by Marie Medina
He decided to play her game. He opened her robe and took one nipple between his teeth, making her sigh with desire as he played his teeth and tongue over it. He looked up into her eyes. “You were the best I’ve ever had.”
That made her smile, but it faded when he touched her cheek and added, “You were so lovely when you came, even though you wouldn’t look at me.”
She pulled away and got off the bed. “Just go.”
He stood and began putting his clothes on. “You said you were afraid I was toying with you. You still think that? Seems more like you’re toying with me.”
She walked into the bathroom and shut the door. “You can call me. I may eventually answer.”
He sighed and dressed quickly. He hoped he was right about what he’d seen hiding below her cold exterior. He was risking more than his pride if his instincts about her were wrong, and that was something he didn’t like to think about.
* * * *
Eris sat on the bathroom floor, thinking. She heard a meow and looked up to see Cosmos getting out of the tub. She slept in there fairly often. The petite gray cat came over to her mistress and rubbed against her, meowing again.
“I suppose I can talk to you, baby. There’s no one else I can trust.” She rubbed Cosmos behind the ears.
The cat looked up at her and purred.
Eris sighed. Sleeping with Hermes had been a mistake, even though it had been satisfying beyond words. He’d touched her just right, and his cock had sent her over the moon. She shivered as she remembered the hot pleasure flowing over her. He’d been even better than she’d expected.
But she hadn’t expected him to challenge her in the way he had. She’d imagined them trying to dominate each other. She would have given into him eventually. Instead of trying to control her body, he’d tried to command her heart. That was too dangerous. He’d taken her more gently than she’d expected, yet with a force she couldn’t explain. It confused her, and she didn’t like it. She’d refused to let him see how much she wanted to sleep with him again. Her body craved his touch already. She felt she’d gotten a little taste of what Aphrodite had become addicted to. Now she knew she was right about all the complexity below his detached surface.
She still felt him touching her, and she ached to feel him inside her again. Shaking her head, she got up, knowing she had a new dilemma. How could she get him back in her bed but block him from her heart? She knew he didn’t love her, but could that be what he wanted? He’d certainly hinted at it. If that were true, he must believe she could love him. She thought of Ares and how much he talked when he was drunk. What if he’d said something about suspecting she had a thing for Hermes? She knew it could have gotten back to Hermes somehow.
She pushed the thought away and drew a hot bath. Right now she didn’t want to think about him. She felt the memory of their coupling engulfing her, and she had no intention of giving into it.
* * * *
Hermes walked into Iris’ restaurant in London and went straight back to her office. As soon as he appeared in the door she ushered him in and got up to close the door behind him.
“So, what’s happened?” she asked as she motioned for him to sit down.
“We had a fight, but then we had sex.”
Iris opened her mouth to reply, but then stopped.
“I’m not sure how it went.”
She looked at him quizzically. “How can you not know?”
“She just wanted a shag. She didn’t want me.”
Iris shook her head. “That’s not true.”
He had a hard time believing that. “What makes you so sure?”
“Why go to all this trouble and spend all this time if it’s not more about you than she’s letting on?”
“Is this a female opinion?”
She nodded. “Yes, it is. Eris is snobby and unfriendly, but she’s not a bad person.”
“I didn’t say she was.”
“She’s been hurt, so she’s defensive. Think about me and Eros. I wouldn’t believe he cared for me because I was judging him on past behavior. I thought I was protecting myself.”
“But I’ve never done anything to her.”
“I mean she’s protecting herself the way I was. Do you want to tell me about it?”
“What you’re saying makes sense, it really does. It just bothers me. She didn’t want to look at me. Anything emotional seemed to make her uncomfortable.”
“I don’t think she’s ever been in love.”
Hermes considered that. She’d never been married and never been too closely associated with anyone except for a few famous flings, like the one she’d had with Zeus. Her brother seemed to be the only person she cared about.
“Neither have I.” He looked up. “I didn’t count on any of this.”
Iris laughed. “Who does? I don’t think anyone expected this. Do you really like her?”
He nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in love, but I think the Fates foresee something we can’t.”
“That you two will be good for each other maybe? I can see that. She’ll loosen you up, and you’ll rein her in.”
“Sounds like a recipe for constant bickering.”
“There are worse ways to show affection.”
“I guess so, but what am I getting myself into?”
“Even Aphrodite couldn’t tell you that.”
He rolled his eyes. “She’s going to go through the roof.”
“She is going to be pretty jealous.”
“No, I mean she’s going to be angry. Didn’t Eros tell you about the fight she had with Eris?”
“Yes, but that was jealousy too.”
“Please tell me you aren’t implying Aphrodite loves me.”
She shook her head slowly. “Not at all. She wanted to keep you around to play with. She was very impressed, it seems.”
He tried not to blush. “Yes, so it seems. Eris says that’s why she was interested in me.”
Iris tilted her head. “You think she’s that shallow?”
“I didn’t, but after last night I’m confused.”
“Are you going to see her again?”
“If she’ll let me.”
Iris leaned back. “I’m sure she will. She did enjoy it, right?”
He nodded.
“Okay then. Her coldness was defensiveness. I could be wrong, but I doubt I am. Next time, don’t plan on having sex at all and see what happens.”
“We didn’t plan it this time. At least, I didn’t. I wasn’t opposed to the idea, but I had planned to resist.”
“Really?”
He could see Iris was on the verge of laughing. “That’s funny?”
“A little. She’s pretty seductive and sexy, plus you had to know she’d have a few tricks up her sleeve. Did you really think she’d give up so easily after risking disfavor to get you into bed?”
“She released me from her spell. I told you that. I thought maybe she’d bide her time. She seemed confused when I left her.”
“Last night?”
“No, after she released me. I think she wanted me to leave her alone, but I insisted she see me last night. It was the same as last night, really. Instead of giving in, I just kissed her to stop our argument. She panicked. I’m not imagining it.”
“That proves what I was saying. She’s scared.”
“She’s not scared of me on any level or in any way.”
“How do you know?”
“She’s not scared of anything. She’s probably still playing games with me.”
She shook her head. “You wouldn’t be here bothering to talk this out if you thought that.”
He thought about that and suddenly felt more confused than he had when he walked through the door. “So I just wait and see?”
“Keep putting her puzzle together.”
“The few pieces I have are all from different corners if you ask me.”
“You believe in the Fates, right? In their plans?”
He nodded.
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“Then trust that they will take care of both of their most ardent disciples.”
He wanted to, but he didn’t dare hope. Slowly, his voice low, he said, “Sounds too easy.”
“You never know.”
He stood to leave. “Well, I’ll keep you informed.”
“You’d better.”
He left her office, wondering what to do next. It seemed ill timed to try to see Eris again so soon, but he found himself with more questions than he’d had an hour ago. He wondered if putting his own defenses up might be the best option. If she continued to be so stubborn, it might be the only way to protect himself. He’d been surprisingly hurt when she’d moved out of his embrace so quickly after they’d both come the night before, and he didn’t want to feel anything like that again. But if he was so concerned about keeping his own guard up, how would he ever get this stubborn, beguiling woman to let hers down?
Chapter Four
Eris lowered herself into the hot tub. A good soak and some peace and quiet were just what she needed.
“I can’t believe I had to hear it from Aphrodite.”
She sighed and looked up to see her brother Ares. She obviously wasn’t going to get any peace or quiet for quite some time.
“She knows already? That was fast.”
Ares laughed. “She’s pretty pissed.”
“She wouldn’t have cared if I hadn’t fucked him.”
“So you did? Interesting. Are you satisfied now?” Ares threw off his black robe to reveal a swimsuit almost as revealing as the bikini Eris was wearing.
She couldn’t help laughing as he slid in across from her. “Aphrodite like that sort of thing? Doesn’t leave the ladies much to fantasize about.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Oh they fantasize, I can promise you that. And yes, actually, she does like it. Not that it matters anymore.”
“Right. I’ll have to take your word for that.”
“And?”
“And what?”
He leaned forward. “Are you satisfied?”
She frowned. “Why do you care?”
“I want to see you happy.”
“You want to be nosy.”
He shrugged. “Call it what you will. How was it?”
“Very good.”
“Is it going to happen again?”
Eris thought for a moment. She knew he wanted to know how she felt about Hermes now, and she wasn’t about to tell him. “He said he wants to see me again. I’m sure he wants to fuck me again.”
“You always say ‘fuck’ when you’re talking about him.”
Eris had no idea where Ares was going with this. “You’ve been counting? Keeping track?”
“Well, you fuck mortals and make love to gods.”
“I’ve never been in love.”
“That’s not what I said. No matter how stupid you thought Zeus was, you always said you two were making love. It’s like you want to make a big show of keeping Hermes at a distance so no one suspects you have feelings for him.”
“You are grasping at very tiny straws.” She thought quickly. “Okay, I will admit Hermes makes me unbelievably horny. That’s probably why I say fuck. I reserve it for my wickedest thoughts.”
Ares crossed his arms. “Not a bad explanation. Not sure that I buy it though.”
“Well, it’s the only one you’re getting.” She looked away. Is he right? Am I doing it without knowing it? I’m not in love. I’m not.
“Those look like some deep thoughts.”
She glared at him. “What do you really want?”
“Thought I’d help you get your mind off Hermes, since you’re so convinced that’s what you want.” He got out of the hot tub and walked over to a beautiful blonde girl, who had appeared out of nowhere and went right into his arms. A man who was most likely her twin stood behind her. Both were naked. Ares kissed the girl and pulled her away. “We’ll leave you two alone.”
Eris eyed the man who walked toward her. He was tanned and well built, with very beautiful eyes.
“What’s your name?”
“Scott.”
He knelt behind her and undid the top of her bikini. He rubbed her shoulders for a moment, but he soon moved his hands lower to tease her nipples.
“Are you one of my brother’s servants?”
“Yes. But I’m here because I want to be. I’ve always admired you.” He slid into the hot tub and moved his hands up her thighs, his fingers eager to tease her. “Tell me how to please you.” He lowered his head to kiss and suck her left nipple.
She sighed as he pulled her bathing suit away. His fingers moved over her clit with skill, and then he moved two of them inside her. She gasped. This young mortal was good, very good. She could easily lose herself with him for hours. He held her close, his fingers working inside her as his thumb teased and stroked her clit. He lavished more attention on her breasts. His teeth raked over her nipple, and she bucked against him.
But all she could think of was the way Hermes had held her. She stared up at the ceiling, remembering how he had touched her. Above all she remembered how he had looked at her. Scott felt amazing against her, and she sensed herself on the verge of coming. She stayed there though, right on the edge. The pleasure overwhelmed her, yet she didn’t come.
Scott kissed her neck, repositioning. “Are you with me? Tell me what you want me to do. I’ll do anything.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t.” She paused and tried to smile. “It’s not you.”
“You don’t want me.” He backed away. “Are you sure?” He moved his hand back to her pussy, touching her clit lightly. “Let me try. Let me make love to you.”
“Any other time, I’d be very pleased, but there’s too much on my mind.”
Scott sighed and looked away. He tried to smile. “It’s okay. He said you were trying to get over someone. He didn’t say you were in love.”
She shook her head. “I’m not trying to get over anyone, and I’m not in love. That isn’t it.”
He laughed. “With all due respect, I know how good I am. I turned you on. Only one man will satisfy you, it seems.”
“I’m just not in the mood. You’re very good, but I’m simply too tense to come.”
He held his hands up to show surrender. “I won’t argue with you. I’ll leave you to everything you have on your mind.” He shook his head and smiled sadly. “Guess I’ll have to keep fantasizing.”
She watched him walk away. She wasn’t too worried about his feelings being hurt because if he served Ares, he’d most likely had many partners since coming to Olympus. It had been weeks since she’d sent Damon away. After about three days of endless sexual games with him, she’d lost her craving for him and his skills. That was when it had all started. After she’d sent him away, she’d been up all night thinking of Hermes. Now she’d turned away a handsome man who had wanted her and who would’ve been more than able to please her. For what?
She didn’t know the answer to that question, even though so many others thought they did. She now suspected Ares had done this on purpose to goad her, not help her. Yet she couldn’t be angry with him. It made her more determined to be sure of knowing her own mind the next time she saw Hermes. As far as her heart went, she wasn’t sure she trusted it at all anymore. The longing that continued to grow within it seemed more like a threat than a promise. She wasn’t going to let it or the Fates make a fool of her.
* * * *
Eris stopped when she saw Lachesis in the garden. She’d wanted to be alone with her thoughts, but now it looked like she’d be going off on an errand.
Lachesis looked up and smiled as she pushed her long blonde hair out of her face. “Come sit by me.”
Eris sat down, not sure what to expect.
“I only want to talk. We have no task for you today.”
“What do you want to talk about?” What if she told her she had to stop seeing Hermes? They might have other plans for one or both of them. She didn’t want to think that way,
but she couldn’t help feeling uneasy.
“How are you?”
“How am I? I’m fine.”
“And you’re happy?”
That struck Eris as an odd question. Lachesis had no reason to care if anyone was happy, so long as things were “as they should be.” That was all the Fates cared about.
“I believe so. I’m not unhappy about anything.”
“Are you certain of that? You seem nervous because I’m here.”
“I’m not.”
“You are, but you shouldn’t be. I’m going to tell you something you want to hear.”
Eris waited for her to go on. This visit had to be about her and Hermes. Lachesis was going to tell her whether they were meant to be together or not. Did this mean they weren’t? Did Lachesis want her to be prepared to lose him?
“You need to stop fighting us. You are ruining all our plans.”
Eris felt her face flush. “Excuse me? When have I ever done anything but carry out your plans? There is no one more trusting or loyal, no one more obedient. What have I done?”
“You’re fighting your love for Hermes.”
She took a deep breath. “There’s no love to fight. I like him and want to keep fucking him. That’s all.”
“That’s a lie.”
“Then shall we summon Aphrodite to find out?” Eris regretted the words when she saw the smug look on Lachesis’ face.
“You know you have no desire to see Aphrodite. I didn’t say you were in love this very moment.” She smiled for a moment. “Would you like to know if he loves you?”
Her heart thudded to a stop for a moment then began beating rapidly. “What have I done to deserve this? You’re toying with me the way Aphrodite or Zeus would.”
Lachesis stopped smiling. “Is that what you think? I’m sorry. I don’t understand why you aren’t happy.”
She stared for a moment, exasperated. “You’re confusing me. What’re you here for? Are you going to tell me my destiny or not?”
“I have.”
Eris thought about this, but then shook her head. “No. You’ve asked me if I’m happy and teased me about Hermes.”