Ares

by Edlyn Reynolds

  “Of course I can, but we’ll need to be out far enough that casual divers or snorkelers don’t see us. Maybe we should take a boat out a little ways,” he suggested. “Then we won’t need to worry about sand in places sand shouldn’t go.”

  “I like that idea.” She grinned and added, “And it means we will be able to make some wild monkey lovin' on the deck of the ship after we have had an undersea adventure?” She hesitated and asked, “Your uncle, Poseidon, won’t mind, will he?”

  “I think you’re a little nymphomaniac,” he said with a smirk. “Ah, my work is done here.” Chuckling, he pulled her toward the bag of items. Wrapping his arms around her, he shrugged. “Poseidon’s cool with people in his space. As long as you don’t dump crap into his oceans or destroy anything, he’ll leave us be. I should mention that if you spot a mermaid or merman, try to ignore them. They like to lure humans to their deaths and get some seriously sick pleasure from it. They are like the demented tricksters of the sea.”

  “They’re real?” Holy hell the things she was learning about life! “Wow. All right, so if I see one I just need to hold on tight to you so they don’t kill me, right?” she asked with a grin, “Because I really don’t want to die. I love living and I think you might destroy the oceans if one of them did that to me, so we’ll keep together just to make sure that doesn’t happen, deal?”

  “Yeah, they’re real and yes, good plan. Don’t need my uncle riding my ass for the rest of time because I evaporated all the salt water off the planet. That and you humans would whine and snivel for eons, it would just be bad. If you get the chance to meet Poseidon, thank him for creating the twisted little shits will you. He ignores the rest of us for pointing out the seriously off the wall issues that showed up in the merpeople.”

  Ava shrugged and laughed, “Maybe he just needs to get laid,” Ava said with a laugh. “Maybe we should hook him up with one of those dating websites or something like that. Maybe he just needs a good woman, or man, in his life?”

  “He’s straight, I think,” Ares frowned. “Yup, pretty sure he’s straight, but he’s a little, oh what’s the word, old-fashioned in his views of women. He pretty much figures a woman should thank him for banging her and then demand she lick his boots. He’s an ass and will more than likely make some remark that makes you see red. Don’t strike out at him, it’s a trap and if you hit him he can punish you anyway he wants. It’s some weird ass loophole in his contract and being the God of the Seas and Oceans. I’ve never been able to fully understand it but yeah, it’s all bad.”

  “Right, okay so try not to offend that backwards asshat in his realm where he can drown me.” She hated people like that. Men often thought women were weaker simply because they don’t have a penis. Yep, she was so going to get along with that man. Not.

  “Pretty much, but just think,” Ares squeezed her hand as they stepped out of the house. “If you don’t get killed by the sexist under the sea, you’ll have an eternity of multiple orgasms whenever you want them.”

  “Oh, when you say it like that I don’t think that I can refuse. An offer that good a girl just simply can’t pass up. Not now, not ever. I love the idea, a hell of a lot.” Ava let him lead her out of the house and she looked to the skies. “It’s going to be an amazing day. A wonderful day to see the delights under the waves.”

  “I thought you’d see it my way,” he chuckled. Hugging her close, he guided her toward the end of the patio. It apparently gave him a clear line of view to where he wanted to flash them. “Ready?” he smiled down at her, pulling her into his body.

  “You betcha.” She moved so she was at his front, able to press her face against his chest and close her eyes. Breathing in the scent that was only Ares, she sighed happily. “I’m as ready as I am going to get, Ares, so get us there.”

  “Hold your shorts, woman,” he chuckled. A moment later he flashed them but they didn’t move right away. After all the time together she knew he was checking to ensure they weren’t going to be spotted or caught on tape. “Alright, let’s get to the boat and we’ll head out.”

  “Perfect.” She grinned up at him and winked. “Thank you for making sure we got here in one piece. Now let’s get our happy selves out to the middle of the ocean so we can get deep under the ocean and enjoy the beauty that is down there.”

  Chuckling, he shook his head, “Why are you so gung-ho about this? Not that I mind in the least but I am curious. You could have gone scuba diving at any time, or snorkeling. So why now, sweetheart?” he asked curiously. They walked down the dock toward the boat he kept there. It wasn’t a large boat by any means, but it was a decent size with room to laze about for sunbathing.

  “Honestly?” When he nodded Ava admitted, “I’m slightly claustrophobic and I can’t do scuba gear because of the masks. I feel like I’m suffocating. This way I will be able to do what I’ve always wanted to do, but no freaky masks and I will have you right there beside me. Talk about safe, I will be exceptionally safe.”

  “Ahh,” he nodded slowly, understand dawning. “Well that makes complete sense. Sucky, but at least now you get to enjoy what others have for years and all with your own personal protection detail slash guide.” He jumped onto the boat, set the bag aside and then turned to help her onto it. “We’ll have to find a spot without any other divers. I can shield us but, because of the water it creates an odd distortion that if they are paying attention, could get us noticed.”

  “Sounds good to me. Do you think there will be a spot without other divers? Oh and without sharks that could hurt us. They won’t hurt us, right? There won’t be sharks or other things that might hurt or kill us under the water, will there? You’ll also ensure the merfolk don’t lure me to my death, right?”

  “Ava, I’m not going to let you get hurt. Not now, not ever. Come on, you know me, sweetheart. We’ll be in a nice safe bubble of air. None of the sea creatures will be able to get near us. You will be perfectly safe, alright?”

  “Good. I knew you would take care of me.” Ava winked at him and added, “You will always take care of me and be there for me won’t you, Ares? We’re going to have a very good life together, right?” She knew they would. She knew their life was only beginning and it was going to be amazing.

  “Hell yeah,” he grinned. Starting up the engine, he untied them from the dock and pushed off. “Ready for your adventures under the sea?” he asked. When she gave a happy nod he chuckled and got them moving through the marina toward the open ocean.

  Ava laughed and took a seat beside him. Turning her face up to the sun, she sighed and let her whole entire being relax. She felt the heat of the sun and the presence of her man at her side. Yep, life was really freaking good.

  Chapter Ten

  Vegas

  “There he is,” Ares pointed through the crowds. As a woman cleared out of their path she spotted Dionysus waving in their direction. Ares urged her forward, a hand on her back as they maneuvered through the crowds of the casino. “Brother,” he greeted the other man with a grin and a man hug. “Thanks for inviting us out. Figured after the last time you’d just ban us permanently from your establishments.”

  “You, perhaps, this lovely woman, never. I’m still hoping she figures out I’m the better choice of the brothers and runs away with me.” Dion grinned at her, “You’re looking tanned and happy, Ava.”

  “Thank you, Dion, I am feeling tanned and happy,” she told her soon-to-be brother-in-law. “Ares and I have been enjoying a small vacation before we did something wild and crazy.” She was all smiles now, practically vibrating out of her skin, “Which leads me to my next question. Do you think perhaps you could take me shopping?”

  Dion narrowed his eyes on her and looked suspicious. “What the hell are we going to be shopping for and why do you look like the cat that got the cream and swallowed the canary all in one go? What the hell is going on with you two?”

  Ava just gave him her left hand, twitching her ring finger, “I was thinking maybe you would be
the perfect person to help me choose a wedding dress?” She watched all of the emotion as it rolled over his face and grinned. “Well? You gonna help a girl out or what?”

  “Holy shit!” Dion grabbed her hand and stared at her finger. Then he looked at her, Ares and back to her. “Holy shit!” he said again. Next thing she knew she was hauled into his arms for a hug and a weird, impromptu little dance. “Unbelievable! I can’t believe this. This is...this is...wow!”

  Ava laughed and hugged him right back. She squeezed Dion tightly then pulled back with a grin on her face. “See why I wanted you to take me shopping? You sir, have the best eye for fashion of anyone I know. I want you to help me get the perfect dress if you wouldn’t mind.”

  “We need to do some research first,” he said looking down at her. “We need to know what you like, what I think you should wear, your materials, the colors or shades and then we shop. I refuse to spend eight hours in a store while you try on every dress they have. I adore you and I love my brother but no, absolutely not. You have to buy me a morning latte and lunch. That’s non-negotiable, period.”

  “That sounds good to me. We’ll take Ares credit card and not only buy the dress but all our meals throughout the day as well. I loved the dress you created for me for the ball where Ares and I reconnected. So...something like that maybe?”

  “Then why are we even going shopping?” Dion asked her. “I can create you whatever you want and there’s no torturing me involved. We decide on the lines, the materials and how you want it all to flow and look. I create it, we tweak it and we’re done in a couple of hours. Then all you need to do is buy shoes, get your lingerie and so forth.”

  “No, I want to go shopping. I don’t know what I want by way of lines and all that, plus shopping for a wedding dress is all a part of it. I want to do this, Dion, so it’s either with you or I will have to figure out someone else to take me shopping.” She pouted, actually pouted.

  “She is evil,” Dion’s comment was directed at Ares. Her man just smirked and shrugged, looking happy she was taking it all out on his brother. “Fine, but we will sit before a computer and figure out what the hell you want first. You can have me for three hours. Anymore than that and I’ll ditch your perky ass wherever we are.”

  Ava laughed, “What has your panties in a bunch, Dion? Why are you giving me such a small window of time? I thought you liked me.” She and Dion had become fast friends and that had been a great thing. She adored him like a brother. Thought he was funny, quirky and had amazing fashion sense.

  “Because,” he stopped and made a face. “Fine, I’ll give you a day but you will owe me big. Nothing horrible,” he held up a hand. Ares stopped his forward movement, but he still didn’t look very happy at all. “Just a small favor at some point, like when I need a date for some horrible event I don’t want to be a part of. One evening and you’ll be returned to your man in the same condition you left. In fact, I have one at a museum in Berlin coming up that would be the perfect event. I need someone there that isn’t a bore or looking to drain my wallet. I like you so at least I know we’ll be able to hold a conversation that doesn’t want me to pull my brain out through my nose.”

  Ava laughed and looked to Ares, “I dunno. Ares, are you willing to give me up for a night to play date with Dion so he’s not attacked by all the beautiful, but dull women who will be vying for his attention? Well men and women. I’ve noticed they both chase after poor Dion.”

  Ares was watching his brother closely. “One evening, to the event and then straight back. You abandon her at any time during the event and your ass is mine, brother.”

  “Deal,” Dion nodded. “I’d never let anything happen to my favorite soon-to-be sister-in-law. She’s much too precious to ever lose.” He grinned and then looked down at her again. “The suite is prepared for you two so head on up. I’ll have your bags sent up as well. Wayne Newton is performing tonight at the Bellagio and I got you tickets if you’d like to attend. It includes dinner, the show and a few chips to squander away.”

  “Thank you, Dion.” Ava moved back to Ares and looked up at him, grinning like an idiot as she did so. Hugging him close, she laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. “We both know you will be my shadow the entire time I’m out, won’t you? We both know you wouldn’t leave me alone and that’s why I said yes.” Ares would always be there to watch over and protect her.

  “Damned straight I will be,” he muttered, hugging her to him. “No way am I letting you go out with my womanizing brother for a date night and not keep an eye on you. He knows it too. That’s why I also know he’ll behave himself and act the perfect escort and gentleman the entire night.”

  “Exactly, I think we’ll have a good time there. Dion will have a good time too. I hope at least.” She waited until they were back in their suite and turned to look up at him. “So when are we going to get married? Have you thought about that?”

  “Not really. I figured you’d have a better idea about that. I’m a male if you hadn’t noticed, and while as a God, I do have a little more insight into many things, weddings and the workings of the female mind still confuse me.”

  “All I want is you there. We could get married tomorrow and I would be happy. I’m not a hard person to please. All I know is that I need you.” That was the truth. She only needed him in her life to be happy.

  “Well, let’s not do it tomorrow. As much as I want to marry you, I refuse to have Elvis officiate over our ceremony. I do have a few standards. They may be low on many things, but never that low,” he smiled. Pressing a kiss to her lips, he looked around the suite. “He’s redone it since the last time I was here.”

  “It looks amazing.” She took in the luxury of the suite and let out a whistle. “Wow. He must either have some serious high rollers, or else he redid this to impress us. Either way it looks great.”

  “It’s his suite of rooms. That,” he pointed to one end, “is his room. You and I will be in there,” he pointed to the other end. “The living space is common so we’ll have to share. Just a word of warning, if you’re out here and you hear him stumbling out, ask him if he remembered pants before you turn around to greet him. You may end up seeing more of him than I’d like. Since we Gods have pretty much no shame, I wouldn’t put it past him to meander around naked with you here.”

  “Right, so make sure he has on pants or else he will realize just how protective you are of me,” she said happily. “Okay, I will make sure to ask him.” She couldn’t help but smile. Holy smokes she couldn’t help herself from smiling at the thought Ares would be jealous of Dion, of all people.

  “You can stop with the gloating you have going on. Yes, I would be upset if you saw him naked. Yes, I would be upset if he wandered around here with you while naked. I can’t help it, Ava. I love you and expect my family to show you the respect due and while they too will be our family soon enough, the least they could do is not scar you for the rest of your life.”

  “The only man I have eyes for is you,” Ava admitted. “Not someone else. I adore Dion’s sense of style, but he is not you. I love you, Ares, and if it wasn’t for the fact I don’t want you to see the wedding gown before we are married, I would totally have you dress me.”

  “I know,” he said on a heavy sigh. “I’m a jealous ass and I know it. I’m sorry, love, but I can’t help it. The thought of you seeing another male naked or a male seeing you naked just makes me see red. I’m working on it, but it’s seriously ingrained so I’m not sure how much hope I have of fixing this flaw of mine.”

  “Don’t be sorry.” She put her hand over his mouth and smiled. “I like it. I like that you are jealous, a lot. It makes me feel a little better about my intense jealousy as well.”

  He grunted at that and nipped her palm. Smirking when she drew away, he shrugged. “I just don’t want to ever cause you embarrassment or shame while with me, Ava. We’re going to be partners in everything so I want to ensure I’m the type of man you deserve. Just because I’m a God doesn�
��t make me perfect by any means. Trust me on that.”

  “We are partners, in everything. You are the man that I need, you are the man that I deserve and you are the man that I love for now and for all time. We are a unit. We are together and we are stronger for it.”

  “That we are,” he smiled at her. Pressing a kiss to her lips, he hugged her to him. “We should grab a nap if we’re going out tonight. Well, when I say nap,” he grinned trailing off. He was wiggling his eyebrows at her suggestively and threw in a wink so she couldn’t miss his true meaning.

  Ava laughed and pulled back, “Which way to our bedroom?” When he pointed she laughed and raced off, tossing off her clothes as she ran, waiting on him to come and make good on the promise that was in his eyes.

  She skidded to a stop when she nearly ran into him. He was standing in the middle of the room. “What? Thought you’d get a head start? Hardly, woman,” he laughed, scooping her up. In one moment to the next they were naked and on the bed. She was on top while he was lounging under her looking lazy and relaxed.

  “Oh you are so bad,” she said with a grin and looked down at him. “I’m assuming all of the clothes I tossed off are folded and in a drawer somewhere so Dion isn’t tripping over my shirt or bra?” Her nails moved over his chest and she grinned as he hissed, “Yes, darling?” she all but purred.

  “Yes, everything is put away,” he said. He was staring up at her with heat and dark promises in his gaze. “Do that again,” he demanded. She’d discovered he liked it a little rougher but he could definitely do sweet, soft, and slow just as well.

  She did just that, she raked her nails over his chest and drew welts on his chest as she did so. “Like that?” She loved that he liked it a little on the rough side, she did too honestly. “Maybe I should bite you?” she asked with a low growl, leaning in closer to him as she did just that.

  “Do it,” he said, his hands suddenly gripping her hips hard. “Do whatever feels right to you, Ava. You know I’m never going to complain, not with you.” His back arched, pressing his chest to her breasts more.