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Gabriel had impassively watched ceremonies like
this many times as an archangel, but experiencing it in human form was very
different. As much as he wanted to relinquish his role as watcher and protector
for a short time, he couldn’t help taking notice of everything around them,
including people who appeared to be out of place.
One such man caught
his attention. Dressed in all black, including a tie, which very few men had
worn since the rift, the man appeared to be of means despite his eyepatch, and
he clapped heartily each time Narsaé received an award. In fact, his gaze never
seemed to stray from her. Gabriel received awards for academic achievement and
a trophy for being voted most likely to succeed, and Narsaé received several
others, including most talented, for her art, and best sense of humor. He felt
a measure of personal pride each time her name was called, but kept a watchful
eye on Narsaé’s unexpected admirer.
Gabriel had become
accustomed to Narsaé drawing nearly every man’s attention, for she became more
and more beautiful as time passed. The only obstacle to the approach of their
classmates and others alike was their unprovoked fear of him. However, there
was something different about the man with the eyepatch. There was no light in
him.
“Most popular senior
female award goes to Narsaé Wallace.”
The rest of the
class clapped as Narsaé sauntered up to the stage to receive her award.
Gabriel wasn’t
surprised by Narsaé’s popularity, but when his name was called to receive the
most popular senior male award, surprise overtook him and he hesitated before
joining Narsaé on the stage.
Elated, Narsaé leapt
into his arms and kissed him in front of everyone, a kiss reserved for lovers
as she slipped her tongue into his mouth and melded her body against him. The
sensation of her curves pressed against his hardness robbed him of sight and
sound, lightening his burden of constant watchfulness so completely he forgot
they were not alone. Narsaé seemed to do the same until…
“Miss Wallace and
Mr. Warner! Stop that at once!” The school principal tugged at Narsaé,
attempting to pull her away. It took Gabriel several seconds before he realized
he himself was holding her in place, making it impossible for anyone to take
her away from him. He immediately let her go, and his hearing and sight
returned just in time to be greeted by the roaring applause and whistles from
their classmates, as well as a standing ovation.
The next few moments
were bittersweet in their significance and inevitability. He saw his reflection
in Narsaé’s eyes, dark with intensity, sadness, and resolve as her breathing
slowed to match his. The forbidden line had been crossed, and she knew it. The
most frightening thing was he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Narsaé was quiet the
remainder of the event, something she seldom was, but Gabriel noticed the
meticulous care with which she organized and collected her many awards and
belongings when they prepared to leave. Her motives were obvious to him. She
was doing everything she could to avoid making eye contact with him.
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