Page 59 of Break You

“Swan?”

“Correct. Zeus is a Greek god, who is otherwise known as his Roman counterpart, Jupiter.”

I was sure my face was a picture of surprise, despite me trying to seem nonchalant about the whole thing. After considering me for a few moments, she carried on.

“So, we have Jupiter, aka Zeus, aka pretty much the patron saint of Cygnus Dei, plus Cob, a male swan. What do you know about this person?”

“Nothing really. Only what you just told me.”

I felt terrible for lying, but until I knew a little more about what was going on in my life, I couldn’t share any more. If nothing else, whatever shit I was in, I didn’t want to drag Erykah into it with me.

“Okay, so why the sudden interest in all this stuff?”

“Oh, it’s for an assignment. It’s about myths, fables, and legends, and I figured where better to start than something close to home.”

“That’s a great take on that topic. I’m sure your teacher will love it. I really don’t know much more about Cygnus Dei, but no doubt there will be something in the library, if only in the archives. I can have a look and put some stuff aside for you, if I find anything?”

Guilt gnawed at me—she would literally give someone her last breath if they needed it.

“Okay, sure. Thank you. That would be great.”

“No problem. Actually, it will be kind of fun. You know all that stuff appeals to my inner geek.”

I had to laugh. “So, what’s your outer geek doing while you’re feeding the inner one?”

“Very funny. You know what I mean. Don’t be a bitch to me after I just said I’d help you.” She had a point, but I also knew she took my comment in the spirit of fun in which it was meant. We were tight like that.

“You know I love you long time.”

“Yeah, I know. Now let me go and get both my geeks ready for the day.”

I watched her leave, and slumped back down onto the bed.

What the fuck had I gotten myself into?

Xavier

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Touch her again

And I WILL kill you

He knew about us. Whatever “us” meant. The truth was, I had no actual clue. All I knew was that things were moving in a direction neither of us had predicted, and it had to stop. In fact, it should have stopped before it had started. I’d already crossed several lines, and was hating on myself for my stupidity.

The whole escapade had been about getting even with Pixie. The fact that Rocky was good to look at and even better to screw was an added bonus, but at some point, between telling her my innermost thoughts, and contemplating spooning her on my living-room floor, I’d lost sight of the prize. I had Pixie to thank for pulling my head back in the game with that very timely text message.

I showered and dressed, then called Drew.

“What?” He sounded as pissed as I’d ever heard him.

“What do you mean, what? The fuck is your problem?”

“My problem is you calling me at ungodly hours, expecting me to be all sweetness and light, and suck your fucking dick. What. Do. You. Want. Xavier?”

Really?

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