by C. M. Owens
“Everyone is looking at you,” Jane murmurs with envious intrigue.
“They can look. They just can’t touch,” I smolder out, and the music flows through me as if it’s intoxicating me.
This is Aphrodite’s niche apparently, and she’s reveling in her opportunity to enjoy a moment.
“Can I touch?” a familiar voice brazenly questions.
I turn with a smile to find Jace, and Camara rolls her eyes at the Aussie stalker.
“A little, but keep it within reason,” I caution.
“I can manage that,” he seduces, and his hands pull me against his body with a little too much eagerness.
“That’s too much,” I laugh out, and I pull my hips away from his until they’re just barely not touching.
“That’s just a tease,” he dares.
“That’s what I do,” I playfully retort.
“Oh, I love it when you let your true goddess ring free,” he sizzles out.
“She’s the only one I have left. I let Theia block Asteria and Kaos so I didn’t have to be Emperian anymore, and so I didn’t have to worry about going nuclear all the time. I feel the difference with only her awake.”
“I can see that,” he provocatively murmurs as he tilts my chin up. “I was just talking about your goddess though. Not Aphrodite. You’re a goddess, Adisia. A hell of a goddess.”
“Who is this?” Jane gasps as she stares dreamily at the Australian masterpiece, and I’m so thankful for the interruption.
I laugh as I step out of Jace’s grasp and introduce the eager receptionist to the bounty hunting immortal.
“This is Jace. He’s a friend of mine.”
“And Devin’s?” Clara asks suspiciously.
“Not exactly,” Jace says with a menacing smirk.
“He needs to be,” I caution. “I met him when I was in Ireland, and he just kind of stuck around.”
“If I was Devin, I wouldn’t want him sticking around,” Clara whispers, and Jace smiles immediately upon hearing her remark.
“Devin doesn’t have to worry about anything,” Camara growls. “Jace has tried and failed to lure Adisia into his bed numerous times,” she crudely taunts.
Jace scowls at her, and then he pulls me back to him to resume our interrupted dance. I laugh a little more at his attempts to capitalize on Devin’s absence, but I withdraw from the intimate contact to offer a new dance partner a chance.
“Jane loves to dance,” I entice, and Jace narrows his eyes at me for my obvious ploy.
She leaps into the opportunity, and he huffs as he concedes to the dance to keep from hurting her fragile feelings.
“You need to be careful,” Clara whispers. “That guy has it bad.”
“You have no idea,” Camara scoffs.
I smirk a little, and return to my solo dancing. Jace is trapped in Jane’s sudden infatuation, and I continue to revel in his misery.
Melissa is acting like a puffed up blowfish, and Clara is giggling wildly as she dances beside me. Camara’s eyes glow, but the mortals can’t see them as she feels the music with wild passion.
Then I feel something consuming my attention. A devious smirk spreads on my face, and Clara questions it.
“What?”
“Devin,” I answer vaguely, and then I feel his heat against my body as he pulls my back to meet his front.
His body sways with mine, and I smile foolishly as his hot breath seduces the chills on my neck. His lips lightly graze my cheek as he dares to reveal himself, and his scent engulfs me.
“Devin!” Clara scolds. “You promised.”
“I couldn’t stay away,” he murmurs without a trace of an apologetic tone.
“You guys are supposed to be having a bachelor party,” Camara admonishes, but she can’t suppress her grin when Deacon wraps his arms around her waist.
“Devin wouldn’t go to the strip club, and this is the hottest dance club in town. Besides, he was whining about Adisia being gone for two nights, and we were sick of hearing it.”
I smile a little as I turn to face the glorious man, but his eyes have turned to find Jace.
“What are you doing here?” Devin growls.
“I just came to party. I didn’t know she was going to be here,” he lies, and he doesn’t even try to sound convincing.
Devin just rolls his eyes. “I’m glad I showed up now,” he grumbles.
“Well, as you can see, I’ve already provided him with a suitable replacement,” I whisper, so as not to hurt Jane’s feelings.
Devin lets a smirk escape, and now Jace is the one doing the eye rolling. Camara grins, but Clara is still upset.
“So no strip clubs?” I ask suspiciously.
“They don’t have a whole lot to offer considering the goddess I’m about to marry,” he teases.
I laugh a little at his oddly complimenting remark. His hands sizzle through the dress, and I’m worried it might actually start to burn off me.
“Easy, baby,” he smolders with a bit of excitement.
“We can’t get too carried away. There are mortals here, and I can’t help but feel incredibly aroused when you’re around,” I huff.
“I like hearing that, but I’m not leaving, especially not with him here,” he rumbles as his eyes point to the Aussie stalker.
I smirk a little at his flavor of jealousy, and then I pull him down to my lips. My body presses against his so close that air can’t squeeze through, and I begin the slow, saucy moves Aphrodite wishes to set free to the music.
“You’ve learned a thing or two with Aphrodite running on her own,” he muses.
“I’m sure I’ve learned more than I know. Theia just blocked me three days ago, and already I feel completely different,” I say while running my hands through my hair.
It’s as though I can feel the seduction running off me as I move back to give him a view of my newly acquired confidence, and Kry’s eyes widen when they fall on my curvy waves of temptation.
The provocative dance leaves Devin’s wanting eyes preying on me, and my eyes burn into them fearlessly.
“Oh my goddess. Yeah, we’re going to have some problems keeping the runoff at the wedding to a minimum. I’m already sweating, and I’m immortal. I’m not supposed to sweat,” Kry gripes in a near whisper.
Devin smirks as he stalks toward me, and I take one step back for each step he takes forward. I feel the heat between our distanced bodies growing as the air smolders around us.
A girl steps up to try and dance with my incredible man, but he doesn’t even acknowledge her as he continues his slow prowl.
I feel the vibrations as the electricity threatens to surge, and Devin lets a half cocked grin smugly play on his face before he flashes to me despite the eyes in the room on us.
His lips claim mine, and the fire between us is only from Aphrodite’s passion, not Kao’s wildfire too strong for my control.
“Let’s head up to the VIP room. You two are going to bring the place down if you continue to stay in this seductive atmosphere,” Kry cautions.
Devin pulls my hand in his and nods to Jace.
“Can you clean that up? I’m not sure how many saw it.”
“Yeah,” Jace grumbles as he fixes the memories conflicted by Devin’s flashing dash.
We start our ascent, and Clara tugs at my free hand.
“What did Devin just do? He went from ten feet back to right in front of you in a second,” she gasps.
“What?” I ask innocently as my eyes whip to Jace.
He smiles as he walks up, and Clara shakes her head dizzily as she wavers. She’s too close to Jace, and she’s feeling the full affects.
Jane and Melissa suffer as well, and Kry and Ther steady them while Jace holds on to Clara.
“What was I saying?” she mutters. “I think I’ve had too much to drink.”
“I’ll get you some food,” Devin offers with a smirk, and the VIP bouncer almost trips over himself to open the door for us.
“Mr. Col
e. You’re here,” he stammers.
“Yes I am.” Then he turns to the stumbling waitress almost running to us. “Will you please bring us some food to the table? Salsa and chips will be fine,” he softly requests.
“Yes, sir, yes,” she squeals, and her eyes have to peel themselves away from his gorgeous face.
“Well, someone is eager to please the new boss,” Kry chuckles.
Devin flashes me a grin when I hear my suspicions finally being confirmed, and I pull my hand up to rest on my hip.
“You bought the club?” I inquire.
“Yes I did,” he boasts.
“You see a bright future for this business, eh?” I tease.
He laughs and then shrugs. “This place has two years left to be profitable, but that’s not why I bought it.”
“Then why?” I offer with a coy tone.
“You know why,” he smolders.
“I want to hear you say it,” I seduce while running my finger up his abdomen to his chest.
“Because this is where I met my bride, and it didn’t feel right not owning it. I bought it both times just after meeting you. I suppose you noticed the new name,” he murmurs with dripping sex appeal.
“Yes I did.”
My arms return to his neck, and he scoots me backwards until we reach a chair. He pulls me into his lap as he sits down, and my short dress threatens to ride up too high.
“I love the pictures,” I say while looking around.
“They’re officially in every building, business, and home I own.”
“That’s so sweet,” Clara gushes as her ears finally find our less whispered conversation. “But I’m still mad at you for crashing our party,” she pouts.
“I’m sorry. I swear I’ll make it up to you, but I couldn’t help it. I miss her too much when she’s gone.”
“Well, she’s about to be gone for a whole day. Will you survive?” Clara rolls out sardonically.
“I don’t know. I wish she’d just stay with me,” he pleads pitifully.
“You’re not making this easy, you know?” I gripe.
“I never said I would,” he seduces.
“I need a drink,” Clara grumbles, and the waitress hurls herself over with a fresh cosmo for her.
“Wow. People really snap to for you, don’t they?” she murmurs in disbelief.
“I’m the owner,” he smugly responds.
“You bought this place?” Melissa gasps.
“Right after I met Adisia here.”
I grin a little, and I see Jace rolling his eyes at the rich man in love with me. Melissa shakes her head in disbelief.
“You didn’t buy it just because you met her here, did you?” she bluntly inquires.
“Yes, I did actually.”
She almost swells up with an envious overload as her eyes burn against us, and Devin just pulls me that much closer to add to her fury.
“It’s late,” Clara gasps as she looks at her watch.
“It’s only three,” Kry utters with nonchalance.
“Only three?” she scoffs. “How late do you guys usually party?”
“It’s been a while since we partied, but this is still early.”
“Why aren’t you dancing? I thought that was the best part about weddings,” I provoke.
“It is, but the clubs are just too crowded to do anything. I’ll break loose at the reception. Don’t you worry,” he dares.
I just laugh, and Melissa inches in closer to him.
“What do you do?” she asks curiously.
“I do it all, babe, but you aren’t ready for this,” he teases.
My eyes widen at his rude remark. He’s oblivious to the fact she meant what he did for a career. I push my face against Devin’s shoulder to muffle my laughter as the waitress brings over a cheese platter to go with our chips and salsa.
“I’m ready for real food,” Clara gripes.
“Let’s go. We’ll grab something on the way out of town,” I sigh.
“Don’t leave me, baby,” Devin pleads.
“I’ve already promised Clara, and I promise two nights isn’t that bad. Hell, it’s barely one night now,” I force out with mock conviction.
This is incredibly hard, but I want to build the suspense so badly. He kisses me softly, and we begin our begrudged exit.
“I still wish you’d reconsider,” he pouts.
“I have reconsidered, but it’s still the same verdict. I’m going to make my incredible groom completely desperate to be with me, so that my reveal is much more impacting.”
“If your groom doesn’t go crazy during the next day that is. I hate being away from you at all, and I think tonight is proof of that.”
The limo driver walks out to open our doors as we round the side of the club, and Devin swirls me around to meet his face.
“There are two times we’ve stood on this sidewalk, and neither time did you leave me. Do you think you can tonight?” he challenges.
“I know I’ll see you at the bottom of the aisle waiting for me, and you’ll be eager to see me because you’ve missed me. Yes. Tonight I will walk away so I can blow your mind later. In more ways than one.”
I whisper the last sentence to keep anyone else from hearing, and I see him swallowing against the instant knot in his throat.
“Well, then. I guess we know who the more stubborn one is,” he teases.
I smile, but it’s temporary as I climb into the limo. He bends down to kiss me one last time, and I’m worried Clara is going to kick him out of the limo if he persists.
“I love you, baby,” he bids.
“I love you,” I say just before the door shuts, and then I stare at the man staring back as the car drives off.
“You two have some seriously obsessive issues,” Clara giggles.
“I’ll say,” Melissa scoffs.
“I love it,” I giggle back.
Jane squeals and instantly dives over to Clara and me.
“Jace is a total hottie, and that accent… oh my deliciousness. Please tell me you have his number,” she shrieks.
“I do,” I murmur hesitantly.
I know what will happen. Jace can’t stay with a mortal for too long, and he’s not one to turn one away from a night of pleasure either. Damn it. Why did I push her on him?
“Well?” she prompts.
“Here’s my phone,” I say while handing it over.
I’ll just let Jace deal with this storm. He can kick my ass later.
“You and Devin are going to be so happy,” Clara yawns.
“Don’t go to sleep. You still need food,” I remind.
“Chili cheese fries. Mmm…” she slurs.
The alcohol has finally caught up with her, and I can tell she’s not going to be any good to me anymore tonight.
I laugh a little as her head flops onto my lap, and I stare out the window as the natural rain starts to break free from the clouds.
One more day.
Chapter 2
Relentless
The quiet apartment is almost eerie as I climb to my feet from the sleepless few hours I’ve been back. The window Devin crashed through has been repaired, but the smell of emptiness is depressing.
I smile when I see pictures of Devin and I dispersed around the room. It looks as though he got to this place as well, and I’m glad he did.
I sigh as I plop down on the sad, cheap couch in my cramped living room, and I realize I’ve been thoroughly spoiled. This apartment once seemed so spacious, and now it feels like a cereal box.
My door knob jiggles while it slowly turns open, and I stand in a defensive position until Jake walks in. I smile and sigh in relief when I see him, and he rushes over to give me a hug.
“Hey there, wedding girl. Don’t lock the door anymore?” he chuckles.
I just laugh instead of answering. A locked door can’t keep an immortal out, and a mortal can’t hurt me in the least.
“How’d you know I was here?” I chirp.
�
��Mom told me you came in last night, so I figured I’d come crash with you tonight instead of staying at the packed out inn.”
“Sounds good. I’m about to get ready to go to the inn right now,” I grumble. “They messed up my wedding cake, so now I have to go pick out something else they can make before tomorrow.”
“You hate cake,” he muses.
“Yeah, but it’s tradition. Don’t worry. I’ll pick up some ice cream afterwards,” I joke.
“Glad to see not everything has changed.”
“Not everything,” I say with a grin.
He half smiles, but he seems worried about something.
“So is this guy right for you?”
“He’s perfect for me,” I giggle out, and Jake begins rolling his eyes right away.
“Mom said you were goofy around him.”
“So is she,” I grumble.
He laughs a little harder while shaking his head. “Dad said that too.”
I just join his laughter, and then my phone buzzes against the table.
“Let me grab that, and I’ll throw some clothes on right quick,” I murmur while walking into the bedroom.
“Hey, sexy,” I giggle.
“Oh, I missed the hell out of you last night. I’d forgotten how much better I sleep when you’re beside me because it’s been a while since you’ve been gone,” he huffs.
“It’s only been a few hours, and you’ve sent me away for a month before,” I quip.
“You needed to be safe. I could reconcile that separation. For some reason this is killing me. I miss you so much,” he mutters.
“I miss you too, but I have to go right now. The baker screwed up the cake, and he’s meeting me at the inn to find a replacement he can whip up between now and tomorrow.”
“I really liked our cake. I can find someone here to take it on,” he offers.
“It’s fine. It’s just a cake. In my opinion, it’s the least important of the details,” I huff. “There’s a lot to do though, and I can’t wait to see you at the end of the aisle.”
“Don’t think this is the last time I’m calling. I told you I’d be calling relentlessly. I love you,” he smolders.
I giggle a little as I murmur, “I love you.”
I put the phone down and change out of my briefly worn pajamas. Jake tosses his bag to the floor as I walk out fully dressed with makeup on.
