Tony’s heartbeat quickened. “What do you mean?”
“If Rebecca had not been here, Miranda would have been with you today. The shooter would have shot her, and you would not have reacted so quickly. I’m sorry to say she would have died.”
Tony could see it so clearly. Rebecca had been right. Too right. He’d never thought about the circumstances, but if anything could drive him to it… He closed his eyes against the sudden wash of pain. “I’d have killed the shooter.”
“Yes,” Sally said, sympathy softening her voice. “Your life would have been nothing without Miranda. Grief would have destroyed your sanity. Because Rebecca took your place, she changed the events that would have led to your downfall. You and Miranda are both safe. More, your lease on life has been restored, and you are no longer pushing yourself down that dark path.”
“Because of her!” he flared, before getting his voice under control. “How can you give me the one thing that restores my faith, then take it away again?”
“Anthony. Rebecca isn’t the source of your faith. She only helped you realize it was still there.” Sally rested a hand on his arm. “Her work here is done.”
“She’s done with us,” he said flatly.
“Indeed.”
Tony fell back against the wall. No. It couldn’t happen this way. He couldn’t let Rebecca leave now. She needed someone to care for her, and it had to be him. If she left now, he’d never get the chance to thank her. To tell her how much she’d come to mean to him.
He couldn’t let her feel like she’d been forgotten, as so many others had forgotten her.
Couldn’t Sally let her stay for just a little while? Just until she recovered. Tony would have to let her go, but until then…until then, he could protect her. She deserved that much.
The gentle sound of the angel clearing her throat broke his concentration. He glanced at her in dismay. Her eyes were locked on his with crystal clarity. He flushed and dropped his gaze to his feet.
Shit.
“I think there is more to your relationship with Rebecca than meets the eye,” she murmured. “I feel a certain…connection between you. Rebecca has broken no rules regarding you—yet. But it has been difficult for her, just as it has for you. There is a bond too hard for you to ignore. Call it fate.” She smiled sadly. “I can see it in you, and in your thoughts. This could be dangerous, Anthony.”
“Don’t blame Rebecca. She deserves her wings. I’m the one who kept pushing too hard. I’m the one with the mixed-up feelings.”
“Are you? Yet I know Rebecca’s mind and heart as well as I know my own. Did you know she is afraid of you?”
Tony’s heart stopped cold. “…what?”
“She fears what will happen to her once you tire of her.”
“I’d never—”
“You know this for a fact?” Sally raised an eyebrow. “So now you’re clairvoyant, as well.”
“Rebecca is funny. You’re not.” Tony gave her a sour look.
Would he have tired of Rebecca, if he’d managed to seduce her? Was Rebecca nothing but another conquest, only interesting because she presented a challenge?
No. He’d met women who played hard to get before, who made him work for it.
None of them made him feel like this.
“Is that so?” Sally said, and Tony groaned. That habit of responding to things he hadn’t said aloud was really, really damned annoying.
“Isn’t it?” she continued. “But it’s so useful. If you’re done complaining, I have a favor to ask of you. And I shall grant you one in return.”
Wary, he eyed her. “What?”
“I’ll stay away from Rebecca—for now. In return, you must care for Rebecca until she regains her memory. That may indeed be the best path. If I try to force her to remember by more…” She gestured. “…unorthodox means, the trauma may cause irreversible neurological damage. Even we have to follow the laws of neuropathology.”
“Okay.” Tony let out a heavy breath. The tightness inside him eased. “I can do that. I owe her this, at the very least. You have my word that I’ll take good care of her.”
More than that. He’d do everything he could for her. He’d give anything for what she’d given him. And at the very least, he’d be able to thank her, and have a few more days with her to remember her by. That need had become a promise: he would never forget her. As long as he lived, there would be someone on this earth who’d needed her.
Who might never stop needing her.
Sally poked his chest. He jerked and blinked at her. “Jesus Christ, what?”
“Blasphemer. Are you done with your pretty soliloquies? It’s a noble thought, but—” She pointed a stern finger at him. “Be careful. If you travel down the wrong road with her, it could end poorly. Never forget that she is marked for divinity.”
“I won’t do anything to compromise her. All I want is for her to be happy, and safe.”
“Of course,” Sally said dryly. “Very well, then. Look after her. And if you truly care for her, remember—”
“I get it,” Tony said through his teeth. “You don’t have to keep rubbing it in. You think I’ll deflower her or something. I won’t.”
“I should hope not. I’d hate to see one of you get hurt.”
He scowled. “What are you saying? Do you think I could do something like that? Ruin her chances at being an angel, and then just drop her?”
“Oh, Anthony.” Sally shook her head. “I meant you. You don’t know what you’re up against. What she’s dealt with in her life.” She patted his shoulder. “Guard your heart. Be kind. And for the love of God, don’t ruin her.”
“I told you—”
“And I heard you. I also heard other things. I’m an angel, not an idiot.” Sally smiled and turned away.
“Wait.” Tony took a step closer. “Why can’t Rebecca hear my thoughts anymore? I tried, and…nothing.”
Sally raised both brows. “I told you. Her assignment is over. She has no need to know your thoughts anymore.”
“Right.” Tony swallowed and looked away. “Got it.”
Sally sighed. “Good luck, Tony. I wish you the best. Rebecca is strong, but even the strongest foundation has its weaknesses. Don’t make them worse.”