Apollo clamped down on his annoyance as Mr. Priam sized him up like a horse he considered buying and doubted his worth. This is for Cassie.
Her face flushed red as hibiscus petals. “Dad, That's not it at all. We have information.”
She nodded toward Apollo. He believed in the truth and they might as well begin there. “Hydra plans to attack the US embassy here in Athens.”
Her father stepped closer to Apollo, his eyes leveled in challenge. “Hydra has publicly threatened Rome, not Greece. We’re meeting with them to negotiate a deal. You have it wrong.”
“That’s only to put you off,” said Apollo, mustering his patience. This mortal all but called him a liar. A low growl rumbled in his throat. He didn’t suffer this treatment from anyone but Zeus. How long could he bear it?
“You sound very sure of yourself. How did you come by this information?”
Tension crept up Apollo’s neck like spidery legs. He had to say something, but the truth would gain him severe displeasure from Zeus. Could he tempt fate, alter the man’s thinking, and force his agreement to act? A temptation, but better to follow his father’s command. “I have a source. It’s highly reliable.”
“You have a source.” The secretary smirked.
The last mortal that dared look at Apollo that way, ceased to exist. Patience.
Her father shifted his gaze to Cassie. “Why did you bring him here if he won’t talk? I don’t have time for this.”
“But Dad, it’s the truth. You have to believe us.” Her eyes glistened with emotion. “People will die if you don’t do something.”
“People have died,” ground out her father. His jowls quivered as he shook his head. “I’m sorry, princess. I appreciate your passion, but I’ve met many passionate people, and if you don’t have more than an anonymous tip, I can’t act on it. I need facts.” He herded them toward the door of his suite and hugged Cassie in a one-armed embrace. “When this is over and we’re home under more pleasant circumstances, we’ll talk. For now, I have work to do.”
Apollo and Cassie found themselves back in the long hall with the door shut behind them. Cassie stared at Apollo. Her chin quivered and her eyes shimmered with tears. He’d seen that same look three thousand years ago when Cassandra failed to convince the king of Troy just before they wheeled that monstrous horse into the city.
* * *
Cassie’s eyes burned and she blinked back tears. She would not cry. The embassy’s only hope and people’s lives rested on her, and she was about to fail. That messed with her more than her father brushing her aside and grilling Apollo as if he were a foolish kid. Tears blurred her vision. “I can’t convince anyone.”
Before she could wipe her eyes with her hand, Apollo pulled a cloth from his pocket and dabbed at her face. “Blow,” he said, holding the cloth up to her nose. Cassie sucked in a breath and blew. He wiped and dabbed at her nose, and then pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair.
From what she recalled, this situation was too similar to Troy. Though Apollo hadn’t taken away her gift of prophecy, Zeus had. If history was destined to repeat itself, then she was in the middle of one hell of a reenactment. She sniffed against his crisp linen jacket. “I’m sorry. It’s all been for nothing.” She tilted her face up and looked at him through weepy eyes. “What can we do?”
He whispered in a low voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this.”
“How?” she croaked.
“I don’t know just yet, but if a god can't outwit a few mortals, then there’s no hope for the universe.”
He smiled and she had to believe that he told the truth. Cassie blinked away moistness. Had Apollo’s glow dimmed a bit? No, that couldn’t be. Her puffy eyes just distorted her view.
* * *
If Cassie’s father required proof, then so be it. The man reminded Apollo of Zeus— unyielding and demanding, with little patience for anything other than his own agenda. He’d disregarded both Apollo and the attack in Athens. Arrogant, shortsighted mortal. They had to convince him or find another way.
Apollo blinked. His twin sister hovered behind Cassie. Artemis had pulled her amber- colored hair back, securing it with gold clips. Her short green dress was her usual attire for a hunt, but she lacked her bow and golden arrows. “I must speak with you,” she said. “Alone.”
Cassie heard nothing. Her dark head rested on his chest. “What will we do now?” she murmured.
What indeed.
Artemis stared down her long straight nose at him. “I’m waiting.”
Apollo knew his sister well. She adored him and would help his cause, but while she possessed great wisdom, patience eluded her. He nuzzled the top of Cassie’s head. “Beloved, I must attend to something and it may take time. Will you be alright on your own?”
She stepped back from him. “I’m not a baby. I’ll be fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll visit the market, grab some lunch since we didn’t eat, and meet you at our hotel. Maybe I’ll be inspired and think up a way to salvage this mess.”
He didn’t like leaving her, but his sister’s insistence pushed him. “Excellent idea. I’ll see you soon.”
Cassie swung her purse over her shoulder and left.
Artemis’ light blue gaze shadowed with worry. “What’s this I hear of you wagering with Hades? I thought you had more sense.”
He usually did, but it evaporated where Cassie was concerned. “Did you come here to reprimand me or help?”
“Both, you dolt.”
“And the help?”
Her clear brow wrinkled. “I’ve watched our uncle. He’s up to something. Hades and Zeus spend hours over that chessboard arguing. You won’t believe the pieces Hades is resurrecting for the game—the Cyclops, Hydra and his terrible three-headed dog. He’ll unleash the titans if he can.”
Apollo flinched at the mention of them. “The titans?” They were the greatest threat to the gods, including Zeus. “Our father would never agree. The titans would destroy humanity and then come after us.”
“Don’t be so sure. You know how Zeus can get when he gambles.”
Apollo did know. Mortal disease came by way of a lost wager. “What’s at stake?”
“They won’t say.”
“No, they wouldn’t.” Apollo wished he had his gift for the future. He’d know how all of this turned out. Had Hades put into his father’s mind this particular punishment? Apollo grumbled, “I’d like to burn a hole right through my uncle’s withered head.”
“And I’d like to see it, but be careful.” She leaned close and whispered into his ear. “I’ll do what I can to snare Hades, but he’s as difficult to catch as water through a sieve.”
“I’m grateful for the offer, but I don’t want you reaping our father’s wrath. He’s been in a foul mood.”
“Best you heed your own advice.” Artemis shimmered into a green ball of light and was gone.
Apollo would be cautious. He knew many mortals in Athens. Some had been instrumental to him in the past against trouble. He’d seek them out first. Perhaps one of them knew of Hydra.
He headed for the oldest section of Athens. Striding through narrow winding streets of the Plaka, he passed small shops, cafés and white-faced houses in search of the home of a particular family and a woman from his past. Andromeda Catsoulas, a truly beautiful girl with a lovely smile. Not as attractive as Cassie, but still a pleasure.
He climbed the worn steps. The same last name etched on a metal plate near the door gave him hope. He knocked and waited. A soft voice spoke and then he heard the shuffling of feet on tile. Apollo had worn his linen jacket and his best smile to dazzle women and gain favor. The door creaked open. There stood an elderly woman with an apron tied around her thin form and her gray hair knotted atop her head in a bun. Lines creased her face giving her the look of old parchment.
“You,” she gasped. Worn teeth formed her broken grin, but the familiar warmth in her brown eyes remained.
“Andromeda Catsoulas?” Apol
lo ventured.
“Apollo? It can't be.” She rubbed her crinkled eyes. “You remind me of a man I knew over fifty years ago, but no,” her frail voice trailed off. “You’re the image of him. You must be his son, no grandson. My, how the years have flown.”
“Yes. My name is also Apollo.” This was the aged version of the young girl he’d enjoyed. His heart sank at her loss of youth and beauty. How many years had passed since they’d strolled over these streets together and shared a kiss? “I’m related to him. He told me to visit this house if I ever found myself in Athens.”
“How very kind of you. Come in. Come in.” She pulled the door wide open. “And how is your grandfather? He was something in his youth,” she chuckled. “But back then, so was I.”
He took her hand, drew it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles for memory’s sake. The scent of rosemary filled his nose. “I’m sure that you're as beautiful now as the day he met you.”
She shook her head. “Now that was a lie, but I forgive you for it. It was such a nice lie to hear.”
He’d ask about her family. Years ago, they’d been involved in the resistance. Perhaps they were still interested in such things and might have heard something. “My…grandfather wants to hear if you married? And your brothers, what became of them?”
“No I never had the pleasure or curse of marriage.” She laughed, a sound of bubbling up from her belly. “And my brothers left for America when they were still young enough to make the trip. They’ve done well for themselves. All I have is a young boy who runs errands for me and does a few things around the house. He should be here soon. Where is that boy?” Her old eyes shifted from here to there as she searched.
Though Apollo’s efforts for information had proven fruitless, he still valued his time with her. The family had bravely hidden people fleeing the county and had smuggled weapons to the resistance during the dark days of the war. Apollo had helped them where he could. Andromeda’s father had been killed and his death strengthened their resolve to fight. Time couldn’t dim Apollo’s respect for them. “I hope all will be well with you Andromeda, and long life.”
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Your grandfather use to wish me that. I’m old enough. Bring me some other blessing from him. What did you say he was up to?”
“He's doing the same as he always has.”
She nodded. “Still working the family business then?”
He smiled. “Yes.”
Apollo spent another hour with her, thanked her and left. The longing for past friendships and mortal connection surprised him. He’d been gone from Earth too long. If he could manage it, he’d visit Andromeda again.
Fifty years. He doubted any of his acquaintances remained. Time cursed mankind, stealing strength and beauty. How did they suffer the ravages of aging? What if he were forced into mortality? He shook himself from the thought of relentless decline. Mortality was a curse. He doubted that he could laugh through it as Andromeda did.
Apollo made his way back to their hotel and Cassie. Together, they’d make a plan.
* * *
Cassie perused the market’s offerings: salty Greek olives, fresh fruits in an array of colors, crusty loaves of bread, sausages and cheese. Everything tempted her palate.
“Bella Cassie," cried a familiar voice. She turned to see a slender man with sleek, dark hair, a prominent nose and strong chin hurry to her side. He kissed her cheek. “I thought you’d gone home to your papa. What are you doing here?”
“George? I left, but I’ve returned for a short visit. I miss Greece so very much.” She’d enjoyed dinner with him a number of times on her visit and felt comfortable with him. Finding George was a coup. He knew everyone and might have heard something about Hydra.
“Is that all you miss?” He winked. “I’d hoped that you saved a corner in your heart for me?"
Cassie smiled into his pleasant face. George wasn’t obviously handsome, but his gregarious personality made him appear more attractive the longer she’d known him. Her friends thought he was gorgeous. “Just the man I need. You hear everything and I need information.”
“You think too highly of me, but I will help if I can.”
She glanced side to side before she spoke in a low voice. “Have you heard anything about this group Hydra?”
His smile faded and the glint in his gaze shifted to a darker tone of brown. “We don’t speak of them. They’re a curse. A bunch of kids believing the way to prosperity and happiness is to take it from someone else. They’ll find out soon enough that once the goose is dead, the golden eggs stop coming.”
“So, you’ve heard of them?”
“Yes, yes. It's no secret.” He raised his hand and waved it about to discount the subject. “The young men run after their leader as if he were a great one. He’s just a man with anger for brains and a gift with words.”
“Have you seen him? Do you know who he is and what he has planned?” She leaned forward, awaiting his reply.
He eyed her. “You are interested in these things? I’d rather fish than be bothered with political whisperings. It will all blow over with the next election. That’s how it goes here.”
“But do you know who the leader of Hydra is?”
“Me?” He placed his hand on his chest and his eyes widened. “No, just rumors. Why would I know such things? I might have heard something from a man at the museum, but I don’t listen.”
Her neck prickled like crazy, giving her the idea that he knew more than he was telling. She had to pick George’s brain for a while “I want to hear about everything since I’ve been away. Let’s share a bottle of ouzo and catch up.” Cassie picked up a bottle on the way.
The two enjoyed a couple of hours, sipping the pale liquid, and renewed their friendship on the patio of his home. An afternoon breeze wafted over them and mingled the scent of lavender with the alcoholic warmth rising from her glass. She loved the city and its people. “George, I’ve heard that Hydra poses a danger to Athens. I’m sorry to drag you back to the subject, but if you’ve heard anything, or know of people that may be involved with this group, I need to know.”
“I didn’t realize that you believed their rhetoric.” He looked up as if thinking and then returned his brown gaze to her. “Of course, if I hear anything I’ll tell you. Where are you staying?”
Cassie pulled her hotel’s card from her purse. “It’s not far. Here’s the address. I’ll only be there for a few days.” She stood to leave. “I hope I hear from you soon. Thank you for the lovely afternoon.”
The back of her neck itched, but she couldn’t tell why. George was a world traveler from she didn’t know where. He’d landed in Athens years ago and had stayed. The man had little interest in politics. That’s what they’d had in common—until Apollo shifted her interest.
As she trudged past houses and shops on the way to the hotel, concern over the warning signal at the back of her neck persisted. It couldn’t have anything to do with George, unless while poking around for her, he put himself in danger. No. He was warm and friendly, but also smart. He wouldn’t take unnecessary chances. Prickles at the base of her skull crept down her spine. She shuddered. “Ugh. Why can’t I decipher this?”
The refurbished five-story hotel sat near the market in old Athens and below the Acropolis. A fountain trickled in the courtyard: the sound of water over marble played over her ears like soothing rain. History oozed from the stone beneath her feet and she loved the local flavor.
Her mom wouldn’t be caught dead there. Dr. Priam insisted on more Americanized digs. What was so great about having your own bathroom, anyway? You had to give up authentic Greece to get it. Cassie would never understand.
She entered the lobby. The clerk smiled and Cassie retuned the woman’s greeting on her way to her room. Three flights of stairs and down a hall to the end. Swiping her key in the lock, she turned the knob and opened the door. Her eyes widened. Apollo was bare-butt naked. Cassie’s mouth dropped open. Damn. He was beautiful.
<
br /> CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Cassie should have closed the door and run.
She stood frozen by his masculine beauty. At first glance she wouldn’t have believed he was real. Apollo clad in his toga was an impressive enough sight, but nude he tempted her. She continued to stare, though heat radiated from her face. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen the male apparatus, but never on a naked man, and never with lust pushing her to touch.
He made no move to cover himself. Why would he? Apollo possessed the arrogant confidence of a god. And he deserved to be deified. No sculpture she’d ever seen came close to his exquisite form. The difference between the dream of Apollo and his tangible reality startled her.
Cassie licked her lips and Apollo’s blue gaze flickered with heat. Primal need smoldered in those azure depths and spread to her belly. This would be her cue to leave. She cleared her throat, “Excuse me," she squeaked. “I thought this was my room.”
Apollo shrugged a crisp white shirt over his broad shoulders. “It’s our room.” The corners of his delicious mouth curved up. “You didn’t think I’d let you out stay alone, did you?”
Cassie forced her gaze to his face, though with each of his movements, his open shirt revealed firm muscles leading to glimpses of his package just below the edge of his open shirt. Her breath stilled in her lungs. She learned something about herself at that moment. She wasn’t afraid. Nervous standing in a room with a half-naked man, but far more comfortable than she’d ever imagined.
“Damn,” she murmured. He really might be the right man for her, the one she’d dreamed of and waited for. If that were true, the relationship would work out—somehow. Cassie closed the door and leaned back against it.
“Don’t be afraid. I won’t touch you.” A small smile teased his lips. “Unless that’s what you wish.”
“I'm not afraid. I just haven’t…” she mumbled. Her cheeks blazed hot. The human body was a work of art. Only a child was embarrassed by a little skin.
Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series) Page 12