Page 13 of A Contemporary Mythos Valentine's
“Where are we?” I trailed my fingers over a longbow, tracing my touch down its taut string.
“Figured it was about time to show you my little hideaway.” Eros gave a lopsided grin as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I created this place to have somewhere to escape. But I haven’t been here since the day I met you.”
My heart fluttered, and I turned to face him, tears blurring my vision. “Really?”
“You’re my escape now, Elani.” He took my hand in his and pulled me flush against his chest. “But this place can beoursnow.”
Birds chirped outside and the air smelled of soil and rain from a light shower falling from grey clouds. Raindrops bouncing off the stone floors, dripping from the cave entrance, echoed through the space.
“I’d really like that.” I cupped his cheek. “Plus, it’s probably better not to practice archery with a flying toddler in tow.”
Eros laughed, deep and glorious, before placing a tender kiss to my lips. “Probably not.”
“So, what all kinds of bows are these?”
Still holding my hand, he referenced to each as he announced them. “You have a longbow, compound bow, and recurve. About the only kind I don’t use is a crossbow.”
“Somehow, I can’t see you wielding a crossbow anyway.” I gave him a warm smile and moved to a wooden longbow with Greek letter carvings.
“You have a keen eye. That’s my favorite.” He took it from its hook and grabbed a quiver, slinging it across his back.
“It called to me,” I beamed.
“I’ll loose a few shots and then show you to do it. Deal?”
Taking a step back, I held my hand out to the target with a grin. The last time I’d seen him wield a bow, truly yield one, was when he fought Nessie. He’d been shirtless at the time. Would it be horrible to ask him to replicate that now? I bit my knuckle at the thought.
He notched the arrow, shifted his left hip to align with the target, and lifted the bow. Keeping his left arm stiff, he pulled back on the string, resting it near his cheek and closing one eye. When he let go of the arrow it zipped through the air and made a satisfyingthumpsound as it landed in the bullseye.
“You’re right. This would’ve been downright embarrassing to shoot arrows with you as a mortal.” I chuckled and pinched my thighs together. Despite being fully clothed, the sight of him and his archery skills on full display had my insides twisting.
“Oh, come on now. I’ve been tossing arrows since I was in diapers.” He motioned for me to stand next to him.
Tossing my hair over my shoulders, I took the bow, followed by an arrow that he’d handed me from his quiver.
He slipped his hands over my hips, sending a sizzle through my core and down to my toes. “Stand hip-width apart with your left foot slightly farther forward toward the target.”
Gulping, I did as he instructed and waited for the next step.
“There’s a notch on the arrow, so all you have to do is secure it with the string. You’ll usually feel a little click when it’s solid.” He dipped his thumb into the top part of my jeans, brushing his skin against mine.
“Do you have any idea how distracting that is?” I let out a shaky breath as I notched the arrow and smiled at him over my shoulder.
“Yes.” He grinned against my cheek before giving it a peck. “But I’ve never had anyone here before, let alone my wife. Can’t blame me for wanting my hands all over you,especiallyseeing you with a bow in your hands.”
“That’s fair.” I bumped my butt against his crotch. “Now what?”
“Keep the arrow pointed down range, and as you’re lifting the bow, start to pull back on the string.” He mimicked the motions.
Licking my lips at the sight of his biceps bulging through his Henley, I forced my attention to the bow and did as he said.
“Now align the arrow by your cheek. I made a peep sight appear on yours to help you develop your aim. When you’re aligned, you’ll see a small circle. Use that to line up your shot with one eye closed.” His hands slid over my shoulders as he made slight adjustments to my form.
I’d lined up the shot through the hole he’d called a peep. “Do I just let go?”
“Yup. And don’t force it forward. That’s what the string is for.”
Holding my breath, I let go of the arrow. It spiraled through the air and plunged into the target. Bullseye.
