Afraid she might’ve drooled, she cupped a hand to her flushed cheek to subtly check herself. How she longed to spread herself over his body. To lick, and touch, and feel what he had to offer. One more day of abstinence.
“Lily,” Ariston practically breathed the word and pinned her with a heavy-lidded gaze. He sought her out with his left hand, and she stared dumbly at his hand when he cupped her breast. Until he groaned, and his body trembled ever so slightly. She’d have to change her panties before going to sleep. If she could sleep at all. Her body was as tight as a bowstring pulled to its crucial point, ready to snap and release.
She reached for him, her desire to aid him overriding her enjoyment of the act. He caught her hand as it was poised above him. “You don’t get to touch unless you consent to marrying me tomorrow.”
Oh, of all the nerve! She yanked her hand away. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m lying here with my dick in my hand. I couldn’t be more serious. I was electrocuted the last time I did this.”
“What? I thought you guys were being idiotic. That’s really why Zeus smited you?” With the way he’d been laughing and carrying on with Hermes and Pan, Kat and Lily figured they were shooting the shit like normal guys. Of course, she could spare no pity for him based on his actions earlier. She’d been taking care of her own business in the shower only for him to catch her in the act, using her near heart attack as another opportunity to propose to her. At first she’d been mortified he’d known what she was doing and for screaming bloody murder because of it. Then she’d been angry at him for scaring her half to death. She’d not been able to return to it either once he’d left. Asshole.
“Um hmm,” he mumbled, continuing his slow, almost lazy strokes.
So he thought he could torment her while getting himself off, did he? She smiled the most lascivious grin she could muster. His hand stilled, but his hips jerked at the sight. Oh, yeah. He was a slave to her in that moment. Ariston wouldn’t let her touch him, but she could tease him mercilessly. She stood, taking her time to strip with her back to him. She glanced over her shoulder and saw him pumping his fist with a little more oomph than before. Lily wondered if he’d realized he’d picked up his pace as he became more excited.
She dropped her bra to the ground where it landed with a whoosh on top of her shirt. After unbuttoning her shorts, she hooked her thumbs in both the denim and her panties, sending both spiraling to the floor together. Lily bent at the waist to take off her socks while keeping her legs straight, and nearly laughed out loud at the sound of his groan. Served him right.
After she’d popped back up straight, tossing her hair in the process, she turned just enough to spy on him over her shoulder. She bit the nail of her index finger and faced him, as bare as the day she was born. Ariston’s gaze raked her, searing her with its intensity. Confidence made her giddy, and she cupped her breasts, kneading them in slow circles, grinning when the quilt became balled up in Ariston’s left hand as it had in hers earlier. His right hand traveled the length of him and moisture beaded.
Careful not to disappoint, she sashayed to the bed with a flair to her hips as though she was working it in a pair of six-inch stilettos. She climbed up the bed on all fours like a jungle cat, and pressed her back against the headboard. Ariston had his head craned to watch her from the foot of the bed and he sucked in breath when she spread her legs, flashing him the most intimate part of her body. Her right hand traveled down her torso until she could slide a finger between the tender folds. Ariston’s body jerked again, and he ejaculated over his hand and stomach.
He’d wanted to show her how he could make her want him, but she’d discovered something far more interesting. Even though he knew more than she did about seduction, gods, nymphs, and satyrs, Lily owned Ariston when it came down to desire. He was putty in the palm of her hand, so to speak.
Ariston sat up, heavy lidded and muscles tensed as though he were going to pounce on her. She shook her head at him, but otherwise didn’t stop touching herself. “You had your turn, now it’s mine.”
“Lily,” Ariston stared, fixated on the movements of her fingers, and groaned when she arched her back and sighed softly under her own ministrations. “Mother of Hades.”
She felt devious, and maybe a bit high on her newfound power over him. “Perhaps you should go rest, Ariston.” Lily fluttered her eyelashes. “You have an awfully big day ahead of you.” When she thought about finally having his hands on her, his tongue, his dick, her body buckled and broke. She came on a soft moan and a series of shudders.
Ariston’s breathing grew heavy; his length looked like it had never softened. Lily had to prevent them from making a mistake that would cost him his humanity even though she wanted him to make good the dark promises in his gaze. One more day, she knew they could last that much longer.
“Goodnight, Ariston,” she said cheerfully as she pulled the covers over her naked flesh. Her body was more relaxed than it’d been in a week. Enjoying the sensation of lying naked in his bed, she wiggled against the mattress contentedly, knowing full and well the quilt insinuated her curves for his viewing pleasure. With her eyes closed, she couldn’t see his reaction, and struggled not to giggle at the absence of sound. She opened an eye. Ariston stared at her with a fierce expression which made her think he wanted to throttle and fuck her at the same time. When she shut her eye again, he cursed and then the thumps of hooves on wood signified his departure. He closed the door harder than she was sure he’d intended.
Turning her face into the pillow to muffle the sound, Lily laughed. Not at his discomfort, but because she couldn’t believe she’d won the upper hand in the situation while behaving in ways that would have otherwise made her feel like a dork. Ariston made her feel sexy, like a goddamned goddess. She’d already decided to go through with his silly little marriage ceremony, but she would make him squirm a little while longer.
Chapter Sixteen
Ariston hadn’t had a single minute of sleep. Pegasus hadn’t stared at him throughout the night, but all he kept picturing when he closed his eyes was Lily with her hand between her thighs, moaning in ecstasy. He was almost afraid to sit up in fear that his dick would snap off if jarred too quickly. The sun was out, Lily would soon be awake, and his guests would arrive any minute. Therefore, he had to compose himself, and fast.
It was the day of the Satyr Moon. The day the nightmare of the curse ended for him and he would have a second chance. Ariston would do whatever it took to keep Lily safe and happy until they were old and gray and nature took its course, but first he’d have to convince her to say yes.
Even when distracted by desire, she’d refused him an answer. Why did she torture him? Ariston thought for sure he’d had her when she’d reached for him. He’d prayed she’d give in, but not his Lily. His nymph had turned the tables, beating him at his own game. It left him awed by her and equally frustrated beyond words.
When she’d dismissed him, Ariston had been at a loss for what to do. Did he ignore her and stay, or did he wash up and respect her wishes? He’d gone with the second option, but there hadn’t been an opportunity to talk to her about Adonis as Pan advised. It was the reason he’d gone into the bedroom in the first place, only to become distracted by her yearning to know what he’d planned for her originally.
Bringing Adonis up would have ruined her blissfulness. He’d loathed the idea of doing so. It can wait. Lily and the Satyr Moon should be his only focuses until then.
A knock at the front brought him back to the present. Pan and Kat had arrived. Pan held a silvery bag with tissue paper, and Kat a big white box. The sugary sweet hint of buttercream icing gave away her bounty. He’d had cake a few times, but he’d recognize that smell anywhere.
“You didn’t have to go through all this trouble. Really, the clothing was enough and even that was too much.”
“Don’t hurt Katerina’s feelings by rejecting it.” Pan shoved the gift bag into his hands. “Open that later. It’s more f
or Lily than you.” When Ariston arched a brow, he replied. “You wouldn’t fit in it.”
Kat snorted. “I figured she’d enjoy nice lingerie rather than fine china. You’ll get as much enjoyment out of the outfit as she will.”
“I told her to keep it for us, but she insisted on giving it as a gift.” Pan sounded put out, which only made Ariston more curious about the contents.
“We also brought details of tonight’s eclipse, which I printed off the Internet this morning.” Kat scooted past Ariston to put the cake on the table and then slipped a hand in her back pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “Not sure if you’d had time to look up the times for tonight with everything going on, so I took the liberty. According to the NASA site, there will be a total lunar eclipse tonight at eleven-seventeen. They are estimating the event only lasting twenty-three minutes.”
So it would be a short one this time. Figures.
“I recommend starting the foreplay early, or saving it ‘til later.” Pan offered with a shrug. Kat scoffed and made a comment about men in general.
Lily emerged at last from the bedroom, rubbing her eyes. “I heard talking.” She yawned. Ariston was both irritated she’d slept soundly while he tossed and turned all night, and cocky she’d be well-rested for later. She was dressed in one of his button-down ranger uniform shirts, which covered her to mid-thigh, and pajama shorts underneath.
“There’s my bride to be.” Ariston grinned despite the unamused glare she shot at him.
“I just woke up. Can I have coffee before you start that again?” She pushed past them only to pause beside the cake. Lily lifted the lid and stared at it. “’Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Ariston.’ And there are lilies made of frosting all over it. Punny.” She closed the lid and wandered into the kitchen.
“Not sure what last name you plan on using,” Pan explained.
“The one I used on my forged documents is Thanos.”
Pan laughed. “As in Athanasios?”
“Yes. But Thanos is easier for people to pronounce.” Ariston smirked.
“What’s that mean?” Lily asked, rejoining the crowd, peeling a banana.
“Immortal.” Pan grinned. “Gods, did I miss you and your humor, Ariston the Immortal. Won’t suit you so well after tonight though.”
“Ariston and Lily Thanos,” Kat tried the names out loud. “It doesn’t sound bad at all. Even if there is a comic book villain named Thanos.”
At their blank stares, Kat shrugged. “What? There is.”
So it was decided that they stick to it, despite Lily’s constant remarks about not having agreed to anything. No one paid her any mind.
Hermes entered the cabin shortly thereafter, not even bothering to knock. “I have arrived, ladies and gentleman. No, no need to stop what you’re doing to fall at my feet in supplication.”
“Why would anyone pray or beg anything from you?” Pan shook his head and performed an award-worthy face-meet-palm action to demonstrate his disbelief.
“Because I am now a certified priest in the glorious U-S-of-A.” Hermes pulled a document out from behind his back. It was signed, sealed, and notarized.
Pan groaned. “Oh, gods save us all.”
“You’re not even a Christian!” Kat gasped, clutching the small gold heart charm on her necklace as if that was the most ridiculous part of the situation.
Lily hitched a thumb toward Hermes and asked Ariston, “You want me to be married by fly-boy over here?”
“That is Pastor fly-boy to you.” Hermes replied as he walked past. “Ooh, cake.”
***
She’d hidden from everyone shortly after Hermes revealed his priesthood. He’d even provided a legally drawn up marriage certificate, and Lily didn’t even want to know how. The only thing left was their names on it. It had been the moment the whole wedding sham became reality to her. Sure, she’d taken it somewhat seriously and tried on the dress and even thought the cake, though not elaborate, was a nice touch. She’d even decided to give in and agree the night before, but legal documents were a whole new level of reality versus this-isn’t-my-life.
“Lily?” Ariston opened the bedroom door and peeked inside.
“Yeah,” she answered, though Ariston hadn’t waited for a reply to step inside and close the door. He kneeled in front of her and Lily let out an exasperated breath. “Okay. Okay. I’ll freaking marry you. Not like you’re gonna halt the damned thing if I said no.” Five minutes ago, she’d overheard Hermes ask if they were still starting after lunch. No one had disagreed. No one had asked her.
Ariston smiled widely and lifted her in his arms. He sat back down on the bed with her across his lap and kissed her for all he was worth. She could almost forget she was annoyed with him when he tasted like cinnamon and apples and his hands were on her. He’d already washed, shaven, and dressed in the dark suit Pan had brought him. His tie was a dark navy that matched his eyes.
“Thank you for doing me the honor.”
Lily curled her lip, and Ariston kissed her again. Then he whispered, “If you had said no, I would’ve cancelled everything. No one would have forced you to do anything you didn’t want, but since you hadn’t outright said it the first time I could tell you secretly wanted to.” When she scoffed, he ignored her and added, “Same goes for tonight. If you decide not to go through with it, we won’t. I’ve lived as a satyr this long, I can do it again.”
But then Lily couldn’t have her way with him when she really, really wanted to finish what they’d started last night. She’d never admit it to Ariston though. And she had no desire to live forever by taking Zeus’ offer.
“And to think, I just had to annoy you senseless for an answer. Hadn’t even had to play the sad puppy eyes card like Pan wanted me to.”
“What? He thought that’d work?” she teased.
“He thought telling you about Adonis would.”
She sat absolutely still, afraid to twitch and cause him to close down on her again. “You told him about what happened with your brother?” He’d known Pan longer than her, so it wouldn’t have been a betrayal if he had. Still, it hurt he’d not wanted to tell her first.
He shook his head. “No. I didn’t want to ruin what should be a happy day with my issues. He pushed, but I didn’t tell him either.”
“Ariston,” she cupped his face between her hands. “You would feel better if you talked about it. I’m here for you.”
Taking a deep breath, Ariston nodded. “I know Hermes told you some of the story, but to fully understand how I feel, you have to know it all from the moment things fell apart.”
Lily nodded, encouraging him.
“Adonis left the farm to meet some friends one day, and then he didn’t return. My mother thought he’d been murdered. My father, well, he thought Adonis had shacked up with a woman. Low and behold, he was mostly right.”
“Aphrodite?”
“Yes. What I learned of the story from Adonis later, she’d first laid eyes on him when he went skinny dipping with his friends and some girls they’d met. Finding his physical form appealing, she took the guise of a mortal woman and joined the fun. Then she lured Adonis away from the others and transported them to one of her Greek temples where they couldn’t be disturbed.”
“Aren’t all the temples open and accessible to the public?” Lily had never been to Greece, but she’d seen pictures and watched movies.
“Some. Back then they weren’t tourist attractions, but places where the gods were still worshipped actively. Men and women made bloody sacrifices, others brought gifts, and most asked for some divine interference for something or another. There were a few temples with hidden chambers beneath them. Only the gods have access to those or even know they’re there, and Aphrodite had created one with the sole purpose of taking lovers in the mortal realm that weren’t her husband, Hephaestus.”
“Oh.”
“At home, my mother became more and more depressed her son had left, and the more upset she was the angrier my fath
er became. They blamed me, yet I had nothing to do with Adonis’ actions. I was told I should be ashamed to bare the face of such an ungrateful child. Though I was older by mere minutes, Adonis was the favored son. I never understood why, and I still don’t to this day. I never held it against him though, not the way Adonis thinks I did.”
Lily found herself absently stroking his back while he told her his story, hoping her gentle touch soothed him. Ariston stared at the ceiling for several moments before continuing his tale.
“Then one day, months later, Adonis appears to me in the bedroom we shared at our farmhouse. ‘Get out of bed. I need you to come with me right away,’ he’d said. Taken aback, I didn’t budge, and he insulted me for it. I’d tried to embrace him, glad he’d returned alive. He pushed me away, but demanded again I follow him.”
“So you went?”
“I went. We ended up in the pasture where a beautiful woman with long golden tresses stood naked and beaming at us. I instantly hardened for her, wanting nothing more than to bury myself in her to the hilt, and she beckoned for me to come closer. Adonis snared my arm and hissed, ‘She’s mine, brother. Remember that. Mine.’ I snapped out of it. I remember wondering who the woman was. Though I suspected she was a goddess, I hadn’t yet placed which one. She identified herself and told me she’d fallen in love with my brother. When she learned he had a twin, she decided she wished to know the pleasure of bedding us both at once, or she’d never be able to live another day. Obviously, she fared just fine on that account.”
Lily snorted. And Donovan said I was the slut-bag.
“I can still remember the relief on Adonis’ face when I told Aphrodite I had no desire to be with her, and then that relief turned to fury when she claimed without both of us, she’d have neither before she disappeared. She did not return.”
“What did you do?” Lily asked, and Ariston laughed bitterly.
The Cursed Satyroi: Volume One Collection Page 48
