Chapter 7

Raphael

I strollalong the bustling Santa Monica Pier, weaving between tourists lining up for rides and kids scampering around with towering cones of cotton candy. The sun glints off the swaying palms overhead and sparkles across the blue Pacific swells.

Hard to believe that just yesterday, I was locked in dank darkness with the mysterious Helena. Our passionate encounter already feels like a fever dream—too unreal to have actually happened. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.

I round a corner past the towering Ferris wheel, spotting my sister Gabrielle behind a small booth draped with banners for the Children’s Literacy Foundation. Large sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat disguise her famous visage from any lingering onlookers. Somehow, Gaby’s designing skills got her into the Hollywood scene. Now she’s gone from featuring her work in magazines to being featured on the cover herself as the most popular A-lister’s home designer.

She waves me over eagerly. “Raphael, darling! So glad you could make it.”

“You can always count on me, sis.” I slide onto the stool next to her. “I am curious though... Why would you call me and not our brother Uri?” I ask. “He’s the most pious of the bunch when it comes to fundraising.”

Gabrielle rolls her eyes. “Oh, don’t get me started on Uri!” she mutters. “He’s such a stick in the mud. When I told him about the fundraiser, he said I should try aiming higher, striving to cure cancer or end wars.” She shakes her head in exasperation.

“Yeah. Sounds like Uri alright,” I snicker. “Try having him around all day at work for a change.”

Gaby chuckles. “Anyway, thanks for coming out to help today,” she says brightly, handing me a stack of leaflets. “I thought those smoldering looks of yours could help draw in some donations from love-struck humans.”

I grin and give her a playful nudge. “Hey, now! I’m not just a pretty face, I’ll have you know.”

We banter back and forth as a steady stream of people pass by our booth. Soon, a group of young women approaches, eyeing me curiously.

“Hello there, ladies,” I greet them with a roguish smile. “Care to support a great cause?”

They erupt in giggles, blushing and whispering to each other. One particularly bold gal steps forward with a flirtatious smirk.

“We’d be happy to donate if it means getting to chat with you a bit longer,” she says, eyelashes fluttering. The others titter excitedly.

I laugh good-naturedly. “Well, I’d be delighted to speak with such lovely benefactors.” I launch into my spiel about the foundation’s mission.

Before long, their purses come out and bills get stuffed into our donation bucket. One gal even empties her whole wallet into the bucket, eyes never leaving my face.

The girls linger a bit longer, playing with their hair and making eyes at me. I keep up the charm offensive, ever receptive to admirers. Finally, they wander off, waving coquettishly and promising to “see me around.” I flash a roguish wink as they go.

Gabrielle gives me a playful shove once they’re out of earshot. “Goodness! Turn down the smolder before you cause a riot, will you?”

She peers into the now overflowing donations bucket, eyes wide. “Wow, looks like you met the fundraiser goal for the whole month in one afternoon! No one parts with their money as easily as for a handsome face.”

I laugh and flex my bicep playfully. “What can I say? It’s a gift.”

Gabrielle swats my shoulder, laughing. “Oh, stop it… you incorrigible flirt.” But her eyes shine with sincere gratitude. “Really, though, thanks for coming out and working your magic. This will help so many kids.”

“Happy to lend my services to the cause, sis.” I give her shoulder an affectionate squeeze, warmed by her delight.

As the afternoon crowd dissipates, Gabrielle begins packing up the pamphlets and donation items into a box. “So,” she says casually as she works, “any exciting romantic prospects lately? Or are you still allergic to commitment?”

I roll my eyes in mock offense. “Ouch, that hurts.” I pause thoughtfully before adding, “Although, now that you mention it... I may have met someone.”

Gabrielle halts mid-motion, pamphlets dangling forgotten from her hand as she stares at me wide-eyed. “You? Our resident eternal bachelor?” She grins and hops up to sit on the booth counter, giving me her full attention. “Do tell!”

I chuckle, rubbing my neck sheepishly under her rapt gaze. “Well... it’s still very new, but let’s just say she stood out from the usual fare.” I get a faraway look thinking back to meeting Helena. “There’s this fire about her... a magnetic pull I can’t resist. I’ve never felt such an instant connection before.”

Gabrielle is watching me closely, head tilted. “She really made an impression, I see,” she says softly.

I shake myself out of my reverie and resume a casual tone. “Like I said, it’s much too soon to make any declarations.” I shrug. “We’ll see what happens.”

My sister continues studying me with those perceptive eyes that seem to see straight through to my soul. After a weighted pause, she speaks carefully. “Just remember, some flames burn too bright, Rafa. Take care you don’t get scorched.”

I meet Gaby’s worried gaze steadily, hoping to reassure her. “Have a little faith in me, sis? I know how to handle a bit of fire.”

With a small smile, Gabrielle nods and resumes packing up. But I can tell by the crease in her brow that despite my breezy words, she senses this mystery woman is different. Someone who could truly ignite my once cautious heart.

I draw her into a tight hug. She gives me a swift peck on the cheek when my cell phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see a text from my old buddy, the demon Baal:

Hey Rafa, got a huge favor to ask.

I’m organizing a charity calendar to raise funds for the Horus Animal Sanctuary. Was hoping you could pose for the month of August... in the nude.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but hey—it’s for a great cause!

Let me know.

I stop in my tracks, staring at the screen. Posing nude for a calendar? That’s not something I ever envisioned myself doing. “I do work out enough to be calendar material, probably…” I mumble, eyes locked on the screen.

I’m still debating how to respond when Gabrielle sidles up next to me. “Who’s texting you?” she asks curiously. “Is it your scorching love?” Her tone is teasing.

I shake my head. “It’s Baal,” I reply with a wry smile. “He never reaches out—unless he wants something desperately.”

Gabrielle’s expression turns serious. “You know, most of your old heavenly buddies ended up on Lucifer’s side.” She pauses. “Curious, that.”

I frown slightly. “What exactly are you implying?”

“Oh, nothing specific,” she says lightly, with a casual shrug. “Just making an observation.”

Before I can inquire further, my phone starts ringing. Baal’s name flashes on the screen.

“Hold that thought, sis.” I answer the call. “Hey Baal, what’s this about a naked calendar?”

My sister’s eyes pop wide open. Her expression slackens in shock, and I lift an appeasing hand, begging her not to make a sound.

I listen to Baal’s enthusiastic pitch, nodding along. It does sound like a fun way to help the animal sanctuary. And I can just imagine my brothers’ reactions.

“Alright, alright... I’m in,” I finally say with a laugh. “Let’s give ‘em a show.”

I hang up and turn to Gaby with a grin. “Well, that’s settled. I’m posing naked for a charity calendar.”

Gabrielle starts. “You want to do what?”

“It’s for the Horus Animal Sanctuary,” I explain. “So, for a good cause.”

“Whoa,” Gaby says, eyebrows raised. “Uriel and Michael are gonna love hearing about this.”

“Oh, yeah. They’re totally gonna lose it,” I chuckle, already picturing their horrified faces.

Gabrielle shakes her head, torn between amusement and concern. “Just be careful, Rafa. You may be biting off more than you can chew here.”

“Relax, sis. It’ll be fine,” I assure her breezily. “Besides, this is gonna be hilarious. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they find out.”

With an indulgent smile, Gabrielle loops her arm through mine as we head off the pier. The fading sunlight casts a golden glow over the ocean, matching my light mood. Posing nude is just the outrageous escapade I need to break up the monotony of endless days. And if it flusters my oh-so-serious brothers in the process, even better. This calendar is going to be epic!

Yet even as I revel in the ridiculous adventure ahead, my thoughts continually drift back to Helena. I struggle to resist temptation’s siren call, summoning me back to the DeLux Café, and to her. The lingering thrill of our passionate encounter plagues me, mingling with my excitement over the calendar. Try as I might to focus on the frivolity at hand, visions of raven hair and burning brown eyes follow my every step.

Despite all logic arguing otherwise, my wayward heart whispers that I should see her again, consequences be damned.