He led her to another area where Arianna and Hector were hotly debating an issue with two other men. “These mild mannered creatures are two of my sons, Triton and Allus, and those even sweeter looking women are their wives.” He pointed off into the distance. “The rabble over there are a few of my grandchildren.”
Nero’s sons stopped bickering and turned towards Jenna. Their eyes were almost a little freaky, huge, round and deep blue. “You are Mars…Marcus’ future wife?” Triton asked.
“No,” Jenna stated bluntly. She wished they’d all get over this betrothal issue. “I’m not planning on marrying anyone for a long time yet.”
“How strange. I thought the purpose of us being here was to meet the woman, not his mistress.” The way he looked at Jenna made her skin crawl.
Arianna picked up on how uneasy Jenna was looking. “Come and sit next to me.”
Jenna didn’t want to be around any of Nero’s children. The way they were gawping at her made her feel like an antelope walking into a pride of lions. “Actually, I’d arranged to meet Marcus at the stables,” she lied. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
She walked away with speed from the terrace, rubbing her arms to stop the chill that had spread over her. All she’d needed with Nero’s sons was a few seconds to come to the conclusion they were vile, in complete contrast to their charismatic father. It took a while to find the stables, the estate was so big. They were magnificent, with such a fine collection of horses. Hercules whinnied loudly when she walked in.
“Hello, boy,” she murmured rubbing his nose. “A friendly face is a welcome sight indeed.”
“Can I help you, my lady,” a voice behind her made her jump. It was a stable boy.
“Yes, I need my horse tacked up.”
“I am sorry for asking, but which one is yours?”
“I’d like to take Hercules, but I think Marcus might be a little upset. It is that chestnut mare at the end.”
A few minutes later, Jenna was ready to go. She was disappointed Marcus had not shown, she would have thought Arianna would have told him she was at the stables. Not wanting to mix with Nero’s vile family, she had no choice but to ride out by herself.
“If Marcus shows up, could you tell him I’ve already headed off,” Jenna instructed the young boy.
Not having a clue where she was going, Jenna aimed for the forest bordering the estate, and soon picked up a well-ridden pathway. It was a real pleasure to ride through a forest, the dense shade keeping her protected from the hot morning sun. Nero’s family reminded her a great deal of her aunt’s family. They were always grasping, never happy with what they had. The way Triton and Allus were arguing with Arianna and Hector, she got a similar feel. Perhaps they resented Aurelius’ success. Whatever the case, she was not going to let them ruin this most romantic of locations.
Mars sauntered out to the terrace a little later than planned. He had had to transport back to Rome to sort out an issue that had arisen. The perks of being a God, he could virtually be in two locations at the same time. He glanced around and could not see Jenna.
“Has Jenna not been out?” he asked Minerva.
“Yes. She did not stay, she said she was meeting you at the stables.”
“How long ago was that?”
“A good while.”
“We’re supposed to be meeting your wretched bride, Mars,” Triton grunted. “All we’ve seen so far is some passably pretty woman who I presume is your mistress.”
A split second later Mars’ hand was around Triton’s throat. “Jenna is my future bride, not my mistress. What did you say to her?”
“Release him, Mars,” Jupiter barked. “Jenna has ridden out into the forest. Ajax is watching her. But I suggest you go after her and talk her around, otherwise she may well head back to Rome.” Jupiter looked at his two nephews. “You two will change your attitudes or you will be leaving here swiftly. Jenna is set to become the Goddess of War, so I would treat her with a bit more dignity.”
Mars was cross with himself for thinking he could leave Jenna in the hands of Neptune’s vile sons. They were always resentful that it was Jupiter’s children who became the deities. He was surprised to find Hercules tacked and waiting.
“The lady said you would be along,” the stable boy answered his unspoken question.
Mars leapt into the saddle and galloped off into the forest. He already knew Jenna’s location thanks to ever-faithful Ajax. She looked deep in thought as he rode up, staring off into the distance.
“You should have waited for me,” he said gently.
“Sorry, I needed to get away,” she gave him an apologetic smile.
“It is I who need to apologise. I should have warned you about Triton and Allus. They are, to use one of your phrases, complete dicks.”
Jenna chuckled. “Personally, I think they are far worse. They make my skin crawl,” she shivered.
“You’ll be pleased to know their children are far nicer. Just your average boisterous kids.”
“Good. But I would rather spend my time with you than them.”
Mars felt a warm sensation creep over him. “You might have to suffer them over lunch, then how about you and I have that swim alone. Completely undisturbed.”
“I’d like that,” she smiled shyly.
Certain parts of his body were getting ahead of themselves just thinking about their naked bodies wrapped around each other in the water. He didn’t want to wait, he wanted her now. But he could not rush her, if he tried she might go in the other direction altogether.
They turned the horses around and started to amble back slowly the way they had come.
“Do you come out here very often to relax?” Jenna asked.
“No. Rome usually keeps me busy.”
“You’ve never told me what you actually do to relax when you’re not being Marshall.”
“I will always be Marshall. It is not something I can step away from.”
“But you’re out here with me now.”
“Yes. Because I am hoping you will realise you care very deeply for me and want me permanently in your life.”
The look she gave him sent a rush of heat searing through his body. “You know how I feel. It is just the location of my life that I have a problem with.”
“Can you not live permanently as you do now, with just visiting Arula every now and then?”
“No. I am only supposed to study with McVale for a few years. I cannot expect them to allow me permanent access through the gateway. And after my study term is up, people will think it strange if I keep disappearing for long periods of time.”
“We will work on finding a solution, Jenna. There must be one.” He was a God and they always got what they wanted.
Jenna found lunch quite strained. Claudia and Arianna had obviously been instructed by Marcus to protect her from Nero’s vicious family, so she was seated well out of reach. What they couldn’t protect her from were the glares emanating her way.
“What are you and Marcus doing this afternoon?” Claudia asked as Jenna picked aimlessly at her food.
“I wanted to swim,” she gave half a smile.
“I’ve not met many ladies who can swim,” Nero spoke up. “Is that a usual activity in Arula?”
“Yes. Being an island nation, we are taught to swim from an early age. I was three when I learnt.”
“Three?”
“Yes. I could thrash around and just about keep my head above water.”
“How extraordinary.”
“Not really. Most animals can swim from birth. We humans have to be taught.”
Aurelius laughed. “I’ve never really thought about it like that. But yes, us human must be a little backward.”
Jenna kept her eyes focused firmly on Marcus the rest of the meal as he stroked her hand. In fact all she could think about was what might happen in the water. Would that be the moment she and him finally got it together? Her abdomen filled with butterflies. Was she ready?
M
arcus stood up suddenly. “Will you excuse me for a moment?”
He seemed to be gone an age, so much so that everyone had started to drift away. Perhaps he had gone off the idea of an afternoon swim. Feeling a little dejected, Jenna made her way down to the beach and flopped down in the gazebo. Maybe Marcus couldn’t actually swim, she thought. Whatever the reason for his absence, again, she needed a dip in the ocean. Slipping her clothes off, she wrapped the sheet around her and sauntered down to the end of the jetty.
She’d only been in the water a matter of minutes before she spotted him on the end of the jetty.
“You were supposed to wait for me,” he growled.
“I had no idea where you disappeared off to,” she retorted and watched in awe as he dropped his tunic. God the man was magnificent. A lady should look away, but she couldn’t; impressive didn’t even start to sum up his naked body. She watched him dive in and swim up to her.
“I apologise, I should have told you. Whilst I may not be in Rome, I still have to receive and answer dispatches.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her. Hot and salty. She found it impossible to tread water and kiss at the same time. As soon as their mouths met, she felt herself slip under the water. She resurfaced for air a short while later spluttering. It certainly wasn’t as romantic as people made out.
Marcus laughed and steered her back towards the beach, so at least they could stand. She found even that a challenge when their naked bodies touched and his hands started to caress her. Suddenly he scooped her up and carried her up the beach to the gazebo. Jenna’s heart was pumping like crazy as he lowered her onto the cushions.
His mouth was everywhere, but she was not really feeling the moment. She actually felt like a half drowned creature from the deep, with sand in various parts of her body. Mixed with a crust of salt, she felt anything but sexy.
“Marcus, stop,” she murmured, trying to get his attention.
“What’s wrong? Are you not enjoying this?” he responded huskily.
“Yes. No.” She gazed up into his black eyes. “This isn’t how I imagined it.”
“And what did you imagine?” his kissed her ear.
“Not being covered in salt water for one thing. I want to run my mouth over your rather magnificent body and not feel like I’ve licked a pillar of salt. I’ve got sand in places where the sun doesn’t shine which will cause major irritation for the both of us. And I look anything but desirable.”
“You look just perfect to me,” he nibbled her ear lobe.
“And I never thought my first time would be in public.” She pushed a lock of his dark hair behind his ear. “This is a very romantic spot, but it is broad daylight and your family could come charging down here at any moment.”
“They have instructions to leave us alone.”
“I’m sorry,” Jenna wriggled out of his hold. “This just feels wrong. We might be in the most beautiful of locations but it feels too contrived.”
“You are denying me?” he asked incredulously.
“Perhaps my reluctance is a sign that we are not meant to be, at least not yet.” Jenna felt totally deflated. She loved Marcus so how come she could not take that final step?
A series of loud squeals rescued her from a very awkward conversation. It seemed Nero’s grandchildren didn’t listen to instructions. With Marcus’ attention and anger diverted momentarily, Jenna made a grab for her robe.
Marcus caught up with her before she reached the villa. “Our conversation is not yet over. Not by a long stretch.” He sounded anything but happy. And who could blame him. She felt dreadful for leading him on then saying no at the last minute. But she hadn’t planned to.
“It was a mistake to come here,” Jenna admitted. “Your mother meant well, but it isn’t working. Our relationship cannot be hurried along. If something is to happen, then it will, but in its own time.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I’m going to leave at first light. I’ll understand if you don’t want to come with me, I’ve hurt you enough.”
He caught hold of her arm as she tried to leave. “Of course I will take you back to Rome if that is what you wish. This changes nothing though, Jenna. You are still destined to be with me.” Watching her run up to the villa, he cursed his mother for having concocted this notion that Jenna would fall willingly in such a beautiful location. If anything this trip had damaged their fragile relationship.
Julius was in a quandary as to what do about his older brother. He was mortified Augustus could betray Amelia in such a way. He was curious as to the occupant of the house he had seen Augustus come out of, so decided to be a bit of sleuthing. Perched under a tree at the end of the street, he had a good view of the front door. Whilst sitting there he tried to recall his lesson from that morning, but his mind was clearly focussed on what his brother was up to.
What he hadn’t banked on was running into Amelia.
“What are you doing here?” he asked sceptically. He hoped she did not know about Augustus’ deceit.
“I’m on my way to Mars’ temple,” Amelia responded. “What are you doing loitering on a street corner?”
“I’m waiting for someone,” he tried to look as innocent as he could.
“Well, don’t hang around too long or people will think you’re up to no good,” she smiled.
Much to his dismay, the unthinkable happened. Augustus chose that exact moment to come out the house. The half-dressed woman was not letting him going easily. Thankfully he had his back to them. Amelia was frozen to the spot as she stared at Augustus’ departing figure.
“That was who you were waiting for?” she murmured.
“I’m sorry. I was waiting to confront him, to find out what he was up to.” Julius sounded crestfallen.
“I think that was painfully obvious,” Amelia wiped away a tear that had escaped. “How long has this been going on?”
“I saw him come out yesterday.”
“I think I might return to the temple.”
“I’ll walk you,” he offered miserably.
“It’s fine, thank you Julius. I would rather be on my own right now.”
Julius watched Amelia walk back the way she had come, clearly shocked and hurt at Augustus’ deceit. He felt even worse, not sure if Amelia thought he was trying to cover up his brother’s activities. He hoped Augustus knew what he was doing. He owed everything to Jenna, and all it took was one word from her in the Emperor’s ear, and Augustus could find himself unemployed.
CHAPTER 12
Jenna stayed in her room the rest of the day. She felt it better for everyone as she really wasn’t in the mood to talk to people. All that filled her mind was her relationship with Marcus. She did not want to end it, she loved him. So what was stopping her taking the final steps? She was scared. Scared that she was being drawn out of her depths, that she was in very grave danger of drowning if she gave herself over completely to him.
Did she really want to spend the rest of her life wondering what it would have been like? Sure it was not a relationship that could ever really last, despite what he thought, but was it not worth seizing the time that they did have together and enjoying it to the full?
She had barely touched the food the servant had brought to her room, but the wine did offer some relief. Staring out from the terrace, the gardens all seemed wonderfully quiet. A walk would perhaps clear her frazzled head. For some reason she found herself drawn back to the sea. The moonlight was reflecting off the water as she gazed out at the expanse of black from the jetty. The serenity of the view was working, she felt much more in control, which was good as she could suddenly sense Marcus standing behind her.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she murmured, turning around to face him.
“Me neither.”
She smiled. He was wearing just a wrap around his lower half, the moonlight giving her just enough sight of his torso. She took his hand and led him to the gazebo. Resting her head against his chest, she realised exactly what she wanted.
; “I’m scared, Marcus,” she confessed. “Scared that if I give myself to you it will totally destroy me when I have to leave.”
“I will never let you leave, Jenna,” his voice sounded strained.
“That might be beyond your control,” she sighed. “But whatever the future holds, I would rather spend what time I have with you than live in fear of what could hurt me.”
“You should not be afraid of me, Jenna. I could never hurt you,” he kissed the top of her head.
Jenna took a deep breath and let her robe fall to the ground. “Love me,” she whispered reaching up to kiss him.
Destined for a Deity (Mark of Mars) Page 12
