by Brenda Trim
Kiiara twisted the lid and smelled the ointment. She picked up hints of coconut and lime. “Smells nice. Another family secret, I presume,” Kiiara observed.
“Yes, and I promise they will stay away,” she said then added, “but just in case…” Gabriella reached over to pick up a lighter then lit a large candle in the center of the table.
“I hate to bring up bad memories, but I need to know where Hain is. When did you see him last?” Poseidon interjected and sat forward, arms resting on his muscled thighs.
Kiiara felt relaxed from her buzz and sat back, enjoying the sounds of crickets and nearby bullfrogs. She took in Poseidon’s profile and was awed by his perfection. The man didn’t have one flaw that she could see. Perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect body. The entire package was quintessential, and she couldn’t help but ogle him.
“Hain was here just a few days ago. He is the one who destroyed my land. Him and that damn spear,” Gabriella hissed then looked away, wiping the corner of her eye. Whatever had happened between the two of them, Kiiara could tell Gabriella wasn’t over the man.
“This spear?” Poseidon asked, pointing to the tattoo on his arm.
“Yes, that’s it. Hain said he was trying to join forces with its power,” Gabriella said and rolled her light brown eyes.
“You said trying to join forces. Were you under the impression that hadn’t happened yet?” Poseidon asked and perked up, waiting for her reply. Kiiara could see he was hanging by a thread and hoped for his sake Gabriella had the answer he needed to hear.
“No, it hadn’t. That’s why Hain stormed out, leaving me to take care of the damage,” Gabriella said, and Poseidon hopped up from his seat.
“Thank the Gods,” Poseidon shouted and clapped his hands. “We’ve still got time. In fact, if he hasn’t connected yet, chances are he won’t. I just need to find the bastard,” he professed and began pacing beside the table.
“That’s the last straw for us. I’ve put up with too much, and I’m tired of waiting for his promises to come to light,” Gabriella disclosed, and she looked Kiiara’s way.
Kiiara knew she needed the understanding of a woman, not the excitement of a God concerned with his own needs.
Kiiara leaned forward and grabbed Gabriella’s hand. “Do you want to tell me about what happened between the two of you? I’m not trying to pry, and you don’t have to say a word, but I’m here if you need a listening ear,” Kiiara said and squeezed the woman’s fingers.
Gabriella released a sigh and lowered her head. “I thought he loved me. Hain has been coming to me for the past ten years. He only comes once a year, but as you can see, we make up for lost time. The only times I haven’t conceived another child during his visits are when I’ve been pregnant,” she said with a half-laugh. “I know it must seem ridiculous to you, knowing I sit and wait for a man I see three weeks out of the year.”
Kiiara thought about that. Would she sit and wait for Poseidon if it meant she could have him in her life? She didn’t know if she could, but there was no doubt Gabriella loved Hain enough to make the sacrifice.
“I’m not here to judge, only to listen. You are an incredibly resilient woman. It isn’t easy to be a single mother to such a large family,” Kiiara said and gave her a comforting smile.
“As are you, Kiiara. I see strength, courage, and compassion in your aura. Those are three admirable qualities,” Gabriella replied, her accent thick and hard to understand at times.
“I couldn’t agree more, Gabriella,” Poseidon interjected, and Kiiara’s head snapped his way. She was shocked. Based on his remarks, she’d have bet her boat the Sea God considered her beneath him because she was mortal. He had never given her a compliment before. Had he had one too many drinks tonight?
“You have a beautiful sistren by your side. I hope you appreciate her,” Gabriella commented and released Kiiara’s hand.
“We’re not together,” Kiiara quickly corrected, not waiting for his response. She knew where things stood between her and Poseidon, and didn’t care to hear him explain the details.
“That makes you even more admirable, Kiiara. Not many would be here helping,” Gabriella observed.
“Are you sure things are over between you and Hain? Maybe you two can work things out, for the children,” Kiiara suggested even though she found Hain deplorable. Maybe Gabriella could help him change his ways.
“Yes. It’s over. Hain all but said so. He’s obsessed with that weapon. He’ll never come to live here with us, not if he obtains its power. I saw a change in him. Hain’s not the man I fell in love with, and it’s not fair to my children to pine for a wukliss daddy who doesn’t make us a priority. The only thing he’s provided is money, which is why we have such nice things, but we deserve better,” Gabriella disclosed, and Kiiara could see the tears welling.
“You need to know Hain will never come but once a year. It’s all the Gods permit unless Hain wants to give up his immortality. Chances are that will never happen. I’m sorry, but it’s true,” Poseidon revealed, completely oblivious to the hurt his words caused Gabriella.
Men, Kiiara thought. So clueless. And then he walked to stand at Kiiara’s side, placing a warm palm on her shoulder. That fast, electricity zipped along her skin where he touched. And women were so easily manipulated when men showed them attention, Kiiara amended.
“I know you are correct. The past decade has proven that fact to me over and over again. I don’t have much that will help you, but Hain did mention the upcoming full moon. Said it aligned with the ocean’s magic and that there was one place where it was strongest,” Gabriella said and rubbed her chin as if recalling the location.
“The Bahamas,” whispered Poseidon.
“Yes, that was it. Said the full moon was on the 24th of this month,” Gabriella confirmed. That was tomorrow, Kiiara thought and looked up at Poseidon. He gave her a knowing look and Kiiara knew it was time for them to leave. When she glanced back to Gabriella, she saw her wiping at an escaped tear.
“We should be going. You’ve been so gracious. Thank you for the meal and that incredible drink, in particular. You’ll have to send me the recipe,” Kiiara said and stood from her chair. Not only did they need to get going, but also, Kiiara suspected the woman wanted to be alone to grieve.
Gabriella quickly brushed away the tears and stood. “Nonsense. It’s very late. You’ll stay here tonight. I won’t take no for an answer,” she concluded and leaned over to blow out the flame on the candle.
Darkness enveloped them, and Kiiara met Poseidon’s gaze, and he shrugged. Gabriella had a point. They hadn’t made arrangements for the night, and she didn’t feel like finding a hotel room. She was feeling the effects of the alcohol and wasn’t sure how she’d do teleporting or flying under such conditions.
“We can stay here and leave first thing in the morning,” Kiiara suggested, and Poseidon nodded his agreement. He grabbed her hand, and they followed Gabriella as she led the way to the back door. The interior lights glowed softly, like a lighthouse leading them home
Upon entering the house, Kiiara noticed the children were gathered on a sectional sofa, eyes fixed on an animated movie playing on the television.
“Bedtime as soon as this is over,” Gabriella sang out above the volume of the television as Kiiara filled her glass with the remaining lemonade.
Resounding moans of disapproval echoed through the room, but Kiiara didn’t acknowledge it. “You’ll be hurting in the morning, sistren. You might want to take some aspirin before you go to sleep,” Gabriella instructed.
“I’ll make sure she does,” Poseidon replied before Kiiara could object. She was feeling fantastic and couldn’t imagine this delicious concoction leaving her with a hangover.
“I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping,” she said with a laugh when Kiiara swayed and almost lost her balance. Gabriella smiled at Poseidon when he steadied Kiiara then proceeded up the stairs and down a narrow hallway.
Upon entering the small ro
om, the first thing Kiiara noticed was the bed. It wasn’t the luxurious king-sized platform they had shared the night before that provided a buffer between her and Poseidon. The bed was not much bigger than a twin-size mattress. How was she going to sleep right next to the man? It had been downright torturous when he was several feet away.
“Sorry it’s not bigger, but it’s one of the more comfortable beds,” Gabriella explained as she walked to the adjoining bathroom and flipped the light switch. “There are plenty of fresh towels if you’d like to clean up. Like I said before, make yourself at home. If you get hungry, raid the refrigerator. I don’t mind. We’re early risers around here so be prepared for the hurricane come morning,” she said and turned to leave the room.
“We appreciate your hospitality. We’ll be on our way in the morning,” Poseidon muttered as he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
“No hurry. I’ll make a big breakfast, so you’ll be well fed for your trip. Pleasant dreams,” Gabriella offered and winked at Kiiara. That woman was trying to stir up trouble. Gabriella was mistaken about Kiiara and Poseidon’s relationship.
When the door closed, Kiiara looked at the Greek God. There was a moment of silence, and she suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable. She downed the drink in her hand, hoping her buzz would override the awkwardness of the moment.
“You can shower first. I need to think about our next stop, that is, if you still want to come along,” Poseidon offered, and sea-green eyes met hers.
Kiiara was dizzy from the alcohol, and her head was spinning, but his eyes held her in place. Damn, she wished Poseidon didn’t make her feel so fucking incredible when he stared at her that way.
“Yes, a shower would be good,” she slurred and started towards the bathroom.
“You didn’t answer me. Are you coming with me to the Bahamas?”
“Oh, hell yeah. Sand, sunshine, and sea. Count me in,” she sassed and extended her arms, pretending she was on a surfboard.
“Are you dancing, because maybe you shouldn’t,” the God conveyed with a look of confusion.
“No, you buffoon. I’m hang-tenning,” she screeched and held up her hand, giving the familiar signal. “You know, surfing. Surely, you, the Great Poseidon, know of surfing,” she teased and toppled but caught herself before plowing into him.
“Oh, I’m familiar. I need to teach you a few lessons if that’s your surfing pose,” Poseidon mocked.
“Oh, no you didn’t,” Kiiara screeched and picked up a pillow from the bed and hit him with it. “I’m taking a shower. Maybe I’ll practice my surfing skills in there,” she yelled over her shoulder as she walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
She could hear Poseidon laughing on the other side of the door. Silly man, she thought as she pulled the shower curtain and turned the nozzle. She was more intoxicated than she realized and a hot shower might help her sober up, she thought as she quickly undressed and stepped inside the bathtub, closing the curtain behind her.
The warm water was relaxing, and she wished she’d run a bubble bath instead. Soaking in sudsy goodness would’ve been perfect. She stood under the pulsing water and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of it against her skin.
“Want some company?”
Kiiara’s eyes snapped open to see Poseidon’s head peeking inside the curtain.
All she could muster was a nod when he slid the shower curtain aside. Her mouth went dry as she watched his muscles flex as he stepped into the tub with his naked body an inch from hers.
10
“You shouldn’t be here,” Kiiara croaked as Poseidon closed the shower curtain. He knew she was right, but he couldn’t resist any longer. He had to have her.
“And you shouldn’t be so fucking irresistible,” he husked and tugged the bands holding her braids together. Loosening the braids, he watched as the water dampened her hair and it spread across her lush bosom like a fan.
Needing contact, he pulled her flush against his body. The space was cramped with the two of them, leaving little room to maneuver, but he planned on making the best of it.
“Weren’t you just making fun of my surfing skills? Hardly seems irresistible,” she murmured as she gazed up at him, eyes hooded. She was half-drunk, half-aroused and it was undeniably the most erotic sight he’d ever seen.
“Surfing skills aren’t needed,” he muttered before claiming her luscious mouth.
Kiiara immediately parted her lips, and Poseidon took advantage, sliding his tongue against hers. She tasted of Hibiscus lemonade mixed with sugary sweetness, and he couldn’t get enough as he explored her hot mouth.
When she reached up and latched arms around his neck, his hands slid over her wet skin, starting at her slender neck and then trailing down her sides to wrap around her waist. She felt so fucking good in his arms, and he wanted to savor this moment. Static electricity zipped between them, sending shocks of arousal through his system.
Kiiara jumped, breaking the kiss. “What was that? Felt like I stuck my hand in a socket,” she exclaimed and looked down to her side where his hand rested.
“It’s my connection to you, Pisces-Girl,” Poseidon teased and ran his hand up her back to her shoulder blade. As he rubbed across her tattoo, another jolt of electricity flared between his fingertips. “I told you I’m connected to everything aquatic, and you, Kiiara mou, are a part of that world.”
“Oh, wow. I wouldn’t believe you if I couldn’t feel it, but I do. There is an undeniable pull between us,” Kiiara admitted as she ran her hands across his chest and a path of electrical pulses skirted across his flesh where she touched.
Poseidon cupped her face, meeting her gaze. “I know I said we couldn’t act on our desires, but I want you. I need you,” he confessed and rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip, memorizing every detail of her beautiful face.
“I’m probably going to wish I hadn’t said this, but I need you, too. I want to feel you inside me. Make love to me, Poseidon. Give me all you’ve got. This’ll be our first and last time,” she whispered and caressed his cheek, then ran her hand through his beard. Her admission along with lust-filled eyes made his knees buckle, and he thought he might lose his footing in the small tub.
Kiiara’s tender touch sent a cannon-sized bomb of arousal straight to his cock, and all rational thought evaporated, permitting raw lust to take control. His lips crashed against hers while one hand went to her firm ass and the other cupped her breast. Poseidon squeezed the large globe, and she arched in response.
He’d been dying to feel her body, and it was so much better than he imagined. She was soft yet supple with curves in all the right places. He might be a god, but she had been sculpted to perfection by her maker.
The hot water splashed against their bodies, causing his hands to slide over her skin. He tweaked her wet nipple, and it hardened under his ministration. His mouth went dry, demanding he taste more of her.
Breaking the kiss, he lowered his head to latch on to the puckered area. He sucked the tip and pulled, enjoying her mewls as he feasted on her voluptuous breast.
“Yes, don’t stop,” she panted and gripped his hair, shoving more flesh into his greedy mouth.
Poseidon moved to the other side and sucked and nibbled the dark areola that tasted of sweet cherries. His cock kicked against Kiiara’s stomach, reminding him not to forget about the ache between his legs.
He squeezed her ass and pulled her against his hard length, the friction soothing his painful need. Kiiara hiked a leg around his hip, and his hand slid through the crease of her apple-shaped bottom and between her legs to her dripping core. His mouth left her breast and traveled up, kissing a trail until he reached her ear.
“You’re so wet for me, Kiiara mou,” he whispered and bit her earlobe.
He groaned when her hand slid from his neck and down his chest and continued lower. When she palmed his shaft, sliding up and down the entire length, he growled and rocked against her grip.
“And, you are
very hard,” she purred, gazing at him seductively as she stroked his erection.
His cock jerked in agreement, and she responded with a wicked smile. Poseidon’s hand continued to rub between her wet folds, applying pressure across her engorged clit. She moaned her pleasure and ground against his hand, all the while keeping eye contact with him. Sexy. As. Fuck.
“I want to see you cum,” he demanded and switched their positions so that she could rest her back against the shower wall.
Poseidon palmed her breast and at the same time, slid a finger inside her hot core. Kiiara arched her back and clamped down, milking him as he fingered her.
“More,” she gasped, and her hand roamed to her other breast, tugging the hard peak.
Her flushed skin was a hot flame under his palm, and her chest heaved with her erratic breaths. He could feel her pounding heart when his hand squeezed the soft globe.
Poseidon feared he would cum from the sensual sight. She was confident and sure, knowing what pleased her and she wasn’t afraid to show it. He had never been more aroused by a female, and his cock ached to fill her tight sheath.
He inserted another finger, and a primitive sound left her throat. It wasn’t so much the sound of her groan as it was to see her touching herself.
“I like to watch. Show me more,” Poseidon demanded and added a third finger. Kiiara was so tight and hot he wanted to shove his cock in and fuck her against the tile wall.
Kiiara’s hand left her breast and slowly traveled down her flat stomach until it reached the small thatch of hair between her legs. She continued lower to rest her hand on top of his then swirled a finger against her clit and moaned, eyes locked on his.
Poseidon’s heart pounded a drumbeat against his chest. His cock was about to explode. He had to get inside her but he couldn’t just yet. Watching her was too fucking good.
