Royal Obsession (26 page)

Gideon smiled. “Why? Do you have words for me that would make my friend uncomfortable?”

“Making people uncomfortable seems to be your goal not mine.”

He narrowed his eyes. How much had Naomi confessed? Surely she hadn’t shared all the details of their meeting. Swinging his legs to the floor, Gideon rose and followed his brother out into the night.

Moonlight caught on the large cross atop the chapel’s bell tower, casting a dense shadow across Gideon’s path. His steps faltered and his stomach clenched. With a surge of stubborn determination, he marched through the shape and into the darkness beside the barracks. He didn’t stop until they were well away from curious ears.

“How did you find me?” Gabriel asked.

“It’s a simple thing to find someone who is following you. Did Michael dispatch you or do you willingly participate in my punishment?”

“There is only one participant in your punishment, Gideon, and that is
you
.” Gabriel’s voice was firm, his expression guarded. “I am here. You cannot change that fact. When did you become aware of my presence?”

“I saw you in Jerusalem. I thought you had some manner of assignment, but the more I thought about it, the more suspicious I became. How long have I
been
your assignment?”

Gabriel smiled and glanced away. “You have been more like a command center from which I am dispatched to other assignments.”

“So you spy on me unless He has something of more importance for you to do?”

“For the most part,” Gabriel agreed.

“And you are only to observe? Not give me guidance?”

“Would you accept my guidance should I give it?”

Gideon chuckled, resting one shoulder against the barracks outer wall. “You’re nearly as good at avoiding questions as am I. You can speak only truth so tell me now. What role has Michael set for you?”

Gabriel fidgeted. “I have been told to monitor your situation.”

“And report back to Michael no doubt. How is the study coming? Have I learned my lessons well? How much longer am I to be banished from the Light, expected to live off these mortals?”

“That is and has always been up to you. All Michael did was release your constraints. You claimed that we are slaves so Michael set you free.”

“There is no freedom in what I have become,” Gideon sneered.

“You are a creature of your own making. If you are not content, then change.”

They glared at each other for a long moment.

“Have all these years taught you nothing?” Gabriel asked.

Anger boiled up within Gideon, tasting foul in the back of his throat. He folded his arms across his chest and began to pace. “Oh, my time with mankind has taught me many things. I’ve learned to be ruthless and to deceive. I’ve learned to manipulate others to my own will. I’ve learned to lust and covet. I’ve learned—”

“Nothing you needed to know,” Gabriel interrupted impatiently. “Have you not seen the sacrifices they make for each other? Their tenderness and their loyalty, their courage and honor?”

“Honor?” Gideon scoffed. “Honor is as much a myth as love.”

“You have known love, Gideon. I love you unconditionally. You must learn how to
give
love, not how to
be
loved.”

Gideon looked away from the hope and the expectation in his brother’s eyes. He gazed out into the night, drawing strength from the darkness.

“Are you in love with her, Gabriel?” he asked in a quietly provoking tone. “Do you feel the full range of human emotions as I do, or did Michael spare you that torment?”

“We speak of Naomi now?” Gabriel asked.

“She is quite remarkable. The most intriguing combination of innocence and lush, feminine promise.”

Gabriel took a step forward, anger hardening his features and brightening his gaze. “Leave Naomi alone. She has nothing to do with any of this.”

Gideon grinned, amazed at how well he had guessed what his brother was feeling. “No wonder you masquerade as a monk. Your very nature makes the role effortless. Piety, selflessness and chastity are routine for an angel. You do not burn with lust, do you? You feel protective and responsible, but you feel nothing more for this girl.”

“I have cared for Naomi since she was a babe.” Gabriel sounded defensive. His bright eyes narrowed in his perfect face. “Her mother died in my arms, and I have taken responsibility for the child ever since.”

A deep chuckle rumbled in Gideon’s chest. “She is no longer a child,
Brother
Gabriel. And I will continue her education from here.”

“Why are you doing this?” Gabriel demanded, frustration clear in his melodious voice.

“Because I can,” Gideon snapped in return.

“I don’t understand.”

“Aye, you do. That is the reason you stink of fear. You understand exactly what I intend for your precious ‘daughter’.” Gideon started back toward the barracks.

“Will it ease your pain to hurt Naomi?”

“That’s what I intend to find out.” He tossed the words over his shoulder without turning around.

“She has done nothing to deserve this, Gideon. I will do everything in my power to protect her from you.”

“Good.” He paused at the corner of the building. Penetrating the shadows with the golden intensity of his glare, he knocked Gabriel back a step. “I welcome the conflict,
brother
. I have grown quite accustomed to war.”