Free Deviation (Deviate Series) by Dani Morales

going to go back to doing drugs or drinking. I’m going to be someone my sister would be proud of. I’m going to be that daughter my parents would show off to their friends or colleagues , because I can be. Maybe then I can be good enough for Angel. First I have to stay until the week is up and then find a job. I smile a real smile, one that I know is reaching my eyes if I could see it.
    I’m so deep in my thoughts , drifting away, thinking about all the things I can do, that I don’t hear him come outside. I look over at him standing by the door and my heart beat stutters. The moonlight cascading over him gives him this ethereal glow. It’s like he matches up to his name, Angel, my guardian Angel. I smile at him and I can see the confusion on his face. I laugh and his brows furrow. I pat the space next to me; he looks hesitant but walks over and sits down.
    “I don’t think I’ve told you properly, but thank you.” He attempts to say something but I put my hand up and continue, “Thank you for standing up for me against Timo and for approaching me that night at the lake. Thank you for taking a chance on me and bringing me to your home. Thank you for offering your help, for dressing and undressing me when I couldn’t.” His face turns scarlet but I continue, “Thank you for bringing me back from the other side, thank you for showing me that a kiss could mean more than a prelude to sex. But most of all thank you for making me realize that things can get better.” I lean over and kiss his cheek.
    I can see him processing everything I just said , trying to formulate a reply.  “Why does it feel like you’re saying goodbye then?”
    “I guess in a way I am. I mean in what , a little under a day and a half, it’ll be a full week and you’ll be free of me,” I say quietly.
    He’s studying my face, eyes searching my own, looking for something that I hope he can’t see. He does though. I can see it when it registers in his eyes because they smile.
    “What if I said you could stay here? I know you’re going to want to leave but you can stay here until you have enough saved to get your own place. I can even put a good word in wherever you go to apply.” He’s hopeful and playing slightly dirty.
    I laugh. “Oh , Angel, I don’t know if that would be a good idea, I mean I love your house but I don’t know.”
    “Well I think it’s a good idea , besides where else can you go that will keep you on the right path?” He asks.
    Damn it. I hate when he’s right and his cockiness shows. Can I do it? Can I live with him without showing my true feelings? Only one way to find out, “Fine, just for right now though and I’ll leave as soon as I can. Deal?”
    “Deal,” he sticks his hand out for me to shake.
    I shake his hand trying to ignore the tingles that spread through me with our contact. I groan inward, knowing this is going to be the sweetest torture possible. Flirting never hurt anyone as long as we don’t take it past that. Friends can flirt, right? He turns away from me looking around the yard, a smile is playing across his lips and I can’t help but smile too.
    Oh hell what did I get myself into? This is going to be a totally different game and I have no idea how to play it. I just hope we both come out in one piece.
    We sit next to each other in a comfortable silence , charged with desire. Looking at the stars, I can feel his gaze sweeping over my body, always lingering on my face until I smile. Then he looks away and I stare at him until he looks at me. Each stare makes the air around us thicker and I have no idea how we are going able to keep our hands to ourselves. I have to literally sit on my hands so I don’t reach out and run my fingers through his hair.
    All of a sudden, Angel stands up and walks inside but I’m not ready to go in. I plan to stay out here all night looking at the stars, making plans under them. I sink lower in my chair and start to fall asleep. I’m being moved to a