Voluptuous Vindication (5 page)

Ian shifted uncomfortably. In one look, she'd taken him from cold to red-hot, his vows of celibacy going up in flames in the face of her plump physique. Had it not been for the threat of imminent death, he would have attempted her, the powerful pull of his lust overriding everything else.

She walked in between their seats, her long, fitted skirt brushing against his arm. A light, floral scent filled the air. He inhaled deeply, like a man starved for air. It was a haunting scent, and the first pleasant one he'd experienced since boarding the hellish train. His thoughts were chaotic, his eyes locking onto her arse as she put her back to him. His hands clenched as he imagined his fingers locked onto those plump cheeks as he pounded into her.
Bliss. Heat. With a well-rounded figure like hers, she could take every hard, pulsating inch. 

The angel was dressed in business wear, with a button-down jacket and a skirt that brushed her ankles. The jacket failed to cover the rounded bulge of flesh underneath the fitted material of her skirt. She was curvy and voluptuous and a bit larger than what he was generally attracted to. Ian grimaced.

Maybe it wasn't the woman he was responding to but the angelic force within her. Something about it was irresistibly attractive to Endurers, and it was rare for them to spend much time in a female angel's presence. Arch was an angel, but he was male and a major pain in the ass. A female angel was rare. If they made other Endurers react like he was, no wonder they were scarce.

She sat down, immediately hissing loudly as Ian closed his eyes in disbelief.
The damned drink.
He'd completely forgotten about it, and now she was sitting in iced cola.
Real smooth, jackass.

Pasting a smile on his face that had won his way into many beds in the past, Ian turned to face her.

Chapter 2

Sara fought back the yelp of surprise as the ice cold liquid saturated her skirt... And human parts of her she didn't even want to think about. It was a hundred times worse than using the tiny train toilet, and that was always bad enough. Unfortunately, it was one of the disadvantages that came from being assigned to a mortal territory.

Gasping, she noticed movement from the corner of her eyes. A man watched her, a stunningly attractive blond-haired male with a sexy five o'clock shadow. Her cheeks and neck flushed immediately. He must have witnessed her humiliating moment, how could he have missed it in the small confines of the train? Sighing, she resigned herself to traveling with a wet skirt.

In an attempt to save face, Sara turned her head to stare out at the dark night. Before she'd left, the area she was in had been empty. He must have moved over while she was in the restroom. She wished he hadn't... His nearness was interfering with her piece of mind. 

Sara always chose the emptiest part of the train to travel on, just like she always chose the emptiest places to stay or sit. She loved humanity, but sometimes, mortals unnerved her. As much as she'd like to fit in, Sara simply wasn't witty or light-hearted enough to ever accomplish it. How could she be? She was
eternal
. In a human's eyes, she was just weird.

It was time to act nonchalant, she couldn't stare out the window for the rest of the trip. As casually as possible, Sara turned her head... And choked. The male sitting across from her was simply the best-looking man she'd ever seen, on earth or anywhere else. He jumped up, his large hand whacking her soundly across her shoulder blades as she gasped for air.

Sara closed her eyes in humiliation. This time the blush spread across her entire body. She wished for the peace and calm that came from being in spirit form, but it was futile. There wouldn't be any disappearing from this.

Any angel assigned to the mortal realm was completely mortal, no exceptions. No longer could she speak to those in Heaven, read the mortal's minds, or see into the spiritual realm, but it wasn't permanent.

It was only for another month, then her five years were up. She'd be pulled back into Heaven, or possibly assigned to another territory here on earth. With Armageddon being ushered in, anything was possible. It was a scary time to be assigned to the mortal realm, especially when you had no powers to fight the dark ones.

In mortal form, Sara didn't even have the ability to detect them. That was scariest of all to her. She could see a demon if it chose to reveal itself to her, but she couldn't sense them. In mortal form, she didn't have the ability to protect herself, either. 

She coughed one last time and held a hand up. “I'm okay,” she gasped out, hoping the man would move on. She was wet in her neither regions, feeling squishy and humiliated. Sara refused to look up. Staring at him was dangerous.

He was silent for a moment, his hand lingering on her back. Did he even realize it? Sara shuddered from the sensation, unused to being touched. Finally, he spoke, his voice washing over her as he said, “I owe you an apology. I spilled your drink as I came through, and I'd like to make it up to you. Why don't you come with me, and I'll get you another one?”

His voice flowed like the richest whiskey, his tone deep and sensuous. A surreal feeling spread throughout her, pushing away the embarrassment and discomfort she'd experienced. Slowly, Sara lifted her face to meet his.

He had one arm over the back of her seat, leaning forward as he stared down at her with gorgeous eyes. His hair was long on top and wavy, while the back and sides were tapered. He looked confident and sexy in his expensive, black, long-sleeved shirt and jeans, his grin revealing perfect white teeth.

Sara turned her face away from him, unable to stare at so much masculinity for too long. Finding her voice, she replied, “No, but thank you. I'll be fine without one.”

His hand slid across her back, slow and inviting as it moved to her arm. “Nonsense,” he replied firmly, gently pulling her up. “I won't take no for an answer.”

Sara closed her eyes, breathing in the woodsy scent that surrounded him. His hard, tall body was pressed to her back, his large build making her feel feminine in a way she'd never experienced.
Sweet Heavens, was there nothing about him that wasn't alluring?

Her body filled with heat, only this time it wasn't a blush. It came from within, the area between her legs like molten lava. Never had she responded to someone like this, in fact, it was forbidden.

Angels weren't allowed to mate with humans, it went against one of their most elemental laws. As spiritual beings, they weren't meant for mortal actions, like sex or reproduction. The love they were to have for humanity was to be generalized, not specific. Lusting for a male was a no-no, and Sara knew it. What on earth was wrong with her?

Keeping a hand on her arm, he moved around behind her. A moment later, he held her briefcase out. “I put the folder you had out in the back pocket,” he said near her ear, his breath playing with her hair. She inhaled deeply, her body trembling. “You don't want to leave it here. I'll carry your bag for you.”

He pressed against her gently from behind, urging her to move forward with his body. Sara turned her head, forcing herself to meet his eyes again. Unprepared for the impact, her lips parted as she stared at him silently.

His eyes were a deep green, glinting in the muted, artificial lighting of the train car. They were bold as they stared down into her face, bold and full of heat. This was a man used to getting what he wanted.

Sara trembled again as her eyes fell to his firm lips, wondering what it would feel like to have them pressed to hers. It was sinful, but for the first time in her life,
she lusted
. It didn't matter, though. He was pure temptation, every inch of his tall frame an invitation she could never accept.

“That's him, right there,” a male voice bellowed from behind her, yanking her thoughts back to the present. “That's the pervert that was trying to get in the restroom with me.”

The man holding her looked past her before grimacing. Sliding an arm around her waist, he spun them around. “Time to go,” he muttered into her ear as he locked her to his front and darted to the door.

“Wait,” she protested, struggling against his arm. Her overloaded mind was sluggish as she tried to wrap it around everything that was happening. The sounds of pursuit were loud behind them as he navigated the doors. Releasing her, he quickly locked the last door before picking her up again and moving down the aisle.

“Stop,” she demanded, using her legs to try to lock onto a seat. “What do you think you're doing? Why are they after you? And how are you carrying me?” At her size, it should have been impossible.

He sighed as he came to stop. Releasing her waist, he spun her around, tilting her face up to his as the men banged on the door. Passengers around them were waking up and staring at them curiously. Sara blushed, hating to be the center of attention.

“I don't have time for this,” he bit out, running a hand through his hair. “Let's cut the bullshit. You're an angel, so you have to know Arch.”

He said it as a statement, waiting for her to nod. When she did, he continued quietly, “You're on an extermination list. There are demons on this train right now, their only purpose to wipe you out. Arch is fighting them, and I was sent in to get you out. If you want to live, not to mention save the mortals on this train, come with me now.”

Sara didn't hesitate. Arch was well-known among all the angels, permanently assigned to the once-mortal Endurers. “Show me where we need to go.”

He nodded in approval. “Follow me.”

Quickly, they raced down the next stairs and into the luggage area. “Now what?” She asked, looking around, puzzled. A draft passed through, reminding her of the wet area on her skirt.

“Good question,” he replied, looking around. “Arch, where are you?”

Sara didn't get the chance to question him further. Her world spun, slowly replaced with blackness until there was nothing else. With a sickening lurch, she gave herself up to the darkness, never feeling the Endurer that wrapped his arms around her to hold her.

* * * * *

The world righted, revealing Arch standing in front of him as he held the woman, and her stuff, in his arms. They were standing in a grassy area next to the train tracks, remaining silent as it sped by. Within seconds, it was gone, disappearing in the dark night.

Ian grimaced, waiting as Arch sheathed his sword. Although it was pitch black, he was able to see everything around him. Darkness didn't bother an Endurer, not with their enhanced senses. Arch was splattered in demon blood. He had battled hard.

Walking up to Arch, he held the woman out to him. “I did what you asked,” he said grimly as he waited for Arch to take her. “Now tell me where the hell we are at so I can get out of here.”

Arch took her easily. Her well-rounded size was nothing to them. They were able to carry weights much greater than hers, it wasn't even a consideration. When his arm grazed her bottom, he shot Ian an accusing look. “Why is she wet?”

“Give me some credit,” Ian snarled in response. “Even I couldn't do a bedding that fast.”

“Bullshit. I've seen you seduce a woman in five minutes flat. Don't tell me you couldn't have done it.”

Ian chuckled, despite the terseness in the air around him. “In my old age, I prefer something longer and more satisfying that a quick tussle. Not to mention the demons, and that grotesque man convinced I wanted to share a bathroom stall with him.” Ian shuddered. “He was enough to make even the most virile male's dick shrivel up.”

Arch was silent for a moment before laughing tiredly. “Damn, only you could manage to get into a mess like that.” He stared down at the woman he held. “She'll be awake in a moment or two.”

“Why didn't you tell me she's immortal, an angel?”

Arch looked away, scanning the area as he said blandly, “Lack of time?”

“I call bullshit on that. More likely, you knew I wouldn't want to get involved. The last thing I need to be in the middle of is an angel versus demon battle. Protecting humanity is hard enough. Why did she pass out?” Ian asked, his tone curious. “If she's an angel, why would flashing knock her out?”

Arch stared back at him, his blue eyes glowing in the darkness. “Angels assigned to territories here on earth become mortal, at least for the duration of their assignment. It's why this realm is their least favorite. Their powers are stripped here, and they have to eat, drink, and live human.”

“So she can't sense demons?” Ian asked in disbelief, staring at her prone form. “Isn't that a little bit like sending a lamb into a den of hungry lions? Demons will still be able to sense her, in fact, I'm willing to bet they are purposely seeking out mortal angels. They don't want them here, not with them moving in. We already know they are on a mission to destroy this particular one. How can she protect herself?”

“She can't,” Arch replied, with a sigh. “Although all angels still have the protection of the One above. It's complicated, which is why we were sent in. Hell has her in their radar. They won't stop until she's fulfilled her purpose, or she's dead. He doesn't want to see that happen.”

“It doesn't make sense,” Ian said, raking a frustrated hand through his hair. He gestured at Arch. “How come you aren't mortal?”

Arch shrugged. “My territory and duties are different. We are the only ones standing between humanity and Hell. I have to have my powers here on this realm, otherwise, all this would be obsolete. The mortals would be dead, we would be dead, and there wouldn't be anyone left to protect.”

He nodded down at Sara. “Her duties are different. She does her time here, and then she leaves. All we have to do is keep her alive the next thirty days, and she's gone.”

Sara started to stir. “Well, I'll leave you to it, Arch,” Ian said, looking around. He preferred to be gone before she came back to consciousness. He couldn't explain the attraction between them, and it made him uncomfortable. He wasn't about to become a despoiler of angels, even a man whore like him had his limits. “Can you flash me back to Las Vegas?”