Chapter Six

Gabriel

It's been a long, torturous week. Having Lily in my home and office all the time but not being able to touch her is a form of torture specially coined for me by the devil. Many times, I've wanted to go back on my words, damn the consequences… But for some inexplicable reason, I want to be honorable to her. For her.

It's why I stayed out late tonight, hoping she'd have gone to bed by the time I got home. As usual, I plan to have a long, cold shower and fall into a fitful sleep where my dreams are filled with her.

I walk into the living room to see her, closing the door behind me with a tired sigh. I've almost walked past when my eyes fall on the huddled figure on the long couch.

She's lying on her side, her wavy red hair cascading like a fiery waterfall over the edge of the couch. Even in sleep, she's so gorgeous. Delicate .

I walk over slowly, careful not to make any noise that'll disrupt her sleep. I squat in front of her, an unconscious smile tugging at my lips as I reach out to caress her face with the back of my knuckles.

I could watch her sleep for hours and I wouldn't get tired. She looks so peaceful. So content. That peace was one of the things that drew me to her the very first time I saw her. Well, apart from her staggering, yet innocent beauty.

But for some reason, I crave that gentleness about her, that beautiful purity that shines from within… Perhaps it's because I've made decisions that I'm not proud of in the course of my life. Maybe I'm finding redemption by association.

She shifts slightly in her sleep, and suddenly, the serenity is disrupted by a deep knot in between her brows. She twitches again, more violently this time, her features ravaged by a heart-wrenching pain.

"No," she mutters, shaking visibly now. "No… no, please…" A teardrop slides down her face, her lips trembling slightly.

My heart breaks at the sight, and I can't help but wonder what type of demons she's battling behind those closed lids.

"Wake up, angel," I say, shaking her slightly.

She opens her eyes slowly and for a moment, she stares at me, her gaze unfocused. I watch closely as recognition creeps into those magical, golden green orbs, followed by the slightest breath of relief.

"Oh, Gabriel!" she mutters, throwing her arms around my neck.

I stagger from the unexpected action but instantly wrap my arms around her, holding her close to my body. "It's alright, hun. I'm right here."

She nods in response, burrowing deeper into my embrace. I pull back a little to look at her face. "Let's get you to bed, alright?"

I pick her up, bridal style, and head into the room she's been staying in since she arrived at my house. I gently lay her on the bed and arrange the sheets around her.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask after she's settled in comfortably.

For a second, I think I see a fleeting panic in her eyes, but I'm not sure because she looks away from my eyes and shakes her head.

"No, I don't."

"It's fine, darling," I say, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll leave you to get some sleep." Gently, I move the stray strands of hair away from her face and lean forward to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "Sweet dreams this time, angel."

"Thank you," she mutters with a grateful, albeit hesitant smile. "G'night."

I nod in response and turn around to leave. I'm almost halfway to the door when her voice reaches me.

"Gabriel?"

I turn to face her. "Yes?"

"Can you-" She swallows nervously, licking her lips in a way that sends blood shooting straight to my cock. "Can you stay with me tonight? I- I want you."

Oh, she doesn't have to ask twice.