Page 37 of The Prince of Hidden Shadows
I turn to him, words poised on the tip of my tongue, but his gaze stops me. He’s watching me with that infuriating mix of patience and insight, dissecting my every move.
“What?” I snap.
“You’re jealous.”
I bark out a laugh, though it’s humorless. “Jealous? Of what? Because you let your human boy toy—” I cut myself off, shaking my head.
“Go on,” Zagreus urges, his tone controlled and his face unreadable.
I grit my teeth, my voice lowering. “Live through the same thing I did.”
Zagreus sits up, his expression softening. “Oh, Théo, my sweet, passionate Théo. In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t play games. But you are right; I may have a weakness for humans, one in particular. I can’t remember how it all started. But, well, the laws of nature forbid it.”
My neck stiffens at his words, but I listen as he clues me in on some details.
“That’s why I don’t have a soul. Despite being the god of rebirth, experience taught me I can’t recognize my significant other. Only my friend Eros has that ability, as the god who pairshumans together.” My eyes narrow at his strange tale. What the fuck is he aiming at? Before I can inquire further, he changes the topic. “I’m sorry, I digress. That’s a conversation for another time. What I can assure you is that Nathan isn’t my boy toy. For the record, I believe he’s straight. As for his journey, it can’t compare to yours... He… died, almost… that’s how he showed up in the Underworld.”
“Feels the same,” I mutter, crossing my arms.
Zagreus pats the space on the bed beside him. “Sit down, grumpy drama queen.”
I drag myself over and slump onto the mattress, the familiar dip under my weight grounding me.
“We’ve got bigger matters to handle,” Zagreus says, his tone becoming hushed. “Your assignment. My painting. Nathan’s skills. You see, he’s part of this for a reason. I already told you he’s exceptional at what he does, and we need that.”
I nod, though the knot in my chest doesn’t loosen. “And the next steps?”
Zagreus smirks. “You’ll find out soon enough. But first…” He nudges me with his shoulder. “Try to chill. Didn’t you say you trust me?”
“I trusted you… Now, I’m not so sure.” My voice comes out softer than intended.
“How about, I trust you? And that’s why I broke another two of our sacred rules by not erasing your memory and not reporting it to any of my people. That’s how much you mean to me, Théodore Cassel. Now, where were we?”
With that, his hand clasps the back of my head, bringing us closer to prove his point. Our stubbled cheeks get reacquainted. My pulse trips over itself as I part my lips and welcome his blistering kiss.
Holy shit!
Chapter Fifteen
TAKE ME TO CHURCH
Zagreus
Human emotions are so foreign to me. Théo is, and always will be, a mortal. I want to feel what he feels. I need to; otherwise, what’s the point? And the staggered breath and hammering in my chest are indication enough. This is too much, too fast. I am indeed experiencing emotions and reactions I’ve never encountered before… WTF?
Pace yourself, Zag, I chide myself.
Tearing away from the kiss before our tongues connect, I tilt my hips just enough to lighten the contact against Théo’s thigh. My hard-on never wavers whenever he’s near. I heave a breath, though I could manage without.
Still, sending a clear message about how he affects me is vital. Right now, though, all I really want is to unclothe him and encourage his creativity.
Bring on every one of your dirty tricks, Théo!
“Come back here,” he groans, his fists tightening in my shirt. With a swish sound, he drags me closer to him.
Whimpering, I cup his cheek and nuzzle my lips against his, going for gentle.
He owns the kiss. Fusing our mouths together. Opening for me. Capturing my tongue with his. He smells like coffee and caramel, the same sauce he slathers on hiscrème renverséeat Café Magnifique. Why do I enjoy Théo’s sweet tooth so much?
