Page 19 of Desired By Eros

Rebecca chuckled. “I like your attitude. See you Monday.”

“See you,” Psyche replied, watching her walk away. She felt a small surge of pride at how well the week had gone. With her routine set and the weekend ahead, she was ready for whatever came next—even a storm.

Psyche walked back to her tent, savoring the peaceful quiet of the evening. She had a few minutes before she needed to meet Eros.

They had been having dinner together, and the thought of their dinner routine made her smile. She liked talking to him—he was someone she didn’t need to filter herself around. He checked all the boxes now, and she considered him a friend.

She spotted him ahead, leaning casually against a tree. His hair reflected the soft evening light, and his broad shoulders seemed even more imposing in the outdoors. He was wearing his usual confident expression, but his posture was relaxed. Psyche noticed another woman standing near him, laughing at something he’d said.

Psyche stopped a few paces away and observed them. It was fascinating how people seemed drawn to him. It was always like this with him, she realized. His easy charm and effortless magnetism seemed to make him the center of attention wherever he went.

The woman with Eros was laughing, her hand brushing her dark hair back in a casual, practiced motion. Psyche noted the easy rapport between them. Eros leaned slightly toward her, nodding as she spoke like he’d known her for years.

When the woman noticed her approach, she turned with a friendly smile. “Oh, hi, Psyche! We met earlier. I’m Marge, from the logistics team.”

“Hi,” Psyche replied with a polite nod.

Eros grinned. “Ready for dinner?”

“Oh, I see,” Marge said, her surprise barely masked. “Well, that’s nice. I didn’t know you two were close.”

“We’re friends,” Psyche said simply, the words feeling solid as she spoke them. She glanced at Eros, who gave her a quick, approving smile.

Marge’s gaze lingered on them for a moment, “Well, I’ll let you two get going.” She hesitated, then added with a playful smile toward Eros, “See you around?”

“Sure,” he said easily.

As Marge walked away, Psyche watched her go, her eyes catching the subtle sway in the woman’s step. It was calculated, she realized—an attempt to leave an impression.

“Interesting,” Psyche muttered under her breath.

“What’s interesting?” Eros asked, turning to her.

“People always seem drawn to you,” she said matter-of-factly. “Like moths to a flame. You must find it exhausting.”

Eros laughed, shaking his head. “Not really. I’ve gotten used to it. Besides, I can handle a little attention.” His tone was teasing, but there was something unspoken behind it, a confidence Psyche had grown accustomed to.

“Well, lucky you,” she said dryly. “Let’s go. I’m hungry.”

Eros smirked. “Lead the way, Your Highness.”

They walked together toward the edge of the campsite, the interaction with Marge already fading into the background, but not entirely forgotten by Psyche. She tucked the memory away, a mental note of yet another instance of how Eros seemed to fit in everywhere, with everyone.

When they reached a more secluded area, she paused and rummaged through her bag, pulling out another jacket and a warm hat. She’d been wearing more layers during their flights lately, and it had made the experience much better.

He raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You’re a pro now?”

Ignoring his comment, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He chuckled but didn’t hesitate to scoop her up effortlessly.

As soon as they were in the air, she tucked herself closer to him, snuggling into his warmth. It was instinctive now—her way of bracing against the wind and cold. The flight wasn’t long, and as soon as they landed, she wriggled to get down.

Eros held on for a moment longer than usual, his hands firm on her waist. When she looked up to question him, her breath caught at the way his silver-blue eyes seemed to soften as they met hers.

They smiled at each other before Psyche stepped back, brushing imaginary wrinkles from her jacket.

“Okay,” she said, breaking the silence. “Let’s eat.”

Eros grinned, the moment passing as easily as it had come. “You seem to be really hungry today,” he said as he pulled his shirt on.

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