Between Heaven and Hell

(A/N: sorry for the teaser, life happened and I had to finish it, but wanted to post something, so there it was. Enjoy the rest of the chaper! Reviews and Ratings welcome!)

“Wait, please.” She paused mid-step. “Of course you are welcome here.”

“Oh.” She blushed and awkwardly shuffled her feet. “Um…”

He gave her a searching look and she could almost feel him penetrating her cloak of human illusion. After a moment he gave her a soft smile. “Every so often, someone who is lost makes their way here. Whatever your reasons, you may stay here and enjoy the mass or whatever you like, as long as you like.”

“Are you a priest or something?”

“I’m a friend of the church, nothing more. Sometimes its easier to be welcome by someone who isn’t as officially ‘Of the Church’.” She raised her eyebrows in surprise at his slightly mocking tone and he smiled at her.

“That’s a little irreverent, isn’t it?” she said aloud, thinking, ‘Unofficial my ass.’

His smile shifted to a grin, making him look like one of those ‘nice boys’ she kept hearing about. “Just a little,” he replied nonchalantly, “It isn’t like I’m being blasphemous.”

She returned his smile and sat back down in the pew. He turned in his seat and offered his hand and after considering a second, she took it. “I’m Tony,” he said, giving her hand a good handshake. It was the kind that is firm without being overpowering. She sighed inwardly at his touch. ‘Too bad I’m here for someone else.’ A man as secure and aware of his strength as Tony would make a great bedpartner, even just for fun. ‘Who knows, he might even be able to go to bed without feeling that ‘ol Catholic Guilt.’

She frowned to herself, realizing she’d forgotten for a moment he was an angel in human form, or half-angel and not just a human. She tensed to stand, opening her mouth to excuse herself.

“Are you alright?” he asked suddenly. She looked at his blue eyes and realized leaving after they’d already been over that would seem odd, so she merely shifted in her seat, changing tactics.

“I’m sorry, these seats are never comfortable for me. My ass – sorry – rear is a little bony.” She held his eyes, expecting him to look toward her ass as men usually did and was taken aback when he closed them instead.

He opened his mouth, hesitating. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have pried – I,” he paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and stood. “I should let you tend to your purpose in coming here.” He started to walk away. She caught his shirtsleeve, surprising herself in the process.

“No, please,” she said, “don’t go.” ‘He could help me find my mark,’ she thought to herself, feeling foolish. It felt like an excuse.

The handsome man turned around to face her and she stood to more easily look at him. He was at least half a head taller than she was and had a nice lean build, like a swimmer. She couldn’t help noticing the air warm around him as she stood, nor from noticing the first two buttons of this shirt were open, giving her a delectable view of his clavicle at her eye level. She glanced past the aforementioned and looked into his eyes.

“I should go,” he said, blue eyes open and unguarded as he regarded her, lending sincerity to his next words; “I can tell I’m making you un-comfortable."

“No you’re –

With his hand he cut her off, nearly bringing his fingertips to her lips before hovering over them for a moment. Her breath caught in her throat, half expecting to feel his touch and praying to all that was unholy that she wasn’t blushing. He took a deep breath as he pulled it back.

“Yes, I am. I can tell.” He gave her a half-smile and continued, “It’s okay, I’ll let you do your thing. Maybe we can talk through Service another time.” He moved to turn away.

“Wait, Tony.” He paused and looked at her, waiting expectantly. “Is ‘Tony’ short for something?” she asked lamely and held out her hand for another shake, “So I can find you again?” He chuckled and took her hand, giving her another great handshake. She held his hand a second longer when he released his grip.

“Yeah, it’s short for Anthr-ony.” The word sounded nearly smooth enough to be natural but she caught the catch in the sentence and smiled with surprised satisfaction.

“I’m Joanie,” she said. “I’d like to see you soon.” He gave a warm smile that made insects flutter wings in her belly and her answering smile was both sincere and a subtle invitation.

“I’d like that,” he said, making her toes curl inside her shoes, “See you around, Joanie.”

“’Bye, Anthrony.” He left her then, walking up the side isle to another door to the side of the entrance and she sat back down. She stayed through the service, keeping he face turned downward and her hair shielding her eyes from prying eyes I she were noticed by anyone else.

Djoi didn’t really listen to the service, all the while enjoying her profound luck. ‘Anthrony.’ such a slip of the tongue couldn’t be a mistake. She’d been talking with her mark all along. She took a deep breath and pressed her thighs together, trying to ignore the warmth that sent tingles over her body. She would certainly enjoy this task far more than she’d initially thought.

‘Anthriel,’ she thought to herself, ‘I’m going to make sure you enjoy this.’

(A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Reviews welcome!)