Free Angel Evolution by David Estes Page A

convince her to do anything this early on in their relationship.
    “You do that. And if she resists, do what you need to force her.” His voice was as sharp as a knife; to Gabriel it almost sounded as if he hoped she would resist.
    “I will, my lord,” Gabriel said, secretly hoping it wouldn’t come to that.
    Without another word, the line went dead. Gabriel shook his head, confused for the first time since he began the mission. He needed to get his priorities straight, make sure that he was prepared to do what had to be done. While he could have fun with her, he had to ensure he didn’t grow attached to the girl. In the end, she was just a tool, a means to an end. Things were only going to get harder, especially with that demon hanging around, messing with Taylor’s dreams.
     
     

Chapter Eighteen
     
    T aylor’s eyes opened when she heard the door open. She sat up, scanning the room and trying to figure out where she was. The room was empty. It was light in the room, despite the blinds being drawn. She rubbed her eyes and a myriad of visions suddenly spiraled through her mind: Gabriel with wings, Gabriel flying her through the air, Gabriel telling her an impossible story about angels and demons and gargoyles.
    Clearly, none of it had happened. More likely, she had fallen asleep and missed her meeting with Gabriel. Her mind was always creating crazy stuff, like when she was taking a test and trying to concentrate, and green leprechauns began dancing through her head, playing harmonicas or accordions. Another time it was leaping clowns strumming on banjos and harpsichords. Bottom line, she was a bit nutty.
    The door opened again and Sam walked in. Upon seeing Taylor sitting up, she smiled. “Good morning, sleepy head,” she said cheerily. She had a smirk on her face, clearly amused by something.
    “What time is it?” Taylor asked groggily. She did not see the humor in the situation.
    “Nearly two in the afternoon. But after your late night I would say that’s not too bad.” She was laughing now.
    “What late night?” Taylor said, unable to stop a hint of alarm from creeping into her voice. She rubbed her eyes again and tried to remember. Forcefully, it all came flooding back into her mind again. It still felt like a dream. It couldn’t be true. She felt dizzy.
    “You don’t look so good, Tay.” Sam’s amused look vanished and changed to one of concern for her friend.
    “I’ll be fine,” Taylor said, lying back down on her soft pillow. “How exactly did I get home?”
    The amused look was back. “Geez, Taylor. Even though Gabriel claims that you didn’t have anything to drink, I’m not sure I believe him.”
    “You saw Gabriel?” Taylor asked, ignoring the jab. “How did he….look?” Visions of a winged and glowing Gabriel knocking on the seventh floor window and passing Taylor through to Sam popped into her head.
    “Beautiful, as usual,” Sam replied. “You are a lucky girl.”
    Apparently, Gabriel hadn’t been stupid enough to show up at their room with his wings extended and his built in light-bulb on its highest setting.
    Taylor said, “Look, Sam, nothing happened, I swear. I definitely wasn’t drinking. We just went for a walk, found a quiet place, and then talked all night long. Then I got really tired and fell asleep, I guess. How did he get me home?”
    “Oh my gosh, Tay, it was so romantic. I heard a knock on the door this morning and there he was, holding you in his gorgeous arms. He said he carried you all the way home and that he found your security pass in your pocket and used it to get into the dorm.”
    She really did make it sound romantic, but Taylor didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. Or was the wrong idea really the right idea? Now that she knew the truth, she wasn’t exactly scared of him anymore. And she did like him and he was very easy on the eyes. He was an angel, after all. One of the good guys. What am I talking about!? He couldn’t possibly, actually,