He wrinkles his nose at that. "Oh, don't say that, I think that's even worse." But he laughs, imagining Gabriel taking a whiff and finding something demonic about the way he smells. But, dark as he is, he doesn't quite smell demonic. No, he smells of warm spices and dark woods and a tendril of mystery, but nothing sulfuric or off-putting.

And his kisses taste like splendor, like being wrapped in the most sumptuous velvet-- Okay, yes. Best not to get too carried away.

"Should I try again? To reach Her?"