Page 12 of Soft Bronze

“Hello.” Rivers strode up to them. “Who is this? And why haven’t I seen you before?” He slid his gaze over Zelus. “Damn.”

“Who are you?” Zelus asked.

“This is Rivers,” Camden said. “Rivers, this is Zelus. He’s new in town.”

“Then why’d he pick you up?” Rivers blurted. “Well, if you come to the club tonight, then look me up. I’m a good time, too. Better than you think.”

Camden squirmed. He’d hoped this wouldn’t happen. He loosened his grasp on Zelus’s hand. “You can go with him,” he murmured.

“Why?” Zelus tipped his head.

Zelus had stumped him. Maybe he wasn’t kidding about his attraction. Camden let go and unlocked his apartment door. “Bye, Rivers.”

“Why don’t I come in?” Rivers rounded Camden’s patio. “Where are you from? Do you like to … fuck?”

Camden nudged Zelus into the apartment, then faced Rivers. “Do I show up at your door and make lewd comments to your boyfriends? Do I poach the guys you bring home?”

“They wouldn’t choose you over me,” Rivers said. “I don’t get why this guy did.”

“Because not everyone is taken in by your fantastic body and pushy attitude. Go home, Rivers.” He closed the door in his neighbor’s face. His heart hammered and his knees wobbled. Holy fuck. Standing up for himself felt good. Empowering.

“You questioned the power of the gods, but you proved your worthiness.” Zelus caged Camden between his body and the door. “My brothers and sisters would be proud.”

“Zelus.” He wanted to run, but didn’t. “I still don’t know what to think about your story. Gods, goddesses … Olympus. It doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand why the curse chose me.”

“Because you’re worthy.” Zelus nuzzled Camden’s neck. “I loved our talks. I fell for your vulnerability and the desire you keep hidden.”

“I’m the only one who spoke.” He rested his hands on Zelus’s hips. “I rambled.”

Zelus met his gaze. “You revealed a lot. I got to know you. The men you dated, the ones like that pushy one outside, never wanted the sweet and kind man they had. Looks are great, but a man must have a pure heart, too. I know. I didn’t have a pure heart for a long time.”

“That’s poetic.”

“I told you I speak the truth,” Zelus said. He wedged his knee between Camden’s legs. “This is your home?”

“It’s not exciting, but it’s mine and I’ve got the bed.” A shiver ran the length of his spine. “Do you want to see the bed?”

“Why do you discount everything? Your truck, your living space. Yourself.” Zelus curled his fingers under Camden’s chin. “You’re more than you think. You’ve been undervalued.”

“I call it realistic.”

Zelus shook his head and crowded tighter to Camden. “You don’t see your true worth. The guys you dated didn’t appreciate you. Your mother gave up on you and your father gave you a means to escape. They made you stronger, but also wary.”

“You’re right.” And cut Camden deep.

“They didn’t see what I do. Your kiss helped to break the curse, but your unpretentiousness and honest desire are keeping me here,” Zelus said. “There’s something special about you that brings out my desire to protect you.”

The words sounded great and the emotions behind it were probably honest, but Camden wasn’t wary for nothing. “What do you want from me? I broke your curse. Go find someone like Rivers and have good times with him or her. You’re going to see I’m not that exciting. Just go now before my heart gets involved any deeper.”

“Don’t want to.”

“You’re only staying so you don’t hurt my feelings. Don’t pity me.” He’d keep digging until Zelus understood. He didn’t want Zelus to stick around if he felt forced.

Zelus shook his head.

“Zelus.” Christ. Why wasn’t he doing what Camden wanted?

“Have I lied?” Zelus leveled his gaze at Camden. “Have I said something that’s wrong? Anything?”

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