Radiant Sin(94)

True to her word, a car idles waiting for me at the curb. It’s only when I climb into the back seat and direct them to Apollo’s building that I wonder if this could be some kind of trap, but we make the trip without issue. It just confirms my ongoing belief that Hermes never meant me harm. It makes my feelings about everything that much more conflicted.

I walk through the fancy lobby, waiting for someone to tell me that I’m not allowed to be here, but no one stops me. They barely even look in my direction.

Upstairs, I use the key Apollo gave me years ago to let myself into his penthouse. After the slightest consideration, I change into an oversize T-shirt that’s so faded, I’m not entirely sure what the graphic started out as, tuck my suitcase into the closet, and climb into bed. I fully intend to stay awake until he comes home, but my body has other ideas.

I jolt awake at the feeling of the mattress giving as someone sits down next to me. I open my eyes to find Apollo staring down at me like he just found his favorite gift beneath the Christmas tree, but he’s afraid it’s not truly meant for him.

He reaches out, pauses without touching me, and drops his hand back to his thigh. “What are you doing here, Cassandra?” The question isn’t harsh, more…hopeful.

“You shouldn’t give out your keys to people. It’s going to be dangerous in the city for some time, and you might come home to find a stranger in your bed.”

“You’re no stranger.” He can’t seem to help himself. He strokes a hand over my hip. “You came back.”

“I love you.” It’s not an answer, though, and we both know it. I sit up and shift back to lean against the headboard. “Apollo, I…” Gods, this is harder than it has any right to be. “When my parents died for their ambition, I promised myself I’d never be like them. I would never strive for power or prestige or anything except keeping my sister safe and getting the fuck out of this city. I closed myself off to everything. I, well, hated pretty much everyone. Except you, and that was despite my best efforts.”

He watches me with serious eyes. “And now?”

“Now, with the stakes changing so dramatically, it’s made things clearer for me. I…” I take a breath and push forward. “I have people who care about me, even if I haven’t been the best of friends to them. My sister is happy here, though I had such strong tunnel vision, I didn’t even realize it until today.”

“Cassandra—”

“I’m not finished.” I take another harsh breath. “Things are going to get dangerous in this city. We both know it’s the truth. I am not going to let my pride dictate my choices, to leave just because it seemed like the only option. It’s not. I can help, Apollo. You’ve said it yourself. I’m an asset, and you’re going to need everyone in your corner that you can get.”

He goes still. “That’s why you’re choosing to stay.”

“It’s part of it.” I reach out and cover his hand with mine. “I’ve also been desperately in love with my boss for years now and he’s really great to me, the best man I’ve ever met. I’d be a fool if I walked away from him.” I squeeze his hand. “I want a life with you. I realize that I’m a cranky asshole and that I’ll cause friction in the circles you move in even after I figure out how to move in them, too, but—”

He gently presses his fingertips to my lips. “I choose you, Cassandra. The opinions of those in the upper circles have never held much weight for me, and certainly never as much as your opinion does. I love you. If I thought for a second you’d say yes, I’d propose right now.”

I smile against his fingers. “Ask me in a few months.” I already know what I’ll say, but even after knowing Apollo and working closely with him for five years, there will no doubt be kinks to be worked out while actually dating each other.

“I will.” He lowers his hand. “I wanted more than anything to ask you to stay, but it wasn’t fair to demand that of you. I’m having a difficult time believing you’re actually here.” He smiles. “You’re choosing me.”

“I’m choosing you,” I confirm. I lean forward and press a careful kiss to his lips. “Come to bed, Apollo. Our happily-ever-after starts now.”





Enjoy this sneak peek at the next unspeakably hot book in the Dark Olympus series, Cruel Seduction.



Aphrodite


The reception stretches on for an eternity. Even though I chose this, I can’t stop the sinking in my stomach. I played right into my new husband’s hands. A mistake, and one that will be costly. I can’t afford to underestimate Hephaestus, and reacting to Adonis showing up unexpectedly before my wedding to the enemy? I might as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull or built a neon sign pointing to a vulnerable button. My new husband will be stomping on it in no time. I wish I could trust Adonis to avoid that pitfall, but emotions make everything messy and I hurt him badly by making this move.

He’s not the only one.

All through the speeches and cake cutting and first dance, Hephaestus keeps that satisfied smirk in place. It makes me want to…

I manage to extract myself and part ways with my husband to grab a glass of champagne off a waiter’s tray. Now’s the time to follow him back to our seats at the center of the bridal party table, but I need a moment, so I drift over to the doorway leading back outside. The air has cooled with the sun setting, giving the first hint of the bite winter will bring.