasingly for us to get a room. Laughing, Helena pulls back, a delightful blush coloring her cheeks.

Lucifer strides over with a wicked grin, interrupting our tender moment. “Having fun, are we?” he drawls.

“Uncle!” Helena exclaims, her cheeks flushing with shyness at his presence.

“I couldn’t resist attending my favorite niece’s celebration,” Lucifer says smugly, winking at her before turning to me. “Raphael,” he greets with a clap on the shoulder. “Good to see you again.”

His hand lingers, squeezing tightly as he leans in and adds, “I heard about your key role in taking down that demon scum. Always happy to have reliable allies by my side.” His dark eyes bore into mine, a subtle reminder that I must protect Helena at all costs.

“I would do anything for her,” I reply sternly, clarifying my allegiance.

Lucifer’s smile widens as he looks back at Helena. “My dear, you make me so proud. Awakening your dormant powers and becoming such a formidable demoness!”

Helena’s blush deepens at his praise. “I had the best motivation to grow stronger,” she admits, slipping her hand into mine and gazing up at me with adoration.

“Well then,” Lucifer says jovially, lifting his drink in a toast. “Let’s not be strangers, shall we? Plenty of revelry to go around!” And just like that, he disappears back into the lively crowd.

“He’s right. Come on, let’s celebrate!” Helena’s voice is bubbly as she grabs my hand and leads me to the dance floor. Music pulses all around us as we weave through groups where the laughter from angels mixes with the wild energy of dancing devils.

We greet friends along the way, indulging in the delicious spread of food and drink. And then I see him—my brother Michael, with his arm wrapped possessively around his witchy love, Amanda.

“Helena, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Michael says, his gaze shifting to the blonde bombshell to his right. She’s stunning in a little black dress, sheer gauze sleeves barely revealing the wiccan tattoos that cover her arms. Michael introduces the ladies, beaming with pride as Helena and Amanda chat and good-naturedly tease us archangel brothers.

Just then, our sister Gabrielle joins us. “There you are!” She gives Helena and Amanda quick hugs before turning to me and Michael with a sly smile. “You’re both lucky angels to have snatched these amazing women. Love is in the air tonight!”

I feel my stomach twist with anxiety as I scan the room for the last of my brothers, but he’s nowhere in sight. “Speaking of angels, has anyone seen Uriel?” I ask, my voice filled with curiosity.

Michael and Gabrielle exchange a look, both shrugging. “He said he couldn’t make it,” Michael replies offhandedly.

“Well, it seems our brother has been quite smitten with a special someone lately,” Gabrielle reveals, eyes glinting knowingly.

“Uriel? No way!” I gasp, shocked at the news. As the guardian of chastity, I never would have expected him to find romantic love. But I’m happy for Uriel.

“Everyone deserves their happily ever after,” Gaby chants as the music swells in the background. “Now, off you go, you two! Enjoy your party!”

I pull Helena into my arms and we sway to the music, my dark eyes locking onto hers as I whisper meaningfully, “This is just the beginning of our beautiful love story.”

Helena gazes up at me tenderly. “To think such joy was possible, even after everything...” Her words trail off, wonder in her voice.

I know she’s thinking of the shadows we’ve both overcome. “I can’t believe it sometimes either,” I reply, spinning her gently. “Angels and demons coming together, finding peace... for now, at least.”

As I dip Helena, she laughs. “How is this even possible?”

I pull her close again, our faces inches apart. “For you, my love, I would move mountains.” A smirk plays on my lips as I inch closer, and my mouth finally meets hers in the sweetest kiss.

No truer words have ever left my lips. With Helena by my side, even the heavens don’t seem so far away.

“I love you Raphael,” Helena replies as we part briefly, placing her hand in mine. I draw her close against me, our bodies swaying in effortless unison to the music. Helena’s head comes to rest against my shoulder, her silken hair brushing my jaw. I breathe in her intoxicating scent, losing myself in the feel of her in my arms. The rest of the world falls away.

As the song winds down, I lean close to her ear, my heart swelling with emotion. “Move in with me,” I murmur, my voice shaking in anticipation. After this blissful evening, I can’t fathom us ever being apart again.

Helena pulls back to meet my gaze, surprise and delight lighting her exquisite face. “I want nothing more,” she whispers, her eyes sparkling with fathomless love. And she seals it with a deep, passionate kiss that steals my very breath away.

Our life together has truly begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Thank you for reading Raphael!

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Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld Series

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Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld Series

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Hades

Lilith

Adam

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Hera

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Michael

Alastor

Athena

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Baal

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Kuaket

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Venus

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Dive into the world of cursed fae princes, rebellious princesses, and flawed knights in the Cursed Kingdom series in book one, Ash and Snow.

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