Page 6 of A Contemporary Mythos Valentine's
Sighing, I raked a hand through my hair. “It’s a long story, but she was banished to the stars by Zeus.”
“That’s horrible. Why?”
My Elani. Always curious and ravenous for more information.
“I don’t know the entire story, but I know it had something to do with not upholding her duties as a sea goddess. And especially as a queen.” I took Elani’s hand with mine, interlacing our fingers, and watching the sunlight bring out the auburn in her chocolate hair.
“That can happen?” Elani’s throat bobbed as she swallowed.
Tilting my head to one side, I traced a finger over her cheek. “What do you mean?”
“Punishment for not upholding one’s godly duties?” Her brow shot up.
It’d never occurred to me that it was possible until reminding myself of Amphitrite’s existence. But then again, I could never see myself straying that far from what the Fates put me in this universe to do.
“I haven’t heard of it happening very often, but in extreme cases, yes.” I tightened my grip on her hand once I saw her eyes go wide. “But you have nothing to worry about, Lani. This jobisyou. I don’t see you slacking on it anytime soon.”
A warm smile pulled at her lips, making my chest tighten.
“Ready to see my surprise?” Elani dusted her pants as she stood.
As I rose to my feet, I pulled her against me, kneading her lower back. “Greece itself isn’t enough of a surprise?”
“Eros, you know me. Think I’d stop short of simply entering a country?” She tugged on the one lock of curled hair hanging over my forehead.
She wasn’t kidding. Back when she planned to tell me she’d decided to become a goddess,mygoddess, she planned out an elaborate scavenger hunt for me to follow. It ended with her waiting for me on the docks to tell me the good news and her turning into my wife goddess only moments later. She was nothing short of amazing from the first moment I laid eyes on her in my bar.
“Shame on me for assuming otherwise.” I grinned and kissed her before fanning out my wings to retake flight, letting her lead the way.
* * *
We arrived at Santorini right when the sun began to set, creating streaks of orange, pink, and purple nestling over the vast sea surrounding the island. Stark white buildings were nestled at varied heights over-looking cliffs from early volcanic eruptions. The bright blue domes of the occasional churches stuck out amidst the other buildings, and some higher up had rotating windmills.
“I’m the god of passion and love, and I can still say with utmost honesty—this place is beyond romantic.” I pulled Elani to my side and kissed the side of her head.
We’d hidden our wings, disguised as an ordinary mortal couple.
Elani pointed midway up the cliffs of overlapping buildings and beamed. “I booked us a room there for the weekend.”
“Facing the water too. That’s going to have a hell of a view.” With my arm curled around her shoulders, we made our way through the winding buildings to our home away from home for the next two days.
On our way to the lobby, Elani would work her magic on every couple we passed . Whether they were each other’s temporary, future forevers, or current flames, she ensured that even if just for tonight, they’d be blissfully happy and full of passion.
I’d tossed her a knowing grin after the recent couple she’d sprinkled with love dust. “In an especially giving mood, sweetheart?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day. Everyone deserves to be happy, right?” She stood on her tiptoes to give the tip of my nose a peck.
“As long as you’re happy as well.” I squeezed her arm.
Elani gave our names at the concierge desk, and we received our key card. With an extra hop in her step, we climbed several floors before reaching our room. Elani made a dramatic pause as she held the card over the reader, taking a deep inhale.
Chuckling, I traced my finger over her knuckles. “Something the matter?”
“I just want it to be perfect.” She gave a meek smile.
Gently taking the card from her, I slid it into the reader, and pushed the door open with a single finger once the light turned green. “You know all we need to make something perfect is each other, Lani. This room could look like a pay by the hour in Vegas for all I care.”
She scrunched her nose and elbowed me as she passed, crossing the threshold into the room. When she flicked the light on, we both froze, and the door slid from my grasp, closing behind us. The bed was heart-shaped with a dark red comforter, the bath tub—resembled a giant martini glass bubbled with pink rose petals floating in it. Small cherub decorations hung from the ceiling, staring at me in disdain on the walls, and hanging in a corner, suspended with four bungee cords was a pinky and frilly—swing?
