"We just got the permits! How can you even say that?"
The questions were fired at her in rapid succession. Geary held her hands up to quell their fury. "Look, guys, I'm not my father. I can't live knowing that I caused someone else to die. Least of all the people who are sitting here on this raft. We don't need this. I've been to one too many funerals in my life and I'm tired of it."
Tory glared at her.
"Yea!" Thia said happily, "Does this mean I get to shop more?"
"Shut up, Thia," Scott snapped. "Geary, think about what you're saying."
Tory held Kichka up to her chin. "Geary's had a bad shock today. Give her time to calm down and she'll change her mind. You'll see."
Geary started to correct her but didn't want to argue the point. Her mind was made up and there was no way she'd ever take another group this far out. Today had taught her a valuable lesson and she was going to heed it before it was too late.
Her resolve set, she stayed on the raft while the others boarded the small rescue boat.
Arik hung back with her. "Are you sure about this?"
"Completely."
She expected him to ride her, but instead he asked a simple, flat-toned question. "Then what are you going to do with the rest of your life?"
She laughed. "I don't know. It's been years since I've thought past this interminable quest. What would you do?"
A devilish light glowed in his eyes. "Well, I personally would go back to shore. Shower and change into something nice, then go out to dinner with this guy who wants to spend a little time with me. Then I'd take him back to my place and rock his world."
His words warmed her and she couldn't resist teasing him. "Daydream about a lot of guys, do you?"
He laughed. "No, that's just what I'd do if I were you ."
Smiling, she shook her head. "You're relentless."
He gave a weary sigh. "I'm never going to wear you down, am I?"
Geary had to admit he was gorgeous sitting there with his wet hair plastered around his sharp features, bruised though they were. And those eyes... they were the stuff of legends. What could one dinner with him really hurt? After all, he'd kept her calm today and watched after her. If not for him, she might very well have panicked and died today.
"All right. I'll take you up on it."
He actually gaped at her. Then his smile turned wicked. "Shall we get naked now? I definitely want to see you rock my world."
"The dinner, you loon. And only the dinner."
Arik pouted playfully. "Fine. If that's your best offer..."
"It is."
He stood up and helped her to her feet, then he assisted her in climbing up after Teddy. Geary tried not to notice the strength of Arik as he easily swung her up on board the rescue boat, then climbed up behind her. He was nimble and fast.
And he made her body melt.
Images of her dreams haunted her.
"Dr. Kafieri?"
She turned away from Arik as one of the officers came up to her. "Yes?"
"I need to ask you a few questions about your boat."
Nodding, she expected Arik to join the others. Instead, he stayed by her side, lending her his unspoken support while she was interrogated.
Kat moved to the back of the boat and remained silent as they headed for the docks. Solin joined her by the side with an intense look of displeasure etched into his features.
For a man who was completely amoral his actions today surprised her. "Why did you save them from the explosion?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "It was a momentary lapse in judgment I assure you."
She wasn't buying that argument. "There's more human in you than you want, isn't there?"
"I have no idea what you mean. Whatever humanity ever existed has long since died."
Uh-huh. "Did you happen to see who was behind this?"
"I didn't see anything, but I felt..."
"Felt what?"
"A presence near and dear to your heart. It appears Artemis also has an interest in ending this expedition. Perhaps you should take this matter up with her."
Kat was frozen into place as he drifted away. It was as she thought. Her anger boiling, she stopped a passing sailor. "Where's the restroom?"
He gave her directions to it. Thanking him, she immediately headed for it and locked herself in. Then she closed her eyes and flashed herself to Olympus to speak with said goddess.
A warm breeze whispered against her skin as she opened the golden door to Artemis's temple. Dressed in a flowing white gown that set her pale features and vibrant red hair off to perfection, the goddess was lounging about on her throne while Satara, another of her handmaidens, played the harp for her entertainment.
Kat came to a stop before her goddess and crossed her arms over her chest. She looked to the other koris before she barked a single order, "Leave us."
Artemis sighed wearily. "You don't make that whisper, Katra."
"It's call, matisera . The phase is 'you don't make take call B, today I do."
The other koris lifted stunned eyebrows as they waited for Artemis to blast Kat. But she knew she was safe from death. Punishment she could handle.
Artemis pushed herself up. "Fine. Koris , leave."
They were immediately flashed from the room. Artemis narrowed her eyes as she rose from her throne to stand beside Kat, who was a good two inches taller than the goddess she served. "What is your breakage?"
"Damage, matisera . The phrase is 'what is my damage.' And I want to know why you blew up the boat."