by C. M. Owens
“Please don’t do this,” he almost cries. “Don’t leave me, not now. You swore you’d never leave me again. I’ll kick her out right now. I just wanted to tell her to drop it, and I wanted to explain. I knew she was hurting, and I felt guilty. Please don’t leave me for trying to tell her how much I love you,” he whimpers, and I almost feel like the world’s biggest bitch.
“I’m not leaving you, Devin,” I mutter, and he rushes over to me to pull me into his arms.
I push him away just before his lips connect with mine, and pain sears his eyes immediately.
“You said you weren’t leaving,” he murmurs with even more fear.
“I’m not, but I’m still pissed. Devin, you had a choice about whether or not to tell me that, and you made the choice not to. You could have spoken to her with people around, but you chose a private setting. You could have told me you were planning to speak to her, but you snuck around behind my back instead. This time, I have a right to be pissed, and I’m exercising it.”
“Please, baby. I just got you back. Please don’t do this,” he pleads.
“I’m not doing anything besides being pissed. I have that right. I’m still your wife, I’m not filing for divorce, and I’m not running away,” I bark, and then I turn around and storm into the bathroom.
“I didn’t intend to speak to her at all. She cornered me in the kitchen.”
“You could have walked a way,” I growl.
“I wanted to tell you about the rest, but I just didn’t want to do anything to make you mad.”
“You’re still batting zero. Go away. I’m taking a shower and going to bed,” I grumble dismissively through the closed, unpadded bathroom door.
“Do you want me to sleep in another room?” he asks softly from the other side, and the pitiful tone of his voice is almost my breaking point.
I open the door to the bathroom, and I stare into the eyes of the man falling to pieces in front of my eyes. His body is tense, but so sexy. His eyes are tortured, but they still hold mine captive.
“No. Sleep with me, but that doesn’t mean everything is okay. You lied to me, Devin, and this seems to be a pattern. If you deem something too scary to discuss, you hide it from me. A lie by omission is still a lie, and I’m getting sick of it. I love you, and I’m going to be with you for the rest of my life, but I also reserve the right to stand up for myself. You don’t get to pick and choose what I deserve to know,” I lecture, and then I shut the door again before running the water.
The sweeping motion of the warm, showering potion pours over me, and it hides my tears in its streams. I sigh loudly, and the window to the outside is begging me to escape through it.
I always run. It’s what I do best. I’ve never fought so hard for something in my life as I have him. If there was ever controversy before, I left. If there was ever too much drama, I left.
Every man had broken my heart by being with another woman, and that was my out rather than heartbreak. Devin’s the only one I’ve ever devoted myself to, and he can’t understand I’m not going to run anymore.
This hurts though, and it’s really tough to just push it aside so easily even though I wish I could.
The towel drapes around me to offer a comforting touch, and my wet feet print themselves onto the marble surface as I step into the quiet, dark bedroom.
The windows line the far wall, and I pull one open to give myself access to the balcony. Then my eyes fall on the incredible man I wish would stop being such a damn fool.
Devin is sitting in front of the moonlit ocean, and I can see the distress etched on his face. Then I hear Nina speaking from around the side of the house. I lean back to listen without being seen.
“So did he ever answer you about whether or not it was all Pyrrha?” Nissa, another nymph, asks.
“Unfortunately, yes. He told me he never wanted to speak to me again when he walked out of his room after she overheard us.
“He said he would have never even looked at me without Pyrrha’s spell. He was cold, callous, and incredibly cruel. He said if I tried speaking to him again, he would take Adisia, and they would leave everyone here and try to make it on their own without any help,” she mumbles.
I smile a little, and then I see Devin lean back to lie on the sand behind him - oblivious to Nina’s confession going on right now.
“Do you think she told him to say that?” Nissa asks.
“I think she told him she was pissed, and he overcompensated. He doesn’t think rationally around her. It’s as if she’s the one holding him under a spell.”
Bitch.
“Maybe she is. She’s an Aphrodite after all,” Nissa suggests, and now I’m tempted to introduce her to Aphrodite.
“He’s immune to her powers, including Aphrodite’s gaze. I wish it was that simple,” Nina exasperates.
Then I hear Kry interjecting, “If you keep causing problems, I swear you’re going to lose us all, not just him.”
“What?” Nina asks in surprise, and I can tell she wasn’t expecting him. “We’ve been friends for centuries. You’re going to side with her?”
“Yes, and so will everyone else here, even Gemma. Adisia has been a huge part of our lives, and none of us would be alive if it hadn’t been for her. I’ve always liked you, Nina, but I swear I’ll never speak to you again if you continue to meddle where you’re not wanted. We have a dangerous and important task in front of us. Let’s try to keep our focus on it. Devin and Adisia have been through enough bullshit,” he admonishes, and then I see him walking in front of the balcony on his way down to Devin.
“Well, that was uncalled for,” Nissa whispers.
“He’s right. They’re all protective of her. I don’t understand it, but I’m the leader of our clan. It’s my duty to keep this alliance intact. They’re the strongest group, especially now with the Emperian dead. We can’t afford to lose them, and I’m just going to have to suck it up,” she sighs.
I hear them walking away, and then I look down to the beach to see Devin and Kry sitting silently in front of the waves.
I roll my eyes and walk over to grab my new gown. The satin glides down my body as I pull it over my head, and the pale pink offers a glowing touch to my tanned skin.
I smirk as I see the very sexy sway of the glorious fabric, and it clings to me as the long slit shows my right leg up to my thigh. The see-through back offers a peek all the way down to just before my rear.
This is a fitting punishment. Look but don’t touch.
My stomach growls and I sigh as I pull on a soft, sleek, white robe to cover the showy garment before walking into the living room.
Everyone is still on their phones, and some are obviously under a lot of stress to find something… anything.
I head into the kitchen, and I pull out some of the fish already cooked. As soon as I start eating, the most unwanted company in the house joins me at the table - making my appetite almost vanish.
“Adisia,” Nina murmurs timidly.
“I really don’t think you want to mess with me right now,” I warn.
Her eyes dart around nervously, and then she looks at her hands that are crossed in her lap.
“I know you’re upset, but I’m only here to apologize. It’s important this alliance works, and it’s obvious that our relationship with the Cole’s and their contacts hinges on your approval. Right now I feel as though the thin ice is cracking, and I feel it to be our responsibility to make this situation work.”
I just want a damn second of fucking peace.
“Then I suppose you should leave my husband alone. I’m tired of his bat-shit crazy exes thinking they have the right to say or do whatever they want simply because they knew him first. I don’t deserve the disrespect, and I’m not going to tolerate it anymore,” I admonish, and then I take another bite.
She swallows hard enough for me to hear it, and then she scoots in a little closer.
“I’m not crazy, and I’m not Stasia. I heard how she reacted, and
it’s a horrific thing to be compared to her. I just needed to know about that day on the beach. You’re right to say I was disrespectful, but I can assure you it won’t happen again,” she promises.
“Just do whatever it is you do, and leave me alone. You’re only in here because of what Kry and Devin said. You’re worried the whole family will turn against you soon enough and now you’re doing damage control. I’m new to the immortal world, but I’m not a fool. You would be wise to remember that,” I scoff, and then my angered Aphrodite flashes green to my eyes to remind her how powerful I am - new or not.
“I didn’t come to fight. I came for peace. I suppose it would have been smarter to let the smoke clear first, and I apologize for rushing it. I hope we can sort this out sooner rather than later for the sake of everyone,” she murmurs hesitantly.
“I realize we’re in this together. The harpies need to be drowned, and the hellhounds need to be electrocuted. The sirens need the sun’s execution rays, and the Medusas don’t scare me in the least. The only thing I’m telling you to do is stay away from me. It’s not a request,” I growl, and she tightens her lips in defeat before leaving.
Unbelievable.
I hastily scarf down the remainder of my fish to fill my almost spoiled appetite, and then I head back to the bedroom.
The door is open, and Devin’s body is propped against the side of the sliding glass door while he stares out into the ocean.
I refrain from letting out a huffing sound of distaste while saying, “I suppose you heard that.”
“Yes. I’m sorry she came to speak to you, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to intervene. I’m uncertain where I stand right now,” he says softly while turning around.
I shut the door, and then I turn back to him.
“She thinks everyone is actually acting like this because of me, and… You know what? Forget it,” I gripe, and then I undo the robe to reveal the sexy gown I regret putting on now. “I’m going to bed and dealing with this tomorrow.”
“Are you still mad at me?” he asks in a near muted tone.
“Seething. Just stay on your side.”
Great. Now I sound like a normal, nagging wife.
“Did you have to put that on?” he almost seduces, and I do perfectly well in stifling an unwelcome grin.
“Yes I did,” I snark, and then I climb into the bed before he says anything else.
He sighs as he begins unbuttoning his shirt, and I keep my back to him so as not to be seduced by the perfection of his bare body.
I listen to his pants sliding off, and I start throbbing in pain.
Damn it. I should have gotten undressed in front of him. He’s much better at this.
“I love you, baby. I’m sorry,” he says so sincerely, and I realize he’s not playing games; he’s doing everything he can just to keep me from running.
“I love you, but I’m not dealing with this until tomorrow,” I snap, and then I curl up on the edge of the bed before closing my eyes.
I let the sounds of the ocean waves rock me to sleep with their lullaby of promise. The smell of salty water is refreshing, and I’m praying it cleanses my mind of all the new toxins.
Devin’s lips are consuming mine fervently as his body slides over the satin gown I’m still wearing. The waves crash harder as I’m forced awake from the seductive assault.
I struggle for a moment, but then I feel the desperation in his breath to keep me pinned to him.
“Devin,” I grumble against his lips. “Stop,” I insincerely plead.
“No. I can’t lose you again, and I don’t want to fight,” he murmurs with desire and need.
“Devin, I’m not going anywhere,” I comfort.
“Prove it,” he smolders, and his lips demand the full attention of mine before I can say anything else.
His body continues to slide against mine, and then his firm, assertive hands slide up my legs to pull the gown up to my waist. His tongue tastes incredible against mine, and my nails dig into his sculpted back.
I’m not strong enough to stay mad when he’s like this. I don’t even want to be mad anymore. I just want to give into him.
His hands cup my breasts, and I feel his teeth tugging at my lower lip as my hips tilt upwards to meet his force. His soft boxers offer a very thin barrier between his lower half and mine.
Considering I neglected to put on underwear, it’s the only barrier.
I moan and cede to his passionate plea, and then I grip him even tighter to me as his body thrusts itself against mine.
This is definitely the rudest, but most incredible wakeup call I’ve ever received.
The wind wraps around the sliding glass door and pulls it shut for us because it’s going to get loud.
“Are you still mad at me?” he asks in a breathless tone.
“Yes, but not quite as much,” I lie - I’m not mad at all anymore, but I don’t want him to know that.
He almost smirks before replying, “I think angry sex is pretty phenomenal.”
I stifle a grin, and then I wrap the sheet around me as I climb out of the bed. It’s five in the morning, and now I’m wide awake.
“I’m going to take a shower,” he murmurs. “Care to join me?”
“I told you I’m still mad, so no.”
He looks a little saddened by my snarky remark, but I’m trying to play it tough. He has to stop lying to me for any reason.
“Okay,” he sighs, and then he disappears behind the bathroom door.
I quickly pull my clothes on, and then I struggle with my completely fucked hair. He’s right about angry sex.
Wow.
I restrain the giggling urge, and then I walk out to join the agitated and fretful faces.
“Anything new?” I ask hopefully.
“Not in the slightest,” Jace grumbles. “I think we’ve actually went backwards if anything.”
“Then let me help,” I insist.
“What do you plan on doing?” Faith murmurs irritably.
“I plan on doing whatever you’re doing. I could at least log the contacts you’ve already contacted.”
“Here,” Jace says while patting the spot on the couch between Kry and him. “Grab a seat and get to logging.”
I smile appreciatively, and he gives me a wink. Kry leans up against me to demonstrate his exhaustion, and then he yawns ferociously.
“It sounds like you could use some sleep,” I suggest.
“I could, but I’m not resting until we find out what this bitch wants from you and Devin. Nothing makes sense, and the more we discuss it, the more confusing it all becomes,” he gripes.
“It would be nice if I could get a vision of what’s going on,” I murmur helplessly.
“You’ve already figured out more than any of us. We’re all starting to feel a little inferior by comparison. The journey you and Jace took through the Fury minds was a revelation, but now we’re trying to piece it all together. There are just so many contradicting variables.”
“Maybe you should all take a break and let the better rested ones take over for a while,” Devin says as he enters the room.
Oh, damn him.
He’s shirtless, and the water still drips from the wet hair he’s drying so casually.
His loose jogging pants dangle almost too low, and I’m forced to look at those exquisite, defined hip lines. His ripped stomach begs to be touched, and his smoky eyes smile when they catch my peeping ones.
I jerk my head straight, and Jace rolls his eyes at my incredulous behavior. A woman should be able to marvel at her husband without feeling foolish.
“We’re fine,” Nina yawns as she walks in with a cup of coffee, and my smirk has left my face completely.
Her eyes catch Devin’s immaculate body, and her coffee tips to spill a fourth of the cup before she realizes it. I almost want to growl, but Devin walks back into the bedroom and then returns with shirt on.
I breathe out a sigh of relief to know I don’t have to stare at that mout
hwatering temptation, but I know he only did it to rid Nina’s eyes from him.
“Maybe we should try a different approach,” Persia says while coming in with two cups of coffee.
She hands me one, and I mouth, “Thank you.”
She smiles warmly at me, and then she takes a seat beside Devin as he sits on the couch adjacent to mine.
“What do you have in mind?” Devin asks in response to her vague statement.
“There’s something we’re missing, but we’re too focused on the big picture to notice the details. Just like Adisia’s vision - Aphrodite had to specifically show her the two shadows. No one else noticed because it was a minute detail in big, catastrophic scenario. Where’re the details?” she explains.
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “I wish Aphrodite would give me another vision, but I can’t even provoke her powers anymore without Devin’s help or without her being stirred of her own free will. My mojo is out of whack or something. The power of my lightning has lessened, and my storms are more docile. I think my goddess is on the fritz,” I grumble.
“Not when she makes the world crumble to their feet,” Kry adds, and then he pats my shoulder as his arm rests across it.
“What?” Persia muses.
“Yeah, sorry. I never did tell you about my new power,” I murmur reluctantly.
I really don’t feel like discussing this right now. It’ll just give everyone false hope, and I can’t control the power.
“What do you mean it sent everyone crumbling to their feet?” Persia prompts.
Theia walks over to listen in, her eyes gauging Persia’s odd reaction. Persia’s acting a little too curious.
“It was pretty incredible actually,” Devin adds. “The first time she brought the Furies to a bow, and the second time she took down a hoard of harpies and hellhounds. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it seemed as though she was acting out of her protectiveness for the child.”
I slump nervously as all eyes pin me down, and Jace pats my leg encouragingly when he sees my discomfort.
