Jeremy (Broken Angel #4) Read Online Free Page A

weeks filtered through his mind. Fighting Lash, desiring his brother’s wife, dreaming of a life where his brother didn’t exist just so he could have her.
    “Forgive me, brother.”
    His heavy voice echoed in the silent chamber. He’d fought so hard to win back in Lash’s trust. He didn’t want to lose his brother again. Yet, the thought of leaving and never seeing his family or Naomi again was tearing into his chest, stripping away his heart piece by piece. He couldn’t stay. He couldn’t leave.
    “Help me find a way.”
    A cool breeze washed over the back of his neck, followed by a touch on his shoulder. He jolted to his feet and spun around.
    “Gabrielle!” Why was she here? Angels didn’t go into the room unless they had to.
    “I was . . . uh, I was . . .” He brushed a hand through his hair as he scanned the room, looking for an excuse. “I was looking for an extra candle.”
    He snatched one from the shelf, cursing when the hot wax sloshed on his hand. Rubbing his hand, he looked at Gabrielle. His stomach twisted at the expression on her face. It was the same look Naomi had given him—pity.
    Had Naomi told her what had happened? He couldn’t think of any other reason why Gabrielle, who was always all business, would look like that. How pathetic. Even the most hardened archangel pitied him.
    “Oh, man, sorry about that.”
    Why did she keep standing there?
    Say something. Reprimand me. Toss me out the door. Anything.
    “It’s been a while since this bod’s had hot wax on it.” He flashed his dimples, hoping she’d pick up on his innuendo and kick his sorry ass out of the room.
    “Jeremiel.” She let out a slow breath. Her dark lashes closed for a moment, then lifted. Soft emerald eyes held his with tenderness. She was afraid he’d break.
    He took a step back, grinning so hard he though his teeth would crack.
    Come on, Gabrielle. Tell me off. Punish me. Just don’t look at me like that. I can’t take it from you too.
    Silence filled the room. His heart pounded in his ears, ticking away time as he waited for Gabrielle to respond.
    “For someone who’s a great poker player, you’re a terrible liar,” she finally said.
    “Yeah, I’ve been told that before.”
    “I didn’t mean to disturb you. If you need a few moments alone, I can have someone stand guard at the door to make sure no one enters.”
    “No, I’m done here.” He let out a breath. She didn’t ask any questions as to why he was alone, kneeling like one of the fallen in front of Michael’s chair. She was too polite for that. It was the one thing he liked about her.
    Her lips curled into a soft smile. If he wanted to ask her permission to stay on Earth, he should do it now. He opened his mouth, but the words caught in his throat.
    “Is there something you wanted to ask me?”
    Ask her, moron.
    His mouth grew dry, afraid he’d have to explain why he was asking. As an archangel, he didn’t need permission to go to Earth, but for any extended stays, he had to get approval from her or Michael. Gabrielle was his best bet. She was strict when it came to following angel law, and she was always bound to her duty, but she didn’t pry. The first time he’d left after the fight with Lash, she’d been the one to tell him to leave. Somehow she’d known he needed to go. And when he’d returned, she’d never questioned where he’d been.
    “I, uh . . . ” He gazed at the candle in his hand, nervously rolling it between his thumb and finger.
    He couldn’t do it. He knew he should go, but he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Naomi and not seeing her every day. And Lash . . . his throat grew thick again. Naomi was right. After all he and his best friend had been through, it would break his heart. Lash was finally happy, and he didn’t want to be the one to tear apart his happy world.
    “Let me help you.” Gabrielle stepped closer and placed a delicate hand over his.
    His eyes drifted up and gazed into her stunning face.