“Yes,” she breathed. She’d never been so sure of anything in her life.
When he pressed himself into her, she closed her eyes and wrapped her legs around him. Their bodies moved in rhythm, and she felt herself go higher and higher, until she was near the edge.
“Naomi. Look at me.”
Her eyes locked with his; in that one moment, they were suspended in time. There were no rules, there were no goodbyes; it was only the two of them in their own personal Heaven.
Gripping his arms, she cried out and arched her back, surrendering. He tightened against her and cried out. Ecstasy washed over his face, and she was spellbound. Heaven. Hell. Her heart broke knowing she’d never see it again.
Chapter 21
Lash opened his eyes as the sunlight flickered on his face. The only sounds in the room were the hum of the air conditioner and the flapping of the faded curtain as the circulating air blew it against the window.
He turned to Naomi and took in the curves of her body through the thin white sheet covering her waist. Brushing a hand over the satin skin of her back, he listened to her breath and relished the few precious moments they had together. He made a decision. As soon as he’d seen to it that she was at the safe house, he was going to ask for permission to stay with her.
He couldn’t think of anyone who had ever made such a request, and he didn’t care. He’d find a way to stay with her. He’d grovel to Michael; he’d even take on extra assignments from Gabrielle if he had to. She was worth it. She was like a beautiful dream to the nightmare that he’d been living all these years, and he wanted to stay with her until her life on Earth was done. And then, maybe afterward, she’d be chosen to join the other angels. He didn’t want to think about the alternative. If she was sent to the part of Heaven where most human souls were taken, he’d never see her again. The thought was unbearable, and he quickly dismissed it from his mind.
Naomi made a soft moaning sound as she turned over. He brushed her hair off her face and gently pressed his lips to her cheek. There was no doubt in his mind she’d be chosen. One simply had to look at her. The beauty of her spirit radiated from her, and she rivaled all of the angels he’d ever known.
His finger brushed down the curve of her neck to the cluster of freckles forming the shape of the number seven. He recalled what Naomi had told him about Chuy’s superstitious fascination with them. He chuckled at the thought that rubbing her freckles could give anyone good luck.
He glanced over at the clock. They needed to leave soon. They hadn’t heard anything since yesterday, so he assumed Jeremy had thrown Sal off track. According to his GPS tracker, they were about three hundred miles from the location. If he floored it, and if the car didn’t fall apart along the way, they could be there within a few hours.
Bear barked and ran in circles by the door.
Naomi jolted up. “What is it? Are they here?”
He closed his eyes and listened carefully. “I don’t hear anything unusual. It’s been quiet most of the night.”
She fell back into the bed. “Thank goodness.” She looked at him and grinned. “You have sex hair.”
He raised a brow. “Sex hair?”
“It’s all messy and wild.” She tugged on his arm and he leaned closer to her. “I like it.”
She combed her fingers into his hair and drew him to her. She kissed him deeply, and he felt himself grow hard again as she pressed herself against him. He groaned. They didn’t have time, however much he wished they did.
Bear scratched at the door and continued to bark.
“Crap, I forgot to let her out last night.” She sat up. “Hold your water, Bear. I’m coming.”
“I’ll let her out.” He jumped up and threw on a pair of jeans, welcoming the distraction. “Get your things together. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”
As he approached the door, he paused, watching Naomi tug a shirt over her head and flip her hair from her face. “What?” she asked when she caught him staring at her.
“I see what you mean about sex hair.” He grinned and picked up the dog carrier. “I like yours too.”
The sky was a vivid blue, an otherwise gorgeous day if they hadn’t been on the run. When this was over, he’d take her on a trip through the state. Maybe they’d even make it a family trip with Welita and Chuy. He smiled as he thought of his future together with Naomi and tossed the carrier into the backseat. He looked around the area for Bear. Where was she? There weren’t that many places she could run off to.
“Bear, come here, girl.” He whistled for her.
He heard a barking in response that stopped at mid-bark. Dread hit him in the gut, and he headed in the direction of the bark.