Chapter 51: Lovers' nest

Raven winced as she tried to sit up on the couch, her body still sore from the ambush. Gentle hands pressed her back down. She allowed herself to sleep for a few hours but enough was enough and she needed to get back to real life. 

"Easy now," Angelica murmured. "You need to rest."

Raven sighed but complied, too drained to resist as Angelica lifted her head onto a pillow on her lap. With tender strokes, the angel brushed Raven's hair from her face, the intimacy of the gesture making Raven's heart ache.

"I'm sorry about what happened," Angelica said softly, looking down at the girl resting in her lap with loving eyes. She whispered: "You have no idea how much."

Raven shook her head. "Wasn't your fault."

Angelica's jaw tightened, anger flashing in her violet eyes. "If I'd known their plan..." She took a deep breath, composing herself before continuing more gently. "Let's not dwell on it now. You're safe here with me."