Deidre's Death

Granted, he was Death, and she was offering a partnership running the underworld instead of deferring to him in his role in charge of the underworld. In the course of three days, the goddess had almost learned to see him as an equal while her human side no longer in denial about her destiny.

She'd done something today he didn't expect and uncovered something he and all his dealers had overlooked for months. She was honest about wanting to help him and about how she felt.

Maybe Rhyn was right and the past didn't matter so much.

Maybe the secret could wait until they had built a better foundation. He'd cave to Andre's advice and double-check with Darkyn about whether or not his mate owed the Dark One anything - formally or informally. Then, he'd stop throwing up barriers and give this Deidre a chance.

"Gabriel," she said hesitantly. "Will you kiss me?"

His arms dropped. He wasn't expecting the question. Building their relationship would mean easing into intimacy once more. He had no idea what she wanted on that front. The goddess had used sex to control him. The human feared a relationship with someone who wouldn't share more than his body.

The woman before him was completely different than either woman. The reminder revived his uneasiness. What if he fell for this Deidre and she changed once again?

"You sure?" he hedged.

She nodded. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips nervously. Gabriel offered his hand. She took it.

"Gods, you're freezing," he said and rested his other hand on top of hers to try to warm her.

Her eyes were on their clasped hands. She tucked her other hand between his to try to warm it, too. Gabriel's gaze took her in with some concern. She really was going to get sick from the cold and being soaked.

He cupped one of her cold cheeks in his hand, wanting to warm her up in whatever way it took. Gabriel dipped his head and kissed her. Her face was cold but her plump lips were warm, soft, her lips parting for him before he prodded them apart. She tasted slightly sweet, the heat of her mouth contrasting with the chill of her skin, and smelled of lake water. Deidre sank against him, and he wrapped his arms around her trembling body. Lake water seeped through his clothing. He paid it no heed, instead fascinated by the feel of her frame.

Desire spiked through him at the knowledge that his mate was in his arms. She responded to him with raw hunger, no longer timid as she had been when he kissed her the day before. Her hands were soon roaming his body curiously, resting on his jaw and trailing along his neck.