Page 53 of Desired By Eros

“It reminds me of?—”

“Thessaly?”

“Yes. It’s a different ocean of course, but still…” He cleared his throat. “Your parents are lovely.”

“They are. They’re my biggest supporters, and I know I’m lucky that they could afford for me to go to the best schools and therapists. But they were also there, you know? Never missed an appointment, a recital, parent–teacher conference, competitions. They were just hands on with everything and really did their best to understand my needs.”

“I know what you mean.” His eyebrows drew together in an expression that wasn’t quite a frown. Pensive maybe? Psyche wasn’t sure because she’d never seen it on his face before.

“Are your parents?—”

“So,” he said, cutting her off. “Have you ever fantasized about sneaking a boy in and having sex in this room, right under your parents’ noses?”

“What makes you think I haven’t?”

This time, his expression completely changed—his eyes darkened and he had a full scowl. “Who the hell—wait a second. Did I just witness you, Psyche, teasingme?”

“Maybe? Hey!” In a split second her world turned upside down as Eros rushed at her, picked her up, and slung her over his shoulder. “Eros!”

He dropped her unceremoniously on top of the bed and then began to unbutton his shirt. “I’ll show you teasing.”

The long, leisurely bout of lovemaking was enough to settle Psyche’s nerves and calm her after the long trip. She still went through her usual routine, which consisted of a shower, making her bed, getting dressed, and, of course, marking off everything in her daily tracking notebook. Eros hadn’t said a word as she went through it, but then again he was already used to her morning rituals.

Once they were both ready, they headed out to the private beach area behind the house. When they got there, almost everyone was there in their wolf forms, already frolicking and diving in the frigid ocean.

“That looks uncomfortable,” Eros said. “I think I’ll stay here.”

“It’s not for everyone. I’ll see you later.” The smell of the ocean filled her senses and lungs as she took a deep breath. Shucking her clothes off, she shifted into her wolf form and joined the rest of the pack.

The swims usually lasted an hour or so, so Psyche made sure to quietly sneak away before that. When she reached the rocky shore, Eros was there, holding a towel to wrap around her.

“Thank you.” The soft, dry towel was a balm to her chilled skin.

“You’re welcome,” he murmured. “Have I ever told you that your wolf form is magnificent?”

Warmth pooled in her belly, dispelling the chill from her bones. “Really?”

“I like any of your forms. In fact?—”

“Psyche!”

The wind carried the voice over to them. Glancing back, she saw Agnes near the shore, water to her knees. As she waded out toward them, James intercepted her, wrapping her in a towel.

“I think that’s a sign we should get out of here,” Eros said as he began to usher her away.

She completely agreed, and they trudged off the rocky beach, walking back into the house in comfortable silence. Once they got to her room, she turned to him. “I need to get ready.” There was also her post-swim routine that she needed to get through.

“Do you need some time alone?”

“Yes. But I mean, you can stay here. I’ll be fine in the walk-in and bathroom.”

“No worries then, I’ll just get ready here.”

Psyche breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. And I’m sorry if I’m so?—”

“Shh.” He caressed her cheek softly. “You never have to explain yourself to me, Psyche.” Leaning down, he kissed her mouth. “I’ll be right here.”

That warm and fuzzy feeling returned to her stomach, though at the same time, there was a strange twinge in her chest. Figuring it was just an aftermath from the long day and the swim, she ignored it and went about her post-swim routine: shower, scrub, toothbrush, face care, clothes, daily tracker.

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