The Forsaken(31)



“So tell me what is it Cherubs do all day.”

“You mean besides wait on Seraphim?”

Nat liked that she was back to teasing him. This, a Seraphim could get to like.

“Isabella, the only Cherub I have ever met before coming here is my mother. And my mother is a blessing of Cherub virtue. She would be honored to have you as a daughter.”

Isabella tensed and fiddled with a loose string on her blanket. Nat played like he didn’t notice.

“Nathanael, I am the Forsaken One. Your mother would never accept me.”

“If I accept you, she will be honored—and in case you’re wondering, I more than accept you. But you, my Cherub, are now the one stalling. What do Cherubs do all day?”

Isabella took a few seconds to look at him and then she blessed him with one of those sunshine smiles. “I know you’re only interested in the Cherub secret, so why don’t I tell you that?”

A loud knock on the door interrupted them. Nat got up from the hard chair, forcing Isabella to stay put. “Don’t even think of getting up,” he warned, marching to open the door.

Nathanael opened the door a little.

“Ahh, sorry, but have either of you seen Shea?” Mike sounded alarmed.

“Mike, is that you?”

That damned human who Isabella considered friend placed a foot inside the door. Nat was very tempted to shut the door in his face.

“Yes, it is. Sorry about this, Izzy, but I’m getting worried. I’ve searched everywhere and…”

“Did you ask Meredith?” asked Isabella, attempting to get out of the bed.

Nat stopped her with a look, his gaze skirting down to the door and Mike’s foot. Isabella mouthed no at him. He winked, feeling mischievous.

“Of course, Meredith told me not to worry. That was five hours ago.”

There was no stopping Isabella from getting up this time. She juggled the duvet around her body and made her way over to them. Mike stood at the door. Isabella did not invite the human inside her sanctuary. That pleased Nat.

“Five hours ago? Why did no one come and get me?”

Mike looked at the floor. “Meredith told me I was not to disturb you under any circumstances.”

“Sorry about that, Mike. I was sick. But, trust me I’m better.”

“No she’s not,” said Nathanael.

“Yes, I am. I’ll be down in five minutes.”

“Oh no, you will not.” Nathanael didn’t care if he sounded commanding. He was. “Get back in bed, Isabella.” He turned back to Mike. “If you require assistance looking for Shea, I am honored to be at your side.”

Mike gave Nathanael a look like he doubted he’d be helpful. Nat hoped the guy would leave, but his gut told him he was truly worried for the Cherub.

“Fine. I’ll be downstairs. Five minutes,” said Mike.

This time it was Nathanael not liking Mike’s commanding tone. Nat closed the door, crossed the room, and got right in Isabella’s face. “You are in no condition to leave this room. You almost died last night.”

“But I didn’t. I’m fine.”

“Prove it,” said Nat, he ground the words out through clenched teeth. “If you can strike me once, you will have proven your point. If not, you will follow my instructions to the letter. Am I clear?”

Isabella nodded, the blues of her eyes turning dark teal. Her anger at being bossed about showed loud and clear. Nat watched her closely. He knew she’d attempt to strike when he least expected it. Discarding the duvet, she stood in her shift. He’d have to be a blind man not to notice her figure through the thin material, but he highly suspected she had done that on purpose. Battle ready, he braced for impact, watching her like a heavenly hawk. Her right foot sneaked out at the same time as her left arm. Nat grasped both moving appendages and flipped her over so that she was belly down on the bed.

“You are not in fighting form, Isabella. I will go with Mike to find Shea. You, as ordered, will stay in this bed, rest, eat, and sleep. Do you understand your orders?” Then just to annoy her, he moved her corn silk of hair off her neck to nibble on her exposed flesh. She gasped, and goose bumps clamored along her skin. She also cursed at him and hissed like she was in pain.

“I am going to release you, Isabella, but first promise me on your Cherub holy heart that you will obey me.”

Nat knew she cursed more into the mattress. He watched in eerie fascination as a new word got inked along her left thigh. He knew it burned, because he could smell her burning flesh. “Stop swearing and pledge.”

“Fine, I thee pledge on my Cherub holy heart I will obey.”

Nat slowly moved off her, allowing her the dignity to fix her crumpled up shift. She ignored her burning flesh. It was a reminder she’d born lots of pain in the last few years.

He moved to the door, and she spoke. “When you find Shea, come to me right away and bring her.”

He nodded. “I will find her. Mike is a good human and we will not rest until she is safe.”

“Thank you, Nathanael.”

“Behave,” he said, almost out the door.

“By the way…I never did get to tell you that Cherub secret.”

He turned to look at her, noticing the shift traveled preciously up to her thighs and she toyed with her hair. The move so out of character for Isabella that he felt spellbound. “And that is?”

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