Page 13 of Soft Bronze

“No.” Not that he knew, but still. His heart was involved. He’d become attached to Zelus. He wanted to get to know the man and feel him moving within him again. Was it love? Too soon to tell, but there was definitely a connection.

Zelus placed his hand over Camden’s heart. “When confronted by a god with powers beyond your comprehension, most people would want to exploit the situation. They’d want me to conjure things for them or use me for standing in the community. They’d find ways to use the magic for their desires. The man who happens to be the god isn’t as important as what can be done for the person.” Fire lit in Zelus’s eyes. “You had the chance to be that way, but aren’t. Exploiting me never crossed your mind.”

Camden stared at Zelus. The god was right—being selfish with him hadn’t crossed Camden’s mind.

“Now that you know, what do you want from me?” Zelus asked.

“Nothing.” He hadn’t needed to consider his answer. He wanted love and devotion, but he wanted those to happen naturally—not because Zelus felt compelled to do so.

“Are you sure?”

“If I’m going to be selfish, I’d like another round of sex. For a guy who was trapped in metal and couldn’t fuck, you’re good at it. I’ll be walking funny, but I’ll know we had a good time. One I can think about later when this is all over and look back on with sadness, but pride.” He slid his hand over Zelus’s. “Being together means a lot to me because it’s you.” And soon, he’d be cast aside like he had by his other boyfriends.

“You don’t want riches or a physical change? No superior strength or fame?”

People asked for those things? “No. I’m not perfect, but I’m okay with me. I don’t understand why I’m not enough to keep anyone around, but I don’t want you to change me.”

Zelus kissed him hard. He slid his tongue between Camden’s lips. Camden sagged into him, breathless. He wound his arms around Zelus for support. Zelus broke the kiss and rested his forehead on Camden’s.

“That’s how I knew you were worthy,” Zelus said. “I’ve lain with many a man and woman who haven’t been. My heart and the magic aren’t wrong.”

“Zelus.” God, he wanted to believe. So much.

“I’m right here.”

“I need…” To be fucked within an inch of collapsing. No, he needed a few moments to think things through. “My head is swimming.”

“You want sex?” Zelus nibbled along Camden’s jaw. “I want to be with you again, too.”

“I need a rest.” Bone-deep weariness overcame him. “I want to believe you, but I’m scared this will be a dream. I need a little bit to get my head straight.”

“I assure you this love isn’t a dream.”

He still wasn’t sure. Things were happening too fast.

“Sleep.”

He met Zelus’s gaze. “Come with me. I want you to make love to me, but I need to recharge first. Will you sleep with me? I don’t want to rest when you’re awake.” Seemed rude.

“I’ve been asleep in the metal for centuries. I need to stretch.”

Ah, that’s what Camden thought. If he crashed, then Zelus would dash. “Fine. If you want to come back, then you’re welcome. If not, I understand.” His heart would go with Zelus, but he wouldn’t beg for him to stay.

“I’m not leaving.” Zelus let go of Camden. “I protected the gods on Olympus. Now, I’ll stand guard for you.”

Camden shrank away from him and bowed his head. “I want to argue, but I can’t. My bedroom is this way.” He strode into the next room. “The bathroom is right there and the kitchen is along the back wall of … I’m sure you saw it. If you’re hungry, help yourself.” He stripped, then collapsed on the bed. His thoughts were too full of Zelus and his body overwhelmed. He needed to recharge and hoped Zelus would still be there when he woke.

* * * *

Zelus kept watch over Camden as he settled. He wanted to hold Camden, but gave him space. The more he pushed, the more he’d put distance between them. He drank in the beauty of Camden’s body. The man didn’t know his attractiveness and that made him more intoxicating. He wished Camden saw his worth.

Zelus wandered through the small apartment. Camden didn’t have much besides the big bed. The sofa appeared worn and probably secondhand. Camden lived simply—a far cry from Zelus’s family in Olympus. He liked the differences. Modesty had a certain charm.

He spotted a group of photographs. He’d seen cameras and the change in technology during his times in the various studios. The people in the photographs caught Zelus’s attention. Camden stood with the other individuals. Some of them featured him laughing and others had Camden moved to the edge of the image. At least two had Camden standing with another man. A pang of jealousy hit Zelus hard. He wished he were the man making Camden grin. He wanted to hold him and soothe Camden. He’d known there would be others in Camden’s past—they were the ones who’d made him wary, but Zelus wanted to make up for the deficiencies. Maybe that was the point his father, Pallas, had wanted him to learn—he needed a valid reason for his jealousy. He should care about Camden’s happiness over his own.

He headed back into the bedroom and stripped. He moved the blankets, then stretched out beside Camden. Nothing mattered except for Camden and winning his love. He pressed his bare body to Camden’s and his world righted. He felt Camden to his soul. Would the curse be over soon? He wasn’t sure, but he trusted Camden.

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