“That is completely true of Holy Wars. God it the excuse and religion has so very little to do with it.” He had always believed that actually, at least as far as Earth went. “It’s that angels are warriors, when Heaven is supposedly peaceful. The idea is insane and yet I do believe your version rather than the hearts and rainbows version that the churches spew, after asking for 10 percent of your monthly income so they can further their own needs.” No, he wanted no part of organized religion.
That had nothing to do with what was going on here, and both of them knew it. “I don’t know what Elena will be. She could be a vampire, or stay human. Everyone is pretty determined to see that she stays alive. I have this feeling though. Her best friend is a vampire, and her other friend is a witch. What are the odds, really?” He laughed a little bit, showing that wide grin that was almost too charming. “I’d say those odds were pretty damn good. We will just take it as it comes. I’ll take care of her.”
The grin stayed, not to it’s widest degree, but it stayed. He was back in the quiet, reflective mode. “I think that’s a Hell of a wake up call. At least you fell. My problem is a little bit different, I think, reversed from yours. My father wanted me to be that saint with no sexual feelings, solely focused on doing the right thing in the name of family. Looking like this is a blessing and a curse.” His head tipped to the side, offering a teasing wink, trying to get the angel to relax. “Instead of fitting into that box, I blew it up. I was a kinky little shit.” He was tall, dark, handsome, promiscuous, a bit callous, and he took what he wanted, which was offered freely. It was only now, only this relationship that had done anything to change it.
He stood up and stretched, adjusting the jacket, still comfortable in spite of all topics. It was nice to not have to measure every word. “Where are we going?”
Samandriel rose up smoothly. “Home,” he said simply, softly. “I can either drop you back at your car or take you with me. Up to you.”
Damon looked at Samandriel for what seemed like a long time, recomposed and confident. “I was kind of hoping for Hawaii,” he said with his characteristic dry wit. The smile met his eyes, however. “So you decide. I’m parked by Lux anyway and you are driving.”
The angel considered for another long moment. He reached over and rested his hand on Damon’s shoulder. “Hawaii it is,” he said when they arrived in the bungalow. Not his, of course, but also not occupied and with a beach view of the sunset on the balcony. “It’s just hard to do Hawaii without it being a little bit romantic. Ni’ihau, technically.”
Damon laughed harder than he had all night. He looked out at the ocean, the sunset. “I haven’t been here in years. It’s one of my vacation spots, favorite one actually.” The ocean breeze was so warm, as was the ocean. “This is like the escapist paradise.” Just like that, and the guard was back down. Surprises tended to have that effect. He arched a brow, keeping that grin. “Do you come here often?”
“Maui, once,” Samandriel said, watching Damon watch the ocean. “Shortly after I got my wings.” And a disastrous post-concert mingling on several fronts, but Samandriel didn’t particularly want to think about that. He reached up and undid his own tie, unbuttoning the top button of his shirt while he did and let the strip of silk hang loose under his collar.
“This is the place to get loose, live it up.” Damon stood leaning over the railing of the balcony, inhaling the air. “I enjoyed the nightlife. The first morning I woke up here, I had no idea where I was. It took me most of the day to find my way back to the hotel. Then again, I didn’t exactly ask. I had a very good time committing every sin I could think of.” His smile was broad as the jacket slipped off his shoulders.
“What was the post-concert disaster?” The pale blue shirt made his eye color more pronounced. The orange from the setting sun framed his torso, giving him a soft glow, almost like an aura.