Time Jacker, Aaron Crash [most important books of all time txt] 📗

the inner pocket of his jacket. It wasn’t comfortable, but he was going to keep it close. It was a powerful artifact. He was pretty certain they’d gotten lucky to escape with it, and he was fairly sure that only an angel would’ve been able to beat Meriton.

Thank God, literally, that Gabby had joined his cause. It seemed that the key players in their little drama—Evelyn, Hugo, Annie, and even himself—were vital in the apocalyptic theatrics.

Yes, he was grateful for the angel, but he also liked how her soft gentleness could become such righteous fury. And that horn of hers hit like an Abrams tank.

He knew how to fix Gabby, but what was he going to do with Bailey? She was in no condition for sex. How was he going to feed her? He had an idea, but Gabby might not like it much.

The angel leaned into him. “I can feel their souls, Jack, but I can also feel yours. You are loving me. And you’re worried about Bailey. We can help her.”

He eased Gabby back. “You first, though. I can see you’re feeling better. I’m glad.”

Gabby adjusted her hair and checked her nose. No more blood. He’d cleaned that up. “I’m glad you’re taking care of me. You’re such a good man.”

“Hardly,” Jack chuckled, keeping his voice soft. He didn’t want to disturb the people praying. Which meant, yeah, he might be an asshole, but he wasn’t a dick. “I stole the gun from the Clockwatcher. And I’m surprised you’ve forgiven me for smashing in Preston Tarrington’s glass patio door.”

“I wasn’t happy about that,” the angel admitted. “But then I can see how much you care for Annie. And how you were gentle with Hugo, even though he’s kinda crazy. I will need to spend more time with him and his mother. We need to know why they are special. Also, I can’t forget that Evelyn lost precious Kairos. Her fate will be cut short if we don’t replace it.”

“So the way I handle Kairos is different, right?” he asked.

Gabby nodded. “Very different. Maybe like Hugo and his mother are different.”

Jack lifted his left hand to show his new tattoo. “In some ways, Hugo started this. He gave me the soldier. It might not have done anything, but it unlocked something inside of me. Or I think it did.”

“No.” Gabby took his hand. “You were destined—the surviving son, the sixth son of a sixth son of a sixth son. From what you’ve said, you stopped time instinctively when you were about to die. The soldier became the conduit. But now you have a new conduit. Don’t think I approve of tattoos because I don’t. However, that ink is pretty useful.”

“It’s far more convenient.” Jack squeezed her hand. “But what about the other things that the Clockwatcher said? I mean, so Annie’s life is in danger. We have to find Tanichron’s eon palace. We know that’s where Kerrata is headed, right?”

“That’s in hell, Jack.” Gabby sighed, her chin dropping to her chest. “Tanichron isn’t an Interim, he’s a demon duke. Getting into hell isn’t easy. And we only have two more bullets for the Eternity Cannon. I’m not sure we can really...you know...rescue Annie.” The angel frowned but then lifted her head. “I’m not feeling well, though. I’m still so depleted. Once I get more Nefesh, I’ll be much more positive about our chances! It’s Tuesday, and we have until Friday night.”

Her smile was beautiful.

Jack felt an unexpected wave of both love and lust fill him as he gazed into her blue eyes.

“Oh,” she gasped. “I felt that. Both Nefesh and Ijjinaya. It’s spicy. I’m not a succubus, but I can appreciate a little sauce with my supper.”

Jack kissed her hand. “Well, we have about three days of normal time flow until Kerrata uses Annie to attack the duke of hell. In that time, we have to figure out our money situation, figure out how to reload the Eternity Cannon, and figure out a way into hell.”

Gabby gazed on him, speechless for a minute. There was a heat in her gaze, and he saw her lips part. She had a blush on her cheeks, which was nice to see since she’d been so pale.

He took it as a sign. He dipped his mouth toward hers, feeling the pull of the kiss. He loved the erotic feeling, of both of them wanting to feel their lips together, their tongues, their faces as close as close could be.

At the last minute? Tragedy. She leaned back. The lean-back wasn’t as bad as the hand, like when the reluctant kisser used her palm to stop any kissing. “Jack, I can’t do that right now. I’m still wondering how I fit into this, and how much trouble I’ll be in. I know I have to save Annie, that’s clear, and that’s why I’m willing to bend the rules. But to sleep with you? That wouldn’t be wise. If I’d spent more time on Earth, if I was more established in my legion, I’d have more freedom. As it is, I’m on introductory probation. I don’t want to lose my wings, horn, and sword. Sex is wonderful, and I love how this body feels, but I can’t give in to my desires. However much I want to. I mentioned my clit, right?”

“You did.” Jack smiled.

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with me playing with myself. But you playing with me? Or heaven forbid, Bailey? It’s really not what angels are about. Humans and sex demons, sure. It’s all part of the divine plan. But it might not be in my plan. I don’t know.”

Jack gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay, Gabby. There is no pressure at all. Are you feeling better?” He let go of her hand but gave it one last additional pat. They could be friends. He was fine with that.

“I am feeling better.” She cocked her head. “See? You’re so kind. Yes, you can be a little devil, but you can also be