Free The Codex: An Angel's Guide To Seducing A Human by Joe Duck

paperwork finished, I shall reimburse you for your expenses, along with a little extra coin to show our gratitude," Varian said, scribbling onto a parchment without bothering to meet my eyes. "Then you will be free to go where you please."
    In other words, take the money and scram. Fine by me as long as it's enough.  I curved my lips and feigned delight. "That sounds wonderful."
    Varian smirked and moved aside the stacked paperwork he was working on.
    I arched an eyebrow. "Speaking of 'wonderful,' I'm a little curious. You serve a different god than Narius. Why do you care about him so much?"
    The smile on the High Priest’s face grew as he uncorked a fresh bottle of wine and filled his glass. "Our branch of the temple respects both Lady Tristiana and Lord Halfaya as much as Lord Arudi, and believe that it is our duty to aid any angel in his task."
    I nodded, pretending to understand his vague answer. Gold was the only thing keeping me and Narius tied together. There was no reason to stay with him if I was going to be paid.  Why do I care suddenly? The priest for all I care can take care of Narius and fawn over the angel as much as he likes.
    Varian pointed at the door. "But, please don't let me hold you here. Enjoy the festival. And may I recommend that you try our baths before you head out? They were blessed by an angel a few centuries ago to mend minor wounds and drive away fatigue."
    Feeling a bit tired from the long journey, I nodded and exited the office.  A bath would feel nice.  I closed the door behind me and walked down a spiral staircase that led to the temple itself.  So, that's it. Narius and I are finished.  I bit my lower lip. Oddly enough, the thought of leaving him troubled me, and each step down the stair felt heavy.  Isn’t this what I wanted? Just to get a bit of gold? Isn’t that why I tagged along with him in the first place?
    I tapped myself on the head to focus my thoughts. Being with that angel was too uncomfortable. I needed to leave.
     
    Emily
     
    The halls were dark without a single lit torch or candle. Nor were there any priests to tell me where I was. Most of them were probably outside, celebrating the summer solstice. Focusing a bit of magic into the orb of my staff, I illuminated the cracked stone floor of the temple and wandered the halls.
    Eventually, I stumbled onto the doorway leading to the bath, with light spilling out beneath its door and a sign with an image of a tub that told me I was in the right place. I opened the door into the changing room, kept bright with glowing lanterns and filled with towels.
    After placing my staff against a wooden bin, I unbuttoned my shirt, but before I pulled my skirt down, a splash sounded from inside the bath. Curious at who I would be sharing the waters with, I poked my head around the corner.
    The bath was spectacular, far bigger and more luxurious than the ones I used back in the guild. Spotless tiles reflected light from the magical lamps hanging from the ceiling, making the floor glow radiantly. Water flowed around the chamber like a river, rushing past and creating a rhythm pleasant to the ear, coupled with various waterfalls that added to the symphony.
    Then I saw a pair of white wings.
    Narius stood under a small waterfall, his eyes closed, letting the water flood down his body. He wasn’t wearing anything. My mind tingled. I glanced at the feminine sign bolted over the door. I was in the right place. He wasn't.
    Buttoning my shirt back up, I gripped the wooden post and watched. I wanted to yell at him for being in the wrong place, but no words came out.
    My eyes drifted down to the muscular chest and hardened abdomen that were previously hidden by his armor.
    Blood rushed up to my ears, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, and I wondered what it would be like to rest my head on his naked chest.
    Shaking my head, I pushed the dirty thought out of mind.  I'll just tell him that he is in the wrong place.  But my body refused to