Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
And just when I thought I didn’t want anything to do with the Godwins again, and had started to plan my exit strategy, the accident happened. I saw a family dynasty nearly fall. The powerful Troy Godwin had pain in his eyes and tears threatening to escape as he said goodbye to one son while hoping the other fought to survive. When I once wanted nothing to do with Apollo, I suddenly couldn’t leave his side. He was my husband. I took vows. I made a promise in front of everyone. The Godwins were correct in their belief that divorce wasn’t an option.
I was wrong in wanting out. I was wrong in so many ways.
Did I love Apollo? Do I love him now? No…I don’t think so. But he was the first man I ever had sex with. He was the first man to care about me and to offer protection. He saved me. So, maybe the problem was me. I needed to learn to love him. And as I sat beside him in that hospital, holding his hand in mine, I swore I’d try. I’d try to love this man who has done nothing more than offer to share his power with me.
Athena had told me to spread my legs and all would be fine, and when I watched Apollo undress tonight…well, it didn’t sound like such a bad idea. My body still buzzed from the thought of what we could do if only exhaustion and tense reconnection didn’t get in the way.
My body is still aflame, and there is no way I’m going to be able to return to bed feeling this way unless…
I take the hem of my nightgown and lift it up above my hips. I then lower my panties to my feet and kick them out of the way. I feel the heat of the fire against my bare flesh, and I bring my finger to my clit and slowly circle. Closing my eyes and picturing Apollo being the one to touch me rather than me, I moan as my body thanks me for finally giving it the pleasure it’s been craving.
“Daphne…”
My heart flips as I look over my shoulder to see Apollo approaching the couch lit up by the fire.
“Have you come yet?”
“What? No…I uh…” I pull down my night gown as fast as I can, standing up and walking toward the fireplace as if it’s heat can protect me from the cold splash of water Apollo’s entrance just caused. My face has never felt so hot. Mortification nearly suffocates me. I feel as if the flames from the fire are licking my body.
“That’s a shame.” He sits down on the couch and pats the seat next to him.
“What are you doing?” I ask, feeling butterflies flap around in my tummy. I don’t understand why he won’t simply walk away and allow me to die in my embarrassment.
“Come over here and let me show you how it’s done.”
“What? Apollo…what?” Did he just imply what I think he did? No way could I have heard him correctly, and yet his serious face, the casual way he sits on the couch with a seductive smirk, tells me I heard him correctly.
“Lift that nightie back up, come spread your thighs, and let’s finish what you started. You’ll come this time,” he says in a calm and even tone.
Although my thoughts and emotions are swirling in chaos, the man has full control of his, and though he caught me in the most private and compromising position, he’s not teasing me. There is no jest in his words. He appears completely at ease but also determined to do as he’s saying. He even appears dignified and nearly regal, sitting on the chair with his intent to perform his husbandly duties.
I try my best to seem calm. This is complete madness, and yet I’m not running out of the living room. I’m not saying no. Do I actually want him to do as he’s suggesting? I literally can’t remember the last time he ever has. We’ve never been that couple. We don’t…well, we just aren’t like this.
He pats the couch again. “Now, Daphne.”
“It’s fine. We really should get to bed. You’re still recovering, and we have the funeral tomorrow. I don’t know what got into me.” I let out a forced laugh. “It’s been a long time, and I was trying to relieve some stress and—”
“Now.”
My heart beats so loudly in my ears, I’m sure he has to hear it as well. “You don’t need to show me how—”
“If I have to get up and drag you over here, you will regret it. Now get over here and spread those legs.”
Jesus, the man is serious. Dead serious. And even though his threat sounds aggressive in the wording—and completely unlike him—his tone remains calm and firm.