by April Zyon
“I understand,” she said with a nod. “And I suppose that war is one of those things that will always stick with a person isn’t it?” She should get out of there; she really should, but she found herself wanting to spend more time with this man; this God. “I’m sure that this happens a lot, but do you maybe want to get a coffee?”
He blinked at her, “Actually; you may not believe this, but that’s the first time anyone’s ever asked me out for coffee. I know you’re uneasy with me so if you’re just asking to be nice, don’t. But if you truly mean it,” he nodded slowly. “I’d like to; very much.”
“I truly mean it.” She was blushing. “I’ve never asked anyone for coffee either, but,” she shrugged. “I just- I guess I-” she was mumbling. “I don’t want to let this moment go. Weird, I know, but there it is.”
“Well then,” he stepped back and gave a small sweeping bow. “After you, m’lady. Lead on to wherever we’re to go.” Straightening he smiled slightly as he waited for her to move ahead of him. “Or would you rather I not be at your back?”
“I don’t mind if you’re at my back. If I recall correctly, you are one of those men that would rather kill from the front so that you can watch your foe die. Or am I wrong?” Ava teased as she exited the small temple.
“Not sure I should answer that. You already seem a little wary of me, and I don’t wish to give you more cause for concern.” He was following, two steps to her side and slightly behind. He was looking around, watching everything. Then he put on a pair of dark sunglasses and locked his hands behind his back.
She shrugged, “I’m not delusional enough to possibly think that you couldn’t kill me if you wanted to. I really hope that you will decide that you don’t want me dead.” But then again, she knew what and who he truly was, so why wouldn’t he want her dead? She was, after all, a liability.
“You are not a liability,” he said, in a casual comment sort of way. “Even if you were to run over to that group of students and proclaim me Ares, God of War, not one of them would believe you. You are unique amongst your kind, Ava. Besides, I could erase all of their memories even if they did believe you. And no, put your mind at ease, I would never mess with your memories. Only those that are a threat deserve such treatment.”
“And how do you know that I’m not a threat?” She really wasn’t a threat. Honestly, she had always been secretly enamored with the God of War; which was totally crazy, and she knew it. “But really, I’m not. I wouldn’t reveal who you were even if they would believe me. Sometimes we all need a break from life, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes,” he said. He was closer, a lot closer, suddenly. “What is this about you being enamored with the God of War?” he asked. He sounded curious and, maybe, like he was grinning just a little bit. A quick glance showed that he was, indeed, smiling. His smile was beautiful and almost blindingly white.
“Oh, shush it. If I say anything, it will give you an even bigger head than you already have and that simply won’t work for me. You have had legions of men and women bow to you all your life, but not me, bubba. Yes, I’ve always had a thing for you, or whatever, but it doesn’t mean that- Well, hell,” she stopped talking when she realized he was no longer directly behind her.
He stopped dead in his tracks, but she could feel his eyes burning into her back. “You think I want you to bow to me?” He sounded offended at the idea. Actually, he sounded disgusted by the idea, if she was being honest. “I think I will have to decline the offer of coffee. Have a good day, Ava,” he said and then silence, he was gone.
“You mean you don’t?” She watched him leave in a poof and shook her head. “Childish and fucking petty,” she grumbled and walked right through where Ares had been. Instead of rejoining the group she walked to her hotel. It was time to get the hell out of Greece. Surely the Gods wouldn’t be in Ireland.
Chapter Four
Pacing back and forth in Dion’s office he waved his hand to the offer of wine. “I don’t want any of your wine, brother. I’m seriously not in the mood.”
“Never thought I’d see it,” his brother said with a laugh.
“See what?” Ares demanded stopping to stare at him.
“The day a human, a human female no less, would best you.” Dionysus lifted his glass, gave it a sniff and then took a sip.
“She insulted me. For someone who thinks she knows me so well, she’s got no clue at all. When, in all my centuries, did I ever demand anyone bow to me? That was father’s big thing for fuck’s sake. Never mine,” he muttered. Throwing himself into a chair, he slouched down.
“Like I said, she bested you. And you did just what she expected you to, you disappeared. Do you know she called you childish and petty? No, not just petty, but fucking petty.” Dion appeared to be enjoying himself just a hair too much. He must have caught Ares intent because he held up a finger, “Uh-uh, brother. I just had the office redone, no being petty.”
“Fucking asshole,” he muttered slouching down more. “And how the hell do you know what she called me? Even I wasn’t there to hear it.”
“I popped in to invite you to the gala next weekend. Figured you’d like to get away from all those tourists for a bit. It’s the grand opening of my new hotel after all. Big and splashy; it will be a grand event. And, it’s in Ireland of all places!”
Ares narrowed his eyes on his brother, “Why Ireland?”
“A quaint little human woman got me interested in her country. It has its own history and lore. And really, the Celtic Gods didn’t oppose to me putting in a place, so I thought, why not? It gives them somewhere to party and brings in more money. What more could I ask for?” Dion laughed and then went serious, “So, will you come?”
Thinking on it for a time he shrugged, “What the hell. Let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”
“Excellent!” Dionysus’ smile looked just a little scary right before he took another sip of wine.
Ares was likely just imagining things.
*****
Ava touched the beautifully made gown in the box and frowned at the bellboy. “I’m sorry, who did you say sent this to me? I can’t accept this.” Oh, she wanted to. Dear God in Heaven she wanted to. The gown was sinfully perfect, it was outstanding and looked as if it were handcrafted just for her. It also looked like it cost a small fortune, or rather a very large one from the details and the crystals that looked like they were a hell of a lot more than crystals.
She put the pink box top back on and shoved it back to the bellboy. “I’m so sorry. Please tell whoever sent it that it’s a truly remarkable work of art, but I simply can’t wear it. I would love to, I really would, but I can’t accept such a generous gift.”
He held up his hands and stepped back. “It is a loan, madame. For the hotel’s grand opening party the owner has picked the theme A Time Gone By. He realized though that most people wouldn’t have such clothing items in their possession, so he has been ensuring that, as everyone checks in, he has the clothier eyeing them up. He is sending the recommendations to each guest. If you won’t take it as a gift, you may borrow it for the event, but it is mandatory tomorrow night, and you do not want to miss it.”
Ava touched the gown and sighed. “Only to borrow. Please make sure that you come back for it right after the whatever tomorrow night,” she requested softly. “And please, please tell the owner I said thank you. So very much thank you for allowing me to wear this perfect creation.”
She was going to regret it. That little voice in the back of her head was screaming at her to get the hell out of Dodge. The owner, whom she was assured wanted to meet her, never showed up, and now this? Something, seriously something, was going on here. Like whoa.
“I will pass along your thanks. We will be picking up all the returns the following morning, so you needn’t rush back after the event.” He smiled and gave her a bow, “The dining room is open if you’d like to go down for dinner. Or if you’d prefer, room service will be
available until two in the morning. There is a breakfast buffet that is open to all guests, free of charge, from six until ten. As well, there will be a tour of the countryside and a couple of old castles going out just after lunch tomorrow if you’d like to join in. Everyone will return by five to prepare. Hairdressers are on standby if you require any assistance, free of charge once more.” He paused to look up at the ceiling, obviously going through a list in his head. “Oh,” he blinked at her. “Cocktails will begin to be served in the main ballroom at seven-fifteen until eight. Dinner will be at eight exactly and then the show and dancing from nine onward.”
“Wonderful. Thank you,” she said with a grin. “I think I will just take room service.” So she could do some internet searching on the owner of the hotel. No one was this generous or this kind without wanting something from someone. And his name. Something about his name made her brain itch; made her think things that she shouldn’t think. It made her think of another Greek God, but for some reason, she couldn’t place the name. Yet.
“The menu is by the phone. Just dial zero and then the number at the top of the menu.” He stepped back and gave her another little bow. “Have a good evening, Madame. And if you require anything at all, please feel free to contact the front desk. That would be zero and then one-one on the phone.” He gave her a big smile before backing out of the door and shutting it.
“Thank you for that,” she said to his retreating back. Shaking her head she took the gown to the bed and pulled it out. It was breathtakingly stunning. Inside there was a jewel encrusted mask as well. “Interesting; so it’s a masked ball?” Stranger and stranger. Her inner radar was screaming for her to get her ass up and gone, but honestly, the girl part of her couldn’t because she couldn’t wait to wear this once in a lifetime gown.
*****
“You’re insane, Dion,” Ares muttered eyeing up the outfit his brother was holding up. “Just what the fuck are you doing?”
Heaving a put-upon sigh, Dionysus watched him, “It’s a masked ball, Ares. That means you must dress accordingly and wear a mask.”
“I get that, bonehead. What I want to know is why? What purpose does this serve?”
Dion was grinding his teeth; nice. “She is here. You want to get close, see her and get your hands on her, yes?” Ares had to give him that one so he nodded. “Then you will dress, attend the party and work your way to her side. Everyone has certain outfits, yours and hers complement one another. You may thank me now.”
“Why? So far all you’re doing is trying to get me dressed up in a fashion I’ve never worn, even when it was fashionable in this world.”
More teeth grinding; he was on a roll with irritating his brother. “It’s the theme of the night, Ares. You must wear it if you want to attend. If you don’t wear it, I will wear it, and I will get to know the delightful miss Ava VonMaur.”
Seconds; that’s all it had taken before his hand was wrapped around his brother's throat. Seconds; all the time required to push him to the wall and hold him there. Seconds; for his temper to go nuclear. “You go near her with anything but the utmost respect and courtesy, and I’ll make it so you’ll be sucking all your meals through a straw.”
Dionysus smiled and chuckled, sort of. Kind of hard to laugh with someone holding onto your throat. “I was right,” he wheezed. “You do like the girl.”
Dropping him Ares stalked away from him and then spun back. “Stay away from her,” he said again. Curling his lip at the clothing and mask, he snapped his fingers, the outfit vanishing. “I hate you,” he muttered before flashing away; but not before he heard Dion’s laughter.
Chapter Five
Looking at herself in the mirror she was certain that this had to be a joke. The mirror had to be a green screen, and someone else was standing in front of it because Ava simply wasn’t as beautiful as this mirror said she was. “Is this really me?” she asked the woman that had helped her to dress and then did her long, honey-blond hair into intricate curls and waves.
“Wow. I didn’t think that I would ever look like this.” The gown was amazing. The drop top of the gown showed cleavage that she didn’t think she had, while the high waist emphasized her upper half’s assets as well.
“It’s you, madame,” the woman assured her with a smile. “You look amazing in the gown.”
Turning to get a good look at herself, the sparkle from the diamonds, and oh yes, she knew that was what they were, caught in the light and made her gasp. “Your boss is very, very generous isn’t he?” she asked as she eyed the diamond combs holding her hair up in a French Twist, which was surrounded by wisps of curls.
“He can be, and he wishes this opening to be a huge success. In such cases he tends to go all out for the events,” she said quietly tipping her head. Reaching out she made a small adjustment to Ava’s hair.
“One last thing and I promise you can go. Will you help me with the mask? I’m afraid that I will ruin what you did with my hair without help.” After she was helped into the mask, Ava stepped into the wickedly amazing shoes and taking a deep breath, walked out of her room and toward the ballroom where the dinner and dancing would be.
*****
“I fucking hate you,” Ares muttered, throwing back the two fingers of forty-year-old scotch.
“Hey, go easy on that. It may not be my drink of choice, but that is damn fine scotch,” Dion said at his side. In the next moment, Dion’s elbow found Ares ribs, “She’s here, brother.”
Ares snapped his head around; he had to; damned mask obliterated his peripheral vision. “Holy mother of all things pure and good,” he wheezed.
“She does look rather fantastic, doesn’t she?” Dion said with a chuckle. “I’m very glad I chose that dress for her. I was a little worried about her coloring, but I’m now glad I went with my initial gut reaction. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he grinned at Ares. “I’m going to go and compliment the woman. Down boy,” he jumped back a step. “I will shake her hand and pay her a compliment. Nothing more, you have my word, brother.”
Dion took off before Ares could issue any more warnings. Moving to a different spot, he grabbed another glass of scotch and kept his eyes on Ava as Dion reached her.
“Miss VonMaur,” he bowed before her. “Welcome to my hotel and our grand opening extravaganza. I’m so pleased to see you wearing the gown I sent you. I hope you don’t mind; I just wanted everyone to enjoy this party.”
Ava looked at the man and frowned. Her smile was gone as she realized. “Dionysus?” She stepped back. What in the hell was happening? Why was it all of the Greek Gods that her family had whispered about all her life were suddenly there before her? She looked around wildly, suddenly feeling more than a little panicky as she recognized what felt like energy waves from another God there. “Who else is here? I feel someone else. Why are you doing this to me? First Ares, now you. How? Why?” she whispered.
“Why what?” he frowned at her. He didn’t deny her knowledge of who he was. He actually looked pleased that she’d recognized him. “This is my hotel; it’s a party, lots of wine. You know, my whole deal and all that,” he grinned. “But I have a question for you, my dear.” He stepped in closer and pushed up his mask, “If you know us all so well, how could you even say that to Ares?” Clicking his tongue, he stepped back, “Enjoy your evening, Miss VonMaur.” His tone had chilled, and the smile now looked brittle.
“You pompous ass,” she called out, loudly. “How dare you ask me that and then turn and walk away?” Okay, so maybe at least when she died she would meet Hades as well. Why the hell not? “I said that to him because he’s too damn good looking for my own good. I said that because I could see myself doing that; not because he wanted it, you jackass. I think that the lot of you have far too big of heads,” she muttered. “And don’t worry, this snide bitch of a human will be gone from your hotel as soon as I can get out of this gown and packed.” She turned and strode away, mumbling about self-righteous Gods and their procl
ivities to wreak havoc.
“Don’t go,” Ares said quietly as he blocked her path. “Please,” he added. He wasn’t touching her, wasn’t physically stopping her, but she wasn’t moving for the door any longer. “Why would you think to bow to me or anyone, Ava? There was never a need for such displays, especially for me. God of War; remember? The one’s who were on their knees and bowed lost their heads shortly after.”
“Bow, as in bend to your will. Not on my knees,” Ava said with a sigh. “And I said that because-” she shrugged, lifting her shoulder and suddenly blushing. “Because I think that you are about the only being on this planet that would ever be able to get me to change how I view life. You are just too attractive for my own good. I know all the stories, and no, you never had people bowing to you. You were there in the thick of things with them, one of them, but the women fell all over themselves for you. I don’t want to be just another of the countless that have fallen to you, Ares.”
“I would never want you to bow to my will, or any others will. And you could never be just another woman, Ava. You are unique, special and one of a kind.” He shifted on his feet looking distinctly uncomfortable. “I’m sorry for how I left you the other day. You just...” He cleared his throat. “Well, to be honest, you offended me with the suggestion, no matter the meaning behind it. While I may not have been the sort that played by the rules all the time- hell- even most of the time, I never once forced anyone to do anything they didn’t want to. I have my lines, Ava, and I’ve never crossed them. There was never a reason to.”
