Ares: (Gods of Old Book 1)
Page 5
She opened her eyes and looked up at him. She didn’t say a word to him, just looked at him. “Hold tight?” she asked softly with a grin and then looked around them. Turning in his arms, she took in the breathtaking view and sighed. Leaning back against him she was truly amazed. “Wow,” she whispered softly with wide eyes. “I can’t believe just how amazing that this is. No one has ever been up here?” she asked. It was barely a ledge if one at all. She was very, very thankful that he was holding onto her tightly.
“A few people when they climbed this wall of rock; crazy humans with a death wish,” he told her. “Other than that, not a soul. It’s a very difficult spot to reach and, even for a human, they’d never be able to stand here. I’m keeping us tethered with my abilities. A small use of power, but it’s keeping you safe and giving you a sight that I happen to enjoy a great deal.”
“It’s breathtaking. I can see why you like it here so much.” She took in the sights all around them; she looked from left to right and back again; it was completely and fully unique and wonderful. She never dreamed she would be in such a position. “It’s as if you can see the true beauty of the world as it should be instead of what mankind has done to ruin it.”
“One of the reasons I come here,” he said. “That and the water down in the pool is very warm. If you want, we could go down and have a swim before I take you to the next spot. Or, if you’d prefer, we’ll continue the tour and come back later.”
“Only issue with a swim, which sounds amazing, is that I don’t have a suit. Sorry, but I don’t swim naked,” she said with a laugh. “I think that this is my most favorite place. I don’t know how I will be able to come here without you, so you might just have to bring me back here time and again.”
“While I’m extremely disappointed on a hormonal level,” he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “I also understand and, darling, I’m a God, I can get you a suit with a thought. Give me the parameters and allow me a tiny bit of creative license,” he was really grinning now. “And you will be appropriately clad for the water. But we can also make that call later if you want to go see some other places.”
“How about you cover the goodie bits, and we go for a swim now and then later we will figure out what to do next? And I mean more than dental floss, please,” she added when she saw the gleam in his eyes. “I mean it. If it’s a bikini I’m good, but not string bikini please.”
“Hmm,” he nodded. “Hold on,” he warned next to her ear. In the next moment, they were standing on the ground next to the pool. She was in a bikini, a respectable sort that was flirty with bits of mesh strategically placed amongst the solid material, all in black. So even the mesh was dark enough to hide pretty much anything should something shift. He was in a pair of swim trunks and setting towels down on a rock next to them. “Dive on in, as I mentioned, the water’s warm.”
Ava looked at him and grinned, “Thanks, I think that I will.” She looked at the perfectly clear water and jumped right in without a hesitation. If he said it was safe, she trusted him completely.
Surprisingly the water was warm, very warm. When she surfaced, she pushed her hair out of her face and grinned, “You weren’t kidding. This is perfect.” Treading water she watched him. “Well, come on, Ares; get in here with me, mister.”
“Oh, I’m coming,” he said with a grin. Walking towards her he slowly waded into the water; stopping when he was in front of her. “I’m glad you’re here,” he told her softly.
“And I’m glad that you asked me to be here,” Ava admitted softly. “I’ve never really been one to just simply jump at something but with you, I couldn’t help myself. I needed you. Wanted to see what made you tick. I’m glad that I did too. I happen to like you Ares, and that’s another first for me. I’ve never instantly liked someone before in my life, but you, you are unique.”
“Yeah, that I’ve heard before,” his tone suggested that it hadn’t ever been a compliment. “I happen to like you too, Ava. Didn’t know for sure I would, but I find that I truly do. You’re an amazing woman, special beyond all belief, and I’m still trying to comprehend how I got you to forgive me.”
Ava shrugged, “You said that you were sorry. That was enough for me,” she admitted to him and moved closer so that she could wrap her arms around his neck. “Personally, I happen to really enjoy your company as well, so that’s even better, don’t you think?”
His hands cupped her bottom and pulled her tightly against him. “It is even better,” he said softly. “I quite enjoy your company as well. I want to spend more time with you, Ava. A lot more time. But all I have is time, so I’m always looking for something or someone to keep me occupied. Will you keep me occupied from time to time, Ava?”
“I will keep you company for as long as I can. I don’t want to give up a moment of time, but we both know that eventually you will have to find another companion.” Ava’s fingers played in his hair, caressing him as she did so. “So I think we should take the time to enjoy each other while we can, don’t you?”
He was frowning at her. “Why would I ever need to find another companion?” he asked quietly. “I don’t want to find another one when the one I have is so damned perfect it’s scary. No one, no woman, should ever be as perfect as you are, Ava VonMaur.”
“Because you’re a God and I’m not, Ares. I rather adore you, and I think that I’m going to love being your companion but we have to be realistic here. I will age, and one day you will find that I’m not as much fun as I am right now. I understand that, fully, so that’s why I said we’ll enjoy the time we have now and worry about the rest later.”
“Oh sweet, sweet, Ava.” He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “You have so very much to learn about us Gods. For one, we don’t take rejection well; and two, we always plan ahead. But we will discuss that when you know me a little better and haven’t run the other way.”
Ava laughed and shook her head “I seriously doubt that will happen, but thank you for the warning.” Giving him a hug she wrapped her legs tighter around him. Finally, after a moment, she released him and grinned, “So, let’s swim, shall we?”
He pulled her right back to him, “I think another full body hug is needed. Never doubt my words, Ava. I know you don’t know me well yet, but you will see that I say what I mean and mean what I say. A God’s word is his bond.”
She couldn't deny him anything. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she hugged him. Her cheek resting against his before she let it drop to the curve of his neck. She sighed happily and just cuddled there with him in the warm waters of New Zealand, happier than she could ever recall being.
He let out a breath and rested his chin on her shoulder. One of his hands smoothed up and down her back, moving from the straps of the bikini top right to the top of the bottom piece. A few minutes later he pressed a kiss to her neck, “Come, you want to swim so we should. Just don’t get too close to the waterfall, it’s got enough power to suck you under and pummel you.”
“That would be very, very bad,” she agreed but cuddled up closer to him. “Although I’m finding that right now, being in your arms like this, is a little slice of heaven and is much more fun than swimming would be. I say we swim in a few, hold each other for now?”
“Sounds good to me,” he smiled against her neck. Then there was a small sting from his teeth on her shoulder. They were moving towards the edge and then he stopped. A couple minutes later he was sitting on a rock with her in his lap. “Much better, easier on the legs too.”
“I couldn't agree more.” When the wind shifted and blew over them though she shivered, “Okay, maybe it's time for some clothes. I really dislike being cold.” She tried to burrow in closer to him to gain more of his heat.
His hand moved up to her neck, and a feeling of warmth slid through her. “Better?” he asked. He brushed his lips against her cheek and then nibbled on her jaw. “If you’re not warm enough I can add a little more.”
“Yes, that’s muc
h better; thank you.” She relaxed into him with a happy sigh. “How is it that you know exactly what I need?” She hadn’t told him how warm she preferred to be, but he hit the nail right on the head the first try. It was surreal. “It almost feels like we are connected, weird I know; especially since you just met me and me you.”
“Again, I’m a God; I pick up on things most people wouldn’t. Plus, I’m beginning to know you. And you are also right; we are connected, Ava. We have been since the beginning, and we will be until the end.” His hand slid down to rest between her shoulder blades as he nipped at her shoulder again.
“I like it,” Ava admitted to him. “I should be terrified; I should be running screaming the other way or asking to be committed to a psyche ward but honestly-“ She shrugged, “This feels far too good to run from so why run when it’s better to simply accept?”
“You are being very open minded about all this, Ava. I have a feeling I should be worried,” his words were teasing. “Why are you so accepting of everything? I don’t mean to pry, but I want to know you better.”
“Honestly?” she asked and shrugged when he just gave her ‘that’ look. “I’ve heard stories of the Gods all of my life. I have always been intrigued by you in particular. So if I am taking this all very well and with an open mind, it’s because I have always known that you were real.”
“You were still more than a little shocked when you met me. Not that I mind, of course, it’s always nice to see a little shock and surprise. Gives me a wonderful little feeling of glee in my heart,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh, you are rotten,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a good thing that I like you so much already or else I might think about dunking you or something silly like that.” She wouldn’t, and they both knew that. “Have I mentioned to you just how much I like you? How happy I am to have met you?”
“I think you may have mentioned it, briefly. But do feel free to tell me again anytime at all. It’s nice to know that someone out in the universe likes me for me and even enjoys spending time with me. Most of my family believe that it’s an obligation that pulls us together, or father’s big head and powers.”
“Well, I like you for you, and I’m thankful for whatever brought you into that temple that day. Yes, I was pissed off at you, but that was because you just up and vanished without letting me explain. Please never do that again. I would hate to have to try to hunt you down because it might kill me but I would totally do it.”
“Shh,” he pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’m not going to up and disappear again. Not without a damned good reason. If it happens, just wait for me, I will be back, and I will explain. Later, when we go back to my place I’m going to add to the pendant I gave you. I want you to have the ability to know I’m safe and well. Plus I think I should give you a key to my place. You won’t be able to leave until I get there, but you will be safe there if you need a place to go.”
“You are too sweet,” she said with a smile. “Its one of the things I like about you. I can imagine that you don’t show it to very many people, so that makes it even more special that you are showing it to me. Thank you for that. For allowing me in.”
Shrugging he kissed her cheek lightly. “You are special, Ava; very special.” Rubbing his cheek against hers gently he nipped at her jaw. “You seem to totally stomp down my mean streak. Not sure that I like that, it’s going to be hell on my reputation with you around. Making me look all nice and gentle, kind and generous. Hell.”
She laughed and shook her head, “Only with me. You can be whoever, and whatever you want to be with others but with me I want you to be this man that I care for. You are such a sweetheart, and I’m very happy that you’re in my life.”
“Oh, and the blows keep coming. That was a swift jab to the chin there, darling Ava.” He leaned back, a hand behind him to keep him sitting up at an angle. “Just don’t go around spreading those rumors. I don’t need all the others thinking I’m going soft.”
“Don’t worry; your secrets are safe with me,” Ava assured him and pressed a kiss to his chin. “Now then, where are we going to go after this lovely swim?” she asked happily. “I think that you and I should do something else. I’m not sure what but we should go and do some other things, don’t you think?”
“And we will,” he grinned at her. “After our swim I’m going to take you to a Turkish market, and we’re going to get some food together. Then you and I are going to go for a picnic in a nice little spot I know near the Great Wall of China. We’ll sit, enjoy the view, eat and then we can go for a walk along the wall for a bit.”
“I can’t wait. It sounds like a great deal of fun. Should I assume that you know all of these languages? Because if not we are both totally and completely screwed; I’m so not good with languages.”
“Yes, I know the languages. It’s all good, Ava. I wouldn’t take you somewhere that wasn’t safe.” Ares lifted a hand to her cheek, “Trust me, sweetheart.” Smiling he leaned in and kissed her gently on her lips. “We should swim now, though; I don’t want to take you to the market too late. We don’t want to miss all the good stuff.”
“I know that you wouldn’t take me anywhere where I would be in danger of getting hurt.” He kissed her, and she forgot to breathe for a moment. Licking her lips when he pulled back and told her that they should swim she nodded dumbly. “Oh, okay. Yes. Swim.” She suddenly went stupid with that kiss.
“Yes, a swim,” he said with a grin. His hand cupped her face, and he kissed her again, slowly. His tongue slid along her lips until she opened for him. Then he danced it over her teeth lightly and very slowly, touched her tongue.
She forgot all about everything except for kissing him. Nothing else mattered, only him. Holding him close, she kissed him back and let her hands move over his shoulders and down his back.
His hands were skating over the skin of her back; slowly moving up and down, his thumbs brushing over her ribs and the outer curve of her breasts. Then the kiss changed, it became deeper, more demanding. His body was tense under hers as he pressed in closer to her, while pressing her closer to him.
When they finally parted, she was certain that she had a glazed look on her face and a smile on her lips. “Wow.” Okay, so that wasn’t the most original thing that she could’ve said, but it was all she could think of at the moment. “I really think that this date is going far better than either of us could have imagined.”
Ares chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know about that, but it’s definitely unique. Now, I think we were going to swim, weren’t we?” He leaned in to kiss her lightly before sliding them off of the rock. His hold loosened up a bit and then finally let her loose.
“Yes, we were going to swim, or something like that,” she said with a grin. “I like that idea. Let’s swim, get rid of a bit of energy that we have going on and then, when you’re ready, we’ll get out of here. You can get us all dried off and then take us for a marketplace excursion and dinner.”
“Uh-huh,” he grinned at her. “Still trying to get your head back on straight I see. Though your attention to detail is admirable. Especially the part about remembering I’m a God, finally.” Chuckling he kissed her cheek and let her go fully. “Stay away from the falls,” he warned her once more. Then he was off and swimming, an easy looking breaststroke that made his muscles stretch and bunch as he moved.
“I will. Even if I somehow managed to get under them I’m sure you would save me.” She had faith in him; more faith than she had in anyone or anything else. She watched him for a moment as he swam and she sighed happily. Damn, she was one lucky woman. Life was good, and it was only just starting. As she swam lazily, she wondered what their future would hold.
A time later, when she paused to look around, he was sitting on the rock again; with one knee drawn up and his arm resting on it. “You ready to head out?” he called to her. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. What say we get out, get dressed and move on?”
His smile got bigger, and he nodded. “All right, that I can do.” He lifted a hand and snapped his fingers. In the next moment, she was on dry land, facing him, fully dressed just as he was. “Ready?” he held out a hand to her.
She laughed, she couldn't help herself. “Thank you.” She looked down and shook her head. “Well, at least you dressed me nicely, huh? I like it. A lot. I also like the fact that you and I match. It’s kinda nice.” She said happily. Moving to his side, she linked her arm with his. “All right, let’s do this, shall we?”
“The matching part was only a passing thought, but since it was there, it stuck. Sorry about that,” he said looking down at her. He put his hand over hers where it rested on his arm and kept looking at her. One moment the roar of the waterfall was there, the next the sound of raised voices. “Welcome to Turkey and the biggest and best marketplace anywhere in the world.”
She stepped in just a bit closer to him and smiled. “Yes, I am perfectly fine with the matching outfits,” she assured him. “Okay, I don’t know the language, so you will have to translate for me from time to time, please.”
“I will,” he smiled down at her. Sliding his arm around her waist, he guided her between buildings. There before them were tables with cloth overhanging them. “We have various meats, some questionable, some good. Fruits, nuts and even cheeses and bread. Any preferences for what we get for our picnic?”
“I’m up for a little of everything. I’m not real big on cinnamon or peanuts, but I like everything else. No allergies. Oh, and I do not like lamb. At all. Lamb just makes me go ‘ick,’ and that’s not a good thing to do in the middle of a picnic, right?”