Anael threw his head back, his body aching as he twirled around the pole, jumping high, before flipping back around and off; humping the floor. His boss, Darren was clearly put out by the drop in customer numbers since Anael had been away and was making up for it now. This was the fifth time Anael had been on stage in three hours and he was exhausted. Usually, just hearing the opening bars of a song was enough to have his feet tapping, but tonight he was just going through the motions. Not that the audience noticed. They were looking for titillation; lusting over exposed skin and sexy glances. Anael had never picked up that vibe from the men who watched him before, but he could sense it now. Their eyes crawled over his skin leaving snail trails of sludge.

Drop pants, wiggle ass, house lights down, get off the stage. Anael never collected his tips or clothes. That was Darren’s job. He stumbled back to his dressing room, unhappy to see Jared blocking his door. All at once he was conscious he was only wearing a g-string and his boots.

“I’m getting cold, did you want something, and can you let me pass while you tell me? I want to get dressed.”

“I didn’t see any sign of your boyfriend this evening,” Jared sneered. “Not that he’d get through the door with me in his way, but I thought he would have at least tried.”

There were so many things Anael wanted to say to that, but he didn’t have it in him to lie. “Z decided I wasn’t what he wanted after all. Now, are you just here to gloat, or can I get dressed?”

Jared moved away just far enough so Anael could get through the door, but then to Anael’s dismay, he followed him inside. The room wasn’t big and Jared seemed to suck the air out of the room in a bad way. Doing his best to ignore the chill that ran up his spine, Anael grabbed the nearest pair of pants and sat down, tugging off his boots so he could put them on.

“You know, you didn’t strike me as the relationship type.” Jared leaned against the doorframe. “You flirt with a dozen men every shift and take one home at least twice a week.”

Not to have sex, you idiot. Anael didn’t bother responding. It’s not as though he was asked a question. He found an old hoodie hung on the back wall and slipped it over his head. The spot where his wings sprouted itched, which was never a good sign.

“But seeing as it’s a relationship you’re after, I was thinking you and me; we should probably make a go of it.”

Anael’s eyes threatened to fall out. That was the last thing he expected to hear. “Er…you’re very attractive….” Anael had never considered Jared in that light. He was just someone who worked the door and was meant to keep him and the other dancers safe. Speaking of which, where’s Peter? His set should have finished by now. He’s always lusting after the big lug. “It’s just, this thing with my boyfriend. It’s cut me up a bit. I wouldn’t be good company and that’s not fair to you.”

“You know what they say,” Jared moved closer and Anael fought not to cringe as the bigger man loomed over him. “If you fall off one horse then the only way to get over it is to climb on another. I’m offering.” His wide swept hands indicated a definite bulge in his pants.

“Point taken,” Anael managed a laugh even as he was looking for a way to escape. He was forbidden to use his powers unless he was in mortal danger and Anael didn’t think Head Office considered being hit on the type of danger they had in mind. Resting his hands on Jared’s chest, he pushed enough power through his fingers to get the bigger man to move back. “Can we chat about this another time? It’s been a long day…oomph.”

Anael’s words were cut off as Jared grabbed him, pressing their lips together in a move that was probably meant to be passionate but scared Anael to his very soul. Struggling, Anael tried to get free, even kicking Jared’s shin but the man was made of granite. “I said no,” Anael yelled as soon as he wrenched his mouth free.

“Don’t be a tease,” Jared growled. “Let me in that sweet ass of yours and I’ll tell Darren to increase your share of the tips.”

“What are you talking about? Those tips are mine. He’s not meant to take a cut.” Anael was going to have to call on some divine intervention if Jared didn’t let him go soon. The man’s cock was an obscene lump rubbing against his abs and Anael’s skin crawled.

“Oh, baby boy,” Jared crooned. “You’re such an innocent.”

The dressing room door slammed open. “He might be, but I’m not. Get your hands off him.”

Jared let him go, turning to face the threat. Zagan. Oh gods. I didn’t want him to see me like this. Anael wanted to crawl under the table and hide. But Zagan wasn’t focused on him; he was too busy glaring at Jared. This is not going to end well.

/~/~/~/~/

“When a person says no, they mean no! One syllable, two letters. N. O. Simple enough for even a dunderhead like you to understand.” Zagan was barely hanging onto his fury. It was bad enough learning he’d been blocked at the club door, although he doubted that was his sweet angel’s doing. That meant someone else had designs on his mate. A few carefully palmed bills and he got in easy enough.

Determined not to let another second of his twenty-four hours pass without speaking to Anael, he ignored the bar and headed straight for the dressing rooms. He wasn’t a moment too soon, but it seemed Anael’s attacker had eaten bricks for breakfast.

“No one is allowed back here but staff. I’m head of security. You need to get out.”

“Security?” Zagan laughed. “You don’t pay your bouncers enough to offer any security to these dancers. I got in, didn’t I? Despite your efforts.”

“Can we go?” Anael’s voice had a tremble in it and Zagan turned to him immediately. “Watch out!” Zagan’s ears rang with the combination of Anael’s yell and the blow to the back of his head. The double-handed punch might have felled a human, but Zagan was made of stronger stuff. It barely made his knees wobble. Turning back to Jared, he allowed his glamour to fall.

“You mussed my hair,” he said rubbing the affected spot and showing his teeth in a way that sent demons running for cover.

Jared’s face went white and his eyes bulged. “What the hell are you?”

“Your worst nightmare if I catch you within five feet of this man again,” Zagan promised making a mental note to send a few of his demons to torture the man - later. He didn’t want Anael getting the wrong impression of him. Speaking of which, “have you got your things, babe? I thought we could have a late supper.”

“Yeah. I’ll just grab my stuff.” Keeping a wary eye on Jared, Anael pulled a bag out from under the table and started pulling clothes off hangers resting on a pole in the corner.

“Hey, why’re you taking all your stuff? You’ve got another shift tomorrow night.” Jared couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“You can tell Darren I quit,” Anael said tersely, zipping up his bag. But it seemed there’d be no need for Jared’s messenger service. The greasy-haired MC poked his head around the open door; his brow furrowed as he took in the two larger men. Glaring at Jared his smile was tight and false when he looked at Anael.

“Troy, I’m glad I caught you. I have a private party, no more than twenty people. They’re waiting for you in the side room. No tipping, but there’s a hundred in it for you if they leave with a smile on their faces.”

“I don’t do private parties, Darren,” Anael slung his bag over his shoulder. “I’ll just take my earnings for the night and go, thank you very much.” He pushed past Jared, and slipped his hand around Zagan’s arm. “I have plans this evening.”

“Yes, you do,” Darren’s face took on an ugly cast Zagan recognized immediately. “You will dance for that party and make them very damn happy or you’re fired.”

“You can’t fire me if I’ve already quit,” Anael said simply. “Jared here let it slip you’ve been stealing from me every time I perform. Combine that with his assault on my person and lack of ability to understand the word no, then I think we’re done here.”

“I told you to keep your fucking hands off him,” Darren turned his furious glare on Jared. “He makes a fortune for me.”

“A fortune you’ll have to find somewhere else,” Zagan interrupted smoothly. “Now, give my sweet cheeks the money he’s owed. All of it. We’ve got places to be.”

“You’re not giving me any notice. Under our contract that means I don’t have to give you anything.”

Ooh, Zagan knew this one was a sleazeball. But he could bide his time. Karma was a bitch and at some time in the not too distant future, Darren and Jared would be knocking on hell’s door. And when they did….

“I don’t need your money. Let’s get out of here, Z,” Anael said, hefting his bag more securely. “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

Unsure if Anael’s words were a threat or a promise, Zagan led him out of the dressing room. But when Anael headed for the back exit, Zagan pulled him through the club instead. Eying the crowd, Zagan could pick out the waitstaff and those who were clearly dancers, entertaining the crowd; flirting and encouraging them to buy more booze. There was nothing wrong with that in his eyes, but all of them were working their asses off for a man who was stealing from them left, right and center. Flicking his fingers, Zagan silenced it all – the music, the chatter and even the dancer currently gyrating around a pole.

“Listen up folks,” Zagan didn’t bother raising his voice. He knew he’d be heard. “I just thought the hardworking dancers and staff should know their boss Darren has been stealing from their tips and wages and the head of security is a sexual predator. This lovely lad just quit because of it. Enjoy your evening.”

Clicking his fingers again, the music started but the mood quickly turned ugly as scantily clad waiters and dancers huddled together, throwing heated glances towards the back stage area. Zagan chuckled quietly as he pushed his way through the tables, his arm firmly around Anael’s shoulder.

“You know you’ve caused a lot of trouble in there, don’t you,” Anael said as they stepped out onto the pavement. “Darren won’t have any staff left by the end of the night.”

“Then maybe he can teach his monkey Jared to work that pole.” Zagan wasn’t about to feel guilty. He was on a time constraint but apologizing in an alley filled with a week’s worth of garbage wasn’t going to win him any angel points. “Can I take your bag?”

“I should probably get home. I’m not dressed to go anywhere, and it’s been a long day.” Anael shuffled his feet, his curls hiding his face. Zagan wondered what was troubling the angel. “I really appreciate what you did back there. I could’ve handled the situation, but I didn’t want to get into trouble with Head Office.”

“Whereas Lucifer expects and rewards his demons for getting into trouble.” Zagan smiled and stepped close enough to catch a whiff of Anael’s innocence. “Please let me take you out for a meal. You don’t look like you’ve been eating much lately, and I owe you a huge apology for leaving you the way I did.”

Anael took a step back. “You’re only here because someone like Lucifer is giving you a tough time. I know you don’t want to be with me. I won’t have you forced into a mating you neither need nor want.”

“Are you sure about the forced side of things?” Zagan closed the gap between them, placing Anael’s hand on his chest. “You’re the angel of love and passion. What do you see in me when I look at you?”

Ever so slowly, Anael raised his head and Zagan was caught in pain-washed bright blue eyes. Hating that he was at least partially responsible for the sweet angel’s distress, Zagan steeled himself to hold his mate’s probing gaze. He wasn’t sure how Anael’s power worked, but he hoped his angel could see enough in him to know his heart.

“You really want me,” Anael said after a long moment. “More than lust, I mean. You’ve really thought about this; about being with me.” Anael gasped and a sweet smile brightened his lovely face. Zagan finally understood what Raziel meant about Anael’s power. It was like the sun coming out and all at once he wanted to be a better person. Given he was demon born, it was quite a switch. But he couldn’t deny it.

“It took me a while to realize who was missing from my life,” Zagan admitted quietly. “I was also selfish enough that I didn’t realize I was causing you so much pain. Can you forgive me?”

“Angels are good at doing that. Just don’t leave me again.” Flinging his arms around his torso, Anael pressed close and Zagan shivered as a tingle of electricity zapped from his balls to his toes. Feeling as though he could take on the world, he held his angel close and for the first time in his very long existence, appreciated the beauty of simply holding someone in his arms.