The night was cold and clear and the little angel shivered slightly as she wrapped her arms around herself, the shimmery gown not much protection from the chill up on the roof. Through the door she had just exited, the New Years Eve party was in full swing, but Monica had been too disheartened to stay any longer. Her assignment was finished and not in the manner she longed for it to be completed.
"He’s just not ready to hear the truth, Angel Girl," Tess had tried to console her, "You know by now that they don’t all hear what God has to say at the moment we want them to and that fact does not mean you failed."
She played the words over again in her mind, trying to rid herself of the feeling of failure. Maybe had they not been standing on the precipice of a new year she would have been able to better accept those words but instead Michael would enter into the year with all the same problems of the old one and no better armed with God’s love than he had been before. It felt like a failure.
Michael would venture into the New Year alone and right now, Monica felt as if she was about to do the same. Though there were still two hours until midnight, her husband had been away from her now since the day after Christmas. She supposed that with the gift of their house, she should not be longing for anything, but yet she was unable to help missing him terribly, especially now when her heart felt so heavy.
She was quite certain that the separations would never get any easier though the reunions were always some of the sweetest moments she knew. But she would gladly forfeit the reunions to not feel the intense loneliness she felt without Andrew by her side. God was always with her and she really had no reason to feel alone, but since falling in love and marrying the angel of death, nothing could take the place of his touch or his gentle stalwart presence beside of her. She needed him in a way she had never needed anything or anyone before and the intensity with which she loved him was unparallel to any feeling she had ever experienced before. Oh, there was her love for God, which was unrivaled in it’s own, very special way, but loving Andrew was different. It was so simple and yet so vastly complicated at times, given what they were, yet she would never trade this painful ache in her heart at missing him if it meant giving up what they had together.
Gazing up at the stars, she felt the presence of tears in her dark eyes. The stars were so numerous and she felt so very alone. Monica didn’t think she had felt so lonely since she had been raped and had pushed everyone away in the first few days after it had happened. That time still haunted her occasionally, especially in moments such as this when she felt so very small and so heavy of heart. With a blink and a prayer to go home, her tears fell.
A breath later, she was standing in the home she shared with her husband and the warmth of being here took the chill from her body. Immediately, she sensed that Andrew was not here and she lowered her head to ward off a sob. She knew he was exactly where he needed to be and that she was being selfish, but yet, she couldn’t seem to help it.
Monica hung up her wrap and walked forlornly into the living room, trying to focus on the handful of memories that she and Andrew had already created here, comforting herself with the fact that there would be more in the years to come and for the rest of eternity. Wiping at her eyes, her gaze caught something on the floor near the stairs and she walked over to it slowly.
A rose petal.
Kneeling to pick it up, she then saw a trail of them leading up the steps and the hope lit in her brown eyes as she rose again and hurried up the stairs, following the trail. It led her into the spacious bathroom and her hand flew to her mouth to ward off a tiny sob.
A bath had been drawn, overflowing with bubbles and candles were lit all around the edge of the bathtub. A tall, narrow flute with sparkling cider rested on the edge as well and as she reached for it, she found the letter. Picking it up, she unfolded it and with emotion threatening to overwhelm her, she began to read.
"Monica,
I know tonight has been hard and my heart aches along with yours at the fact that your assignment was not yet ready to hear the words you so beautifully speak. God’s time is not ours, but be assured that in time, those words you said will have impact. Don’t ever doubt the abilities God gave you, angel, for they are perfect and at the perfect time when God chooses, Michael will hear them too.
I’ve missed you as well and have been terribly lonely for you. I always am when we are not together. You are the most amazing creature I will ever know, sweetheart, and every day I remember how blessed I am to be joined with you for all eternity. You’re so much a part of me, Monica, my next breath, the next beat of my heart, my every thought. To love you for the rest of forever is all I could ever want. Thank you for making my greatest dream come true.
Enjoy your bath, angel. Relax your mind and your body. Concentrate on how much I love you, on how important you are to so many, on the thousands of lives you have changed, not the least of all, mine. You should find all you need and please don’t worry. We will enter into the New Year together.
All my love,
Andrew"
Her tears fell freely as she clutched the letter to her chest, her heart swelling with love for her husband. She had already figured out that Tess must have told him about her assignment and the rest he just knew…because he loved her.
Laying down the sheet of paper, Monica quickly undressed and stepped into the bathtub. The water was the perfect temperature and she sank down into the bubbles, feeling her body relax as she laid her head back against the bath pillow Andrew had provided for her and closed her eyes on a sigh. She longed to sprint back out of the water to find him, but she followed his instructions and allowed her thoughts to flow in a much more pleasant direction than they had been only an hour ago, knowing that before midnight, she would be in his arms. It was all that mattered.
She must have briefly drifted off as when her eyes opened again, the water was a bit cooler and the bubbles had begun to disperse. Looking over, she saw a blue fluffy towel over the back of the chair and she rose and reached for it, wrapping it around herself as she stepped out of the bath. Though she had not noticed before on the seat of the chair was a nightgown of white satin and beneath that a matching robe. Slipping into them, she reached up and unpinned her hair, letting it tumble down softly against her shoulders before she instinctively reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out a shorter note.
"Angel,
I hope you are feeling a bit better. I trust you found the gown and robe or you would not have found this note. When you are ready, come downstairs. The sky is beautiful tonight, bringing to mind your smile and the stars I so love to see shining in your eyes. You are so infinitely precious to me, Monica. Please don’t ever forget that. As we bring in our first New Year as husband and wife, know that I am always here for you; to rejoice with you in the happy times, and to hold you when things are hard. My love for you is as vast as the night sky outside the window, unending, stretching into eternity.
I wait for you, my angel."
Blinking back tears once more, Monica exited the bathroom and padded softly down the stairs. The fire was burning warmly in the fireplace and on the floor in front of it were comforters and pillows, as well as the bottle of cider on ice and two more glasses. Emotion welled up in her throat as she walked slowly to the window and gazed out at the night sky, which was ready to break into another year.
Her breath caught in her throat as she felt tender but firm hands on her shoulders, a touch she would recognize anywhere and she instantly leaned back into his arms and closed her eyes, a single tear trailing down her cheek, "I love you so much," She whispered, her voice choked with all he made her feel.
"Come here, angel," Turning her around, Andrew enfolded her into his arms and held her tightly, feeling the residual tension leaving her small body as it sank against his, "You believe what I told you about Michael, don’t you?"
Monica gave a little nod, listening to the beat of his heart against her ear. She knew he was waiting for her to speak and knew that he would wait with patience until she was ready. He knew that there was more on her heart, despite the fact that she didn’t want to voice it, but his hand stroking her hair spoke of reassurance and deep in her heart, she knew she didn’t have to be afraid to confess anything to him.
"How long before it gets easier?" She whispered finally, her voice muffled up against his chest.
"Before what gets easier, baby?" Andrew asked softly, though he had a feeling he knew exactly what she was referring to.
"Being away from you. Feeling so incredibly lonely without you…so lost sometimes…"
Andrew gave her a gentle squeeze before pulling away to take her hand and lead her to the sofa where she curled into his arms, her small hand resting up against his chest, "You know I feel it too, angel, but it is the price we pay for being what we are," His hand moved to her cheek as she looked up at him, "If we were human, we’d have regular jobs, working eight hours a day and could come home to each other every night, the way Alex and Paul do. We would have more time to spend together on a regular basis and at night, I could fall asleep with you in my arms," Andrew watched the contented smile that played on her lips at his words and he knew she was imagining it. He continued much more softly, "But being human would mean being subjected to all the things that Paul and Alex face as well. Accidents, illness, growing old-any number of things could separate them for much longer. It could be time for one of them to go Home years before it was time for the other one to follow. They face this knowledge every day, Monica, especially in their line of work."
Tears had filled her eyes as he had spoken and now she shook her head, "I couldn’t bear it, Andrew…I couldn’t bear being away from you for years. It’s hard not knowing how soon I will see you again, but at least I know that it will be soon. I’m sorry…I was being selfish-."
"No, angel," He stated gently as he stroked her cheek, "I think about the same things and I hate being away from you as well. It isn’t selfish, Monica. It is simply who we are now. The love between us is human and the way you feel is perfectly normal."
"I just wanted you with me tonight so badly," She whispered tearfully, "I knew all along that it just wasn’t time for Michael to respond to the words God was giving me, but without you there, everything just felt wrong."
"And God knew that and sent me to you," Andrew replied, swiping at a tear as it fell from her eye, "He understands, baby. He was the One who put us together in the first place, so He knows how we feel and that allowing us to have these feelings for each other makes us need each other. We’re the ones who still aren’t completely accustomed to feeling that way."
"I guess I just think that in some way, I have felt this way about you forever. Even before, I hated being away from you and missed you when you weren’t assigned with Tess and I. I just love you so much and now that you are my husband it makes it even more so, " Inching up a little, she laid soft kisses along his neck, "I love thinking of you that way…of knowing that is who you are to me," She murmured, her lips against his strong jaw.
Her gestures were already raising the heat in the room and he tilted her face to meet her lips with his own in a long, languid kiss that left her breathless, "That is who I will always be to you, angel, and for that I am forever thankful," He whispered, his lips trailing over her eyelids and forehead. He could already feel her erect nipples against the silk fabric of her gown and the feeling nearly made him insane with his passion for her. Slowly, he inched the robe down over her shoulders in order to feel her soft skin against his hands. The gown was low cut in the back and his hands roamed over her shoulders and down her spine as Monica pressed herself closer against him, her hands working at the buttons on his shirt and delivering soft kisses to each inch of his chest as she uncovered it.
Reaching between them, Andrew fondled her breast through the thin material, hearing and loving her sharp intake of air at his touch. His thumb brushed over the peak and a tiny whimper escaped her before she brought her lips to his in a bruising kiss, moving up in his arms to straddle his waist. He could feel the heat coming from the treasured place between her legs and his own need was already straining against the black jeans he was wearing, "The things you do to me, Monica," He uttered huskily, but his thought was cut off as her mouth surrounded his nipple and his words changed to a groan.
"How long until the New Year?" She asked, before running her tongue along the little nub once more.
Somehow, he remembered what a clock looked like and where it was, "Half hour.."
"Perfect," Monica replied, as her hands worked at the button on his jeans, smiling as she felt his erection straining. She was still in awe that she could do this to him, could render him so completely helpless, simply by her touch. Freeing him, she took him in hand and stroked him slowly as his breath caught and he closed his eyes. Continuing to leave featherlike kisses down his body, she inched lower until she was on her knees on the floor and he could feel her breath against his need. He wanted to stop her, to throw her gently to the floor and make love to her, but he was powerless to move away.
Monica grinned before she swirled her tongue about the tip of him, feeling him grow harder still in her hand, throbbing against her. Running her tongue along the length of him, she felt his hands working into her hair and heard his low moan as she took him into her mouth, moving slowly up and down, drawing out his pleasure. Her hand worked in rhythm with her mouth, stroking him purposefully as she took him in deeper and deeper each time.
The angel of death was nearly out of his mind as he struggled to control himself, but just watching her was nearly enough to put him over the edge. When she finally took the length of him into her hot mouth, it was all he could do to hold back, and she seemed to sense this as she looked up at him and grinned before going back to her pleasurable task. She was moving faster now, sucking him intently with each stroke, "Angel…angel…I can’t…." But knowing what he was trying to do, only caused her to draw him in further and it was all he could take. He cried out her name as his body tensed and shuddered and she was drinking eagerly of all that he was and he could feel her swallowing up against him. His heart swelled with love for her, as it did so often every time they were together and he suddenly needed her in his arms desperately.
Pulling her up, he held her tightly to him, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" He growled, before he was kissing her passionately, feeling her wetness against his stomach as her nightgown rode up her legs. Andrew felt her raise herself up, prepared to lower herself onto him, but he stopped her firmly, "Oh no you don’t," He grinned, scooping her into his arms, "You aren’t getting off that easily."
"Interesting choice of words," She giggled, enjoying his blush as he grinned at her, before laying her down on the comforter in front of the fire. He wasted no time in lifting her nightgown up over her head, to leave her naked beneath him.
Andrew could see the dark passion in her eyes, and he moved to stroke her hair tenderly, before delivering kisses to her face, slowly, never coming in contact with her lips, his hands remaining in her hair. For a moment she enjoyed the intimacy of his actions, before she became frustrated, trying to capture his lips, but he remained just out of her reach.
"Andrew…" His name was a protest and he had to stop himself from chuckling.
"What is it you want, angel?"
"I want you to kiss me," She insisted, reaching up to try and capture his face with her hands, but he pulled back and out of her reach.
"I am kissing you," He replied softly, his lips brushing up against her temple.
She emitted an impatient sigh, "You know what I mean!"
"Tell me."
Monica’s eyes widened. He had played these games with her once before, not allowing her to climax until he had given his consent. At first, she had been frustrated, but she had climaxed more intensely then she ever had before once he had told her she could, "What?"
"Tell me what you want, angel," Andrew whispered into her ear, his hot breath sending pleasant shivers through her body.
She swallowed hard, a flush rising to her cheeks, "I want…I want you to kiss me…on the lips…"
No sooner had she said it that he complied and she opened her mouth to his questing tongue as she kissed him hungrily. Her entire body felt as if it was begging for his touch, but Andrew made no move to do anything more than kiss her. Yes, he was doing that very well…very, very well, but she was longing for more. Reaching for his hand, she tried to guide him to her breast, but he pulled away and returned his hand to her face as their tongues continued to duel.
"You’re going to make me do this, aren’t you?" She murmured against him when he pulled his hand away for the second time.
"Just tell me what you want, baby," He replied softly.
The little angel closed her eyes, "Your hands…on my breasts, please…" She felt him smile against her mouth as she then felt him fondling her breasts, rubbing his palms over them and flicking her nipples with his fingers. His touch electrified her and she knew she needed more as well as how to get it, "Andrew…please, your mouth…"
"Where?"
A quirky grin crossed her face, "Where your hand is."
He chuckled softly, and obliged her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable as his head moved down her body, covering her breast with his mouth, licking and sucking at her nipple gently. His wife arched her back to bring herself closer, her hands moving to run through his hair as soft murmurs of love poured from her lips. Andrew alternated between her soft mounds, always working the other with his hand until she was pleading for more. Her legs had fallen open in an invitation and he hesitated to continue with the game.
He was always infinity careful with her comfort level, never wanting to push her farther than she was willing, knowing that there were still a few scars deep in her soul. He rarely saw them and when he did, it was often only for a fraction of a second. She was a willing and adventurous lover and knowing that she was so open with him served to remind him to always be careful.
But before he could even consider, she had taken his hand and guided it to the place between her legs, "Touch me here," She whispered, eyes sultry with desire and he felt his heart pound louder against his chest. She had not been able to say it, but had found a way to continue his game that she was comfortable with.
He heard her gasp as his hand moved between her warm folds, his fingers stroking through her wetness and finding the little pleasure nub. He ran his tongue around her breast once more as she arched into his hand, her body trembling and ready to let go as he captured her mouth once more, her kiss urgent and speaking of longing and love.
"Andrew, I need you…in me…joined with me…" There were tears in her eyes as he pushed the length of himself into her warmth, feeling her heat surround him and she wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked into his eyes, "I love you so much…just so much, "Her voice was choked with the powerful emotions that union with him always brought to her, completing what was already in their hearts and souls, "Love me, Andrew…please."
"That you never have to ask for, angel," He uttered, before he began to stroke into her slowly, eyes still locked with hers as she moved against him, meeting his rhythm as she laid kisses against his neck. Slowly, he began to thrust harder into her, hearing her muffled cries against the nape of his neck. The clock on the mantle began to chime as he moved them both closer and closer to completion, bodies moving together. He never needed to try to hold back as a moment later, she had tightened around him, his name escaping her lips as he emptied himself into her, feeling her continue to move against him to draw out his completion.
As they caught their breaths, Andrew felt her continue to hold tightly to him and felt the tiny heave of her shoulders and he stroked her back gently, "What is it, sweetheart?" He whispered, pulling back to look into her dark eyes.
A trembling smile crossed her face as she blinked back her tears, "I just love you is all and there are moments when it wells up inside of me so strongly," She gave a little laugh, "Sometimes it just makes me cry…"
Andrew smiled and kissed away the moisture from her cheeks, "As long as they are happy tears, angel, because I never want you feeling sad because of me."
"No. Never."
"Happy New Year, baby," He said softly, kissing her forehead, "It came in a few minutes ago, but we were a little bit busy."
Monica giggled and grinned up at him, "Best kind of busy I know, I think."
He chuckled and then turned serious once more, "This is our first New Year together, angel, but know that there will be so many more to follow and that I will treasure each and every one of them, just because of who it is I get to spend them with," His hand moved to stroke her cheek as she gazed up into his eyes, "I love you, Monica, more with each new day, even though I would have never thought it possible."
Pulling him down for a tender kiss, she then whispered in his ear, "Will you love me again?"
A devilish grin crossed his face, "Where, angel?"
Reaching up, she cupped his face in her small hands, "All of me. My body, my heart, my soul…they are all yours, Andrew and I trust you with them for all eternity."
The cider was growing warm, the fire needed tending, but Andrew didn’t care. Blinking back tears, he did the only thing that truly mattered and loved her.
"He’s just not ready to hear the truth, Angel Girl," Tess had tried to console her, "You know by now that they don’t all hear what God has to say at the moment we want them to and that fact does not mean you failed."
She played the words over again in her mind, trying to rid herself of the feeling of failure. Maybe had they not been standing on the precipice of a new year she would have been able to better accept those words but instead Michael would enter into the year with all the same problems of the old one and no better armed with God’s love than he had been before. It felt like a failure.
Michael would venture into the New Year alone and right now, Monica felt as if she was about to do the same. Though there were still two hours until midnight, her husband had been away from her now since the day after Christmas. She supposed that with the gift of their house, she should not be longing for anything, but yet she was unable to help missing him terribly, especially now when her heart felt so heavy.
She was quite certain that the separations would never get any easier though the reunions were always some of the sweetest moments she knew. But she would gladly forfeit the reunions to not feel the intense loneliness she felt without Andrew by her side. God was always with her and she really had no reason to feel alone, but since falling in love and marrying the angel of death, nothing could take the place of his touch or his gentle stalwart presence beside of her. She needed him in a way she had never needed anything or anyone before and the intensity with which she loved him was unparallel to any feeling she had ever experienced before. Oh, there was her love for God, which was unrivaled in it’s own, very special way, but loving Andrew was different. It was so simple and yet so vastly complicated at times, given what they were, yet she would never trade this painful ache in her heart at missing him if it meant giving up what they had together.
Gazing up at the stars, she felt the presence of tears in her dark eyes. The stars were so numerous and she felt so very alone. Monica didn’t think she had felt so lonely since she had been raped and had pushed everyone away in the first few days after it had happened. That time still haunted her occasionally, especially in moments such as this when she felt so very small and so heavy of heart. With a blink and a prayer to go home, her tears fell.
A breath later, she was standing in the home she shared with her husband and the warmth of being here took the chill from her body. Immediately, she sensed that Andrew was not here and she lowered her head to ward off a sob. She knew he was exactly where he needed to be and that she was being selfish, but yet, she couldn’t seem to help it.
Monica hung up her wrap and walked forlornly into the living room, trying to focus on the handful of memories that she and Andrew had already created here, comforting herself with the fact that there would be more in the years to come and for the rest of eternity. Wiping at her eyes, her gaze caught something on the floor near the stairs and she walked over to it slowly.
A rose petal.
Kneeling to pick it up, she then saw a trail of them leading up the steps and the hope lit in her brown eyes as she rose again and hurried up the stairs, following the trail. It led her into the spacious bathroom and her hand flew to her mouth to ward off a tiny sob.
A bath had been drawn, overflowing with bubbles and candles were lit all around the edge of the bathtub. A tall, narrow flute with sparkling cider rested on the edge as well and as she reached for it, she found the letter. Picking it up, she unfolded it and with emotion threatening to overwhelm her, she began to read.
"Monica,
I know tonight has been hard and my heart aches along with yours at the fact that your assignment was not yet ready to hear the words you so beautifully speak. God’s time is not ours, but be assured that in time, those words you said will have impact. Don’t ever doubt the abilities God gave you, angel, for they are perfect and at the perfect time when God chooses, Michael will hear them too.
I’ve missed you as well and have been terribly lonely for you. I always am when we are not together. You are the most amazing creature I will ever know, sweetheart, and every day I remember how blessed I am to be joined with you for all eternity. You’re so much a part of me, Monica, my next breath, the next beat of my heart, my every thought. To love you for the rest of forever is all I could ever want. Thank you for making my greatest dream come true.
Enjoy your bath, angel. Relax your mind and your body. Concentrate on how much I love you, on how important you are to so many, on the thousands of lives you have changed, not the least of all, mine. You should find all you need and please don’t worry. We will enter into the New Year together.
All my love,
Andrew"
Her tears fell freely as she clutched the letter to her chest, her heart swelling with love for her husband. She had already figured out that Tess must have told him about her assignment and the rest he just knew…because he loved her.
Laying down the sheet of paper, Monica quickly undressed and stepped into the bathtub. The water was the perfect temperature and she sank down into the bubbles, feeling her body relax as she laid her head back against the bath pillow Andrew had provided for her and closed her eyes on a sigh. She longed to sprint back out of the water to find him, but she followed his instructions and allowed her thoughts to flow in a much more pleasant direction than they had been only an hour ago, knowing that before midnight, she would be in his arms. It was all that mattered.
She must have briefly drifted off as when her eyes opened again, the water was a bit cooler and the bubbles had begun to disperse. Looking over, she saw a blue fluffy towel over the back of the chair and she rose and reached for it, wrapping it around herself as she stepped out of the bath. Though she had not noticed before on the seat of the chair was a nightgown of white satin and beneath that a matching robe. Slipping into them, she reached up and unpinned her hair, letting it tumble down softly against her shoulders before she instinctively reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out a shorter note.
"Angel,
I hope you are feeling a bit better. I trust you found the gown and robe or you would not have found this note. When you are ready, come downstairs. The sky is beautiful tonight, bringing to mind your smile and the stars I so love to see shining in your eyes. You are so infinitely precious to me, Monica. Please don’t ever forget that. As we bring in our first New Year as husband and wife, know that I am always here for you; to rejoice with you in the happy times, and to hold you when things are hard. My love for you is as vast as the night sky outside the window, unending, stretching into eternity.
I wait for you, my angel."
Blinking back tears once more, Monica exited the bathroom and padded softly down the stairs. The fire was burning warmly in the fireplace and on the floor in front of it were comforters and pillows, as well as the bottle of cider on ice and two more glasses. Emotion welled up in her throat as she walked slowly to the window and gazed out at the night sky, which was ready to break into another year.
Her breath caught in her throat as she felt tender but firm hands on her shoulders, a touch she would recognize anywhere and she instantly leaned back into his arms and closed her eyes, a single tear trailing down her cheek, "I love you so much," She whispered, her voice choked with all he made her feel.
"Come here, angel," Turning her around, Andrew enfolded her into his arms and held her tightly, feeling the residual tension leaving her small body as it sank against his, "You believe what I told you about Michael, don’t you?"
Monica gave a little nod, listening to the beat of his heart against her ear. She knew he was waiting for her to speak and knew that he would wait with patience until she was ready. He knew that there was more on her heart, despite the fact that she didn’t want to voice it, but his hand stroking her hair spoke of reassurance and deep in her heart, she knew she didn’t have to be afraid to confess anything to him.
"How long before it gets easier?" She whispered finally, her voice muffled up against his chest.
"Before what gets easier, baby?" Andrew asked softly, though he had a feeling he knew exactly what she was referring to.
"Being away from you. Feeling so incredibly lonely without you…so lost sometimes…"
Andrew gave her a gentle squeeze before pulling away to take her hand and lead her to the sofa where she curled into his arms, her small hand resting up against his chest, "You know I feel it too, angel, but it is the price we pay for being what we are," His hand moved to her cheek as she looked up at him, "If we were human, we’d have regular jobs, working eight hours a day and could come home to each other every night, the way Alex and Paul do. We would have more time to spend together on a regular basis and at night, I could fall asleep with you in my arms," Andrew watched the contented smile that played on her lips at his words and he knew she was imagining it. He continued much more softly, "But being human would mean being subjected to all the things that Paul and Alex face as well. Accidents, illness, growing old-any number of things could separate them for much longer. It could be time for one of them to go Home years before it was time for the other one to follow. They face this knowledge every day, Monica, especially in their line of work."
Tears had filled her eyes as he had spoken and now she shook her head, "I couldn’t bear it, Andrew…I couldn’t bear being away from you for years. It’s hard not knowing how soon I will see you again, but at least I know that it will be soon. I’m sorry…I was being selfish-."
"No, angel," He stated gently as he stroked her cheek, "I think about the same things and I hate being away from you as well. It isn’t selfish, Monica. It is simply who we are now. The love between us is human and the way you feel is perfectly normal."
"I just wanted you with me tonight so badly," She whispered tearfully, "I knew all along that it just wasn’t time for Michael to respond to the words God was giving me, but without you there, everything just felt wrong."
"And God knew that and sent me to you," Andrew replied, swiping at a tear as it fell from her eye, "He understands, baby. He was the One who put us together in the first place, so He knows how we feel and that allowing us to have these feelings for each other makes us need each other. We’re the ones who still aren’t completely accustomed to feeling that way."
"I guess I just think that in some way, I have felt this way about you forever. Even before, I hated being away from you and missed you when you weren’t assigned with Tess and I. I just love you so much and now that you are my husband it makes it even more so, " Inching up a little, she laid soft kisses along his neck, "I love thinking of you that way…of knowing that is who you are to me," She murmured, her lips against his strong jaw.
Her gestures were already raising the heat in the room and he tilted her face to meet her lips with his own in a long, languid kiss that left her breathless, "That is who I will always be to you, angel, and for that I am forever thankful," He whispered, his lips trailing over her eyelids and forehead. He could already feel her erect nipples against the silk fabric of her gown and the feeling nearly made him insane with his passion for her. Slowly, he inched the robe down over her shoulders in order to feel her soft skin against his hands. The gown was low cut in the back and his hands roamed over her shoulders and down her spine as Monica pressed herself closer against him, her hands working at the buttons on his shirt and delivering soft kisses to each inch of his chest as she uncovered it.
Reaching between them, Andrew fondled her breast through the thin material, hearing and loving her sharp intake of air at his touch. His thumb brushed over the peak and a tiny whimper escaped her before she brought her lips to his in a bruising kiss, moving up in his arms to straddle his waist. He could feel the heat coming from the treasured place between her legs and his own need was already straining against the black jeans he was wearing, "The things you do to me, Monica," He uttered huskily, but his thought was cut off as her mouth surrounded his nipple and his words changed to a groan.
"How long until the New Year?" She asked, before running her tongue along the little nub once more.
Somehow, he remembered what a clock looked like and where it was, "Half hour.."
"Perfect," Monica replied, as her hands worked at the button on his jeans, smiling as she felt his erection straining. She was still in awe that she could do this to him, could render him so completely helpless, simply by her touch. Freeing him, she took him in hand and stroked him slowly as his breath caught and he closed his eyes. Continuing to leave featherlike kisses down his body, she inched lower until she was on her knees on the floor and he could feel her breath against his need. He wanted to stop her, to throw her gently to the floor and make love to her, but he was powerless to move away.
Monica grinned before she swirled her tongue about the tip of him, feeling him grow harder still in her hand, throbbing against her. Running her tongue along the length of him, she felt his hands working into her hair and heard his low moan as she took him into her mouth, moving slowly up and down, drawing out his pleasure. Her hand worked in rhythm with her mouth, stroking him purposefully as she took him in deeper and deeper each time.
The angel of death was nearly out of his mind as he struggled to control himself, but just watching her was nearly enough to put him over the edge. When she finally took the length of him into her hot mouth, it was all he could do to hold back, and she seemed to sense this as she looked up at him and grinned before going back to her pleasurable task. She was moving faster now, sucking him intently with each stroke, "Angel…angel…I can’t…." But knowing what he was trying to do, only caused her to draw him in further and it was all he could take. He cried out her name as his body tensed and shuddered and she was drinking eagerly of all that he was and he could feel her swallowing up against him. His heart swelled with love for her, as it did so often every time they were together and he suddenly needed her in his arms desperately.
Pulling her up, he held her tightly to him, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" He growled, before he was kissing her passionately, feeling her wetness against his stomach as her nightgown rode up her legs. Andrew felt her raise herself up, prepared to lower herself onto him, but he stopped her firmly, "Oh no you don’t," He grinned, scooping her into his arms, "You aren’t getting off that easily."
"Interesting choice of words," She giggled, enjoying his blush as he grinned at her, before laying her down on the comforter in front of the fire. He wasted no time in lifting her nightgown up over her head, to leave her naked beneath him.
Andrew could see the dark passion in her eyes, and he moved to stroke her hair tenderly, before delivering kisses to her face, slowly, never coming in contact with her lips, his hands remaining in her hair. For a moment she enjoyed the intimacy of his actions, before she became frustrated, trying to capture his lips, but he remained just out of her reach.
"Andrew…" His name was a protest and he had to stop himself from chuckling.
"What is it you want, angel?"
"I want you to kiss me," She insisted, reaching up to try and capture his face with her hands, but he pulled back and out of her reach.
"I am kissing you," He replied softly, his lips brushing up against her temple.
She emitted an impatient sigh, "You know what I mean!"
"Tell me."
Monica’s eyes widened. He had played these games with her once before, not allowing her to climax until he had given his consent. At first, she had been frustrated, but she had climaxed more intensely then she ever had before once he had told her she could, "What?"
"Tell me what you want, angel," Andrew whispered into her ear, his hot breath sending pleasant shivers through her body.
She swallowed hard, a flush rising to her cheeks, "I want…I want you to kiss me…on the lips…"
No sooner had she said it that he complied and she opened her mouth to his questing tongue as she kissed him hungrily. Her entire body felt as if it was begging for his touch, but Andrew made no move to do anything more than kiss her. Yes, he was doing that very well…very, very well, but she was longing for more. Reaching for his hand, she tried to guide him to her breast, but he pulled away and returned his hand to her face as their tongues continued to duel.
"You’re going to make me do this, aren’t you?" She murmured against him when he pulled his hand away for the second time.
"Just tell me what you want, baby," He replied softly.
The little angel closed her eyes, "Your hands…on my breasts, please…" She felt him smile against her mouth as she then felt him fondling her breasts, rubbing his palms over them and flicking her nipples with his fingers. His touch electrified her and she knew she needed more as well as how to get it, "Andrew…please, your mouth…"
"Where?"
A quirky grin crossed her face, "Where your hand is."
He chuckled softly, and obliged her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable as his head moved down her body, covering her breast with his mouth, licking and sucking at her nipple gently. His wife arched her back to bring herself closer, her hands moving to run through his hair as soft murmurs of love poured from her lips. Andrew alternated between her soft mounds, always working the other with his hand until she was pleading for more. Her legs had fallen open in an invitation and he hesitated to continue with the game.
He was always infinity careful with her comfort level, never wanting to push her farther than she was willing, knowing that there were still a few scars deep in her soul. He rarely saw them and when he did, it was often only for a fraction of a second. She was a willing and adventurous lover and knowing that she was so open with him served to remind him to always be careful.
But before he could even consider, she had taken his hand and guided it to the place between her legs, "Touch me here," She whispered, eyes sultry with desire and he felt his heart pound louder against his chest. She had not been able to say it, but had found a way to continue his game that she was comfortable with.
He heard her gasp as his hand moved between her warm folds, his fingers stroking through her wetness and finding the little pleasure nub. He ran his tongue around her breast once more as she arched into his hand, her body trembling and ready to let go as he captured her mouth once more, her kiss urgent and speaking of longing and love.
"Andrew, I need you…in me…joined with me…" There were tears in her eyes as he pushed the length of himself into her warmth, feeling her heat surround him and she wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked into his eyes, "I love you so much…just so much, "Her voice was choked with the powerful emotions that union with him always brought to her, completing what was already in their hearts and souls, "Love me, Andrew…please."
"That you never have to ask for, angel," He uttered, before he began to stroke into her slowly, eyes still locked with hers as she moved against him, meeting his rhythm as she laid kisses against his neck. Slowly, he began to thrust harder into her, hearing her muffled cries against the nape of his neck. The clock on the mantle began to chime as he moved them both closer and closer to completion, bodies moving together. He never needed to try to hold back as a moment later, she had tightened around him, his name escaping her lips as he emptied himself into her, feeling her continue to move against him to draw out his completion.
As they caught their breaths, Andrew felt her continue to hold tightly to him and felt the tiny heave of her shoulders and he stroked her back gently, "What is it, sweetheart?" He whispered, pulling back to look into her dark eyes.
A trembling smile crossed her face as she blinked back her tears, "I just love you is all and there are moments when it wells up inside of me so strongly," She gave a little laugh, "Sometimes it just makes me cry…"
Andrew smiled and kissed away the moisture from her cheeks, "As long as they are happy tears, angel, because I never want you feeling sad because of me."
"No. Never."
"Happy New Year, baby," He said softly, kissing her forehead, "It came in a few minutes ago, but we were a little bit busy."
Monica giggled and grinned up at him, "Best kind of busy I know, I think."
He chuckled and then turned serious once more, "This is our first New Year together, angel, but know that there will be so many more to follow and that I will treasure each and every one of them, just because of who it is I get to spend them with," His hand moved to stroke her cheek as she gazed up into his eyes, "I love you, Monica, more with each new day, even though I would have never thought it possible."
Pulling him down for a tender kiss, she then whispered in his ear, "Will you love me again?"
A devilish grin crossed his face, "Where, angel?"
Reaching up, she cupped his face in her small hands, "All of me. My body, my heart, my soul…they are all yours, Andrew and I trust you with them for all eternity."
The cider was growing warm, the fire needed tending, but Andrew didn’t care. Blinking back tears, he did the only thing that truly mattered and loved her.