The Sweet One (2 page)

Chapter 3

Micah was in a state of shock. He thanked the officer and stumbled out of the police car. The policeman had been nice enough to give him a ride home since his car was no longer drivable. The whole incident passed with Micah barely remembering what was said to him. He felt like he was sleep-walking through the policeman's report, almost as if he was watching the whole incident on television instead of experiencing it himself.

Both he and the driver of the SUV were lucky to come out of the accident unharmed. The police officer had said it was a miracle that they both survived such a terrible crash. Micah knew it was a miracle indeed.

Thanks to his Angel.

He dug around in his front pocket and found his keys. With shaking fingers, he finally got the key in the keyhole and unlocked the door. He walked into his small townhouse and into his kitchen, where he tossed his keys on the bar. Suddenly feeling like he stood on watery legs, he went into the living room and sat down on his plush couch.

Micah had worked hard to make his house into a sanctuary of comfort. His living room was decorated in warm, rich tones and his furniture plush and comfortable. He felt pride when his friends or family came over and told him they felt at home there.

Micah didn't feel safe and comfortable now. Coming down from the shock of the unbelievable events of the evening, he felt the sting of tears as his eyes watered up. He took a deep breath and shakily wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his blue jean jacket. He knew he needed to call his family and friends and tell them what had happened, but the thought of reliving the accident so soon was enough to make him want to fall apart.

"Everything will be all right now, my Sweet One," a deep, melodic voice softly spoke, interrupting Micah's train of thought.

Micah looked up with tearful eyes and saw his Angel standing before him with a serene look on his beautiful face. His Angel slowly reached out his hand and wiped a fallen tear from Micah's cheek lightly with his index finger. His touch was warm and inviting, so much so that Micah jumped to his feet and threw himself into his Angel's chest and wrapped his arms around him. He felt the silkiness of his Angel's white robe against his cheek as he clung tightly to him.

Micah felt warm, strong arms surround him and the softness of his Angel's large wings enclose him in an embrace he had dreamed of as a young boy. He immediately felt comforted as he snuggled his way into his Angel's arms, as close as humanly possible.

In the cocoon of the Angel's embrace, Micah felt safe for the first time since his Angel pushed him out of the way and saved his life.

"Thank you," he murmured, hoping that this moment would never end. The feeling of unconditional love almost overwhelmed him. He raised his head, which had been nestled against his Angel's chest, and looked up at him with love and gratitude in his eyes.

His Angel looked down at him and smiled. Those ocean blue eyes lit up as they gazed upon him. "You are safe now. That is all that matters." His lovely voice flowed right through Micah and into his soul. Micah smiled up at him and then once again laid his head down onto that warm, firm chest and tightly hugged his Angel to him.

"I can't believe you're here. I'd convinced myself that you were always a beautiful dream, or an imaginary friend who took care of me when I needed you most," Micah said as his fingers slid into his Angel's long, jet-black hair. It felt like the finest silk as it slipped through his fingers.

His Angel said nothing, but continued to hold Micah close to him as if he were the most precious thing in the world.

"You've always been there for me, haven't you? I've always felt your presence with me. Through good and bad times, you've been my protector and my friend. Thank you for that," Micah said softly as he looked up at his Angel and smiled shyly at him.

The Angel's blue eyes burned brightly as he gazed upon him, and he gave Micah another breathtakingly beautiful smile that made Micah's heart beat faster as he returned it with a smile of his own.

"Are you feeling better now, Sweet One?" The Angel asked as he cupped his large, warm hands around Micah's face.

As soon as the Angel touched his bare skin, Micah felt his body flush with pleasure. Never in a million years did he think he would be standing in the middle of his living room, wrapped in a warm embrace with the one man who made all other men pale in comparison. At that moment, Micah knew why the few relationships he'd tried never worked out. He had compared those men to his Angel that now held him so lovingly in his arms.

"Much better now that you're here," Micah answered as his eyes travelled over his Angel's stunning face.

He felt the wings that had wrapped him up so safely gently slide away and return to their place behind his Angel's back. He immediately mourned the loss of their warmth, so he clung tightly to his Angel for fear that his Angel was about to withdraw his arms next. Micah's eyes never left his Angel's face. He was almost afraid to blink for fear that his Angel would disappear on him again.

"Come, Sweet One, you must sit and rest," his Angel urged, as he gently removed himself from Micah's desperate hold, led him over to the couch and coaxed him to sit.

Micah reluctantly sat on the couch and looked up at his Angel uneasily. Would this be the moment his Angel would disappear again? He felt tears well up in his eyes and his vision blurred. He took a ragged breath and reached his arms toward his Angel. Micah missed the comfort of his Angel's arms and he fought the urge to weep with loneliness.

"Do not despair, my Sweet One, I will not leave you alone tonight," his Angel said as he reached his hand out, and with the tips of his fingers, gently wiped away a tear that had fallen down Micah's cheek. He lifted his hand up to his mouth and tasted the wetness with his tongue. Those ocean blue eyes closed and a look of pure ecstasy shone on his face.

Micah had never seen anything more erotic in his life.

Although Micah felt immediate relief over the Angel's words, he squirmed to keep his arousal under control, and not to embarrass himself in front of this gorgeous being before him.

"What's your name?" Micah asked, causing his Angel to snap out of his reverie and focus those blue eyes upon him once again. The Angel looked at him questioningly and said nothing. "Do you not have a name you are known by?"

The Angel looked at him, expressionless for a moment, and then quietly replied, "Noah. They call me Noah."

"Noah, as in Noah's ark? Was that you?" Micah asked excitedly.

Noah's eyebrows rose and a look of amusement came across his face. "I do not want to disappoint you, Sweet One, but no. The Noah that you speak of was a great man who lived many centuries ago. I have always been a watcher and a protector of man, since He created me."

"So you're what they call a guardian Angel, right?" Micah kicked off his loafers, bent his knees and pulled his legs up to his chest. He sat with his chin on his knees and wrapped his arms around his legs, looking up at Noah expectantly.

For a moment, a melancholy look appeared on Noah's face. Before Micah could comment on it, Noah's expression quickly changed and he smiled gently at Micah. "Yes. I have watched over souls since man walked upon this Earth. It is what I was created to do."

Micah watched Noah's wings start to shimmer, and within the next instant they disappeared. Noah walked over to the couch and sat. His hands rested on his lap and he gingerly laid his back against the back of the couch as if he still expected his wings to hamper him from doing so.

Micah scooted closer to Noah until the sides of their bodies touched. He looked up at Noah and smiled when Noah opened his arms to him. Micah leaned his body next to Noah and laid his head on Noah's shoulder. Noah wrapped his arms around Micah and pulled him sideways, into his lap. Their arms wrapped around each other and they held one another quietly for several minutes, as if talking would break the bond between them.

Micah took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of his Angel. The lovely fragrance of incense with a touch of vanilla encased his senses. Now that he finally got to touch Noah, Micah knew he could never get enough of holding and being close to him. He prayed silently that their moment together would never come to an end.

Noah gently pulled away from their embrace and looked down at him. His Angel leaned down and tenderly pressed his soft lips against Micah's in a sweet, chaste kiss. Just when Micah thought about trying to deepen their kiss, Noah pulled away and leaned his forehead against Micah's, smiling affectionately at him.

Noah slid his fingers through Micah's soft hair and his lips found Micah's once more. He gently kissed Micah's lips and then moved his mouth up to Micah's closed eyes and softly kissed each eyelid, and down his cheeks before returning his lips back to Micah's.

Micah felt his heart beat strongly within his chest as he felt Noah's full lips caress his face. It was the most sensual and loving thing Micah had felt in his entire life. Even though Noah's kisses were chaste and sweet, Micah had never felt more loved and cherished than in that very moment.

Micah slid his hands up Noah's chest and around his Angel's neck. His fingers gently rubbed the soft skin and he pulled Noah's mouth back toward his for another sweet kiss. Noah's full lips felt soft and warm against his own. Needing to taste his Angel's delicate mouth, Micah slid his tongue over Noah's soft lips, trying to encourage his Angel to deepen their kiss. Noah stiffened in his arms, but after a few moments, opened his mouth and allowed Micah to slide his tongue over his gently.

Noah tasted faintly like mint with just a hint of cinnamon. He was delicious, and Micah knew he would never get tired of tasting him. Micah slid his tongue around Noah's mouth as he pressed closer to the warmth and comfort of his Angel's body. He felt more than heard Noah moan just before his Angel pulled Micah tighter into his embrace, and started to slide his tongue against Micah's a little more forcefully.

As their kiss became more passionate, Micah's senses became overwhelmed with Noah's presence. The warmth of Noah's body, the silky texture of his hair in his fingers, the sweet moans that filled his ears, and the delicious warmth of his mouth were enough to drive Micah crazy. He pulled away just enough to move his leg over his Angel, so he could straddle him and deepen their connection.

Micah pressed his erection against Noah's hard stomach and groaned as he began to grind against him. Noah slid his hands to the back of Micah's head and grabbed him by the hair, gently pulling his head back, disengaging their mouths as he began to kiss and suck on Micah's neck. He lifted his lower body and started grinding his own erection against Micah's almost frantically.

Micah groaned as he felt his balls tighten and his stomach flutter with deep desire. Goosebumps rose on his skin and he panted with arousal as he met Noah's thrusts passionately. He felt the flush of desire throughout his body and the temperature in the room felt like it rose another ten degrees as a slight sheen of sweat broke from his forehead and his back.

No one ever touched him as deeply as his Angel did. No other man's touch could compare to the passion and the love he felt while in Noah's arms. He knew this was what had been missing in his life. This beautiful, spiritual being who held him so reverently in his arms had ruined him for any other man. Micah disengaged Noah's lips from his neck and brought their mouths together in a passionate kiss. Noah continued to move his lower body against him as he kissed Micah with an emotional intensity that Micah had never felt before.

In that moment, Micah knew that this was where he belonged; in Noah's arms, forever.

Chapter 4

Micah's mouth was driving him crazy. Never before had he felt the explosive desire that he felt for Micah. Although it wasn't common, sexual relations weren't forbidden among other Angels. Love and sex were the greatest gifts He had given to his creations, but Noah had never felt the desire to partake of a physical relationship with a peer, much less a human. Plus, being with a human was against the rules of a guardian, and here he was breaking not just one, but two rules in one night. Noah knew he was going to be punished severely for his actions this night.

He needed to stop this before it got even more out of control than it already had. But the warmth and passion he felt in Micah's arms, and the sweetness of his mouth, made it hard to pull away. He panted as he felt Micah's sexy body move against his own.

He needed to stop this now before it was too late for both of them.

It took every ounce of willpower Noah had in him to disengage his mouth from Micah's. He looked down into Micah's big, brown eyes and glistening, soft lips, and he fought the urge to pull his Sweet One back into his embrace and kiss him until they were both breathless with desire all over again.

He felt Micah's hands slide through his hair. The more Micah touched his hair the more fascinated he seemed to be with it. He watched Micah lift one of his locks, bring it to his nose and inhale deeply.

"You smell so good, Noah. I want to strip you down and see if you taste as good as you smell." Micah dropped the hold he had on his hair, leaned forward, and started to nibble gently on his neck.

Noah heard himself moan and he felt his head fall back against the couch of its own volition to allow Micah better access to his bare neck.

Micah's warm mouth felt good against his skin. When he felt Micah softly sucking on his neck and his hands roaming down and across his chest, Noah felt an involuntary shiver overcome his body.

He wanted his Sweet One, but he knew this had to stop.

"Micah…" he managed to groan out in a voice that was much deeper than normal.

Micah lifted his head and looked at Noah with eyes full of unsated desire. A pleased look crossed his Sweet One's face as he grinned up at him.

"That's the first time you've ever said my name. I think I could become addicted to hearing my name cross your lips," Micah said as he reached up and lightly traced Noah's lips with the tips of his fingers. Those gorgeous brown eyes lit up from inside as he looked at Noah with adoration. A few moments later, his Sweet One slid his hand behind Noah's neck and brought his mouth back to Noah's again.

Noah moaned helplessly into Micah's passionate kisses as he returned each press of his lips and tongue with his own. He wanted to be in this man's arms for all eternity. Noah allowed himself to enjoy and participate in Micah's heated kisses before he made himself pull away from Micah once more.

"Micah… we cannot do this. It is forbidden," he managed to gasp out. Micah looked at him with uncomprehending eyes and reached for him again. Noah shook his head and gently lifted Micah off of his lap and sat him beside him on the couch. He stood up and walked over to the window to look out into the night sky.

He heard Micah get off of the couch, walking with almost silent footsteps to stand behind him.

"I don't understand, Noah. What do you mean it's forbidden?" He heard Micah's soft voice behind him. Noah closed his eyes in anguish and took a deep breath to get his desire and his emotional turmoil under control.

"A guardian and a human cannot be together. It is against our code. I have already broken one rule tonight; I cannot break two. If I do, I will have even more consequences for my actions than I already have coming to me," Noah stated. He pressed his forehead against the cold window pane and closed his eyes, waiting for his Sweet One's reaction.

"What the hell are you talking about? It's forbidden to be with me? Why? I've loved you all my life, Noah. How can that be against any 'code' or wrong in any way? Love is a sacred and beautiful thing that should be celebrated for the gift that it is. Shouldn't the feelings we have for one another be celebrated instead of being frowned upon?" Micah's voice started out loud and almost angry, but as he continued his statement it became almost a confused whisper, and Noah had to strain to hear the last few words.

He felt Micah's arms slide around his ribcage as his Sweet One hugged him from behind. He could feel the press of Micah's body against his, and felt his warm breath between his shoulders.

Noah shook his head and closed his eyes to shake off Micah's words. Everything Micah said was right, but it was still against the rules to be together, no matter how logical his Micah was.

"Micah…" Noah said softly, gently pulling out of the smaller man's arms and turning around to face him. Micah's sad and confused expression hurt his heart. "You are right. Love is beautiful and should be rejoiced in. It truly is the greatest gift He has blessed us all with. But, we guardians have rules we must abide by, or we are punished for breaking them."

Micah became very still and his eyes widened as the words Noah stated finally sunk in. "Wait, what you mean you've already broken one rule tonight. What rule did you break?" Micah visibly swallowed and a look of fear crossed his face.

Noah said nothing as he reached up, cupped Micah's face in his hands and smiled consolingly at him.

A look of utter shock crossed Micah's features, and his face lost all color. Micah pulled away and took a step back as he shook his head frantically. "No. No… no! You didn't! I was supposed to get hit by that car and die tonight, wasn't I? You pushed me out of harm's way, and by doing so you've jeopardized your own existence! Why? Why would you do such a thing?"

Noah said nothing as he pulled his Sweet One to him and held Micah against him in a tight hug.

"Why? I don't understand, Noah." Micah sobbed, tears running freely down his cheeks. He clutched Noah to him tightly, as if he was afraid to let him go.

Noah was silent for a moment before he could find the right words to explain his actions to his beloved soul. "Micah, from the moment you were born, I have known your destiny. I have watched over you since the first breath entered your body, and I have seen all of your successes, as well as your failures. You have been my joy and happiness for many years. This alone is forbidden. We are not supposed to become emotionally involved with our souls. We just watch, guide, and report to Him.

We are the ones that guide you into the afterlife, wherever it may be. I interfered with your destiny tonight, and for that I accept my punishment. I could not watch the person I love die, no matter how prepared I told myself I was for it. I reacted on instinct, and my instinct was to save you. I do not regret that, no matter what happens to me," Noah whispered, his hands continuing to rub up and down Micah's back soothingly. Finally he pulled the distraught man from his arms so he could look his Sweet One in the face. His heart hurt to see Micah in such confusion and pain.

Micah looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. "What will they do to you? They won't take you away from me, will they?"

Noah said nothing. He shook his head and wiped at the tears that fell from Micah's eyes. "You're not going to tell me, are you, or is this another ridiculous rule you must follow?" Micah said as he stepped away from Noah and wrapped his arms around himself, trying to console himself. He abruptly turned and walked over to the couch. Once he was there, he practically collapsed on it. It was obvious to Noah that his Sweet One was both physically and emotionally exhausted.

Noah silently watched Micah with bright blue eyes. He felt a lump form in his throat because he knew that he was the one who caused his beloved Micah's pain, and there wasn't anything he could do about it.

Micah took a deep breath and wiped his eyes. He looked up at Noah and reached his hand out to him. Noah fought the urge to cry himself and he was thankful he was able to keep his runaway emotions to himself while in the presence of this wonderful man. The last thing Micah needed was to see how worried and upset he really was.

Noah walked over to Micah and eased his hand into Micah's soft one. He allowed Micah to pull him down next to him. Micah scooted over sideways into Noah's lap and hugged Noah to him. Tears blurred his vision and Noah blinked rapidly to get them under control.

"I'm sorry, Noah. You've always been there for me. You're my confidant, my comfort, my friend, and you've been my favorite dream. I just found you, only to lose you again. I know the consequences must be dire if you won't tell me. I have a feeling this will be our last night together, and the thought of never seeing you again frightens me. I appreciate the sacrifice you've made for me, but on the other hand, I'm angry, too."

Micah leaned back and looked into Noah's eyes. He reached up and started playing with Noah's ebony tresses as if he needed something to do with his hands while he spoke his mind.

"You've done me an injustice in a way. I'm not saying that I want to die, but now I'll have to live without you for the rest of my life, however long it may be."

Noah looked at Micah and nodded. He couldn't find his voice because of the knot in his throat. Micah was right. He had taken fate into his own hands, and now both of them would suffer the consequences of his actions.

Micah glanced up at Noah and sighed. "I love you, Noah. I want you to be honest with me. I think I deserve that. How long do we have to be together?"

"Tonight. I must leave when the sun comes up." Noah kissed Micah tenderly on his forehead.

Micah nodded, leaned up and touched his lips to Noah's in a soft, sweet kiss. He pulled away and laid his head on Noah's shoulder. "Okay. Kiss me and pray for the night to never end," his Sweet One whispered and hugged him tightly.