Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series)

by Sandy Rowland

  She was not a child.

  And that was the problem.

  “Of course,” he said. “You have limited experience with men.”

  Her glance fell. Limited was kind. Next to none was more accurate. She swallowed and dragged her gaze up his body landing on his tempting mouth. That trail up his chiseled abs did nothing to cool the warmth spreading in her core. Cassie’s feet carried her forward to stop directly before him. How had she ever become so brazen? The feelings pulsing through her went far beyond attraction. Cassie reached out with trembling fingers and touched his chest. “Apollo.”

  His eyes sparked with light. He put his hand on hers and dragged it inch by inch over soft skin down his body, stopping low on his abdomen. “Are you sure?”

  She quaked with anticipation. Was she sure? What woman had ever been sure of the man she was about to make love with? Her gaze fixed on his. She saw desire mingled with tenderness, and it called to her.

  Focusing on his chin, she could avoid what intrigued her. “I’m not sure of anything, least of all what I want at this moment.”

  “You know what you want, Cassie.” His voice sounded rough. ”Or you wouldn’t be here.”

  Cassie had to think this through; she’d waited so long for this experience. But sex with a god? She lifted her gaze to his full lips, afraid that staring into his eyes would betray her need. “Standing here doesn’t mean I know what I want—well, I might want. It doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.” She sounded like an idiot.

  She had to get a grip on herself. If they were going to make love, she had to be able to look him in the eye. Cassie willed her gaze to his. That wasn’t so hard. “I, um,” What was she going to do? He would no doubt rock her world, but she knew herself. For her, sex would be a commitment with him, one she’d never get over. Her hand remained poised on his belly.

  He lifted a questioning brow. “I lost at cards, remember. We don’t have to.”

  This was the moment of decision. She’d just shared a bottle of ouzo and might not be thinking clearly, but she did want him. Not just for this first experience of making love, but because Apollo valued her. He found her capable and beautiful, and he believed in her. But was that enough of a motive to give herself to him?

  Cassie waited for a reason to forge ahead or to warn her off. The prickle at the back of her neck didn’t come, but she couldn’t be sure. Her entire body tingled. She hesitated. Her body ached for him. Her moist hands shook and her brain refused to consider possible outcomes.

  He dipped his head and nuzzled her ear. Something large and firm pushed against her belly. She didn’t look, but guessed it must be his, um. Oh hell, she couldn’t even think the word. This might be a mistake.

  His mouth moved against her neck. “If you want to make love, it would be best if we removed your clothes.”

  “Clothes?” she sputtered, and jerked her hand away from his belly.

  “They tend to get in the way,” he whispered, then unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down her hips.

  She froze. “Uh, I. Uh.” She stepped back, clutched her waistband, already low on her hips and showing the top of her white underwear. Was this how she wanted her first time? No romance, just a god willing to take her to bed? Desiring Apollo wasn’t enough. She’d wanted more for herself. A commitment and marriage and this wasn’t either. This would be sex. And then more sex and it would be fantastic, because it was Apollo. And damn it. She couldn’t do it.

  “No.” she yanked up her jeans. “I can't”

  He lifted his head. His mouth was tight. “Why not? It looked like you could a moment ago.”

  “I was wrong.”

  * * *

  Apollo used every ounce of control not to take her. His member throbbed with need. She’d tempted him, and now she left him wanting. Did she mean to torment him and deny herself? He grumbled. Cassie was a virgin. Of course she’d hesitate, but he’d never expected her to flee from passion.

  She backed away. “I’m sorry. I thought I could do this, but rejection was difficult enough when the relationships were superficial.” She shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “Making love with you would mean everything. I know that now.”

  “And that’s a problem?”

  “It is for me. You won’t stay, you can’t. You’re a god, for hell’s sake.”

  “What does my being a god have to do with it? Mortal men leave women every day.”

  She swiped at her eyes with a shaky hand. “Exactly. I care for you too much to go further without a commitment.”

  His insides shook. No woman had urged him for a commitment in millennia. She couldn’t be serious. “What are you asking, marriage?”

  Cassie nodded, zipped up her jeans, and secured the button with a sniff. “Yes.”

  Apollo loved her, but marriage was another matter. He’d seen the arguments between Zeus and Hera. At times, Apollo pitied them both for joining. The constant fights had driven Zeus into the arms of many women, and Apollo didn’t want that for Cassie. “It’s a ridiculous idea.”

  “I know.” Tears spilled the banks of her lashes. “Could you get dressed? You’re distracting.” She swiped at her eyes with her fingers.

  He hated women’s tears: more so the tears of this particular woman. That he was the cause irked him. It did more than irk, it crushed his heart like a vice. “Cassie, how can mortal vows hold a god?” He grabbed his slacks from the end of the bed.

  She cleared her throat. “I suppose they can’t. Is there no marriage between mortals and gods?”

  “The gods marry. Zeus and Hera, Hades and Persephone, but none of those unions are ideal. Why would you wish to be condemned to such a life?” She couldn’t really expect marriage, could she? He put one leg into his slacks and then the other.

  “Is that how you see all marriage or just marriage with me?”

  “Marriage is marriage.” He shrugged, dismissing the idea and pulled up the slacks. “I am a god and you mortal. I love you. Isn’t that commitment enough between us?” Hadn’t she suffered enough as Cassandra that she insisted on more pain in this life? It made no sense.

  Her lower lip trembled. “Not for me.” She turned and shuffled to the door.

  In his heart, he knew he could stop her with his promise of marriage and fill her with sweet words of conjugal bliss, but it would be the grandest lie he’d ever fabricated. The price to them both would be too high. “Where are you going?”

  Cassie didn’t turn to look at him, but opened the door. “To get my own room.” She stood motionless as if waiting for him to say something. When he didn’t, she said, “Will you do one thing for me?”

  “If I’m able.”

  “Ask Zeus for help.” Cassie walked through the door and closed it behind her.

  Emotion wrestled within him. He loved Cassie more than any woman, but was the feeling burning through his chest enough to ensure happiness? His gift of prophecy would have been useful at this moment. If their future had proven destructive, even Cassie would have to see the wisdom of enjoying each other for a time rather than promising for all time.

  He slipped off his clothes, donned a toga and willed himself to the heavens and an audience with Zeus.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “How could Cassie doubt my commitment? I said that I loved her,” Apollo grumbled as he strode through the entry to the court of the gods. He risked an audience with Zeus when he knew it was a mistake. All for love of Cassie.

  Marble columns surrounded him, as rigid and imposing as his father. Apollo bowed before him. Zeus wore green shorts and an orange tank top with a straw hat perched upon his head. His father drummed his fingers on the arm of his golden throne in obvious annoyance. He must have plans. Apollo hoped that Zeus would want done with this and side quickly in his favor.

  The seats flanking Zeus housed Hades, dressed in his usual drab garb, Athena, the goddess of love, ensconced in pink gossamer, and his sister Artemis, draped in a traditional linen toga, with her quiver of arrows and
bow resting at her feet. The rest of the seats were vacant. Not a good sign. Apparently there wasn’t much interest in Earth’s welfare.

  Apollo breathed in, steeling himself to convince them. “Great Zeus, thank you for giving ear to my request.”

  “What is it my son? After our last meeting, I didn’t expect to see you so soon.” His brow furrowed. “Is there a problem?”

  “I ask for your mercy on Athens. Without my gift of prophecy, Hydra may well succeed and many mortals will die.”

  Hades thin gray lip curled. “Mortals die every day. It’s the way of them.”

  “So it is.” Zeus leaned back and steepled his fingers on his chest. “What is it to us that a few mortals die? Their lust for power is eternal and they think nothing of killing each other for gain.”

  Apollo didn’t like the sound of this. Zeus had always held some regard for humanity. For Cassie and men’s sake, he’d beg. “Would you punish all for the acts of a few? Have mercy on them. They don’t see the evil and are like sheep being led to slaughter.”

  “Then let them be led.” Hades pounded his bony fist on the arm of his bronze throne. “They are sheep that play at being men. If they will be led to destruction, it’s their own doing.”

  Zeus slid his gaze to Hades. “There’s wisdom in your words, but I’ll hear out my son.” His father leveled his sea-green gaze on him. “Tell me, Apollo, why should I act? The arrogance of men deserves retribution and they’ve created the means. Their pride blinds them. They are foolish and content in the illusion of safety. I hope you have more to justify your request than a few mortal lives.”

  His father had a point. Men trusted in science, not in the gods. Apollo had to take another tack. “If not for men, then for the city of Athens.” Apollo lowered to one knee. “Your games are still held and your memory lives on through Mount Olympus.”

  “I do enjoy watching mortals at sport.” Zeus nodded, a faint smile on his lips.

  Hades glared with black eyes at Apollo. “These games celebrate mortal strength, not the gods. Is this the weak argument you place before great Zeus? You dishonor him and us.”

  Did Apollo have anything weightier than life to convince them? Life should have been enough, but to a god who lived forever it meant little. He tossed out the first idea that came to his mind. “Love is my reason.”

  “Love?” Athena turned her beautiful face to him, her long blond hair brushing her shoulders. “I wish to hear more.”

  Artemis leaned forward. “You, my brother, in love? I find that almost impossible to believe.” She smiled. “Tell me, who is it this time?”

  Apollo winced at the accusation. He’d claimed love or lust for many a mortal, but this was far different. This emotion rooted in his breast and would never be dug out. “It’s Cassandra, the woman I’ve reclaimed from the underworld and Hades.”

  “Oh yes, the wager.” Zeus removed his hat and scratched his head. “How is that going?”

  Lies to his father would not be tolerated, nor was it possible to deceive him for long. “She just told me she cares deeply for me.”

  Hades’ creaky laugh reverberated over the marble walls. “Cares deeply? Yes, so much so that she refused to have you in her bed.”

  “It’s a small matter. A difference of opinion,” said Apollo. “If my gift of prophecy were reinstated, I could woo Cassie more effectively and win my wager. Hades seeks an unfair advantage from the loss of my gift.”

  Zeus stared down at Apollo from his throne high above the arena where the gods made requests and begged for mercy. Zeus hadn’t been to Earth in thousands of years and had lost touch with the struggles of men. Mercy on behalf of mortals was doubtful. Apollo lowered himself to both knees. “Father, what can I do to gain your favor?”

  Hades’ grin darkened his features and turned evil. “Give up your love. That’s a worthy sacrifice. You can’t love a mortal more than Zeus.”

  Apollo’s gut twisted in on itself. Zeus did demand loyalty above all and Hades knew it. Apollo hoped his father would see through his uncle’s game.

  “Do you love this woman?” asked his father. “Is she all that you’d hoped for and is she worth any price?”

  “She is.” Apollo might not have the gift of prophecy, but he could feel in his churning stomach that things were going in the wrong direction. Help saving the embassy was the last thing Cassie had asked from him. He couldn’t give up. He cleared his throat. “Hades is a selfish monster, hoping to maneuver you so he wins the bet. Don’t listen to him.”

  Zeus growled and sat up straight. Lightning flashed in his eyes. “Don’t counsel me. I know Hades strives to win. I’m lord and will not be manipulated by god or man. You’ll stay Apollo while I think on this.”

  “But Athens will fall.”

  “It may,” said Zeus. “The Fates have decreed the attack in two days.”

  “Two days?” It might as well be two hours. He didn’t even have a plan. “Then I ask for your answer now.” Apollo knew he pushed the mightiest of all the gods. Not wise, but desperation won out over wisdom. Artemis shook her head at him.

  The turbulent sea in his father’s gaze rolled into angry dark green. A hurricane brewed in their depths. “I will not be commanded by my son and in my own court,” he rumbled in a voice like thunder. Zeus slammed his staff on the marble floor and the entire temple shook. “Your arrogance rivals men’s.”

  Apollo sunk low, hoping to dodge any stray thunderbolts. “Forgive me. My love for Cassandra causes me to act desperate.”

  The fire in his gaze cooled. “I will not separate you from this woman, but I won’t aid you to destroy Hydra. I command that no help be given to Apollo.” Zeus directed his fierce gaze on those present and they bowed under the weight of it. “I will be lenient to you this last time. Rather than send my lightning to level the city, I will return you to save it. If you can.”

  Apollo sucked in a breath. He didn’t expect mercy. “Thank you.”

  Zeus raised his hand in warning, his eyes swirled dark. “That’s not all. I return you, not with your gift of prophecy restored, but as a mortal.”

  Gasps echoed from the walls. Hade’s blackened grin spread over his chalky face.

  Apollo sunk to the ground and prostrated himself. “No. Please. They’ll die.”

  “Then so be it,” said Zeus.

  Apollo’s bones felt like they’d been filled with lead. He struggled to his feet.

  Tears ran down his sister’s pale cheeks and she ran to his side. Her blue eyes flashed. “Please father. Can’t you find some small gift to aid him? Hades drools over obtaining my brother’s service.” She pointed her slender finger at their uncle. “Look at the evil sitting beside you.”

  Zeus glanced to Hades. “He is what he is and always has been. I didn’t make the wager with Hades. Apollo did.”

  Artemis opened her mouth to speak, but Apollo pressed his fingers to her lips to silence her. “No use, sister. I’ll take what comes, fight Hydra, and love Cassie as a mortal. If the Fates decree, I’ll die with her.”

  * * *

  In the morning, Cassie wasn’t ready to face Apollo on an empty stomach. She’d bared her soul to him. He’d stared at her with his compelling blue eyes as if she’d asked for the impossible. He was a god, damn it. Marriage was within his power and he’d refused to commit to her. Like all the other jerks. It might be ridiculous, but it was what she wanted. Her mother had always told her it would be a mistake to settle for less in relationships and in life. All or nothing. “Have I chosen nothing?”

  She shook off the depressing thoughts and left her room. Cassie walked two blocks to the market and stopped before a stand where a plump woman sold bread. The comforting scent of baked dough surrounded the stand. Her mouth watered. She’d barely eaten in two days. Freshly toasted pita beckoned.

  A sharp prick at the base of her skull ruined the moment. Someone watched her. It was the same creepy feeling from the other day. Cassie scanned the busy market.

  “Cassi
e.” George closed the distance between them. “I’ve heard something. I’ll tell you over coffee, but first, I must stop by a friend’s shop. It’ll only take a moment.”

  He leaned close. The sharp scent of oregano clung to him. “I was about to call your hotel. I can’t believe my luck meeting you here.”

  The back of her neck itched and she rubbed it away with her fingers. Was someone following her? That’s silly. Who would do that? “I’m the lucky one.” She smiled. Finally, a break in this mess. Maybe they wouldn’t need help from Zeus after all.

  They strolled down a narrow street and turned right. “There.” George nodded to a small, white building crowded between two beige apartments. Garlic braids hung in the window and a huge pot of rosemary sat outside. “Here we are. You must come inside and meet my friend. We go way back.”

  Cassie followed George inside the shop. Pungent aromas of herbs washed over her like a Mediterranean breeze. Oregano hung in clumps on the wall and rosemary branches were strewn on a table near the front. A pottery bowl loaded with lemons sat next to the cash register near the door. The fresh scents made her mouth water.

  “Nic,” called George to the back of a squat, balding man packing a box behind the register.

  The man faced them. He was dark, with soft brown eyes. “You’re here so soon. Have you brought me a customer?”

  George laughed. “This is Cassie Priam, the American woman I told you about. We happened upon each other in the market. Imagine my surprise.”

  Nic’s smile broadened. “Yes. A pleasure to meet you.” He walked around the counter and took her hand. “George didn’t tell me you were so beautiful. Come with me to the back for coffee and a little something to eat while my friend and I do business.”

  Cassie’s neck prickled and the sensation shimmied down her spine. Something was off, but what? Maybe she was close to gaining information on Hydra?

  Shrugging off the warning, she followed Nic as George brought up the rear. They made their way through a room overpowered by sweet lavender, jasmine and calendula hanging in bunches from the ceiling. A heavy table scattered with packets of rich spices looked ready for sale. The delicious scents argued with the tingle at the base of her head.