“You will put me down. Right now.” She lost her ability to breathe and became angry. Perhaps excessively so. But screw Enten if he was confused. Glory didn’t do well with guys who had control issues.
She didn’t take orders from any man. Whatever attraction she’d felt toward Enten instantly shut down. Her life had been full of commands; first from her tyrannical father and then from the domineering husband to whom she’d been given. That was the way she and her mother had lived for a long time, afraid of crossing volatile males and causing them to fly into a rage. So once her father died and she had gotten rid of her spouse with the help of the law, Glory vowed never to be near an overpowering male again. Damn. She’d just missed a close one. It looked like she’d almost broken her own rule.
“I said, put me down,” Glory hissed. She could afford to be brave and demand her release from Enten. Surrounded by people, he couldn’t hurt her. And sure enough, like any bully confronted in a public arena, he complied by lowering her feet into the water, giving the obligatory apology.
“I’m sorry if I upset you, Glory.” He said it with what sounded like sincerity, almost enough for Glory to believe him. Yeah. Right. Almost. She tossed her curls.
“Go back to the others,” she said, as harshly as her voice allowed. She wouldn’t let her disappointment in him…or herself, show. Squaring her shoulders, she turned away and marched through the water back to her station. So what if she’d caught a glimpse of puzzlement and hurt on Enten’s face.
****
The winter god tried to get back into the spirit of things, but after Glory’s rejection, he couldn’t regain the earlier joy he’d felt at playing with the young models. Eventually he trudged up the beach and sat amongst the invisible gods who all looked pretty dour, unable to take part in the ocean antics of the day.
What happened, my brother? Emesh was always in tune with Enten’s moods. Where others always saw frigid Enten, Emesh saw shades of cold.
I wanted her to stay with me, and she refused. Enten didn’t know what he’d done wrong, but Emesh might be able to shed some light on it. His brother had watched enough day-time television to get the scoop on female psyche.
Did you ask her to remain with you or tell her? Emesh didn’t mince words.
I told her she was to stay with me. Enten didn’t know what his brother drove at.
And she wanted to leave? His twin’s eyebrows rose.
Yes. But it was not necessary. The photographers were performing their job. She had no need to interfere. Enten knew he must look like an idiot, but he couldn’t stop pouting.
Duh. Dick head. Had his brother just given him an eye roll? Her job is to direct these people. Emesh spoke slowly, as if to a five-year-old. Modern women have jobs and don’t appreciate being told what to do, especially if you attempt to make them feel superfluous.
Enten squirmed, confused. Continue.
This is the way she makes her living, and you told her she wasn’t needed. Emesh pushed.
Light dawned and Enten blinked, sputtering. B…but that’s not what I meant.
I know that. You know that. But she doesn’t. Emesh patted his knee with an invisible hand.
Ishkur, the older god with the most human female experience, put in his two cents. You need to go make it right.
How do I do that? Enten was willing, but what words could make Glory feel better? He’d already told her he was sorry.
Go stand behind her and listen to the directions she gives to her people. Understand what she is trying to do and praise her insight. Tell her you’d never seen anyone direct before and didn’t know how important it could be. Ishkur was the only god who had lived with a woman in Merrymount. If any of them remembered how important it was to appreciate the things a female did, it would be Ishkur.
Enten thought it was good advice. He picked himself up and attempted to brush off all the sand that clung to him. Yuck. He’d forgotten how annoying sand sticking to a wet body could be. Emesh noticed and called him out.
Oh, boo-hoo, brother. Don’t even go there. We’d all give our family jewels to feel sand again.
Speak for yourself, Emesh. Ishkur groused. I happen to like my junk grit free.
The other gods agreed. Some things took precedence over corporeality.
Enten chuckled, just as the discussion had warranted, and with a slightly lighter attitude, he dragged his feet over to where Glory stood. He listened as she gave direction.
“Mandy. Look down at him. Smolder for me.” It was a beautiful shot of Lahar snuggled up to the model’s bare bellybutton while her hands gripped hard into his short cropped hair.
Glory bent to the other photographer. “Can you get low and use the next wave coming in as a backdrop for Paul. The dark water against his white bathing suit will really pop.”
Enten started to realize, even though the photographers were excellent at their jobs, that Glory’s eyes traveled everywhere while theirs remained glued behind their lenses. She was able to direct them to things they might not otherwise have seen. He had been very high-handed, assuming her job superfluous.
“I see now, the importance of your input,” he said quietly behind her. “You notice things they might miss.” When he got no indication she cared one way or another for his opinion, he decided to ask a question. “You have a good perspective. Have you been a photographer before?”
She sighed. “A long time ago,” she finally answered. “But I didn’t have the patience for it. After a shoot, I’d have to go through thousands of pictures and hone down on the ones to present. I’m more of a concept person, and like deciding what shots go together to make a story that will sell the product.”
She looked out to the action. “Which reminds me… Hey, you acrobats,” she yelled. “Can I get a few of you to put on the client’s bathing suits? Maybe we can use some of you in our spread.”
Marduk and Enlil put their heads together. Enten and the other gods were included in their head-talking. Now that Nergal has stopped coming after us, and Erra seems to be on our side, it might not be so bad if we’re out in public. Enten knew Tess missed all the freedom she had been denied since mating with Marduk.
But there’s still that unknown threat. The god who’s been posing as Nergal, Enlil reminded him.
Before Dagon and Holly’s amulet ceremony, Erra, the god of war and destruction, had been about to be put to death by the king of the Underworld, when it was discovered Erra had been deceived by one who gave orders in Nergal’s voice. On the cusp of annihilation, the queen’s sister had intervened, and Erra had been found innocent. But the actual mastermind had yet to be unmasked. Marduk and Enlil clearly weighed the consequences of being in the public eye.
After some small discussion, they agreed to be extra vigilant, and decided to go for it. The group headed in from the water to change into modern-day bathing suits.
Enten stood hesitantly behind Glory, not knowing what he should do next. He jumped when she spoke.
“You too, Enten.”
It took everything he had not to touch her.
“Go put on a suit. I want to see what it is you and Lahar do.”
An arrogant prick he might be, but he nodded humbly at her request. Damned if he wouldn’t put on the best possible show for Glory, demonstrating his prowess as a god. Not that she’d know of his immortality. Yet.
They changed in a small cabana. Marduk and Dagon chose board shorts, Enten and Lahar felt more comfortable in regular swim trunks, but Anshar and Enlil goaded each other into choosing the skimpiest swim briefs that―they teased―hugged their ample packages and showed off their muscled asses to perfection.
Anshar paraded out first, followed by Enlil strutting through the door. Enten had to restrain himself at Glory’s indrawn breath. A reaction to the gods’ display. He could almost hear her cataloging Enlil’s attributes. Hell, she was probably wondering if Enlil was warm and not so controlling. Enten wanted to roar his displeasure.
The wind god didn’t even gla
nce Glory’s way as he headed back toward the water to join the female models who licked their lips as he approached.
Enten watched the range of emotion that flitted across Glory’s expressive face as Enlil stalked down the beach. She’d never be able to hide anything, her feelings amplified in her expressive, brown eyes. He’d seen her shoulders slump at Enlil’s unintended slight, and fought back the urge to pound the wind god into the sand. Luckily, Enlil had seen it all, and sent a quick rebuke to Enten.
Hey, she’s your Chosen, man. What kind of a god do you take me for? I’m not about to send her any encouragement. Now stop looking like you want to kill someone, and go talk to her.
Enten brought his attention back to Glory who had her eyes on the “wives” of the “acrobats.” The goddesses looked pretty, but the variety in their bodies and facial features made them real, not something off a magazine cover. Enten hoped Glory recognized that his mated brothers had chosen loveliness and quality over eye candy. He’d picked up on her insecurity around the models. Didn’t she know her beauty far outshined theirs? She had to see that his interest in her wasn’t feigned.
He also fervently needed her to know that he’d had a serious lapse in judgment; that he wasn’t a domineering asshole. She had to give him another chance. He witnessed Glory wince as he turned to her with purpose. His gut clenched, and suddenly terrified, he spun on his heel instead. Shit. He didn’t know what to say. Gods. Trying to know what women wanted really sucked. Better to act instead. That he could do. He sought out Lahar to discuss a performance that would wow his potential mate. Neither he nor any of the gods had ever done acrobatics before, but their sparring sessions were always entertaining. They had superior strength and speed. That had to count for something.
In the end, as a group, the nine with bodies settled for tumbling, tossing each other across distances, and undertaking feats of strength they’d seen in acrobatic acts on television. For them, it wasn’t so hard, lifting each other into a tall tower of six. Of course, Lenore had to be the show stopper and scamper up all those bodies to perch at the very top. Once there, she launched into an artful dive to be caught by Tess and Holly below, who had plenty of goddess strength of their own.
Needless to say, the humans all looked very impressed, and did Glory’s face seem brighter as she regarded him from beneath semi-lowered lashes? The jeers and catcalls coming from the invisible peanut gallery had him on edge while he waited for her verdict.
“We’ve got some great stuff here,” Glory admitted, giving Enten a look.
His heart fell. He could see easily that she was torn between elation at having obtained some seriously good shots, and a continued disappointment in him she didn’t even try to hide. So that was that, he sighed to himself. Time to go.
Enten. I’m locking you out of the compound if you don’t go over there and talk to her. Tess’s angry voice hit his head. She must have been listening in when he’d been getting advice from Emesh and Ishkur. One little rebuff and you’re ready to call it quits? Guys are such idiots. She wants you. Anyone can see that. Just don’t come on so strongly this time, she cautioned.
Should I let her make all moves and decisions? Enten asked, floundering, completely unsure of himself.
No. That’s not what I’m saying.
It was a good thing Tess had patience.
Women like a strong man, but not a bossy one. Let her know what’s on your mind, but ask her opinion of things as well. Can you handle that?
No. Enten felt pretty sure he couldn’t handle anything. Failure with women had always been a given. But Tess spoke the truth. A lot lay on the line here. He needed to give this his best effort.
Glumly, Enten approached the woman who was his Chosen. Why couldn’t it be easy? He had fallen hard―figuratively and literally―for Glory, right off the bat. It was preordained, after all. So, dammit, shouldn’t she have the same reaction? Wasn’t that how it was supposed to go? If true, he wouldn’t have to guess at things and feel like such an asshole.
“Glory?” he spoke softly, and cleared his throat as he approached. She pushed the curls from her face and looked up at him.
“Oh, hi, Enten.” She turned away and fussed with some cables. “That was a really good session. I’m impressed. You should let me know when and where you’re going to perform next and I’ll make sure your schedule gets written up along with the photos. It should get you some great business. Give Manny your phone number, and I’ll bet lots of calls come in with offers of work.” She was babbling, and Enten took that as a good sign.
“The only one I want to give my phone number to is you,” he said bluntly, then cursed to himself. He didn’t have a phone. He hadn’t needed one before. Well, he’d borrow Marduk’s…shit. That wouldn’t do him any good. Unless he was within one hundred yards of Glory, he wouldn’t have a mouth to speak with. Well, he’d find a way to work that out with the boss.
He saw the surprise on Glory’s face at his assertion. And her smile. Damned if that didn’t give him courage.
“Glory, come with…uh, will you please come with me for a minute?” Enten remembered, just in time, to pose it as a question.
“Sure,” she acquiesced, but with a shrug of her shoulders, as if she didn’t care one way or the other.
Glory gave a few quick directions to Manny before following Enten up the beach. He turned and reached for her hand.
She looked like she’d deny him but sighed and eventually placed her soft palm in his. She glanced down as he entwined their fingers. “It’s funny how chilled you are after a day in the sun,” she told him innocently. “You must have been in the cold water too long.”
“I’m sorry.” Enten felt his heart clench. “But truthfully? My core temperature is normally colder than other people’s.”
“No big deal.” She shrugged. “I kind of like it.”
What? Enten had to fight to keep his mouth from gaping open. She didn’t mind his cold? Enten quickened his pace.
The cabana where he led her had yet to be dismantled, but it was clear all the models had finished using it. Enten didn’t know if it was the right thing to do, but he needed to get Glory alone. He needed to assure her he wasn’t a prick. And he had to see if she would let him kiss her again. Only then would he know if she had feelings for him.
Enten drew back the flap on the tent and gestured for Glory to precede him. She raised an eyebrow but ducked under his arm and entered. Once under cover, she turned as he secured the flap behind them. Enten straightened and at her quick step backward, realized he took up a lot of the small, interior space.
“Don’t be afraid of me, Glory,” he soothed in a hushed tone. “I can feel your heartbeat from here.”
“I’m not afraid.” She clearly lied. He could see the pulse in her neck, beating out of control. “What did you want to talk about?”
“I want to apologize again. You didn’t seem to think I meant the first one.”
Glory scowled up at him, waiting.
“I also want to kiss you one more time.” Enten’s voice came out gravelly, filled with brutal honesty. He hoped Glory wouldn’t bolt. He belatedly remembered Tess’s advice, and added, “Will you let me?”
“Your eyes.” Glory trembled. “They’re almost like crystals.” The words seemed to have been inadvertently wrenched from her lips, but she hadn’t answered his question. Would she let him kiss her? Glory’s hands shook with her apparent indecision. But he tempered himself to wait her out. He would not force anything on her this time.
She finally let out a long, agonized breath. “Yes, Enten. Please.”
It was all he needed to hear. Enten closed the few feet between them in one step and drew her into his arms. His hands came up to hook behind her head and mold her warm breasts to his chilly, bare chest.
“Glory…” he murmured, before lowering his head. He nuzzled the side of her neck, inhaling her. He nudged her chin up to a higher degree, skimming his cool lips across her cheek.
Glory�
��s mouth fell open.
“Your breath.” Her words sounded slurred, almost drugged. “Your breath is so cold. But it feels so good on my skin.” Did she insinuate herself closer to his hardening body?
He groaned and claimed her lips. A series of explosions burst forth deep inside of him. His nerve endings buzzed. Surrounded by her heat, his coldness mingled with her warmth. His tongue touched and teased. His thumbs cupped and caressed the back of her head. His cock pressed into the softness of her belly, making her tremble with what he hoped was desire, but worried might be frostbite.
“Am I too cold?” He drew away in concern.
But she pulled him back, showing surprising strength. “Uh, uh. Not even close.”
The line between where he started and she stopped blurred as she reached up to draw him down again. “The problem is, I’m actually too hot,” she murmured against his lips.
Could the mating thing possibly hold true?
Enten groaned and allowed his icy hardness to consume Glory again.
Chapter Six
The invisible immortal closely watched the scene unfolding in the Plymouth office with an evil smile. Off the radar for the resident human, and shielded from the war god, Erra, the conversation pleased the incorporeal one. Listening in had become an instant addiction.
The human looked perplexed, shaking his head. “First, my order was to capture the women who would be the gods’ Chosen, with collateral god damage or killing acceptable.” He growled in confusion. “Then Dagon said there would be no killing, just imprisonment, but he defected to the Blue Hill’s gods’ side.” The guy was getting pretty worked up. “Finally you come along.”
The mortal spoke to Erra without any of the fear a normal human would exhibit. How intriguing.
Erra demurred. “Now Matthew…”
The blond male cut him off. “No.” He pointed a finger. “You were onboard with the rough stuff until you found out the females we targeted were Chosen, and boom. You did a one-eighty.”
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