Redemption by Randi Cooley Wilson

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to my neck. I tilt my head to the right, making it easy for his
lips to gently brush the sensitive skin under my left ear before
leaving a trail of soft kisses.
    “Someday, when this is all over, I promise
you’ll have the peace you’re craving. It will be just me and you,
siren,” he vows quietly.
    I sigh in contentment. “That’s all I want,
Ash.”
    “Then I’ll move Heaven and earth to make
sure you get it.”
    I turn to face him and push up on my
tiptoes. Leaning in, I give him a slow, molten kiss. I push
everything I feel for him into the gesture. I want to fill every
space of his soul, the way he does mine.
    It’s like I’m trying to climb inside his
heart and live there. I’m not sure how long we stay like this, in
our own private, perfect moment, but I never want to leave.
    Breathlessly, I pull away. My eyes find
Asher’s. “What is it you want the most?”
    Asher’s intense gaze holds mine, taking my
breath away. “Redemption.”
    “Love?” Gage’s voice penetrates my reverie.
“We’re getting ready to dock.”
    My eyes snap open, yanking me from my
daydream. I swallow the disappointment that it was only a dream
when I notice we’re about to port in Vineyard Haven. Crap. I
miss Asher.
    “You sure your aunt is going to be okay with
me tagging along today?” Gage’s voice is uncertain as he drags
nicotine into his lungs from his cigarette.
    “Are you kidding? She’ll be thrilled to have
the company. I think she’s pretty lonely now that I’m living away,”
I respond.
    “It’s nice that you’re still so close with
her.” His thumb rubs along his bottom lip.
    “I missed her a lot when we were in England.
I’m looking forward to just spending some quiet time at home and
playing catching up.” I heave a sigh and fiddle with my
necklace.
    Gage is quiet for a moment, his face
thoughtful as he watches me play nervously with the piece of
jewelry. “Let’s head down to the car so we can get off the boat as
soon as we dock.”
    Once we’re in the roadster, Gage drives onto
the main road heading to Oak Bluffs. After a silent ride, each of
us lost in our own head, we arrive at my aunt’s white gingerbread
cottage.
    Her spring wildflowers are starting to bloom
and climb the white picket fence, embracing the house lovingly
called Gateway to Paradise .
    “This is…quaint?” he muses.
    I turn to Gage and let out a short laugh.
“Are you asking me or telling me?”
    “I’m not sure it’s very…beachy and
gardenish.”
    “I’m sure my aunt will be thrilled with your
assessment of our home.” I taunt as he pulls behind her hybrid in
the driveway.
    We both exit the car just as my aunt
Elizabeth appears to greet us on the walkway. I run over to her and
she yanks me into a bear hug.
    “Welcome home, love bug,” she says near my
ear in a quiet voice. “My goodness, look at you. Your hair is
longer and you look older,” she says with a slight sadness in her
voice.
    I grin and motion behind me. “Aunt
Elizabeth, this is Gage, my temporary protector.”
    “Actually, I’m her NEW protector.” He offers
his hand to my aunt. “Pleasure, Elizabeth.”
    Hazel eyes look awkwardly between us as my
aunt forces a smile. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Gage. Please
come in. I’ve got some hot chocolate waiting.”
    The minute I step into the cozy living room,
I see him. Gage stiffens next to me and stops in his tracks. My
aunt turns and offers me an apologetic expression.
    At his full height, the warrior looks even
more intimidating and while his jade eyes are warm when they meet
mine, I become unnerved at his mere divine presence. Even after all
our training sessions together, he still intimidates me.
    The archangel stands to greet us. “Eve.” He
bows his head to me, reminding me that I need to follow protocol
and greet him the same way. “Mr. Gallagher.” His attention turns to
Gage.
    “Michael,” Gage responds, less than
enthused.
    “What are you doing here?” I