Free Fallen by Michele Hauf Page A

hands?”
    â€œSomething like that.” Sure, it was a weapon, but Cooper wanted to find his halo for reasons he could never explain to a demon who’d marked him as a target. “Got a means to track an angel’s halo?”
    â€œMaybe.”
    He smirked and slowed to allow her to catch up. “You have no idea how to track a halo.”
    â€œI didn’t say that. I’m just not willing to do something for you until you do something for me.”
    â€œSweetie, the something you want me to do involves my death. My halo won’t hold much importance after that.”
    â€œYeah well, life is tough.”
    Cooper stopped before his building and gripped her by the upper arm. She didn’t struggle, because his sudden move made her barge into him, and she tried to hold her balance. He preferred her unsure and not so cocky. “Let’s make a bargain, shall we?”
    â€œIf you think you can trade sex for favors…”
    â€œI didn’t say a thing about sex.”
    â€œYou were giving me that look.”
    â€œWhat look?”
    â€œThat hungry look. The same look you were giving every woman in the club. The same look you had on your face after kissing me. You have no shame.”
    â€œI like kissing, is all. Kissing is an art form. It is a pleasurable means of exploring touch, taste and smell. Aren’t you indulging in the senses, Pyx? After my imprisonment I can’t get enough of it all.”
    â€œDon’t have time for silly stuff.”
    â€œYou like to eat.”
    â€œFood keeps my energy up.”
    â€œYou like clothing.” He stroked a palm down her arm,his fingers clicking the gold buttons. “Tell me what it feels like, the fur about your wrists. Is it soft? Sensual?”
    â€œYou are the strangest angel I’ve known.” She moved around to his right.
    Cooper dodged to block her escape. “Know a lot of angels, then?”
    â€œActually, no.”
    â€œWell, then. I think you need to let your freak flag fly.”
    â€œMy what?”
    â€œYou should be indulging in all the mortal sins,” he said. “That is what the Sinistari do.”
    â€œI have been. I steal. I eat. I…put art on my body. I take great pride in the vanity of looking good. I haven’t stopped chewing this delicious gum since I got here. It’s full of sugar and I’m sure it’ll rot my teeth.”
    â€œOhh, you are a rebellious one. But no interest in sex?”
    â€œIs sex a sin?”
    â€œYes. No. It’s a beautiful act between a man and a woman in love. But lust can be sinful.”
    â€œOh, I’ve been lusting.”
    â€œHave you?”
    About who, he wanted to know. But he’d hit a nerve in the demon. A nerve so new to her she couldn’t process the uncomfortable sensation. He liked that she wasn’t so sure of everything. That meant she was learning, becoming more human.
    And, that she wasn’t on top of her game.
    â€œIt’s because I’m a girl, right? You think I can’t be tough and all in your face like a Sinistari should be? Well, try this one on for size.”
    When he felt the prick of a blade at his spine, Cooper put up his hands in surrender.
    She was tough. Tougher than she realized. And he did have a healthy fear for what she and her blade, Joe, could do to him. But she was new to this world. He had at least two weeks on her. And he must use that to his advantage to stay alive.
    Even if it meant seducing the enemy.

Chapter 5
    P yx followed Cooper into his living room. He snapped his fingers to turn on a lamp. “You got salt?” she asked.
    The angel lifted a brow.
    â€œI want to perform a spell that will help you locate your muse.”
    â€œHey now, let’s not get overzealous.”
    â€œIt won’t bring her to you, it’ll just open your senses to her. That’s my plan I was talking about.”
    â€œIf you do that what do I get out of it? I