Free Beautiful Beings by Kailin Gow

I spotted Mr. Kingsley with my parents, Shayne and Moore approaching them and making polite conversation.  But while Shayne seemed animated and interested, Moore stared off into the distance, his eyes filled with boredom until he saw me.
    The devilish twinkle returned to his gaze in an instant and a furtive smile curved his lips.
    Braxton slowed his pace, his reluctance to join the group obvious in the way he gently pulled back on my arm.  “How about a last glimpse of the terrace?  The moon should be out and it’s glorious over the bay.”
    I turned to look quizzically at him.  “What’s up?”
    His eyes wide with surprise, he played innocent.
    “Why do I get the feeling you're holding out on me?  There’s something you're not telling me.  What’s really going on between Moore and you?”
    He maintained his innocent gaze, but a thread of guilt played on his pressed lips.  “We’re friends.  We’re both relatively new to St. James and we sometimes hang out.”
    “Seriously, Brax?  I want to know.”
    He sighed his resignation and clucked his tongue.  “Fine. Shayne has been on my back for months now, trying to weasel her way closer to me.  Lord knows she’s beautiful and any guy would be crazy to have her, but she’s just not my type.”
    “Oh,” I let out.  Though nothing romantic had ever happened between me and Braxton, I felt a twinge of unexpected jealousy spike at my heart.
    “I think she sees you as a rival and she’s using her brother to get you out of the way.”
    Ouch .  The jealous spike at my heart was now a full on devastating dagger.  Swallowing that bite of painful truth, I turned to Braxton.  “But what would ever give Shayne the idea that you and I are a couple?”
    No words were necessary as Braxton’s eyes filled with the obvious emotions he felt for me.  He quickly turned away, but not before I caught the pain-filled twitch of his lips.
    I felt like a heartless idiot for not realizing how he truly felt about me.
    “It looks like the party is revving down,” he said, his attempt to sound natural failing as his voice faltered.  He cleared his throat and tried again. “Your parents are looking for you.”
    As we joined the group, Mom and Dad smiled at Braxton, obviously impressed with him.
    “Well, it certainly was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Collins,” Mr. Kingsley said to my mother before turning to bid me goodbye.  “I certainly hope we’ll see you again, Miss Lux.  I take it Braxton appreciates your company.”
    I caught a glimpse of Braxton as he mouthed goodbye, his eyes speaking of his longing to be with me.  To his right, Moore held an arrogant grin, while Shayne commanded his left, clinging to him for fear he’d run after me.  Her desire for him glowed in her eyes and in the purring pout of her lips.
    Walking out with my parents, I felt like a pawn in a game I knew little about.  Unaccustomed to so much male attention, I didn’t know what to believe or who to trust.  Moore seemed so sincere in his desire to be with me and had such a divine way of awakening the woman in me, while Braxton tickled my funny bone, made me feel at ease and looked at me with more than mere hunger.
    Knowing little about love and lust, I felt disadvantaged.  My body shouted out one command, wanting the heat of Moore’s touch, while my head tried to understand all emotions both guys evoked
    As we drove home, we passed the park Asher had sketched his angel in.  Great, I thought with a tired sigh.  Another guy to add to the confusion.
    Lothario had warned me of the increased number of demons, the breaking down of the gates of hell, but he’d never mentioned the problems I could have dealing with mortal men, men who wanted me, who desired me and who could possibly love me.
    Men who potentially held the capacity to hurt me, break my heart and leave me bitter about love.
    Never before had I received so many compliments, never had I felt as beautiful as in these past days, yet