Free Knight-in-Arms - Demons: (BWWM Interracial Paranormal Billionaire Shifter Romance Part Three) by Athena Dore

~*~
     
    It was night. A figure stood on top of the dome of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, looking out over the Italian city of Florence, like a watchman. He was a mere silhouette in the darkness, his wings unfurled and poised, ready for flight. Their menacing, jagged shape gave him the appearance of a gargoyle. However, ominous as he looked, he was very much alive. And he was searching, searching for someone; the woman he loved: Rochelle.
     
    *              *              *
     
    The morning Italian sun shone down on Rochelle’s shoulders as she stood on the balcony. It was rare for her to be awake this early but she was too excited. She was in Rome! She’d been there a few days now to celebrate her birthday, but the novelty refused to wear off; she still wanted to sing an elated greeting to the passers-by below, like a Disney princess. However, she restrained herself. The real world was a lot less forgiving of those who randomly burst into song in public. Instead, she sighed contentedly, thinking of her time in Rome so far: shopping in all the designer shops; eating gelato on the Spanish Steps; visiting the Trevi Fountain, with its grand, intricate carvings; breathing in the history of the Coliseum and imagining what it must have been like in all its Roman splendour, before the marble had been stolen away. And she loved the people on the street selling their amazing artwork or wares. It felt so… organic.
     
    She smiled contentedly. She really needed this trip. After Roseford, she’d been back in Lower Ferton for six weeks. Roseford. It was a relief that everyone had got away safely and that it hadn’t completely burnt to the ground or collapsed. There was a charred, gaping hole in the back of the abbey, from the ground, right up to the roof, and several rooms wide.
     
    Though her room was still intact, she hadn’t been back to Roseford since that night. Instead, she’d stayed in Lower Ferton. Her whole ordeal had made her hometown seem even more lifeless. Fortunately, however, she did get to see a lot of Xavier.
     
    Ah, Xavier… She sighed, basking in her own happiness. Life was wonderful. The world was wonderful.
     
    Two arms encircled her waist from behind in a gentle embrace. Xavier placed a kiss on her shoulder and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He was completely still except for his deep, regular breathing, which tickled against her skin. It sounded like he had gone back to sleep. She rested her head against his. Yesterday, at the Trevi Fountain, she’d closed her eyes and thrown a coin over her left shoulder into its sparkling waters. She’d wished for a return to Rome, as was the custom, but not just any return to Rome. She’d opened her eyes. She wanted to return with the man standing before her, now reaching out to take her hand. That action alone made her heart leap. The man she was in love with.
     
    “Why are you up so early?” Xavier murmured eventually, bring her back to the present. So, he was still awake.
     
    “We’re in Rome; The Eternal City!” she said, “Can’t you feel the electric atmosphere?”
     
    “I feel tired” said Xavier.
     
    Hmm, thought Rochelle, it wasn’t surprising considering he’d had a restless night.
     
    When he’d sat up during the night, he’d woken her.
     
    “Are you okay?” she’d asked sleepily, wondering whether he was turning.
     
    “I’m fine. Just need some fresh air. Go back to sleep”.
     
    She’d heard the door to the balcony open and close. She’d fallen asleep once more and that was the last she knew until she’d woken up this morning with his arms round her.
     
    The waiter came up to their suite and served them breakfast on the balcony.
     
    Rochelle looked across at Xavier as she cut open a roll. His hair was a little bit ruffled. It made him look cute. But it was also strange seeing him like this, being there with him like this. She’d had breakfast with him before at Roseford,