He bent his head, kissing her softly. There was passion, yes; he suspected he’d always want her. But the tenderness he felt, the feeling of wholeness and peace… She’d given this to him. Not through the joining of their bodies, but through the joining of their hearts.
Her words tickled his lips, “Your arms… They feel nice. I like it when you hold me so.”
His heart thundered as her fingers twined into the curls at the nape of his neck. “Do you?”
“I do. They are strong and capable arms.” She leaned back, meeting his gaze. “And gentle.”
“Only with you.”
The words seemed to startle her. They startled him all the more.
She blinked, her green eyes intense. Her breath was unsteady, fanning across his shoulders and chest. “Only with me?”
Did it matter? It changed nothing. If he told her of his newly discovered affection… No, it was no new discovery. He’d known it, felt it in his bones, but refused to give it credence. Did he dare? No. Admitting his love to himself was one thing. Telling her of his love was another.
He smiled, shaking his head as he lifted her quickly and tossed her into the water. She landed with a squeal and a splash, breaking the spell that held them.
But her squeals brought her defender. Theron arrived, the fur on his back rigid and his ears pricked and alert.
When she broke the surface, she was laughing. “You disarm me with your charm…” she gasped. “And near drowned me…”
“You would not drown.” He watched Theron circle the edge of the pond and then settle down and rest his head on his legs, his golden eyes watching them.
She followed his gaze, smiling when she saw the dog. “Hello, Theron,” she cooed.
The hound lifted his head, his tail thumping in response to her adoring tone.
“You’ve made him a lap dog.” Hades splashed the animal.
Theron blinked, but did not move.
She shook her head. “A lap dog? You wound him. Can you not see the offense upon his regal face?”
Theron yawned, resting his head once more.
Her laughter filled him, warming him.
“So I see,” he murmured.
She shook her head and swam to him. “Hades?”
His name from her lips… He was becoming more besotted by the minute. He scowled.
She stopped. “Are you angry with me? I admit I am fond of Theron, but I would not take him from your side…”
He shook his head. “No, no.”
“Then what?” She didn’t move, waiting just beyond his reach.
He stopped himself from reaching for her. He shook his head again.
She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms about his neck with ease. “I am hungry.”
He shivered lightly as her nipples brushed across his chest. “For food?”
She laughed again, throwing her head back as her arms tightened about him. “Yes… for food. For now.”
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