Finding Paradise (The Gods of Oakleigh Book 1)

by Juanita Kees

  With each stroke of his hands at her back, her body tingled and yearned for more. He’d left his reluctance on the dance floor and now the connection between them had shifted from rigid tension to comfortable awareness.

  Under her cheek, a soft laugh rumbled in his chest. “Just like Zeus’ brew, it is a taste we need to enjoy slowly, to savour the full body and worship every drop.”

  How could she argue with that? Not when he made having sex sound like making love, and she didn’t doubt for a moment that a night of passion was on the agenda. Maybe not tonight … maybe only in her dreams.

  “This is no dream, my Faerie Queen,” he said, placing a kiss on her head again.

  Arian’s eyes flew open and she stiffened against him. “How do you do that? How do you read my mind?”

  His chest lifted and fell as he sighed. Gentle hands cupped her shoulders and steadied her back on her feet. “That is a story for another day, perhaps when I have earned your trust. Come, let’s take a walk on the beach. If I stand here much longer with you in my arms, I am going to forget about going slow.”

  Her hand in his, they climbed down the steps of the terrace and onto the sandy beach. The gentle splash of the waves in the moonlight accompanied them as they walked. For the first time she could remember, she enjoyed the beauty of silence in any man’s company. There were no awkward attempts at conversation, only the comfort of their entwined fingers and the warmth of his arm brushing hers as he guided her towards the old stone archway near the rocks.

  Stepping under the arch, he sat down on the sand and drew her down beside him, placed an arm around her and tugged her close. “Comfortable?”

  Arian nodded against his shoulder. “So, tell me about Jax Polemistis.”

  She looked up and studied his profile in the light of the moon. A soft, neatly trimmed beard brushed the strong curve of his jaw and caressed the bronzed skin under his cheekbones. Arian gathered enough courage to let her hand follow the curve of it to his ear, where she tucked away the length of his dark brown, wavy hair. It fell over the collar of his shirt, just long enough to be sexy as it curled at the nape. Her fingers retraced their steps to touch the curve of his bottom lip, a little fuller than the top one. He kissed her fingertips then drew her hand down to his chest where he anchored it against his heart.

  “Not much to tell, really. I was born in Greece and have lived in Oakleigh for some years now. I’m a barrister by day and at night I wield a different sword of justice behind the bar at Odys’ nightclub in Richmond.”

  Arian smiled. “You’re a bouncer? You’d have to be fit and strong for that. Those blokes in Richmond can get a little feisty during footy season.”

  He chuckled and she thought she could grow used to the light laughter brought to his beautiful eyes. “Yes, I’ve had my share of black eyes over the years from the fights they start. What about you, Arianrhod, Queen of the Faeries?”

  Arian smiled wistfully. “I’m no faerie, nor am I a queen. My gran used to call me her faerie princess though. She believed she was a mystical being, especially near the end. She had Alzheimer’s but she could still tell a good tale. There was one she used to tell about a magical world called Paradise where once she was the queen. Gran would say I was her successor to the throne. I used to love her stories, even if they were far-fetched. I’ll never be a queen or a princess, not even for Gran.” Sadness at the memories threatened to close in but she shook it off. She missed Gran so much. “I’m just Arian Kendrick, a boring geographical surveyor born in St Kilda and raised in Fairfield.”

  “I cannot imagine there is anything boring about you, agape mou.”

  “I bet you say that to all the girls you meet,” Arian scoffed. Meaningless words he whispered knowing they’d never see each other again, but God help her he was hard to resist. Despite her doubts, some un-nameable, invisible cord wound around her heart and drew her closer. She traced her fingertips across the open collar of his shirt, brushing the smooth skin that lay beneath. Her finger dipped into the groove at the base of his strong neck and followed the path of his collarbone as far as the fabric of his shirt would allow.

  Jax captured her wandering hand. “No, you will find I never say anything I don’t mean.” He tipped up her chin to look deep into her eyes. There was no mistaking the message in them. It burned through her, turning her insides to mush, touching the deepest, most secret, and right now, most sensitive spot in her body.

  If a mere look could deliver an orgasm, she’d just experienced a multiple one. A shiver slipped through her and she leaned closer, drawn by the invisible cord that snapped and sparked between them. With a frustrated growl, Jax swept her onto his lap, crushed her against his chest and kissed her, long and hard, until her head spun and the wash of the waves faded away.

  Of all the emotions that swept through her, fear was not one of them as he plundered her mouth, drinking his fill, draining her energy until she lay limp in his arms. His kiss became softer, less demanding as he stroked and soothed the goosebumps of desire from her skin. With infinite care now, he released her lips. Her eyes fluttered open to meet his.

  “Wow ...”

  Here was a man who knew how to kiss. If he wanted to claim her as his, he’d get no argument from her. He should come with a health warning — like a five-litre tub of full cream triple-choc ice-cream with nuts.

  Her heart pounded in her chest and her breath came in short, sharp puffs. Gently he moved her off his lap and away from his obvious desire. She wasn’t sure whether to feel rejected or relieved. Jax pushed himself up off the sand and held out a hand.

  “Come, Arian,” he said. “Let’s walk back. This is not the place or the time.” He pulled her up and into his arms, linking his hands at the curve of her spine. “When we make love, agape mou, it will be in comfort and private where I can show you endless hours of pleasure. Treasure you like you deserve to be treasured, and love you in a way that leaves no doubt fate meant us to meet.”

  Turning towards the club, they walked hand in hand, in silence. Arian, mind and body numb except for the tingle of desire in the region of her abdomen, realised that whoever Jax Polemistis was, he was no ordinary man because she swore her soul left Earth and she’d seen a slice of heaven when he’d kissed her.

  ***

  It seemed like a good idea at the time. If ever there was a song written for him, it was that one. As he heard Arian slip the safety chain on her hotel room door into place, he rested his forehead against his fist on the corridor wall. His plan had backfired on him big time.

  Bloody Hades. When he’d wrapped his hand around Arian’s wrist, the intention was clear in the blackness of his aura. He’d had murder on his mind. If Ajax and Odys hadn’t arrived in time, Arian would be gone. Her body would be found, but her soul would be trapped forever, wherever Hades decided to leave it. He knew who she was and he’d upped the stakes.

  No way could he abandon Arian now. The warrior in him wouldn’t allow it. The very thought of her lifeless, of her soul wandering in the mists for eternity, brought an ache to his heart he had no desire to explore. She’s a woman, he reminded himself, a creature not to be trusted just like Athena. He’d practically fallen at her feet the moment his lips had touched hers. Whatever Hades had put in her drink, it was strong and now it flowed through his veins. What other explanation could there be for losing his common sense so completely over a woman again?

  Had she flirted with Hades? Teased him and then carelessly rejected him? That would surely incite the devil’s anger. It had certainly incited his in that field so long ago. And that’s what women did best, wasn’t it? They played with emotions and broke hearts, destroyed the power of clear thinking.

  He’d studied their wiles for centuries. As women had thrown off the veil of suppression and embraced liberty, they’d grown bolder in their advances on men. No longer did they wait for a man to make the first move. No, instead they were the hunters and men their prey. Athena had taught women well, and bloody Cupid with his arr
ows had aided and abetted her in bringing mankind to their knees and at their mercy.

  He refused to be one of the conquered. Sure, he’d enjoyed the company of a few women over time. He had needs to be met like any healthy adult male, but he’d made it clear he didn’t want or need a relationship. If his heart wasn’t involved he could maintain a clear head, and he’d been right to keep it that way. So why then did things feel different around Arian?

  He drew away from the wall and shoved his fists into the pockets of his pants. When she’d relaxed against him on the dance floor, he’d thought it the perfect excuse. If he pretended a holiday romance with her, he could easily protect her while Zeus did his thing and got her to the throne. Then Zeus could explain to her how she really was the Faerie Queen, his job protecting her would be done and he could get on with his life — or death — whichever pleased Zeus the most. Easy … piece of cake and a jug of ambrosia. Except for one small problem … she’d bewitched him. Sucked him in, kissed him back and stolen a piece of his heart.

  Never trust a damn faerie, whether they knew they were one or not. Athena had drawn him in the same way with beauty and charm that disguised a cold heart and a mean streak. Yet his gut told him Arian was different, and since his head had failed him so often in the past, all he had to go on now was instinct.

  He’d felt her pain echoed in his heart, her emptiness, her loneliness as if it were his own. God help him, they were both tortured souls. Neither of them belonged where they were placed, nor did they deserve this eternal purgatory they found themselves in. The only difference between them was that he had already lost everything to fight for. Arian’s battle was still to come.

  Chapter Three

  “You saw stars?” Penny slapped sunscreen onto her legs with energy she shouldn’t have after a night of dancing.

  “I saw heaven,” Arian corrected.

  “Wow, must have been some kiss.”

  Arian sighed and lay back on the sun lounge. “Bloody oath it was.”

  “Or damn good drugs.” Penny apparently couldn’t let go of her drink-spiking theory. “And he didn’t try to talk you into going back to his hotel room?”

  “No. He walked me to the door, kissed me on both cheeks and told me he’d find me today.” She sighed again. “He said it like he meant it.”

  “I guess he did. Here they come now.” Penny waved the bottle of lotion to her left.

  Arian watched as the small group headed their way. Jax and Odys swung little Ermioni between them, laughing at her giggles. Helen, wearing a colourful sarong, sang a little ditty that sounded like a nursery rhyme, but not one Arian recognised.

  Her gaze wandered to Jax. Shirtless, his bronzed body gleamed with sunscreen, all wide shoulders, defined collarbones, and muscles with a healthy bulge. Not steroid enhanced muscles. These were honed to perfection. She admired his pecs, felt the urge to trace them with her hands all the way down to his six-pack and beyond the waistband of those damn fine bathers.

  “Ladies,” said Odys, stopping in front of them. “Mind if we join you?”

  “Sure,” said Penny and made space for his bulk at the bottom of her lounger.

  Odys laughed so hard, Arian thought the sand moved. “Oh, honey, if I sit down there, you’ll be catapulted into the sea. Put those lovely legs back. I’ll sit here on the sand.”

  She watched with amusement as Penny eyed out Odys, caught his cocky look and blushed as she eased her legs back. Arian pondered for a moment on the fact Penny had actually blushed. The girl who Googled men’s body bits, who could discuss the pros and cons of fellatio without so much as flush, had cheeks pinker than a peach, and it had nothing to do with the sun. There was something to tease Penny about later.

  Arian turned her head as Jax knelt next to her in the sand. “Sleep well?” His eyes held hers.

  No. I dreamt of you and woke up frustrated. “Yes, fine thanks.”

  I dreamt of you too. “That’s good.” He smiled.

  “I see Ermioni has recovered from her battle with the wave yesterday.” Arian smiled at Helen and tried not to shiver at the memory of the thing she’d faced down there or how close the little girl had come to drowning.

  Helen studied Arian for a long moment — like a precious metal under a microscope — weighing, surveying and searching for clues as to the elements it consisted of. Whatever the ingredient it was she looked for, she must have found it because she smiled and nodded.

  “Yes, thankfully she has made a remarkable recovery. I cannot thank you enough for going in after her. It was a very brave and selfless thing you did.”

  “To see her out here today, alive and happy, is all the thanks I need.” Arian turned her attention to the little girl who stood looking at her with big brown eyes. “Hello.” Ermioni gave a little wave and attached herself to Jax’s side. Arian reached out to ruffle her curly head. Ermioni giggled and nudged her hand away. “You’re a sweetie pie.”

  “Sweetie pie,” repeated Ermioni and scrambled up onto the lounger next to her. “Dolly.” She pulled a battered plastic doll from the pocket of her towelling beach robe and thrust it at Arian.

  “Pretty,” said Arian, smoothing down the synthetic blonde hair, hacked in zigzags on one side and crinkled from too many dips in the ocean.

  “You pretty.” The little girl wrapped the end of Arian’s ponytail around her little fingers.

  “Thank you, Ermioni. You’re pretty too.” She turned to look at Jax and found him staring at her with an odd yearning in his eyes. “What?”

  A smile broke through his frown. “Nothing, nothing at all. I’m glad you like children. Ermioni’s a pretty cool kid, aren’t you, precious?” He tickled her ribs and Ermioni giggled. “Did you girls have plans for today? We’re taking the boat out to a cove a few kilometres from here. Want to come along?”

  “Sure, that would be nice,” Penny answered.

  Arian lifted her focus from Jax’s smile and met his gaze. Tingles of awareness, and something very close to lust, danced through her senses as her imagination gave her a glimpse of twisted sheets, the slow movement of two bodies and sighs of pleasure. She blushed. “Okay,” she choked out.

  “Great, we’ll meet you down at the pier in half an hour.” Odys stood and dusted the sand from his shorts.

  “See you later,” said Jax, his gaze making goosebumps rise on her skin as her eyelashes fluttered down and the heat of a blush swept her cheeks.

  “Yes,” she whispered back, ignoring Penny’s mocking snort.

  As Jax rose and walked down the beach, stopping once to glance over his shoulder, Penny shook her head and said, “You’ve got it bad, sister, but not as bad as he does.”

  “A holiday affair, that’s all it will be if it’s anything at all,” insisted Arian.

  “Hah, we’ll see about that,” replied Penny, swinging her legs off the sun lounge.

  “Is that right? Well whose cheeks are a pretty pink right about now?”

  Penny swatted her with the soft material of her sun hat and changed the subject. “What kinda boat do you reckon they’ve got?”

  Half an hour later, the forty-eight foot cruiser sailed the gentle seas with a style and elegance Arian envied. At the wheel, Penny nagged Odys to let her steer and she smiled at the banter between the two. She wondered if the spark between Odys and Penny was as strong as hers and Jax’s, and if they even realised they made the perfect couple. Penny with her sunshine blonde hair, endless energy and wit. Odys with his easy humour and good nature.

  She turned her attention to Helen and Ermioni. A spark of jealousy touched her heart as Jax leaned over to kiss Helen’s cheeks. Was there something between them? Where was Ermioni’s father? Tension crept up her spine. What if Jax … No, no speculation and it wasn’t any of her business anyway. As if sensing her eyes on him, Jax looked up and waved. She waved back and turned her attention to the ocean instead. Crystal clear blue water surrounded them, the coastline a small speck on the horizon. She watched fish swim alongside the b
oat, chasing the wake.

  “More wine?” Jax held a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in one hand — so cold the condensation dripped from the glass — and a bucket of ice in the other.

  “Thanks.” She held up her glass while he poured.

  He placed the bucket on the floor, capped the bottle and dropped it into the bucket. “Cheers,” he said, touching his glass to hers.

  “Cheers. This is beautiful, Jax. Thank you for inviting us along.”

  “So polite now, Arian. So distant all of a sudden. Why?” He covered her hand with his. When she opened her mouth to speak, he said, “And please don’t tell me it’s nothing.”

  She looked down as he entwined his fingers with hers. “You and Helen, have you ever ...?”

  “Been lovers? No. Helen was married, but she is divorced now. To me, she is more like a sister.”

  “She’s a beautiful girl. It must be hard raising a little one alone.”

  Jax squeezed her fingers. “Helen is a very strong woman and one to be admired. That is all we will ever be, good friends.”

  “Your bond is strong.” Arian tamped down the jealousy that swelled in her heart. Helen was a lucky woman to earn that respect. Perhaps one day, she too could have that special bond with someone. Just not today.

  Jax paused for a long moment until Arian thought he might not respond. She didn’t want to explore what his hesitation might mean.

  “Stronger than most would understand.”

  “Oh.” Arian frowned.

  “It’s a very long story. Not one I think you want to hear today. All I ask is that you believe me when I tell you there is nothing but friendship between us. Let’s enjoy the sunshine now.”

  Arian agreed and sipped at her wine, but the thoughts churned in her head. Last night he’d avoided talking about himself and now he avoided talking about his relationship with Helen, yet he wanted her to trust him? How many times had Craig said the same thing? Trust me, Arian, there’s nothing going on between me and the coach’s daughter. Why would I cheat on you? Why would I lie to you? Yet he had, more than once. If she couldn’t trust a man she knew well, how could she trust one she didn’t?