Page 80 of Crown of Serpents

He shook his head again in desperation. “I know you’ve never asked me to, but I can’t help myself. I would risk anything for you — my life, this plan, this crew — to keep you safe … and if you come with us —”

“Andromeda, you should stay on the ship,” Medusa interfered. “Not because Kleos is a lovesick fool who can’t think straight when he’s around you, but because this isn’t your fight. Freeing Seriphos is Perseus's burden, our burden. You can't risk your life while Joppa's fate is uncertain. Savingthemis your battle.”

Andromeda’s throat tightened. She wanted to lash out at Medusa, to scream that she’d never return to Joppa anyway, that she’d considered running away with Kleos. But she couldn't say those words now.

She nodded, accepting her defeat.

Medusa gently clasped her shoulder. “The best way you can help is by waiting on the ship. You can heal anyone who gets injured and manages to flee.”

Andromeda shook Medusa's hand off her shoulder and turned, a silent storm brewing in her eyes. With a curt nod to Perseus, she descended into the darkness below deck.

CHAPTER FIFTY

Medusa hid in the shadows, clinging to the wall of the quarterdeck, while she watched Perseus with burning intensity. She ached for him, a longing that had grown since their departure from Rhodos. Their last encounter, the overheard conversation with Andromeda, hung heavy in the air. He lingered, discussing the rescue mission with Aetos. Perseus patted the old captain’s back as Aetos retreated for his night watch up the quarterdeck.

Time was running out. Come sunrise, Medusa would leave the ship with Mikis and enter enemy territory.

Perseus walked to her cabin, oblivious to Medusa lurking in the darkness. His hesitant hand hovered near the door. Medusa seized her chance, lunging from the shadows and pinning him against the wall. Instead of looking surprised, Perseus smiled, his eyes darkening as they trailed the contours of her lips.

His touch was electric as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” Medusa whispered.

She rose to her heels, tugging his tunic and kissing him deeply. Perseus lifted her veil ever so slightly before his arms tightened around her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her hands in his dark curls. Time seemed to slow down, and Medusa wished dawn would never break.

Perseus spun her around, pinning her wrists against the wooden wall and gently caressing her neck with his lips. His hot breath against her skin drowned out every racing thought in her head. She craved the oblivion he offered, the way he consumed every inch of her until only the sensation of his mouth and the burning need within her remained. Medusa twisted free, her legs entwining his strong torso as she pressed against him. He groaned, a low rumble in his chest, but hesitated, his lips hovering above her skin. His eyes met hers, searching as he asked, “Are you sure?”

Medusa nodded. “I am.”

She would not let Poseidon’s memory take these stolen moments from her.

Perseus’s mouth crashed against hers, and he grabbed her legs tightly while pressing against her. Medusa opened her mouth for his tongue. He lifted her from the wall, his lips never leaving hers as he carried her into the cabin. Medusa did not wait for him to close the door before she tore off his shirt.

Perseus chuckled. “A little impatient, are we?”

Medusa felt her cheeks warm, but he scooped her up and plopped her down on the cotton mat. He ripped a piece of his ruined tunic, lifting his hand toward her face.

She stopped him before he could blindfold her. “No, tonightIam in control.”

His face lit up as he lowered his hand, offering her the blindfold. A slow smile spread across her lips as she leaned in, tying the fabric over his eyes. “Do you trust me?”

“I do.”

Medusa pushed him onto the straw cot, straddling him and savouring the sight of his chiselled body splayed before her. He was already hard beneath her. She pinned his arms above his head, interlacing their fingers, and slowly began tracing his neckwith her teeth.

A shudder went through him. “Fuck, Medusa.”

She chuckled, trailing her tongue toward his chest, then his muscled abdomen.

He growled in pleasure, buckling beneath her.

Medusa held tight, pressing his hands into the pillow as she slowly began grinding her hips against his hardened length. The friction sent sparks through her, and she gasped in pleasure.

Perseus moaned, trying to free his hands to grab her hips. “Please, Medusa. I need you.”

“I decide what you get and when,” Medusa purred, delighted by his burning need for her as he sighed in frustration. Yet, he remained still, waiting patiently forherto devour him.

She kissed him, high from his taste on her tongue and the feel of his hot skin against hers. They melted into each other, and Medusa’s need grew, coiling tight in her core. She pressed harder against him until they were both panting.

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