Page 27 of Goddess of Storms

“I’m in need of a shower, I doubt my hair smells like you remember,” I state.

“Okay, in general, I do agree with the shower.” The vibration of his chest rattles mine.

“Stop laughing at me.”

“Never at you, with you,” Stone says.

“I’m not laughing.”

My statement shuts him up.

“How were you able to keep your self control for so long? I honestly don’t know if I could have. Are you that scared of my mother?”

Untangling himself from me, he still has a hold on my hip and a blanket I didn’t notice before. “No, I was more worried if I tried something it would make the curse worse. When Nile didn’t stay away, I blew my chances with you, because you thought I was a playboy.”

“There was always an attraction or pull to you, but I fought it. I didn’t want to be a notch in your belt. So I tried to keep my distance and then Nicks kept throwing us together. I was nervous and excited to be alone with you, but I didn’t know why.”

Releasing me, he lays the blanket on the grass under a big shade tree. He takes a seat and pats for me to join him.

“This soulmate bond is no joke, it’s almost a curse itself. So, tell me, what’s up with Phoenix?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

I shrug, “When he touched my skin, there was fire. When it’s you, it’s like electricity or Nile’s, his is cooling. It’s all so confusing. I was perfect with you, when Nile came, it was like a puzzle piece snapped into place, and with Phoenix, that puzzle is complete. I didn’t realize anything was missing because I was so happy. Do you hate me?”

He places a finger under my chin and raises my head to gaze into my eyes. “Why would you think that? It’s not as if you are out chasing men or women, like some that are in your family.” He pauses and glances at the sky.

“You’re safe with me, Father wouldn’t dare strike you down for speaking the truth. Plus, he doesn’t want to deal with my wrath if he did it.” I smile.

He moves a little closer, “Is that so?”

“How about a swim?” I wiggle an eyebrow at him.

“I thought you’d never ask, but won’t it be cold?” he asks.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you warm.” I smirk as I glance around, making sure there are no wandering eyes on the shore. It is almost winter here, so not many people are out at the lake.

“Are you chicken?” I ask him.

“What? Me? No, I was waiting to follow your lead.”

“Oh sure you are,” I say as I rise and pull my shirt over my head, throwing it at him. It lands on his smiling face.

“Hey!” he exclaims as he removes it, and his own.

Damn, he is ripped. I draw a finger down along his biceps, tracing the lines of his chest to that V that disappears into his pants.

“Did you bring protection?” I ask.

“Of course,” he replies holding up his hammer.

I can’t contain the laugh that slips through my lips, “Not what I meant.”

“Oh,” his cheeks flush when he realizes what I was talking about.

Sucking in a breath, he removes his pants and underwear at the same time. I have missed this sight for too long. I don’t wait long as I shimmy out of the rest of my clothes; I stand there and curl a finger for him to come to me.

He does just that and grips my hand, leading me to the still water.

Our toes skim the cool liquid as he turns to me, “You really are beautiful. You know that, right?”

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