Apollo paused.
Cassie wanted to yank her sweaty hand from Apollo’s grip and run. Why didn’t he just say no, never, not going to happen and be done with it? Why was he prolonging her humiliation?
He reached into the pocket of his slacks and captured her with his striking azure gaze. “Cassie, I’d be honored if you’d be my wife.”
“What?” She couldn’t have heard him right. That had to be her imagination. Apollo pulled a gold band from his pocket, lifted her trembling hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. “For now and forever.” He pressed his lips to her knuckles.
Cassie couldn’t tear her gaze from Apollo’s face and the tender look in his eyes. “Really?” she murmured. “But I thought…”
“I was a fool,” he interrupted.
Her vision blurred with pooling moisture. “What changed your mind?”
“You.” The edges of his mouth tilted up. “Nothing exists without you, not for me.”
“Hold on.” Her dad’s voice floated to her over the table. “I’d like to know more about you first.” He raked Apollo with a harsh glare. “What is it that you do?”
“Do?” Apollo answered.
“Yes, work, career, how do you intend to support my daughter?” The lines around her dad’s mouth deepened.
“I don’t work,” Apollo said without apology.
Cassie knew that wouldn’t fly with her dad. He expected husbands to be responsible and have a solid future.
A low growl resonated in her dad’s throat and he stared at Apollo a long while. “You must do something.”
Apollo shrugged. “I play a number of instruments.”
Her dad’s face blazed red. He lifted his napkin from his lap and threw it down on the table with force. “Cassie, a musician?” he roared. “He’s unemployed. Where do you find them? The last young man actually showed up outside of my car trying to get a job at the FBI. I told him off.”
Cassie perked up and the back of her neck tingled. “You did what?”
He shook his graying head. “Oh, there’s been a slew of these kind, opportunists sniffing for money. Eric was the worst of that lot. If he hadn’t backed off, I would have put the fear of the all mighty in him.”
Apollo nodded. “I'm in agreement with you. Some of the people she’s dated. They weren’t worth the price of the soil they were crafted from.”
Cassie stared between the two. “But I was young. I just wanted to have a boyfriend and have fun. Dating wasn’t serious, it never got to that point.”
“Not with those derelict rejects,” grumbled her dad. “I had to scare one away by sending the agents to his door to interrogate him. He never called again.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped and her stomach felt like she’d swallowed a bag of rocks. “It was you? Daddy, you didn’t get rid of everyone I went out with, did you?”
He leaned back in his seat. “Not all. A few took off without my help, but the majority needed at least a stern talking to before they’d leave you alone. I saw to that.” He smiled and rested his hands over his belly in a manner, suggesting that he was proud of himself.
“You didn't?” she breathed.
“Princess.” He sat up and patted her free hand resting on the table. “It’s my duty as your father to protect you from riffraff. None of those young men were worthy of you. And now you consider a proposal from this pretty boy with no ambition and no job.” He scowled at Apollo. “Every few months another flake to brush off.”
Apollo’s jaw clenched. “I don’t work because I have no need. I have more than sufficient means to care for Cassie. She’ll want for nothing.”
Her dad sneered. “We’ll see. You do understand that I’ll have to check you out. I can’t be too careful with my only daughter.”
Apollo’s nostrils flared. Cassie feared his temper would ignite and her dad would be hanging from the ceiling fan any moment.
Cassie hadn’t recovered from Apollo’s marriage proposal before her dad admitted he’d ruined her social life, and stripped away her self-esteem. She continued to stare at the two of them, her lips parted ready to speak, yet unable to do more then grunt.
“Cassie?” her father growled. “I haven’t given you my blessing on this young man. Don’t do anything rash.”
Cassie’s mouth trembled. “I've lost my appetite. Apollo and I have to make arrangements to fly home.” She stood, needing to escape this nightmare. She’d had no idea that her dad had gone to such lengths to scare off men. Her reality imploded. Struggling to hold herself together among the thrash of emotions pouring in, she sucked in a breath. “I’d expect this from Mom, but not you. It’s my life and I’ll do what I want with it.”
Apollo took her arm. “Mr. Secretary.”
Her dad didn’t get up. Cassie’s eyes welled with tears. She broke free from Apollo, racing from the café and out into the open air.
Apollo caught up to her. “Your father will see reason. He’s no worse than Zeus.”
She stopped walking, shocked by his comment. “Oh, like that’s supposed to make me feel better. Zeus is a freakin’ monster. Ugh. All this time, I’d thought there was something wrong with me. It was bad enough when you ran off a few men, but this betrayal by my dad…” Cassie stomped her foot. “I knew he was controlling, and he often treated me like a little girl, but I had no idea he was this manipulative.”
“You should talk to him.”
“Why? I’m a grown woman and the damage is done.” Anger and adrenaline sizzled in her muscles and she had to move. Cassie sped through the winding streets as she vented. “Why talk to him? It’s not as if he’ll change. And I thought my mom was impossible.”
Apollo grabbed her by the elbow and slowed her escape. “He’s your father. I don’t agree with his methods, but he’s your family. Nothing on Earth or in the heavens will ever change that.”
Cassie looked into his eyes and saw truth shining back at her. “Maybe not, but I’m still angry with him.”
“Your father loves you and didn’t want those men to hurt you.”
“I might have hurt them instead. We’ll never know. I could’ve realized who was good for me, maybe gained strength and stood up for myself before now against my parents. That might have come hard, but it would’ve been worth it.”
Sadness shadowed his gaze. “It was never my intention to…”
She shook off his apology. “You wanted to protect me and I guess my dad thought he was doing the same, but I need you to understand why this upsets me.”
“Of course I understand. I have my own controlling, power-wielding father. Remember?”
“How can I forget?” Cassie wished she had argued with her dad more; expressed her needs and held her ground when it mattered to her over the years. “Have you ever gone up against Zeus?”
He pressed his lips into a firm line. “We butt heads continually. I believe he expects it. Zeus admires his children for standing up to him. Not that punishment for doing so isn’t swift and, at times, severe.”
* * *
They walked at a calmer pace along the busy street, and though Cassie’s nails no longer dug into Apollo’s arm, she did mutter under her breath on occasion. It might not be the best time, but he needed her answer. Everything hinged on this, the wager, but above that, life with his beloved. “Cassie?”
“Huh?” She kept her focus on the street as they strolled.
Apollo needed her full attention. If she accepted him, she must do so with full awareness. “Do you love me?”
Her head lifted, her dark hair a covering of black silk over her shoulders. Confusion fogged her gaze. “Yes.”
He released a breath in relief. “You accept my proposal, then?”
Her violet eyes widened, framed by thick black lashes. “Oh! Sorry. I meant to say yes, but my dad.” She shook her head. “Not going there.” Her tongue darted out between her lips. “I know you don’t agree with a mortal wedding, and I understand why. A vow from a god should be enough for any girl. I’d
rather accept your commitment of love, and this ring, than any legal paper.”
“That’s enough for you?”
She nodded, proof of her feeling for him apparent in her tearful gaze.
“Will you take vows with me?” he said. “Not in a mortal ceremony, but binding.”
Her chin trembled. “Oh, yes. When?”
“Is now too soon?”
* * *
Acres of forest lay below the Acropolis. Apollo had chosen a spot in the dense wood beside an ancient olive tree. No temple of cold stone hewn by mortal hands for this most sacred moment. He would have sun on his face and birds singing to mirror the love in his heart.
They stood together inches apart and face to face. Her beauty rivaled nature. “Are you sure?” He searched Cassie’s face for signs of doubt.
A smile lit her face and brightened her eyes. “Positive.”
Apollo removed the ring from her hand and held it up to her. The delicate gold band carved in the form of a laurel wreath had been the sign of marriage to the gods, and now it would be the symbol between he and Cassie. His throat constricted with emotion and he struggled to speak. “My love, this ring symbolizes our eternal vow. Before the gods, I promise to love you for eternity.”
Cassie swiped at tears spilling over the banks of her lashes as he took her hand. “I don’t know what to say,” she sniffed.
“Speak from your heart.”
“I’ve waited for a lasting relationship. When you offered your love I was too afraid and stubborn to accept until now. I love you Apollo, more than I have words.”
He slid the golden wreath on her finger, wrapped her in his arms and covered her mouth in a sealing kiss.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Her wedding would never hold up in court and her parents would be livid.
Cassie didn’t care.
In her heart, she knew they were joined by love. If a god had to bless the ceremony for it to count, well, she had that covered too.
A gentle breeze rustled the olive leaves on the tree. The branches swayed. Cassie stood in the shelter of her husband’s arms and sighed into the crisp white fabric of his shirt. His sweet scent made her mouth water and she lifted her gaze to take him in. “Apollo.” She swallowed. “Are we, um. Will we…you know.” Her cheeks burned.
He brushed his lips over hers. “Make love?” he whispered against her mouth.
At the moment, there was nothing she wanted more. She nodded, afraid her voice would squeak and she’d stammer. She pressed her cheek against his chest and felt the rumble of his laughter.
“I long for you.” He nuzzled the top of her head. “Our hotel is near.”
Excitement danced through her like sparks of electricity. “We have hours before we have to meet at Andromeda’s.”
“We do.” He hugged her. “But eternity will never be enough time with you.”
When they arrived at his hotel room, Cassie stared at the bed looming before her, draped in pale yellow fabric.
“Cassie.” Apollo came up behind and slipped his arms around her. “Don’t be afraid. This first time may be a bit uncomfortable, but I’ll be gentle.”
Her heart pinged and her mouth went dry. She turned in his arms to face him. “I’m not afraid, just nervous.”
He smiled, his eyes soft as the summer sky. How did curving his lips give her courage? It did. Apollo cupped one hand around her nape and cradled her head. He feathered kisses first along her hairline and then her closed eyes. She hungered for her mouth to be next. She licked her lips in anticipation.
He took her mouth, gentle strokes of his tongue gaining entrance, each swipe an artful caress and a promise of more to come. She leaned into him, her hands on his firm chest. The steady rhythm of his heart beat strong beneath her fingers. He was real. Flesh and blood—and hers.
She joined in the kiss. He groaned against her lips and deepened his efforts. Nervousness dissolved with each moment giving way to need. Her jeans were too tight. Her white gauze blouse restricted against her heated skin.
He broke off the kiss and she moaned in protest. His wet mouth moved to the tender spot on her neck. Her knees buckled. She grabbed onto his shoulders to stay upright as her head fogged and her body tingled.
“Off.” Did she say that?
Clothes fell to the floor. No embarrassment, just desire. He pressed her back into the mattress burning a trail down her body with his mouth. He stroked, kissed, caressed with tenderness and hunger. It brought back the dreams of his seduction, stoking her passion with each touch. Her hands slid down his muscled back. Her core pulsed. She couldn’t get close enough to him, needing more than skin to skin. Heat built inside her from a smolder to a scorching blaze. He entered her slowly.
Did she scream?
Not from pain. A moment of discomfort gave way to a flood of pleasure that ebbed and flowed and consumed her in waves. She floated in a sea of sensation. Each kiss and caress drove her to know his body as he claimed hers. Her lips traveled over his chest. The sweet, salty taste of him was addictive and she needed more.
He quickened his pace and took her higher. She dug her fingers into his back and hung on. She thought she’d break apart. Barriers gone, exquisite joy burst through her. Tears streamed from her eyes and dampened her hair. She couldn’t contain the love filling her and breaking free.
He pushed deeper, a relentless drive that went beyond owning her body. He demanded her soul. Release upon release wracked her until she shattered, again and again, until he owned every inch of her.
After, he gathered her to the warmth of his body and looked down at her, concern wrinkled his brow. “Are you alright? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No. I just…” She sniffed and peered through bleariness at the man she’d waited for. “I love you so much. I didn’t…I never imagined.”
Apollo ran his fingers along her jaw. She blinked to focus and saw a tear glistening on his cheek. “No words, beloved.” He kissed her.
He was right. Their hearts had already spoken.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Three hours later, Apollo and Cassie, still flushed from passion, strolled to Andromeda’s home. He drank Cassie in. Redness from his beard stubble shone on the tender skin of her face and neck. Other proof of his ardor hid beneath her clothes. Each time he took possession of her, his desire deepened. He’d never be sated. She’d wrapped herself around his heart and he’d keep her there. Apollo wished for days rather than hours to enjoy each other. Later, after they’d made arrangements for Jason’s trip to America, then he’d make love to Cassie in a manner befitting his skill.
Apollo wrapped on the door. They waited and again he knocked. No answer came. His gut turned in on itself. Something was wrong. He opened the door and walked in with Cassie close behind. The sight that met them twisted his nerves all the way down his spine. A painted chair turned on its side. A broken wine bottle on the floor, its contents poured out in a red pool on the brown tile. “Andromeda,” he called and strode by broken glass littering the ground. He’d seen this before: the signs of struggle by those forcibly taken from their homes.
“Jason?” called Cassie. She retrieved a blanket from the floor and placed it in Andromeda’s chair.
“They’ve been taken,” said Apollo, his eyes scanning, hoping to find a hastily scrawled note.
“They?” asked Cassie, pulling at a lock of her flowing hair. “Who would kidnap them?”
“It must be the group working with Hydra.” He rummaged through paper on the dining table. “There’s no other explanation.” If he’d retained prophecy, then he would’ve seen this and his friends wouldn’t be in danger. He looked up to the ceiling and mentally implored his father: Now would be a fine time to reinstate my gifts.
“But why? Jason had refused to work with them and he’s just a kid.”
No response from Zeus, but Apollo clung to hope. He glanced back to Cassie. “They must need him. Jason is a useful young man, skilled with explosives.”
“Maybe they didn’t take him,” she said twisting her hair until it looked like an inky cord of rope. “He might have gotten away.”
Apollo shook his head. “No. They’d only take Andromeda to force Jason’s cooperation.”
Footsteps sounded from the back of the small house. “Jason?” said Cassie.
“I thought you’d return.” A dark-haired man trained an automatic weapon on Apollo. Four other men, two carrying similar guns, strode into the cramped space.
“George,” snarled Cassie. “You rotten bastard.”
The man nodded to her. “A pleasure.”
Apollo wouldn’t chance Cassie’s life by fighting them. He was mortal and five against one wasn’t the best odds.
“You escaped from us once, Cassie, but not again,” said George. “Tie them up, him first.” He tossed a coil of rope to a freckled young man. George leveled the gun on Cassie as he spoke to Apollo. “Give us any trouble and she’s dead.”
Freckleface moved behind Apollo. “Hands behind your back.”
Apollo glared at George, but complied. Trapped by mortals, he ground his teeth in frustration. When he was able, he’d thrash the lot of them. Freckles bound his wrists together.
A man, the shape of a brick, yanked a pack off of his back and reached inside, pulling out a glass bottle and a cloth. Cassie’s eyes widened and she backed away.
A skinny young man grabbed her arms from behind. “Hold still. It won’t hurt.”
She struggled and he shook her hard. Cassie stumbled on her heels. “Let us go. You don’t know who you’re messing with.” She stared at Apollo with hope shining in her eyes.
Her trust stabbed into him. He had to do something. Apollo glared at Skinny, but not so much as a puff of smoke wafted above the man’s head. Apollo growled.
George smirked and brandished his gun. “We know who you are Cassie. The secretary of state’s daughter is a useful prize. I prefer to deliver you alive, but that’s up to you.”
The brick stalked toward Cassie with a rag clutched in his thick fingers.
Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series) Page 16
