The Penitent by A. Zavarelli & Natasha Knight

Author:A. Zavarelli & Natasha Knight [Zavarelli, A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub

15

WILLOW

Warmth flutters over my cheek, the sensation stirring me from sleep.

“Have I worn you out?” Azrael grazes my ear with his lips.

I groan in response, snuggling deeper into the sanctuary of his body, my eyes too heavy to open willingly.

Soft laughter emanates from his chest, and I realize how much I like that sound. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him so relaxed, and I think he needed to be away from Salomé’s suffocating presence as much as I did. It isn’t just Salomé, though. It’s all of it. Bec’s illness. That fucking demon statue. The memories of his parents and brother that undoubtedly linger on the property.

The Delacroix estate is beautiful but haunted by sadness, and for a moment, I consider that we could bring life back to the place. If Salomé weren’t there, and it was just our little family along with Bec and Emmanuel, we could make it the home it was always meant to be.

“What are you thinking about?” Azrael’s hand spans across my belly, something he’s been doing a lot recently. I wonder if he even realizes it or notices how it settles me to feel him that way.

When I imagine what it must look like from the outside, I can see him as the warrior descendant of angels determined to protect his beloved and child at any cost.

Perhaps that can only ever be a fantasy, and Salomé was right. I need to let go of fairy tales. But when I open my eyes to take him in, it only makes me want it more.

He’s waiting for me to answer, and I almost consider telling him the truth, that I’m thinking I wish he could find a way to banish Salomé from our lives. I want to put all of that behind us and live happily for however long we may have left together. But in my heart, I know this isn’t a decision to be made lightly. He confessed his feelings for me, and I believe them. But his loyalties are still divided, and it isn’t something I can force him to do. He has to come to the conclusion of what’s best for our family of his own volition.

“I’m thinking about food,” I tell him as my stomach rumbles. “What time is it?”

He chuckles and leans over to kiss me, his gloriously naked body half exposed by the bedsheet like a piece of art. I think I could lay here with him all day, but I suspect he has other plans.

“It’s late afternoon,” he tells me. “You slept hard.”

“You can thank yourself for that.” I yawn. “You spent all morning inside me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to knock me up.”

A devilish glint flashes in his eyes as he brands my belly with the heat of his palm. “I hate to break it to you, Little Witch, but I already did.”

I gasp, feigning surprise. “I knew you were trouble. What will the townsfolk say when they hear that

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