Fallen (6 page)

Maybe he could use Pyx's emotional confusion to his advantage. He knew he'd never get a demon to trust him, but perhaps he could interest her in the sensual delights, maybe a little seduction. If it changed her mind about slaying him, he'd give it a go.

It was either that or rip out her heart. And right now, he kind of liked where it was, inside and behind those gorgeous breasts.

“So did you kill many when you were a real angel?” she asked suddenly.

“A real angel?” It was difficult not to take offense at every other word that came out of her mouth, and yet, Cooper found he preferred Pyx's rough edges to someone who would speak only to please him. Humans did that a lot. “I served in Puriel's ranks. I guess you could say we participated in much smiting.”

“And you chose to fall because you weren't into the smiting?”

“I can smite with the best of them,” he said defensively. But his anger cooled quickly. The need to
not
smite had surfaced thanks to an angel friend who'd made him see more than just the holy light. “Smiting serves no purpose now.”

He wouldn't tell her it had taken a Fallen one to point that out to him. He wondered what had become of Kadesch. When they'd Fallen, each of the two hundred angels had touched earth in different areas of the world,
some—because of the length and velocity of the fall—even in different time periods.

She stepped off the curb. Cooper tugged Pyx's arm, stopping them at the street corner where the light flashed red. She would walk against the light if he let her, but if she were going to hang with him, the woman had better start learning the law, if only not to draw attention to the demon and angel standing on the street corner.

“What are you doing?” Cooper swept a long look down her bopping figure.

She shifted her hips from side to side and snapped a finger near her ear. “Jiving.”

“To what?” He now noticed she wore something in her ears. The small devices that played music were everywhere. Cooper popped one of them out and put it in his ear. He liked the funky tune. “Nice.”

She nodded, working her shoulders into her impromptu shimmy. The demon had no grasp on her sexuality. Men walking by stretched their necks watching her movements.

Casting a sneer at one man who stared far too long, Cooper then clasped Pyx's hands.

“May I have this dance?” Instead of waiting for her reply, he led her in a mock waltz, there on the street corner. Their steps were not on the beat at all. Didn't matter. Holding Pyx close to him was all the music he needed.

“That's not the way to dance to this music,” she said, but followed his steps. One of her ponytails bonked him on the forehead. She laughed and popped a big pink bubble of gum. “Street waltzing. I can dig it!”

Cooper twisted her under his arm, spinning her once. The move tore out the earbuds as he hooked her over his arm into a dramatic dip. Pyx stretched one arm high
over her head in a ballroom-worthy finale and kicked up one leg.

Behind them, clapping erupted from a singular source.

Drawing his partner up to stand, Cooper turned to find an older woman with gray hair and sensible shoes performing enthusiastic applause. He and Pyx exchanged winks.

He bowed grandly, then offered for the woman's hand. “May I have this dance, madame?”

The old woman giggled and allowed him to dance her side to side with only the rhythm of traffic to guide their steps. He moved slowly, allowing her careful steps, then ended in a grand-yet-painfully-slow twirl. The woman pealed out a bright giggle as she spun up to his chest where her eyes were level to his diaphragm.

Cooper could feel her delight deep in his chest. It felt damn good. Humanity was all he'd expected it to be. He kissed her cheek and thanked her.

When Cooper turned to Pyx the demon stood with arms clasped before her, a smile softening her tilted face.

“Sorry,” he said, splaying out his hands in surrender. “I like to dance.”

“Apparently.” Though her tone sounded more appreciative than blaming. “This world has gotten under your mortal skin, Fallen one. That can't be a good thing.”

“It's not good. It's awesome.”

“To each his own.”

“You liked the dance. Admit it.”

“I've a plan,” she said, ignoring his ribbing. “Let's go to your place.”

“My place?” he offered. “I'd rather hunt vampires. I need to test my new weapons.”

“So would I. More action.” She snapped into a fighter stance and punched the air between them a couple times.
“But what you don't understand about me is that I have a goal. And that goal won't be met until you've found your muse.”

“Let me guess. Your goal is to kill me.”

“You got it, buddy.”

The light changed and they began to walk, arm in arm, a strange couple if only the world were aware.

Cooper couldn't fault her for wanting to do her job. But she was going to have a tough time of it trying to convince him to do his job. It wasn't even a job, it was some kind of freaky innate compulsion.

“Why does a demon have to prove herself to her fellow Sinistari?”

A shrug of her shoulder and her pace moved faster. “Maybe it's a girl thing. Just never felt I fit in,” she called back. “Always.”

He joined her and grabbed her hand again to hold her closer. “Always?”

“Never felt as though I've been
in place,
if that makes sense. Look at me. I'm a chick who thinks she should be a guy. And Beneath! Don't get me started on that place.”

He could only imagine Beneath was as dismal and menacing as the Ninth Void. Had he not been summoned to earth he would still be there, awaiting final judgment. Why
had
he been summoned? The question niggled, but not enough to worry about it. He was free. He was not going to question that.

“So your goal on earth is to prove yourself to the Sinistari,” he guessed.

“Yep. What's your goal?” she asked.

“Finding my halo.” He strode up the street. His apartment was ahead. As was hers.

“Your halo? I've never heard of a Fallen looking for
his halo. You need it because it's a mighty weapon in your hands?”

“Something like that.” Sure, it was a weapon, but Cooper wanted to find his halo for reasons he could never explain to a demon who'd marked him as a target. “Got a means to track an angel's halo?”

“Maybe.”

He smirked and slowed to allow her to catch up. “You have no idea how to track a halo.”

“I didn't say that. I'm just not willing to do something for you until you do something for me.”

“Sweetie, the something you want me to do involves my death. My halo won't hold much importance after that.”

“Yeah well, life is tough.”

Cooper stopped before his building and gripped her by the upper arm. She didn't struggle, because his sudden move made her barge into him, and she tried to hold her balance. He preferred her unsure and not so cocky. “Let's make a bargain, shall we?”

“If you think you can trade sex for favors…”

“I didn't say a thing about sex.”

“You were giving me that look.”

“What look?”

“That hungry look. The same look you were giving every woman in the club. The same look you had on your face after kissing me. You have no shame.”

“I like kissing, is all. Kissing is an art form. It is a pleasurable means of exploring touch, taste and smell. Aren't you indulging in the senses, Pyx? After my imprisonment I can't get enough of it all.”

“Don't have time for silly stuff.”

“You like to eat.”

“Food keeps my energy up.”

“You like clothing.” He stroked a palm down her arm,
his fingers clicking the gold buttons. “Tell me what it feels like, the fur about your wrists. Is it soft? Sensual?”

“You are the strangest angel I've known.” She moved around to his right.

Cooper dodged to block her escape. “Know a lot of angels, then?”

“Actually, no.”

“Well, then. I think you need to let your freak flag fly.”

“My what?”

“You should be indulging in
all
the mortal sins,” he said. “That is what the Sinistari do.”

“I have been. I steal. I eat. I…put art on my body. I take great pride in the vanity of looking good. I haven't stopped chewing this delicious gum since I got here. It's full of sugar and I'm sure it'll rot my teeth.”

“Ohh, you are a rebellious one. But no interest in sex?”

“Is sex a sin?”

“Yes. No. It's a beautiful act between a man and a woman in love. But lust can be sinful.”

“Oh, I've been lusting.”

“Have you?”

About who, he wanted to know. But he'd hit a nerve in the demon. A nerve so new to her she couldn't process the uncomfortable sensation. He liked that she wasn't so sure of everything. That meant she was learning, becoming more human.

And, that she wasn't on top of her game.

“It's because I'm a girl, right? You think I can't be tough and all in your face like a Sinistari should be? Well, try this one on for size.”

When he felt the prick of a blade at his spine, Cooper put up his hands in surrender.

She was tough. Tougher than she realized. And he did have a healthy fear for what she and her blade, Joe, could do to him. But she was new to this world. He had at least two weeks on her. And he must use that to his advantage to stay alive.

Even if it meant seducing the enemy.

P
yx followed Cooper into his living room. He snapped his fingers to turn on a lamp. “You got salt?” she asked.

The angel lifted a brow.

“I want to perform a spell that will help you locate your muse.”

“Hey now, let's not get overzealous.”

“It won't bring her to you, it'll just open your senses to her. That's my plan I was talking about.”

“If you do that what do I get out of it? I know a bargain was mentioned. You going to help me hunt for my halo?”

She shrugged.

“Thought so. Have a seat, I'll be right back.”

Cooper left Pyx staring at the comfortable brown velvet sofa. She fought the urge to make a leap and land all snuggly and reclined. What was it about mortal furniture that screamed comfort to her?

Now was no time to get comfortable.

Pyx had come to earth with a mind full of spells and invocations innate to the Sinistari. If pure physical force could not get the job done, then she'd facilitate demonic magic. She knew a spell that would enhance the Fallen's sensory perceptions—specifically to his muse.

The Fallen saw the world in vivid color, or so she understood. Much like herself, he'd been denied that color while in angelic form. But the Fallen's muse was unique in that she could literally blow out a Fallen's senses and his ability to see, taste and smell became rather muted as a result. Then, the only means for the angel to spy a muse was to notice the telltale sigil on the muse's arm. It was like a tattoo, but not. The sigils were unique and only one muse sigil matched to one Fallen sigil.

That didn't mean only one muse for one Fallen. There were actually more muses walking the earth than Fallen ones to match them to, thanks to the Sinistari having slain three or four dozen Fallen after the original fall. But once the Fallen found his own muse, and had sex with her, he could then move on to another.

Pyx hadn't gotten a look at Cooper's sigil. It could be anywhere on his body. And the only way to locate it was a thorough inspection.

She ran her tongue along her lower lip, considering such an inspection. It would involve removing clothing and lifting up hems. Running her fingers over warm, tan flesh. He'd agree, for sure. The man was a heathen. But so was she.

Or so she should be.

Why didn't the sin of lust appeal to her more? Was it simply that it intimidated her? It was the one sin she hadn't attempted yet. Wasn't quite sure how to go about it. It wasn't as though she needed instruction, but then again, she could use a few pointers.

Cooper had guessed right, she was a virgin. That didn't make her stupid, just…inexperienced regarding that one small aspect of mortal life. She'd pick it up as easily as she picked pockets. But what was the rush? She didn't need a romance, not while she was focused on slaying the Fallen.

He just had to quit distracting her.

The kiss Cooper had given her had been excellent. And easy. Pyx suspected what followed a simple kiss would be a bit more complicated. And desirable. Probably as delicious as bananas and chocolate crepes.

Nothing was going to intimidate her. Not the curiosity about sex. Not even a sexy Fallen one who liked to flirt and made sure the lusty compulsion never left her thoughts. He certainly had sex on the brain.

And that made it weird that Cooper had no interest whatsoever in his muse. Pyx knew the Fallen could have sex with any mortal woman, but could only garner his own pleasure from a muse. Which also meant his flirtations with
her
meant little. He couldn't get pleasure from her, so why bother?

Angels. They were a strange lot.

“So what's this spell all about?” Cooper returned and sat on the velvet sofa. He set a ceramic cellar of pink sea salt on the table. He leaned back and patted the cushion next to him. “Take a load off.”

Relenting to the draw of comfort—and not his invitation—Pyx sat and picked up the salt cellar. “It'll open your senses to your muse. You okay with that?”

“I could be.”

Tilting her head so she could not see the flex of muscles that moved his powerful thighs as he shifted his weight, Pyx poured out the salt on the table. He smelled…not bad. Warm? Couldn't be; the angel's blood was cold.

“Bubble gum.”

His sudden remark made her almost drop the salt cellar. “What?”

“That's what you smell like.”

“I know, but…” Could he have been aware she was just trying to place his scent? Impossible. An angel could only influence mortal minds. “That was an easy one.” She snapped her gum. “But you?”

“Do I smell?” The voice whispered so close to her ear, Pyx did drop the cellar. Salt spilled in a pile on the coffee table. “Sorry. Do you know what you're doing?”

“I do.” Slipping off the sofa to kneel on the floor before the table put a little distance between them, but he was still close enough that his knees were right there, next to her shoulder. “You do smell. Can't figure what it is.”

“Cedar.”

“What?”

“The headboard of the bed is made from cedar, as are the drawers. I think that's what it is.” He sniffed his sleeve. “I kind of like it.”

She kind of did, too.

Oh, bloody stupid demon. Focus!

Forcing her attention to the task, Pyx tightened her jaw and began to draw a warding symbol in the salt that she innately knew was correct. Crystal stones would prove helpful to focus the energy, but she could work without them.

“I thought salt was dangerous to demons?”

“It is if you shoot it at the normal ones.”

“Normal demons?” He scoffed. “I think that's an oxy-moron.”

“Who are you calling a moron?”

“No one, sweetie.”

“Darn straight. We Sinistari are tough. Hard to permeate our steel flesh.”

He stroked her elbow with his thumb. “And yet, you feel oh, so soft.”

Pyx ignored the twang in her belly that his touch ignited. Cedar, eh? “Just a costume. As is yours.”

“But you like mine. I've seen you looking.”

“It's…fine.”

And warm. And smelled good. And strapped with muscles she wanted to touch and maybe…lick. And he still stroked her skin, which made her want to move closer so he'd stroke other places on her, and that would make her forget about what she wanted to do right now. It was all tied to her lacking indulgence in lust and if she really wanted to prove herself to the Sinistari then she should dive in, deep.

But not with a Fallen one.

“Can I get started with this?”

“We agreed to bargain if I'm to allow you to perform such a spell. I go first.”

“I thought it was women first?”

“Not in this situation.”

With a sigh Pyx pressed her back against the sofa. Tapping the coffee table with her fingers, she tilted her head all the way back to look upside down at Cooper. “Fine, thought you wanted to hunt halos?”

“Changed my mind.”

“So? What do you want?”

“Another kiss.”

Pyx sat upright. Why did that request not surprise her? As well, how could those two simple words flush her neck and send the heat down across her breasts? It had just been two words!

“Why do you want to make out with the one who wants to kill you?”

Cooper slid off the sofa to sit next to her. He leaned in close to her face. His scent teased at her need to stay focused. “Maybe it'll earn me a reprieve from your death wish.”

He was pushing it. And those gray-and-azure eyes sparkled with thoughts Pyx didn't want to know about.

Yes, she did.

No.

Oh, crap, she did.

It truly fascinated her that this Fallen one wanted to go on a quest for his halo as opposed to wreaking havoc. Angels were experts at havoc, and smiting.

Yet here he sat, completely shameless and oh, so charming. He could have her in the palm of his hand with a “please.” The enemy!

Well, as Cooper had stated earlier, the best place to put the enemy was as close as possible. And close was looking pretty good right now. And, man, did she like the smell of it.

Pyx closed her eyes. And waited.

A minty snicker huffed across her mouth.

Not opening her eyes, she asked, “What?”

“You're waiting for
me
to do all the work?”

Wasn't that the man's job? Besides, she needed time. There was a learning curve to this kind of interaction. And he'd had two weeks longer than she to perfect his moves.

“You wanted a kiss, angel, you come and get it.”

The invitation was answered more swiftly than expected. He slid a hand behind her back and pulled her to his body at the same time his mouth found hers. Pulled onto his lap, Pyx couldn't decide if she wanted to struggle or snuggle
closer. His insistence was overwhelming, yet the kiss was soft and gentle, not so commanding as to put her off.

Sliding a knee to either side of his thighs, she straddled him without breaking the intense contact.

The sensation of touch was extreme with her mouth pressed to this man's mouth. She could feel…everything. His lips were soft, the skin tender and different than on his arm or face.

The sensual feeling didn't stay at her mouth. It scurried over her flesh and left a tingly wake. And those sparkles absolutely beamed. This was…nice.

And did she really need to concern herself with slayage 24/7? There wasn't another Sinistari within miles of this Fallen. No one would know.

Drawing a hand along Cooper's thigh, Pyx couldn't help but note how firm and muscled it was. Powerful.

Power impressed her. Power made her feel…safe. Protected. It was an odd feeling to have, but she didn't question it. Not now. Now was for the moment. A moment to learn and experience.

Cooper groaned into her mouth. The wanting sound softened her last defenses. His entire body sought hers, pressing chest to chest, hands gliding over her arms, and melding muscle along muscle. He sought touch, and she'd be darned if she didn't want to give it to him and in turn, receive touch.

Threading her fingers into his hair she tugged him closer, deepening the kiss. Despite the minty coolness of his breath the kiss was hot. It melted her like the gooey chocolate inside a folded crepe.

So this was why the Sinistari jumped right in with the indulging in lust stuff? Certainly was more satisfying than cramming a blade into an angel's heart. Mostly. She had nothing to compare it to. Yet.

“You taste like bubble gum,” he muttered as he nudged his nose near her ear and licked the lobe of it.

“I swallowed it when you kissed me.”

A new sensation made Pyx flinch giddily. His thumb brushed over her nipple, strangely hard beneath the soft cotton T-shirt. The quick zing surprised her, yet she could go for another, so she melted against his palm, encouraging his exploration.

“Mmm, yes, tilt your head and let me lick your neck.” Hot breath skittered down her skin as he kissed her neck, under her ear. “Never thought a demon would be so damned delicious.”

The stroke of his tongue along her neck reminded her of what he was capable. “You're not giving me an angelkiss?”

An angel could lick a path on mortal skin that would itch interminably, and act as a beacon so the angel could track said mortal. Usually it was the muse who received the angelkiss.

“Only works on mortals,” he murmured. “My tongue won't make you itch, Pyx, unless it's an itch for more. Mmm, down here?” He tickled the rise of her breast with his tongue. It felt so good she couldn't think about how wrong this was. “You are definitely all woman.”

By now that declaration shouldn't bother her, but for some reason it did. Pyx pulled her fingers from Cooper's hair and pressed a palm at her breast where he was moving his tongue lower beneath the T-shirt neckline. “I can still take you, even if I am a girl.”

“Didn't say you couldn't.” He nipped her finger. When she pulled away, he softly bit her nipple through the T-shirt. “Kind of like how you want to kill me but at the same time you're having a bit of fun, aren't you?”

“Kissing is a new experience.” She tried to sound bored, but really, this was fabulous. “Oh, what's that?”

He ground his hips against hers. The hardness she felt against her groin was long and thick. “I have a dagger, too,” he said. “And it's not called Joe.”

“Let's see.”

Cooper suddenly pulled out of their embrace. He gave her the wonkiest look, half concerned, half bizarre with a raised brow added for effect. “You have no idea how all this works, do you?”

“What works? Kissing?” She tugged a lock of her thick red hair and wrapped it about a finger. “Don't you think I kiss well?”

“You do.” He kissed her quickly, then kissed her finger through the hair wrapped about it. “But you're not up on what comes next, I figure. You
did
walk the world?”

“Yes.”

“Did you happen to watch any couples having sex?”

“That would be rude!”

“A demon with morals? Where in your handbook does it say pillage and steal without a thought, yet close your eyes to the sexy stuff?”

“I thought it was personal. You know.”

“Yeah? Well, the dagger in my pants is not something for show and tell. When I bring this guy out, it means business. And I don't think we're ready for sex.”

“Sex? I thought we were just kissing?”

He jumped up from the floor and shrugged a hand through his hair. “I can't believe I said that. Woman, you are confusing my sense of wrong and right.”

“Sounds like a problem.” She turned to the table where the salt ward needed some readjusting. “Perhaps you should let me guide you down your destined path and you wouldn't have all this extra silly stuff to worry about?”

“Kissing isn't silly.”

“I was talking about finding your muse.”