He looked away, and she had her answer. “Crap. Heaven and Hell want me? Nah. That’s wrong. Hell wants me. Heaven wants me dead. Right?” An awkward pause ratcheted up the tension even though Seren met her gaze. “That would be a yes, huh?”
His lips thinned into a grimace. “Not all celestials agreed with Iaiél’s decision.”
Good to know, in case a random angel popped in. Not all with white wings and a halo were friendly. “Were you one of the celestials who disagreed with Iaiél?”
“... Yes.”
That hurt. Even though she had already suspected. It hurt a lot. “Good thing you can’t lie.” She poured the remains of her coffee down the drain and tossed what was left of the donut. “I’m tired. No training today.” She moved around him and headed back to the bedroom.
“Agone wore you out. Not acceptable.”
Eden froze, then cranked her head to peer over her shoulder at the asshole behind her. “Is that jealousy, I hear?”
Tension thickened the air as she waited for an answer. She wouldn’t leave without it.
“Yes.”He bit out, his body tense.
She shrugged, pretending her nipples didn’t pucker and her core didn’t clench at that one word.
“Extremely jealous.” The admission seemed to hurt. “However, you, not desiring me, will not affect my ability to train you.”
“Good to know.” Her voice sounded hollow and strained because it was a lie. She did desire him. Which was wrong. She’d spent last night orgasming once on Agone’s tongue and twice on his dick. Now, she wanted to repeat the experience with Seren.
Jesus!There was something wrong with her. There had to be. Plus, she thought he didn’t want her. Now he did. Was that because she’d slept with Agone?
“Let’s take this outside. We’ll have more room,” she muttered and took the lead.
Chapter 16
Seren reintroduced Eden to the sword he had specially made for her. Double-edged, the lightweight blade fit her hand perfectly, though she hadn’t a clue how to use it. Never mind hold it. Dominant hand close to the guard, other hand at the bottom, he instructed. It felt awkward. Rather, she felt awkward.
By the end of the afternoon, the grip felt natural in her hand, and she was acquainted with a few basic moves: chops, blocks, strikes, and the stances for each, and the transitions. He took her through each motion, first facing her, then with her back molded to his front.
Surrounded by him, he took her hands and guided her through the motions. Together, they moved as one, totally in sync. She could feel every inch of him. Every muscle molded against her back. Against her ass. A hard bar of flesh. Neither acknowledged it. Not his erection. Not her racing heart. Not her trembling body.
Her panties clinging to her slick core and peaked nipples were a distraction she couldn’t get around. She stumbled. Seren caught her and kept her from impaling herself.
He held her longer than necessary, one arm wrapped around her waist. His free hand on her wrist, guiding the sword. His head dipped to her neck in a brief caress that caused a shudder to roll down her spine. “Enough sword play for today.”
Eden hadn’t realized she was dangling in the air when he set her on her feet. He waited until she was steady to release her.
“You did good today.”
She soaked up his praise. “Yeah?”
He took the swords from her. “You learn quickly.”
She turned to face him and damn. Seren looked like he stepped off the cover ofGQandMen’s Fitness. He stood there without a single drop of sweat on his brow, while she looked like a drowned rat. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
“Not flattery.” He handed her a water bottle. “I’m not sure if it’s the grace or the ichor. One of them is responsible for your rapid learning.”
“That’s a good thing, right?” Healing fast saved her life. Hopefully, it would save her again.
His gaze roamed over her, then snapped away. “Yes.” From thin air, he produced a granola bar. “Eat.”
Starved, she peeled the wrapper open and devoured the bar. It shaved her hunger but didn’t quench it. She wanted a proper meal. A starch, a vegetable, and a protein. “Thanks,” she said between mouthfuls. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“I thought your stomach was a wild animal.”