Deep Water

by Nicola Cameron

  Aphros blinked at her tone. “Um, it’s not exactly what you think. The mortal is living in one of the cottages at Olympic Cove. And he’s a he.”

  She made a pfft noise. “Gender never stopped your father from bedding someone. My own brother is proof of that.”

  The twins exchanged an uncomfortable look. “I don’t think they’re sleeping together,” Bythos said carefully. “Father and the mortal, I mean. Griffin’s too sick for that.”

  That did sound out of character for Poseidon. “Your father’s never been that fond of mortals if sex wasn’t involved,” Hyacinth said, frowning. “Why is he taking one out sailing if he isn’t plowing the poor bastard?”

  Another silent look that spoke of twin communication. “Aunt, if we tell you something, we have to insist that you keep this information to yourself for now,” Bythos said. “And I mean we will require you to swear by Zeus Horkios.”

  Hyacinth stiffened at the mention of the divine oath. “I don’t think I can do that unless I know more about why I’m being asked to do so.”

  Bythos fidgeted with his glass of wine. “Father is working to reconcile with Mother. I think,” he added, frowning. “But his plan is … complicated.”

  Hyacinth considered his words. She wanted Amphitrite to be happy again, but after millennia of separation she had no idea if her sister and her brother-in-law could ever work out their grievances. “Quite frankly, nephew, I don’t see how any plan Poseidon could come up with would work, since they would all be lacking one key element.”

  “Medusa,” Aphros agreed. “But this plan might work. Before we tell you how, though, we need your vow of silence.”

  Damn her nephews. They knew curiosity was one of her strongest characteristics, one of the driving reasons that had prompted her to live among humans. “Fine,” she said slowly. “I swear by Zeus Horkios that I will not repeat what you tell me about your father’s plan.”

  “To anyone,” Bythos clarified.

  She rolled her eyes. “To anyone, including your mother.”

  The twins relaxed at that. “The reason why Father’s plan might work is because Griffin Moore is the reincarnation of Medusa,” Aphros said.

  “What?”

  Chapter Seven

  “What the hell?” Griffin said, turning and staring at Ian’s sailboat. “Are they gutting someone over there?”

  Reaching out with his godsense, Poseidon noted who was on board and winced. Damn it. The boys told Hyacinth about Griffin. “I’m sure it’s nothing,” he muttered.

  “I can go over and find out, l—um, Dunn,” Liam said tentatively.

  “No need.” I’ll hear about it soon enough when my dear sister-in-law demands to know what in Tartarus I’m doing. “One of them probably just spilled something.”

  “I suppose.” Griffin glanced at the evening sky. “Shouldn’t the fireworks be starting soon?”

  Trust me, my love, they already have.

  His thought came true as music started playing on shore and a bright yellow blossom of fire exploded in the sky. “Ooh, nice!” Griffin said enthusiastically.

  Everyone sat back to watch the colorful light show that bloomed overhead. Beer forgotten, Poseidon admired the pyrotechnical skills of the mortals. We gods can do many things, but we never thought about painting the night sky with colored light.

  A burst of mental static startled him. What in the name of Gaia are you doing, Poseidon?

  He schooled his expression to impassivity as everyone else watched the show overhead. Hello to you as well, Hyacinth.

  Stop playing games, Earthshaker. What is this about Medusa’s soul being reborn?

  His name is Griffin Moore. I tried to tell Ammie about him, but she wouldn’t listen to me.

  Then try harder. You have no right to keep her from him.

  I assure you, that’s the last thing I intend to do. He allowed some of his worry to tinge the mental conversation. There’s a problem, however. He has a terminal form of cancer. I have Chiron out searching for Apollo to cure him.

  He’s dying? Goddess above, you need to tell Ammie about him tonight!

  He’s not going to die. I won’t allow that. I can sustain him until Chiron finds Apollo.

  There was a beat of silence. I can think of only one way you can do that, Earthshaker. Isn’t that how you started this whole disaster in the first place?

  He winced at the truth in that statement. I will not touch him without his permission. But he’s never been with a man before. If he meets Amphitrite now, I know he’ll fall in love with her. After that, he may not welcome my touch.

  And so he shouldn’t.

  He’s my agapetos as well, Hyacinth. And this is the only way to save his life. I am asking you, for the sake of your sister’s happiness, to give me enough time to woo Griffin and make sure he’s safe. I swear by Zeus Horkios, I’m doing this for Ammie as well as for myself.

  Another long pause. Be forsworn on this, Earthshaker, and I’ll personally lead the Furies to rend your flesh.

  Understood.

  The Nereid went silent just as the faint strains of the 1812 Overture drifted out from shore. Poseidon tried to relax and appreciate how the fireworks were synchronized with the music, especially as huge red, white, and blue shell bursts began to explode overhead, each one coordinating with a cannon blast in the overture. The performance concluded with an enormous fusillade of bursting stars, streaming sparks that drifted almost down to the water.

  An idea came to him, utterly fanciful but all the more appealing for that. He pretended to stretch and reached up high, luring some of the sparks farther down. Three blue twinkles flickered as they responded to his power, landing neatly in his palm. He closed his fingers around them, concentrating.

  After a moment he unfolded his hand and looked at the glowing crystals cupped there. I’ll have them set in a necklace and give it to Ammie once we’re together again. Next year, the three of us will be out here watching the fireworks, and nothing will ever separate us again.

  The gems pulsed once, as if registering his vow. Remembering where he was, he glanced at Griffin, but the mortal was busy clapping at the conclusion of the show and chatting with Nick. Relieved, Poseidon opened a tiny hole in reality and put the gems next to his trident where they would be safe.

  The three of them would be together again. He wouldn’t believe anything else.

  ****

  Yawning, Griffin wobbled as he climbed out onto the Olympic Cove dock. Aidan and Nick had volunteered to deal with the boat’s sails and the other chores of docking. Dunn had already climbed onto the dock but didn’t offer him a hand. Ironically, that salved Griffin’s pride. His head was actually behaving for once, and he suspected he’d sleep well that night.

  He had to admit Americans knew how to put on a fireworks show. Wonder if it has something to do with their love of things that go boom? Shoving his hands into his shorts pockets, he waited until Nick and Aidan had finished with the boat and started up the dock before following with Dunn at his side.

  “Haven’t had that much fun in a long time,” he said.

  “Good. I’m glad that you enjoyed yourself.” Dunn seemed oddly distracted, but happy with it. “If you’re feeling up to it, perhaps we can take the Seabird out again tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be perfect.”

  “Yeah, sounds like a plan. We still need to talk, but I’m just too damn tired right now.” Griffin yawned again, covering his mouth. “Sorry.”

  “Why are you sorry?”

  “I yawned.”

  Dunn smirked. “Humans often do, I’ve noticed. I’m not sure why you’re apologizing for it, though.”

  “I suppose I don’t want you thinking that I’m bored or anything,” Griffin said. “With you, I mean.”

  “As I don’t think I’m boring, I wouldn’t think that,” Dunn said loftily. They reached the sand, slogging across the uneven surface. “I was going to suggest another beer, but if you’re tired—”

  “No, more bee
r is fine,” Griffin said quickly. “I don’t really want to go to bed so soon, anyway.”

  Of course another yawn stole over him then, earning a pointed look from the other man. “Yeah, yeah, I know,” he said, sheepish. “But I want to stay up a little longer anyway.”

  “As you wish.”

  They reached the cottage, and Griffin collapsed with gratitude onto one of the beach chairs. “Would you mind going in and getting the beers?” he asked. “Sorry, I know I’m a shitty host.”

  “It’s not a problem. Stay there.” Dunn disappeared onto the porch. Moments later the deck lights came on, and the big man returned with two Stella Artois and a bottle opener. Opening the beers, he handed a bottle to Griffin. “To fireworks and friends.”

  “To fireworks and friends.” Griffin tapped the neck of his bottle against Dunn’s, then took a long sip. “I’m damned glad I met you,” he said after swallowing. “You’ve been a hell of a good friend to me, and I appreciate it.”

  “I’m glad. I’ve very much appreciated meeting you, as well.” Dunn gave him a sympathetic look. “Griffin, you’re exhausted. I really think I should go—”

  “No.” Griffin straightened up in the chair, his body complaining at the movement. “I’ll be sleeping permanently soon enough. I want to stay up while I still can, all right?”

  Belatedly he noticed what he’d said and winced, but Dunn simply nodded. “All right. But at least let’s get you more comfortable.” He glanced around the deck. “Do you have a lounger by any chance?”

  “No. The cottage only had the deck chairs.”

  “I noticed a beach blanket on the porch. If I spread that out on the sand, would you at least rest on it?”

  “Only if you do it with me.” The moment the words left his mouth Griffin wanted to bite his tongue. Christ, what is wrong with you tonight? Serves you right if he gets hacked off and leaves.

  He realized Dunn was staring at him. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Over the line there, I didn’t—”

  “All right.”

  He blinked. “All right?”

  “Yes. Quite frankly, I could do with a bit of a lie down myself.” Dunn stood and went inside, coming out with a red plaid blanket and a couple of cushions. “Where shall I put it?”

  “Um.” Griffin waved at the sand below the deck, wondering what the hell he’d gotten himself into. Under that, however, was a distinct sense of anticipation. “There’s fine.”

  Dunn stepped onto the sand and spread the blanket, putting the cushions at the top of it. Then he held out a hand for Griffin. “Come on, then,” he said gently.

  Feeling like he was in another one of his dreams, Griffin let himself be eased onto the blanket. He stretched out on the soft fabric, wiggling a bit to get comfortable as Dunn followed him and did the same. Overhead, the Floridian night was heavily spangled with stars, and he spotted a handful of constellations.

  “This is nice. Should’ve done this the first night I got here.” He glanced at Dunn. The man was a shadowy form stretched out at length, hands clasped placidly on his middle. “Comfortable?”

  “Very,” Dunn said, staring up at the stars. “You’re right. This is quite lovely.”

  “Yeah.” Griffin swallowed. He had no idea what to do next.

  Except to be honest. “Dunn, I need to say something.”

  “Mm?”

  “I hope this doesn’t offend you because I really don’t want to do that, and to be honest I don’t know why I feel this way but…” He swallowed, hearing his throat click. “I really want to kiss you right now. If you don’t want to, it’s fine, I understand, but I thought I’d ask.”

  “Ah.” Dunn’s head turned towards him. “Well, then, if we’re being honest, I’d like to kiss you as well.”

  Something electric shot through Griffin, swamping the fear. “Oh. I didn’t … I mean, I thought—”

  “That I prefer women? I do, as I suspect you do. But I’ve been known to make exceptions.” The other man chuckled softly. “I believe the term is heteroflexible.”

  My God, has he done this before? That’s not bad, though. At least one of us knows what he’s doing. “Okay, good. Um…”

  “Shall I come over there?”

  “Please.”

  Griffin rolled onto his side and Dunn mirrored him. A hand came up and cupped his cheek, warm against the soft coolness of the evening breeze.

  He closed his eyes as Dunn leaned forward. Lips brushed against his, delicately intent. His lips tingled under the soft pressure, and he could feel the prickle of Dunn’s mustache and beard, something he’d never felt before, at least not during a kiss.

  It was weird and slightly scary. It was also fucking terrific. “Do that again,” he whispered when Dunn pulled back.

  “Eagerness. I like that in a man.”

  They kissed again, and Griffin let his lips open. The tip of Dunn’s tongue traced along them with that same delicacy. The sensation sizzled across his nerve endings, poking his dormant libido right where it counted.

  Dunn pulled back a bit. “If you want to stop at any time, say so,” he said, his voice rough.

  “Right, got it. Now kiss me again.”

  He did, tongue slipping into Griffin’s mouth with deft skill. Griffin gave himself over to it, enjoying the sensation. It was similar to kissing a woman but with a different undertone to it, hungrier somehow. He felt like he didn’t have to hold back, that anything he threw at Dunn the other man would take.

  And then Dunn’s tongue licked along the roof of his mouth, sending sparks of desire shooting through him. He couldn’t help moaning in unabashed pleasure.

  Dunn took that as a signal to roll closer, fitting himself along Griffin’s body. It was like the kiss, scary and exciting at the same time. Dunn slid an arm around him, a hand coming to rest in the small of his back as his mouth continued to duel sweetly with Griffin’s.

  After a bit Griffin felt something poking him in the thigh. It dawned on him what was happening. He broke the kiss with a gasp, sucking in air. “Fuck. You’re hard.”

  “Well, yes, that does happen.” Dunn sounded amused. “Does it bother you?”

  Griffin gulped. It should, he knew that. And yet all he wanted to do was do a wicked little shimmy against Dunn, make the other man moan for once. “No. It’s fine.”

  But Dunn paused, his hand lightening on Griffin’s back. “You’re not aroused.”

  He shook his head. “It was the last round of radiation. Haven’t been able to get it up since.”

  “Oh.” Dunn’s hand came to rest again, but now it was on his waist. “Am I hurting you? Doing this, I mean?”

  “If you’re asking me if you’re giving me blue balls, yeah, a little.” He swallowed again. “If you’re asking me if I want to stop, the answer’s no. Just don’t expect me to be poking you back.”

  He wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn he saw Dunn smile. “All right.”

  That kicked off the first long, leisurely make-out session Griffin had experienced in years. He’d forgotten how fun teenage behavior could be, all that lovely kissing and fondling without having to worry about getting sex onto the agenda.

  After a bit he let Dunn roll him onto his back, still kissing. It gave him a chance to run his hands over the man’s muscled back, dipping low enough to grab his arse and squeeze it.

  Dunn groaned into his mouth, grinding harder against his hip. A flicker of guilt zinged through him. He pulled back, breaking the kiss with a soft pop. “If you want me to use my hand, I will,” he said. “To bring you off, I mean.”

  Dunn rose up, staring at him for a long moment. “That’s … very kind of you. But it’s not necessary.”

  “You sure? I’d like it if one of us got off tonight, at least.”

  He took the opportunity and slid one hand between their bodies, daring to cup the hot, lengthy bulge in Dunn’s slacks. Any lingering worries about his heterosexuality were long gone, replaced by the need to explore. “Jesus. You’re big,” he brea
thed, squeezing gently.

  Dunn bit his lower lip, pressing harder into Griffin’s grip. “If you keep doing that, I’m going to embarrass myself,” he said raggedly.

  “Easy fix, yeah?” Griffin felt for the zipper pull, tugging it down before slipping his hand inside. His fingers met soft, hot skin over a rigid shaft. “Ooh, nice.”

  Dunn’s panting kicked up a notch and his arms started trembling. “Griffin—”

  “Shh. Let me.” With some maneuvering he freed Dunn’s cock, stroking it experimentally. To his surprise the other man was uncircumcised, just as he was. He slid the foreskin back and forth over the plump head the way he liked it on his own cock. “Tell me what you want.”

  Dunn groaned again, lower this time. “You. I want you.”

  Griffin grinned. “You’ve got me.” He sped up his stroking, massaging the sensitive spot under the head with his thumb. “Let go, gorgeous. I’ve got you, too.”

  The other man’s breathing turned harsh, and the cock in his hand thickened suddenly. Dunn threw his head back, lower lip clamped between his teeth as he keened. Warm wetness spurted over Griffin’s fist, and the ache in his balls made him wish to God that he could join Dunn in his orgasm.

  The panting man finally sagged down onto the blanket at Griffin’s side, a long shadow under the stars. “Thank you,” he breathed. “Gaia, that was wonderful.”

  “Good.” Griffin wiped the mess off on the sand, then dislodged the grains now sticking to his hand by wiping the rest on his shirt, rucking it up in the process. “Gonna need to wash my hands, though. Kind of forgot how sticky cum gets.”

  Unexpectedly Dunn took his sticky hand and rubbed it over Griffin’s exposed stomach, smearing the last bit of semen there.

  “What was that for?”

  “To mark you,” Dunn said, sounding satisfied. “Now you’re mine.”

  The joy of the night disappeared. “Shit. Dunn, don’t do this,” Griffin said softly.

  “Do what?”

  “Get too attached to me. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Too late for that.” Still holding his hand, Dunn folded the fingers down and kissed his knuckles. “I said it, and I meant it. You’re generous, and wonderful, and mine, Griffin Moore.”