Tempt Me (27 page)

He frowned at her, but Emmanuel could tell he was listening. “Nothing is guaranteed, Angelique. But I can wait for you to think about it. I think.”

He leaned down to kiss her, his smile disarming. “Though I reserve the right to tempt you into changing your mind, if only to honor your mother by—”

Angelique gasped with laughter. “If you say by buying the cow, you are so going to pay for it.”

Gabriel picked her up and headed toward the bedroom. “BD is right. It’s worth it. You’re worth it. Whatever it takes. Someday it will be you and me and that damned white gazebo. You know the one. It’s right next to the tree I pressed you against and first had my way with you. But that’s probably not something you’re interested in. You don’t even like weddings.”

She covered his mouth and Emmanuel watched her smile soften. “There you go again. Throwing down a challenge I won’t be able to resist.”

Gabriel froze midstep. “Are you saying—”

“I
do
love that gazebo. And weddings.” She bit her lower lip. “And that tree.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

She giggled. “I had a feeling you would.”

After Gabriel whooped and they disappeared into the bedroom, Emmanuel’s smile faded. He stood on the balcony in silence. Alone again.

His plan hadn’t gone exactly the way he’d imagined. He hadn’t thought Gabriel would be so stubborn. Hadn’t foreseen the forces that had threatened Angelique. If Papa Legba hadn’t stepped in with the Marassa Twins . . . But he had. Emmanuel should have known he would.

He also knew the old man would want to see him soon. He couldn’t avoid that forever, especially now that it had all worked out. Gabriel was home; he was getting closer with Michelle and his mother . . . He was loved, truly loved, and that was what he’d needed to find his balance and embrace his gift. With Angelique at his side, whatever the reason for his powerful gift, whatever the future was bringing, he would be ready.

Emmanuel was home, too. Almost. At least they knew about him now. Bethany and BD, Michelle, and Ben. His family. Now Angelique would be a part of them as well, and a part of him. His Venus. She was safe. Alive. Emmanuel would guard her against all harm. Her and the family and friends she loved. And maybe someday he would be allowed to follow in BD’s footsteps. Find his own someone to love. Someone who would see him and, even knowing what he was, love him back.

He heard her laugh turn into a moan from the other room and his lips tilted helplessly.

Until someday, today would do just fine.

 

R. G. Alexander
has lived all over the country and has studied archaeology and mythology, has been a nurse and a vocalist, and is now a writer. She is married to a talented chef who is her best friend, her research assistant, and the love of her life. Visit her website at
www.rgalexander.com
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