“Okay, so I have a question.” Kofi took a sip from his beer. It was a little warm and flat by then. The truth was, he didn’t want to drink too much with Osaki around. “I’m not sure if I should.”
“Kofi…”
Kofi trembled.
“We will be spending weeks together starting Monday. We have to get used to one another. So ask,” Osaki rationalized.
“All right. You’re on Olympus, right?”
Osaki nodded.
“And when Ciro was hurt and they had to take him, they said the only way Carter could go with him is if Carter died.”
“That’s right. This is more than one question, Kofi.”
Kofi grinned. “Sorry—my question is, are you dead?”
Osaki laughed softly. He pushed his plate gently to the side, cleared his glass out of the way and stretched his arms across. “Take my hands.”
Kofi eyed him. “Um…”
“Come on. Do not be coy. Take them.”
Slowly, Kofi set his bottle down then reached for Osaki’s hands. Osaki wrapped his fingers gently around Kofi’s and suddenly fire, electricity and shock soared through Kofi. He trembled and met Osaki’s eyes.
“You felt it.”
Kofi wasn’t sure what it was but he nodded.
“Do you feel me?”
“Yes…” His voice cracked.
“Then, no. I am not dead. I was.”
Kofi drew his hands back, almost as if he’d been slapped. He looked away.
“I guess that ends our evening, Kofi?”
He shook his head. “No. It wasn’t really the answer I was expecting… Well, I don’t know what answer I was expecting. Come on into the living room. I have ice cream. Have you ever had butterscotch ice cream?”
Kofi tried walking away but Osaki grabbed his shoulder then slid his hand down to lace their fingers together. Kofi looked down to where their hands met as his heart raced.
“Do not run from me,” Osaki implored him. “I am what you see. I would never harm you—ever. You have to believe that.”
“I believe you, and I’m not running.”
Osaki tilted his head and Kofi knew that was the samurai’s way of telling him in no uncertain terms that he was full of shit.
“Have you ever had butterscotch ice cream?”
“No.”
“Then you, my dear Shiver, are in for a treat.”
“I highly doubt that.” Osaki smirked.
“You doubt me, Shiver?” Kofi said, trying hard for his best evil genius voice. “You will be sorry.”
Kofi backed from the room slowly with Osaki walking after him. There was something playful and fun in Osaki’s eyes. It was beautiful to see him like that—to see Osaki as something of a man instead of a super being. Kofi wasn’t sure where that idea sprang from but he didn’t fight it. He bounced into the doorframe and corrected his path down the hall to the kitchen.
Osaki laughed softly. “Will you be feeding me this butterscotch ice cream, Kofi?”
“I will serve some to you.”
“Then how will I know if I am eating it correctly?”
“There’s no wrong way to…” Kofi stopped as he realized what Osaki was doing. A small spark of lightning flashed through his eyes and Kofi gasped softly, loving the heat that look sent through him. Kofi relaxed and gave in to the sensation, the seduction of it all. He’d never been seduced before and he wondered if Osaki even knew he was doing it.
In that moment, Kofi didn’t care. When Osaki looked away for a second, Kofi dipped around the island to grab the ice cream from the freezer. He found two spoons and handed one to Osaki. He pried the lid off the container and set it between them.
“You said you would feed me,” Osaki teased.
Kofi trembled and held his breath as he reached over, dug some ice cream out and lifted it to Osaki’s beautiful mouth. Everything went in slow motion then—Osaki spreading his lips accepting the spoon. A moan left Kofi’s throat and Kofi’s cock instantly hardened.
“That is divine,” Osaki admitted. “I’ve never had ice cream before.”
“For real?”
Osaki picked up the spoon. “For real.”
“Well, stick with me, kid. I’ll show you some new experiences.”
Osaki chuckled. “Is that a fact?”
Kofi’s cheeks heated. “Yes.”
The two mused over dessert and soon they had more than half the container finished. They talked about things Kofi had never spoken about with anyone, even Carter. For some reason, he felt comfortable with Osaki—at home. They wandered into the living room and Kofi set a movie to play then sat on the sofa with his guest.
* * * *
One movie ended. Osaki had enjoyed it immensely. He’d never seen Godzilla before, though he’d heard all the Tokyo jokes about the fictional creature. The second movie Kofi put on was about a jewelry-encrusted falcon called The Maltese Falcon. It seemed Kofi had a fondness for that kind of entertainment. Osaki didn’t complain. If he were only going to get Kofi like this, he would enjoy every second of it.
By the middle of the second movie, Kofi had his legs across Osaki’s knees. Osaki rested his hand against Kofi’s thigh and took a breath. For the first time since his death in 1470, Osaki felt at home with someone. The downside was he shouldn’t be feeling so drawn to Kofi. But there he was, feeling the warmth of this man’s body and wanting desperately to remain there. He licked his lips and shifted slightly. Kofi lifted his legs until Osaki settled in again then lowered his legs.
He remained silent as Kofi settled into the sofa again. “I should go.”
“Already? What time is it?” Kofi yawned.
“It is late and you are falling asleep.”
Kofi tried scrambling from the sofa and, without thinking, Osaki took his hand to help him up. Once Kofi was on his feet, Osaki released his hold and turned for the door. “Thank you for a lovely meal. I really enjoyed it.”
He heard Kofi following him to the door and he felt the heat of Kofi’s body as he moved behind him. Once he opened the door and stepped out, he turned to face Kofi. The dark-skinned man stood close. “Can we do this again?” Osaki questioned. Even as the words left his lips, he knew they were a mistake. He was out free and should be thankful for that. But his body needed to be around Kofi—even if they could never be lovers.
“Like you said.” Kofi’s beautiful, thick lips rose at the corners, showing perfect, white teeth. “We’ll be together for weeks. For sure we will do this again.”
“Good…”
Kofi stepped forward and though Osaki knew he should back away, he just couldn’t will his feet to move him. He sighed, balled his hands into fists and forced them to remain at his sides. It would be all too easy to reach forward, curl his fingers behind Kofi’s neck and drink from his lips. But Osaki merely bowed his head, causing his hair to fall in his eyes. “I really should go. Think of me if you need anything.”
“I do… I mean, I will.”
Osaki lifted his head to peer into the brown forever of Kofi’s eyes then smiled. “Until next time…”
“Yes.”
With one final look, Osaki glanced around him then disappeared in a swirl of wind. He wasn’t sure where he was going or what he would do when he got there. All he knew was happiness felt good to him—however fleeting.
Chapter Nine
Osaki landed in a crouch, sword straight out to his right. For a moment, he merely breathed, listening to the hoarse breath leaving his opponent for the last time. Soon that air turned into a gurgle then two thuds hit the ground. He knew one was the immortal’s head and the other was his body. Once the air stilled, he rose slowly, bringing the katana swiftly farther to the right to flick the blood from it then slowly sheathing it as he turned to look at Sisqo.
“Sorry. I was late.”
Sisqo grinned but hugged Osaki. “I am just glad you got here when you did,” Sisqo said. “But I thought Ares was doing rounds with me tonight.”
&nb
sp; “So did I, but something came up. I was on my way to see Hephaestus. He wished to see me before I leave for Japan with Kofi.”
They walked side by side back to Sisqo’s car and climbed in. Once the engine had purred to life and the car was roaring down the street, Osaki relaxed into the leather seat.
“Hephaestus wishes to see you?” Sisqo asked. “He’s never wanted anything to do with any of us, but it seems he’s taken a liking to you.”
“He is not as bad as everyone seems to think.”
“I supposed. I just… We are family yet we rarely ever see him.”
“I will give him your regards,” Osaki offered.
Sisqo nodded and Osaki vanished from the vehicle. Getting to Lemnos was not as easy as it should be, for Osaki never did like the heat. But if you were to build your castle in a place where no one would visit, at the bottom of a volcano would be the perfect spot. He frowned and entered his brother’s domain.
“Hephaestus!” he called. “Where are you?” Osaki entered the main hall then hurried toward the clanging of metal on metal. There was a loud whoosh, a slight pause then the clanging picked up again.
When he entered the room, he stood at the door watching the dark muscles of his brother twist and contort under his every swing of the anvil, sending sparks when it clashed with the metal he worked on.
“I thought you would not come,” Hephaestus said, shoving the orange glow into a large tub of water beside him. It sizzled then stopped. He turned to look at Osaki. “Not many come here.”
“The heat is a factor, brother.”
The God of Fire smiled. “I suppose. It seems you have adopted me as family.”
“Of course. I have Shiver flowing through my veins, Hephaestus. Ciro is your brother and that makes me family.”
“That is kind.” He rose. “I know I have not been around much, but I heard you are in a war of your own.”
“I would not call it that yet.” Osaki took a seat and crossed his legs.
“I have a present for you.”
“Hephaestus…”
“Consider it—what is it the humans call it?—a birthday present?”
Osaki laughed and Hephaestus shuffled from the room then returned with a leather case. “But it is not my…”
Hephaestus merely smiled and dragged a low table from the side so it sat between them then placed his surprise on it.
“Go ahead. Open it.”
Osaki eased forward on the chair. He’d never gotten a birthday present before. Since he couldn’t remember when his birthday was, it was all the more special. He lifted the lid to the elegant box and the most beautiful swords he’d ever seen greeted him. One was a katana and the other was a shorter sword called a wakizashi. The hilts were beautifully carved and the blades perfectly formed. Stunned, he reached in and picked up the katana first then the wakizashi. He even managed to rise, find a space in the workroom and swing them around.
“These are beautiful. Are you sure?”
Hephaestus nodded. “Using someone else’s weapons is not something most warriors do. You have without complaint. I knew you would appreciate a set of nice blades.”
“I do. They are absolutely stunning.” He swirled them about his head before crossing them in front of him, as if to block an attack. Osaki lunged forward with the katana. “They handle like a dream.”
“I am glad you like them. I wish you many victories with your new blades, Osaki. Here…” Hephaestus reached down beside him and produced a sheath. “I believe this goes with your katana.”
Osaki grinned like a goof and accepted it. He placed the small sword down, held the katana out before him in one hand and the sheath in the other hand. He slowly slid the sword in while bowing to Hephaestus.
* * * *
The air around Kofi was fragrant with the cherry blossom trees. He had only been in Japan a few minutes but it was enough time to dump his stuff in the living room and dart out of the back door of the large house. The moment he stepped out, a large blossom fell on his head. He picked it up, sniffed it then walked along a path that led to a small, red bridge over a stream. He stopped in the center of the bridge and stared into the clear water sliding lazily along. A gazebo stood to his right, and as far as the eyes could see, green and pink littered the landscape. Cherry blossom trees lined the banks of the stream. He turned the other way. It was the same view, only this time meditation rocks sat apart from each other. Kofi continued his walk to the other side and came to an open area that was lined with what looked like large squares. Kofi wasn’t sure if it was a sacred samurai thing, so he didn’t step into the area.
He climbed the steps leading to the gazebo and heard the sound of rushing water. It couldn’t be the stream beneath the bridge he’d crossed. It had to be something else—something bigger, like a waterfall. He didn’t seek out the sound, for the view from that slight elevation took his breath away. He looked around, periodically sniffing the little pink flower he’d been carrying with him. Carter was right—he needed a vacation. Osaki was right—Japan was the perfect place.
Footsteps coming across the bridge made Kofi turn. Osaki, dressed in a blue kimono, strode toward him. Kofi stared at the beautiful samurai and swallowed the lump suddenly rising in his throat.
“Welcome to my home,” Osaki said.
Kofi stepped forward wrapping his arms around the large man in a hug then stepped back. “It’s beautiful here.”
“I think so too. Have you eaten? It is my turn to take care of you, I think.”
Kofi smirked. “You know, most men would frown on that. But I don’t have that ego hang-up. I won’t say no to being taken care of.”
“Good. Come. I know a place to get some amazing chazuke.”
“Chazuke? What’s that?”
“It is hard to explain. You must taste.”
Kofi nodded. He was never adventurous when it came to food. Still, as he walked alongside Osaki, he couldn’t help thinking he would try it just because Osaki had suggested it. From time to time, he glanced at him, wondering what was going through the samurai’s head. He didn’t have much time to say what he was thinking for Osaki surged before him, pushing Kofi’s body behind him. Osaki had a weapon, a long pole, in his hand. Though he wanted to see what was happening, a large gust of wind wrapped itself around them.
“What’s happening?” Kofi asked, shielding his face from the debris the gust had kicked up.
“I am going to keep him busy. When you see a chance, get to the house and stay away from the windows.”
Normally, Kofi would have questioned that but the expression in Osaki’s voice took the fight out of him. He pressed into Osaki’s back and nodded against him. A funnel formed before them and a man stepped from it, lance in hand. Kofi knew a fight was coming. Fear gripped his insides and he realized he wasn’t afraid for his safety but for Osaki’s. He didn’t want to leave him alone.
“Osaki, I can’t…”
“I know what you are going to say.” Osaki faced him and cradled his face. “But if you can, run and don’t look back.”
“If it isn’t the bastard Shiver. I see you’ve found your mate. You know what happens now, don’t you?”
“Goji.” Osaki’s voice rumbled from him.
Osaki reached out, gripping Kofi’s hip with one hand and pushing him behind his body again. Kofi could hardly move, for he was still stunned to hear this Goji refer to him as Osaki’s mate. There must be some misunderstanding. He stepped away from Osaki to tell this being so. He was met with a lightning bolt sailing past his head.
“Goji!” Osaki thundered. “Your fight is with me and I have no mate.”
“Then why does your heart beat so for this man?” Goji questioned. “I can smell the way he makes you feel. Do not deny it, bastard Shiver. Lies do not become a samurai.”
“Enough talk. Why are you here?”
“And a dumb bastard Shiver at that,” Goji taunted.
“Don’t let him rile you,” Kofi said from beside him. “
He is merely trying to make you angry. You can’t fight angry.”
“He is succeeding,” Osaki replied.
Goji threw another bolt, this time slicing through Kofi’s shirt, grazing his arm. The force of the bolt jarred him off his feet and he slammed into the ground even as he gripped his arm in pain. His back slid through the grass, leaving a long, muddy trail behind.
“Kofi!” Osaki shouted.
Kofi looked up in time to see Goji moving toward Osaki, lance raised. Gritting his teeth, Kofi pointed with his good hand. “Look out!”
He wasn’t sure Osaki had heard him or even seen him point, so Kofi closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable. Goji was playing dirty and that made Kofi angry. A metallic clash echoed and he opened his eyes to see both men in the air, dueling. Osaki now held a sword, wielding it like a kung fu master. He wasn’t really attacking Goji but warding off the Shiver’s advances. Osaki kicked Goji in the chest and he went spiraling through the air.
Kofi pushed to his feet. Though Osaki had told him to run, he wasn’t about to. He was going to stick around. There was probably nothing he could do to help Osaki but if worse came to worst, he’d find a way to distract this Goji jerk.
He could no longer feel the sun. Dark clouds floated above them with shards of sparks lighting up the sky from the clashing weapons. He watched every attack and counter maneuver, wondering where Osaki had learned to fight like that. Whenever Osaki was hit, Kofi found himself biting his lip and wringing his fingers. At one point, a bolt off Osaki’s lance smashed into a tree close to Kofi, breaking a limb off. He dove out of the way and rolled onto his wounded arm.
“Son of a bitch!” He groaned, gritting his teeth and curling into a ball. “This is not what I meant by vacation!”
Kofi quickly scrambled from where he lay after the pain had subsided slightly and ensured that he was a good distance away. Rocks, small trees and other things Kofi didn’t recognized swirled about him. He dodged out of the way as best he could. With his heart racing, sending blood all through his body, it also filled him with adrenaline. His arm wasn’t hurt anymore. In fact, Kofi had all but forgotten about the injury. Kofi looked up again to see that Osaki’s lance was gone, and he was expertly wielding a sword instead. The fight was fast, sometimes hard for Kofi to keep his eyes on, but he tried to keep up.
Shivers Page 23
