Page 26 of Guided by the Stars
What the!
Maybe I haven’t learned everything. I wasn’t prepared for that.
Disgust lines my face, making Alexius smirk grow as he dunks the rest of his bread back into the mug. He pops it right into his mouth, wine running down his fingers. Then that damn sinful tongue comes out again, licking off any trace of wine in deliberately slow strokes while keeping those intense blue eyes right on me.
“You guys are beyond exhausting,” I exhale, shifting in the chair as he chuckles. I hate that I’m an open book to this asshole. Every little movement he does sparks a charge in me.
“Okay, you’re not a fan of bread and wine. What do you like?” Daemyn’s smoky voice pulls my attention away.
“I mean, I like bread. I like wine. Usually separate,” I tell him as I shake my head a little. “Honestly, is this a normal thing, eating it like that? Or are you messing with me?”
Daemyn opens his mouth, although Alexius is the one to talk first, “We have to get it from Zeus’ kitchen, so we keep things simple. No need to go asking for favors if we can avoid it.”
The lightning bolt on Daemyn’s hand pulses as he balls it into a fist. He looks over to Alexius, nodding in silent agreement before turning back towards me. “Favors are never freehere, Nora. Bread is quick and lasts long. Wine helps soften it. So yes, it’s normal.”
Both boys return to eating, avoiding my eyes, and drop the subject. Despite Alexius being an ass, guilt builds anyway. I’ve gathered that Zeus is a rough topic for them and try to avoid it, I just didn’t realize wine and bread would be a trigger.
Screw it.I grab some bread, dunking it into my mug, knowing that it got their attention as I pop the soggy piece into my mouth. “Guess simple can be good,” I lie, shrugging a shoulder while finishing my soaked bread. I take a peek, looking at Alexius from under my lashes and give myself a pat on my back. It was worth it. Alexius’ face is lighter despite trying to hide that smile.
***
Whatever happened at that table seeped into the rest of our night, letting me get to know the captors who ambushed my world. This morning I feel lighter. That is until I round the corner, noticing I’m caught alone in the kitchen with Alexius. The big, bad Beast doesn’t scare me as much anymore, however, the thin, dark gray boxer briefs he’s wearing does. He’s packaged up, complete with morning wood, standing before me, ready to bite.
“I, well, good—” He cuts me off, reaching forward and pulling my hand in his as he guides us out the back door. He turns, tugging me forward so I crash into him. He’s gentle, staring down at me with wonder as he lifts our entangled hands to those lips I dream about.
His head pops up and he kisses me softly on my cheek. Slowly, he drags his mouth down to mine. Before our lips touch, he whispers against me, “Love, it’s time.”
“Yes,” I agree, my fingers brushing against his chest as I drag them down, soaking in the heat of his body. I’m clueless. No idea what I am doing. I’ll trust in my instincts and let the craving he awakes within me take control. I push my body harder against him, begging without shame. My eyes lock with his, hoping to reach the depths of his soul as I tell him the truth, “I need you.”
I watch his tongue lick his lips as his fingers glide against my shirt, inching along the hem of my shorts. I can’t control it, I sigh and look down at his hands peeling the fabric away from my skin. The caress of his fingers is driving me mad.
“Nora,” his stern voice commands, though his hands vanish before my eyes.
Shit!
The sensation of cool satin sheets hits my body. The familiar warmth of the sun shines in. What’s different is the dip in the bed, letting me know someone is sitting next to me. “Love, it’s time to get up.”
No! No! No!
I peel my eyes open, squinting in his direction. He’s wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, not boxers, and he’s sporting a huge-ass grin. “Love, you might need me, however, I need you to make it downstairs. Unless you want to miss breakfast again,” he taunts as he leans in, giving my soaked forehead a small kiss before he walks out with a deep laugh vibrating through the hallway.
The groan that leaves my dry throat follows directly behind him. I’m stuck in Olympus, making an ass out of myself. Even Adriane would be laughing.
With shame consuming me again, I take my time to get ready, wanting nothing more than to have the earth swallowme whole. I won’t give him that though. Instead, I hold my head high and walk down those stairs.
“How was Zeus today?” Daemyn’s voice travels into the kitchen from the back door, enticing me to creep forward.
“Guess I’ll find out soon. He responded to my request and expects me back later today.” If it’s possible, Alexius’ voice sounds more serious than usual.
I push my head through the small crack, spying for the second time, and Daemyn squeezes Alexius’ shoulder, “Come on, man. You got this. What are you going to tell him?”
Alexius shakes his head, hanging it low. “Whatever I need to.” With a small shrug he questions, “Isn’t it the time of year when Persephone goes to visit her mom?”
Whatever that meant, Daemyn just laughs, only to be cut off as Alexius turns his chair, scraping against the concrete below. “I’m warning you. Stay hidden. Today, Poseidon came to join the Hall,” he commands, running his fingers through his hair as his back rises and falls with a sigh. “Man, I know these visions make it hard for you, just don’t get lost in all this. She needs our protection, but you need to be careful. The gods are getting angrier every day. I don’t like them all being here.”
“How bad is it?”
Zeus and Poseidon, gods from stories of the past, and here I sit eavesdropping on two other gods talking with rage about how dangerous they are. Unease turns my stomach, causing me to lean a little closer as Alexius says, “I’ll handle the Halls. That girl though, I can’t explain it. I just need her—”
