Death only snickered, tucking the thong in his pocket as he held up a cotton pair and walked back to them. He glanced at Jane’s face, his smile fading, but he bent and kissed her head again. “Stay with us, Sweet Jane. We still see our beautiful girl. Our girl did not do what you are seeing. That is her smile—not the one David and I cherish above all sights in the universe.”
Death’s wording confused David, but it was right then that he saw the beauty of Jane and her angel. He could see it in the sad, yet peaceful smile on both their faces. The way they both relaxed at a simple touch from each other. He should have been jealous. He should have been furious that she was comforted by another man, especially while he held her, but he wasn’t. He was really just happy there was someone else who loved Jane. Someone else saw her for who she was and not the things that had been done to her. Because of Death, she could feel loved when the rest of the world condemned her.
After listening to his own sister speak badly of her, when she only knew the very basics of what Jane had gone through, David could glimpse how Jane must feel. She needed Death, and David vowed to make sure she always had him.
“Thank you,” Jane whispered, receiving another kiss on the head from her angel.
Death stood, handing the panties over to David. “I know she likes your shirts. I will check on the twins and give you two a few minutes alone before I bring one back.”
David smiled, his heart aching a little as he saw Death letting her go as much as he could. “Do me a favor and don’t pocket any of my underwear.”
Death chuckled, turning away and walking to the door. “I have the better everything between the two of us, but even I will admit the tales of Prince David’s ass have me worried I need to add squats to my workout routine.” Death turned, grinning at Jane. “Baby girl, do you remember how you teased me about my ass?”
She smiled softly. “I remember.”
Death smirked. “As long as she loves my ass, I’m good.”
David shook his head. “Thanks, asshole.”
“It’s never for you, fucker, but you’re welcome.” Death winked at Jane before shutting the door behind him.
“Are you sure you still want me here, David?” She didn’t sound afraid or sad; she was ready to accept his dismissal because she’d already expected it.
He searched those hazel eyes, smiling as he watched the gold and green colors circling each other. “Baby, I want you with me—more than anything. I know it’s not going to be easy; we will not be the same as we were before, but I think we will be better.”
“Why?” She touched his lips. “I’ve hurt you so much.”
David kissed her fingers. “I know why you chose to hurt me. I know you felt there was no other way to protect me and everyone else—I cannot be angry for that. I don’t ever want you to do it again, but I understand. And I believe we will only grow stronger because we still ended up together again.” He looked between her eyes. “Do you want to stay here with me? Or has your heart chosen another?” David wanted to punch himself for asking that, especially right now, but it was still something he needed to know. He could tell Jane felt something for Lucifer. For her to scream out for him, even with Death right there, Lucifer had to have done something right in her eyes.
A tear slid down her face. “My heart has been yours for a while now, David. I just don’t think anyone can look past the things I’ve done—not even you. You have no idea what you’d be keeping.” Her lips trembled. “I want to be with you, but I’m afraid to tell you. I know you have to know, though. You’ll never look at me the same way, and I’m terrified to see your face when you find out. It’s too much to forgive or look past. I’m ruined, my love.” She started shaking as she cried, “I’m ruined.”
His heart was bleeding, but he smiled as he wiped her tears away. “Minutes before Death brought you back, Natalie pointed to the sky and asked me which star you were.” He watched her eyes well up, but she stayed quiet as he went on. “I explained why she could not find your star and promised you’d come home one day. Then I pointed to the moon.” He smiled sadly. “I told her Death—Ryder, as she thinks of him—calls you his moon. I don’t know if you know what it looks like tonight, but it is a waning crescent. She said it was dark, almost all gone, and I told her not all the way. I also explained this type of moon looks dark, but it’s actually closer to the sun when it is—and tomorrow it will be considered a New Moon. It will look completely dark, but that is the night it is nearest to the sun—when it prepares to shine again—when she comes out of the dark, eventually outshining every star.”
David pressed his lips to hers again. “I know you have been in the dark, but you’ve also come home. You will glow again, baby. It may take a little time, and it will be hard to heal your wounds, but you will shine for all of us—and for yourself. This is just a chapter of your life ending tonight. Tomorrow, you and I will begin a new chapter. I will be with you for every one, my love. It’s only up to you how you want me with you. I promise you I want us. No matter what you end up telling me—and I know it involves sex; I can smell it.” He kissed her head when she sobbed. “I know it’s going to hurt, but I’m not walking away. I’m holding you—tightly. I won’t let go. I am your David even after the end of time.”
“Smooth, fucker.” Death’s annoyed tone made David sigh and look away from Jane.
“Did you check on them?” David asked, holding out his hand for the shirt.
Death tossed it as he walked to sit beside Jane. “They’re asleep. So how are we doing this?”
Jane turned to look at Death. “Doing what?”
He pointed to the bed. “It’s going to be a tight squeeze, so I say we kick David out.”
“And I was just beginning to view you in a more positive light,” David said, kissing Jane’s head.
“I know who’s the best cuddler for her,” Death said, winking at her. “But I will leave you two and keep an eye on the twins.”
Jane reached out.
Death smiled, lifting her hand to his lips. “It’s okay, angel. I know. This is where you belong. Welcome home.” Death glanced at him as he stood. “Take care of my girl.”
David could only smile.
“Good night, Death,” Jane whispered, leaning her head onto David’s chest.
Death looked at her—only her. “Good night, my moon.”
3
Home
Rubbing the tears from her cheeks, Jane stood at the foot of the bed, watching David sleep. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days, which she figured was the only reason she had been able to get out of bed without waking him.
Another tear fell from her chin to her chest. She didn’t deserve him. She knew he’d never forgive her. Once he found out, he would leave. It didn’t matter what he said, he would leave because she was ruined.
She covered her mouth to contain her cries and hurried to the bathroom. The scents on her skin were making her nauseous, but most of all, they were breaking her heart. She could still feel Lancelot inside her. She felt sore and disgusted with herself. It might have been the darker side of her who ordered him to fuck her, but she hadn’t been able to stop it. She had been too broken by Luc’s betrayal to fight back, and yet she still felt a part of her soul crying for him to help her. Her demon was gone, but she had been broken, left behind, and she didn’t know what to do now.