Page 40 of Shifting Hearts

SEVEN

Seraphina

D ays of dissecting and replaying every moment of her dinner with Jas hadn’t afforded Seraphina clarity. She was confused over the visions of their potential future. Every time she closed her eyes, his face plagued her dreams.

The angel used to wake up happy. Now, her stomach flipped as she was riddled with uncertainty. She didn’t want him. She didn’t need him. Yet, they were destined to be together. They were soulmates. If she were to pick anyone of her own volition, Jas Conrad would be the last person she’d look at.

The black hair on his chin appeared coarse, but it tickled her skin as he teased her. She longed to touch it with her fingers.

“Ugh,” she groaned as her stomach cramped.

When she used the bathroom, the toilet paper was smeared red after she wiped. She touched her lower abdomen and groaned again. Her lamenting was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Is everything all right in there?” Mara called.

“I’m bleeding,” she responded.

“There’s a box underneath the sink.”

Seraphina pulled out a tiny box full of colorfully wrapped cotton inside a biodegradable applicator.

She plucked one out along with the instructions.

Her eyes went wide at the insertion instructions.

Female angels didn’t bleed. In the mortal realm, they faced many challenges despite their celestial origins.

“The first time is always the worst,” Mara assured her.

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

She had a new appreciation for women finding the strength to work, because she wanted to curl up in her bed with her blanket while someone, not Jas , stroked her hair.

It niggled her that she would think of him in such a moment.

A devil such as he was incapable of gentleness, let alone kindness.

Thoughts of him soured her mood like sucking on a lemon.

Her mood failed to improve by the time she arrived at work, but the pain relievers she took helped with the ache in her belly. Even her breasts were sore beneath her cami.

There was no answer from Jas as she knocked on his door to let him know she’d arrived. She readied herself for busywork when a familiar man stepped off the elevator—the uncouth man from the sandwich shop.

“Hello, miss.” His grin spread as their eyes met.

Though the corners of his mouth lifted, there was nothing kind in his gaze. She shivered as her skin prickled. Not every person she met would have a perfect aura, but his was hard to define which made her uneasy.

“I have a meeting with Mr. Conrad,” he said.

She pulled up the calendar for the day. “I’m sorry, Mr. Conrad has nothing on his schedule this morning. What’s your name?”

His smile slipped. “He’s expecting me.”

Seraphina sent a notification to her boss. A moment later, his door opened. His haggard appearance surprised her. Jasper’s gaze never met hers as he was solely focused on the gentleman before her.

“Come in,” he gruffly told his companion before turning to address her. “We are not to be disturbed.”

The door closed with a thunk behind them, clearly informing her she wasn’t welcome in their sphere.

The air around her became lighter, making it easier to breathe. Her mind focused back on her tasks.

After the meeting, the door swung open and the blond man exited. Jas remained in his doorway with a scowl.

He stopped at Seraphina’s desk and leaned over. “Add a lunch date in your calendar for tomorrow. I’m taking you out for a nice juicy steak.”

“I’m a vegetarian,” she stated.

“Not for long, sweetness.” He winked. “If the boss gives you a hard time, let me know.”

Jasper growled as the line between his brow deepened, “She’s not available for lunch.”

“Hmph. I think I’m perfectly capable of making that decision for myself. I’ll have lunch with you tomorrow,” she agreed.

“Perfect. I’ll meet you here at noon,” the man said triumphantly.

He nodded to Jasper before stepping on the elevator.

“My office. Now,” Jasper fumed as his eyes blazed.

Seraphina rose and grabbed folders off the desk for no reason other than having something to hold onto. As she placed them on Jas’s desk, she cut the webbing between her thumb and forefinger.

“Papercut,” she hissed.

She squeaked as Jasper’s pupils narrowed. His fangs poked over his lower lip. Her heart beat wildly as she sensed danger. Seraphina’s eyes darted to the side, gauging how quickly she could exit and be safely on the other side of his office door.

“Don’t run, angel,” he warned. “If you do, I will chase you. When I catch you, I’ll sink my fangs into your throat and feast.”

His nostrils twitched as he took hold of her left hand and he touched her neck with the other. She quivered as he brushed his thumb along the fluttering point. He brought her hand to his lips and stuck out his tongue, brushing it against the tiny cut.

“Fuck,” he groaned.

“Jas,” she gasped as he closed his mouth around her skin and sucked, trying to coax another drop of blood. “Please stop.”

He dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. He kissed the column of her neck. She sighed and dropped her head, allowing him to continue. It was wrong,

“I’m going to mark you as my mate,” he said against her skin, burning him with his breath.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

He scooped her up and turned them around and quickly swept the items off his desk to drop her on it. As he moved to pull up her skirt, she lifted on her elbows.

“I can’t.”

“We can.”

She shook her head. This was too much. It was wrong for multiple reasons.

“I’m bleeding.”

“I know,” he acknowledged with a grunt. “My cock is hard as steel.”

Tendrils of desire strangled her, overwhelming her facilities. His hands slipped beneath her top, slipping higher to her breasts. She groaned as he pinched her sensitive nipples.

“We should—” He cut her off with a kiss.

Jasper Conrad stole her first kiss. His lips were rough and demanding as he sought to conquer her. She sagged against him, as he pulled her closer, pressing his warmth against her center.

His tongue sought entry to her mouth and she opened to him. His masculine aroma filled her nostrils, as she reached up to play with his beard. Their tongues danced, communicating in a way they weren’t ready to.

Seraphina’s heart galloped as Jas pulled away. She chased his mouth and bit his lip.

He chuckled. “Are you hungry, angel?”