Page 53 of Touch of Death
“What is there to explain?” Eros says with a grin. “It was an honest mistake.”
“Not about my clothes, abouthers.”
“Do you not like what you see?”
Death seems taken aback by this question, his eyes flickering to me before returning to Eros.
“Of course I do,” he says, my heart skipping a beat in my chest, “but that does not matter.”
“Why not?”
“She isbarelycovered, Eros. It is far too dangerous of a dress for her in a place like this.”
“I thought you said you could protect her.”
Death’s eyes narrow on Eros, his shadows crashing around him, and I realize how close he is to breaking.
“Please, enough of this,” I say, interrupting their fight as I hurry to put myself between them. “We agreed to his terms, and I am already wearing the dress.”
“Very well,” Death finally says with a sigh. “As long as you are comfortable with it.”
“Of course I’m not,” I say with a humorless laugh. “I’ve never felt more exposed in my life, but we are here for a reason. If Eros thinks this will help, I am willing to endure a few days of discomfort for a lifetime of possibility.”
“You are right; forgive me.”
I give him a comforting smile and nod before turning to look at Eros.
“What now?”
“Now, we go for a walk.”
Rising, he crosses the room to offer his arm out to me. I glance at Death before tentatively accepting it, taking special care to make sure our skin does not touch.
Instantly, Eros tucks my arm against his side, pulling me closer to him than I would have liked. I’m not given a chance to argue or pull away, however, before he’s already leading me from the room.
We make our way through the grand hallways of his palace, Death following warily behind me. As we walk, we encounter several of Eros’ guests. Each time, Eros makes careful remarks on my behavior and posture, instructing me how to not only draw their attention but command it with a single look.
I try my best to listen, but I find his advice hard to apply when all I can focus on is their wandering eyes. Shame and frustration build in me as I realize just how far out of my own element I am.
Behind us, I can feel Death’s disapproval wafting from him, and I wonder if I was wrong to accept this god’s help.
Thankfully, Eros must realize that we’re not getting anywhere because he suddenly turns and leads me toward the doors at one end of the hall. Opening them, we step out of the palace and into a lush garden.
My steps falter for a moment as I blink against the bright light to take in the sight before me. Greenery and flowers hang all around us, creating a covered pathway, a soft breeze rippling through them as we pass.
I take my time soaking it all in and find myself wishing for my paints and brushes to capture its beauty.
“This is a private garden,” Eros says. “No one will bother us here. Perhaps I was too quick to expose you to the unknown. Let us start with something a bit easier.”
Immediately, I feel my shoulders begin to relax as I let him pull me once more back to his side, the heat of him nearly overwhelming as we step out into the strange glow of the Underworld.
Tilting my head back, I let it wash over me. Closing my eyes, I can’t help but think back to my time spent in the meadow with Death and Knax, and what I wouldn’t give to be back there.
“Are you ready for your next lesson?” Eros asks, drawing my attention back to him as I open my eyes again.
I feel nowhere near ready for any of his lessons, but, of course, I don’t say as much.
“Yes.”
