(Eve’s point of view)

Allie stands staring out the apartment window at the sunset in her tank-top and shorts. While I enjoy sunsets, I prefer this view more. She doesn’t know how beautiful she is, and the light from the sunset hugs her silhouette perfectly. I lean against the side of the couch and cross my arms in front of me, gazing at the woman before me. Her hand rests on her hip, as it often does. The attitude that usually matches the stance drives me just a little crazy, and she knows it.

“Are you going to watch the sunset with me?” She looks over her shoulder at me, smiling.

“I was enjoying the view from here.” I smile, walking toward her.

She turns her attention back to the soft orange glow outside. I slide my arms around her waist from behind, hugging her back close to me. She rests her head against my shoulder.

“I’m sorry for pushing you away,” she says.

“It’s okay, baby.”

“No, it isn’t. I trust you. I just don’t always trust Damion,” she says, tilting her head up to look at me.

“I don’t trust him that much either.” I lean down to kiss her soft lips. “I’m not his anymore and I’m not Amara’s either. Allie, I’m yours.”

She has tears in her eyes, threating to fall.

“That is what you say, and what my heart tells me, but Eve…” She looks away from me.

I cup her chin in my hand and gently turn her attention back to me. “Allie, you listen to me. Baby, I know your mind tells you stories and gives you scenarios of things that can or will go wrong, but, I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving you. You are mine, today, tomorrow, and forever. Everything you feel is valid. From the utmost joy to the deepest sorrow. You feel the way you feel. No one can tell you not to feel it. It’s in our code as humans to feel the broad spectrum of emotion. Your heart will heal in time, and there is no set time for it to be done. I’ll be by your side. Our paths met for a reason and I will cherish it. Above all else, I will cherish you.”

Happy tears stream from her eyes. She turns to face me, nuzzling her head against my neck. I thought the hardships were behind us once I had eradicated the Creator, but things are still just as unstable as they were before. Now, I’ve pissed off all of them, but I can’t bring myself to explain this to her. Instead, she fears I’m leaving her to go back to Damion. That would be a fat chance in hell. However, Damion is the only other one of my kind. He understands things about me that I can’t explain. I do not love him, and I sure as hell don’t trust him, but if he can help me get my wings back, I’m going to have to trust him just a little.

“Angel,” she whispers, raising her head up.

“Yes, baby,” I smile, looking into her gleaming eyes.

She slides her hand into mine, bringing them up to her lips. She kisses our joined hands and then brushes her lips against my fingers. I let go of her hand and cup her cheek in my hand, tracing her bottom lip with my thumb.

“The gentleness in your touch is enough to anchor the restlessness in my veins. My fear of not being valid in the person I found myself to be, clouded my sight. But you didn’t mind sitting with me while I gathered the strength to find my way. You were the first to teach me what it feels like to be loved. You accepted me before I had the courage to accept myself.” She pauses. “Kiss me, angel,” she whispers.

I nod at her demand. I want nothing more than to give her the love she wants and deserves. I’ve been waiting for her to say the words. The eagerness awakens in me the beast side of the angel. Even the good parts of me can be devilish around the edges.