The Darkest Secret

«Yes, I know, and no, he’s not. Believe me, I would have known. He was injured time and time again, but he healed as slowly as any human.»

So our likeness is a mere quirk of fate? Doubtful. I was created by Zeus, fully formed, and I’ve often wondered if the former king had simply looked down from his perch in the heavens, picked out a face he liked and boom. But that creation happened thousands of years ago, so my face had to come first.

«And so you think someone else created Micah? Someone who saw you?»

Yes.

«Then how is he human?»

There are gods, humans, demigods, and then creatures in between. He could be any number of things.

«Well, maybe Zeus saw past, present and future faces, and picked from those. Or hey, maybe Micah’s your son, and you just don’t know it. I’m sure you’ve picked up a few humans in your time.»

Not possible.

«Why? Accidents happen, even with immortals.»

I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. Like, a century. And if he looks to be my age…

She couldn’t hide her relief. He hadn’t been with anyone in over a hundred years. Same with her. «Oh. Well, maybe he’s a descendant of yours. Maybe it’s just one of those strange, unexplainable things. Or hell, maybe —'

Okay. Maybe you’re right, he allowed. Doesn’t matter, anyway. We’re on opposing teams.

«Very true.»

So why did you change your name? he asked, switching gears.

«The simple change of spelling helped me blend in as society changed around me,» she said. «Plus, there are more Haidees than Hadiees, and I didn’t want to be spotlighted for any demons that happened to be looking for me.»

If you wanted to blend in, you shouldn’t have done so much to stand out. His gaze raked her hair, her tattoos.

She stiffened at his obvious censure. What did she care if he found her appearance lacking? Except for the ache in her chest, she didn’t care at all, she told herself.

How are we connected? he demanded, switching the subject again. Bye-bye distraction. He’d asked an excellent question. How were they connected in mind and body?

«I–I don’t know.» Her cheeks flamed when she heard the stutter. She had fought and won too many battles to count. This man would not intimidate her.

Why can’t I harm you?

Had he tried? The thought unsettled her. «Maybe for the same reason I can’t harm you.»

And that is?

You’re the sweetest form of temptation. I know the spicy decadence of your kiss. I’ve ridden your fingers and want to ride them again. Not that she’d make such an admission aloud. «I don’t know. I’ve had the opportunity, though,» she reminded him. «Several times.»

A sigh slipped from him, easing some of his tension. But you soothed me instead. Protected me.

She nodded. «As you did for me.»

For a long while, only the pattering of the water against the porcelain could be heard. Part of her was glad they knew about each other. That she didn’t have to wonder what would happen when he discovered her secrets. The other part of her had never been more frightened.

They knew, but if they pursued each other anyway…there could be no excuses for their actions. For their stupidity. Their friends would blame them, perhaps begin to hate them. And for what? No matter what they did, there could never be a happily ever after for them.

She must have retreated into her mind — a shocking discovery, that, since she never allowed herself to drop her guard — because she never saw him move, but suddenly his hands were clamped onto the flare of her hips. Another gasp escaped her as their gazes tangled anew.

Amun backed her up, pushing her under the waterfall, then walked through the spray himself, not stopping until she was smashed against the tiled wall. And even though they weren’t touching anywhere but her waist, the heat of him wrapped around her, sinking past skin into bone. Her nipples hardened, aching for contact.

He looked capable of anything just then. Most especially of driving her to the brink of passion, of madness.

Stop this before it’s too late, she commanded herself. A single brush of his lower body against hers, and «too late» would happen. She knew it. After their last kiss…

She flattened her palms on his chest, felt the erratic rhythm of his heartbeat. A harried rhythm that matched her own. «I can’t be with you this way. Until I’ve spoken to Micah.» Oh, God. Had she really said that? Had she really just pushed the qualification out of her mouth, trying to pave the way for them to be together? Even for a little while?

Seriously. What the hell was wrong with her?

Amun’s eyelids narrowed, hiding his irises. That should have lessened the dangerous magnetism of him. It didn’t. She doubted anything could.

Why? The single word was snapped, demanding an immediate response.

«I have to tell him it’s over between us.» That was the only honorable thing to do. For all her faults, she truly wasn’t a cheater. But God, even talking about this, she was undermining everything she’d already decided, not to mention her resolve to leave Amun alone.

You would end your relationship with him in favor of me? A demon-possessed warrior you’ve sworn to murder? He laughed without humor. I’m not as foolish as you apparently think I am.

She was the foolish one. They would never be able to trust each other, and with good reason. That still didn’t stop her from saying, «Yes.» See? Foolish. She wanted to be with him. Despite everything, even her reasons for pushing him away, part of her needed him and that part clearly would not be denied.

His false laughter died quickly. Your relationship didn’t stop you from kissing me before. Now his voice was a growl of frustration.

«I didn’t know who you were then.»

He pondered that for a moment, then nodded. Fine. I’ll give you that. But how do I know this isn’t a trick?

Nope, no trust. Not that she blamed him. «You don’t.»

And how do you plan to speak with this Micah?

«I’ll call him.» How else?

Water droplets rained down Amun’s hard expression. And during the conversation, I’m positive you won’t speak in code and inform him of your location. I’m equally positive he won’t try to swoop in and save you. Of course, that means I’m positive he won’t then try to capture everyone inside this fortress.

«No.» She shook her head to emphasize her denial. «I would break it off with him. No more, no less.»

Intense need flickered over his expression. Need blended with possessiveness and primal instinct, with hope and helpless indecision.

No one had ever looked at her like that. As if she were a treasure, wanted in the most primitive of ways — as if she were a bundle of dynamite that could detonate at any moment.

So badly she wanted to glide her hands to his back, lock her fingers together and jerk him into the soft line of her body. Then she’d feel his hands settle on her bottom and heft her up, forcing her to wrap her legs around him. She’d grind against the long, thick length of his erection until they were both screaming from the pleasure. Already she was close to begging for it.