Chapter Two
Puppet Fucking
Viola leads us to a palace. Its peaks are impossibly high, reaching up into the already thinning heavens. We trek through twisting staircases. Nightfall kisses the horizon as we climb to the top floor.
Loki promised me we’d settle this tomorrow with a biggeraudience. The way he said audience still lingers in my thoughts.
“Vi, we can’t stay here. Our realms are in danger, our soldiers are waiting for us. We cannot waste time here.” A tired and worn sound fills Ryder’s voice. We stand in a dark hall in front of a door. Gold lines swirl across the wooden door. The details sway over the surface, catching the light before drifting farther with shimmering magic.
“Time does not exist for the gods. Each day passes at our own pace. You’ve been here for what seems like hours, but in your realm only a few minutes have passed.” Viola’s gaze dances across Ryder’s perfect features. She seems to be memorizing them or remembering them.
“The time you spend here with us will never be a waste.” It’s said in a whisper; a sad tone that fades away as she steps past us, walking quickly back the way we just came.
The four of us stand quietly alone as her footsteps echo through the castle.
Hesitantly, I turn the gold knob and push open the door. Upon opening, a soft golden light warms the room. It tingles across my flesh. The source of the light is unseen. It simply … exists.
An echo sounds through the room with every step I take. The cobble floors are spotless and lead to a grand space that I wasn’t expecting. The widest bed I’ve ever seen sits on the far wall. A comforter of deep mossy green is snugly pressed over the mattress. Gold trim highlights the ceilings, making every angle of it shine in the warm lighting. A deep bath similar to a pool takes up the far corner, and clear water drifts through it invitingly.
A single window takes up the opposite wall, looking out into the crystal white stars of the night sky. The heavens look pure and bright from here. Seconds pass and still I just stand in the center of the room, staring out at the intensity of the moon.
“What do you think Loki’s planning?” Dax asks. He leans against the edge of the bed, crossing one ankle over the other before folding his arms. He looks careless and confident.
Ryder sits on the edge of the bath, his fingers gliding through the surface of the water. His attention is held on the depths of it.
“Nothing good.” Ryder’s vague comment sounds distracted, filled with thought.
My brows pull together as I try to think about what Loki could possibly want in exchange for his help. Why didn’t Baldur offer his help? If they aren’t to get involved in mortal issues, perhaps Loki has no intention of helping us at all. Darrio steps closer to me, his palm skimming down my ribs, making me shiver against his touch.
“We’re going to be ready for it whatever it is.” The promising sound of Darrio’s tone makes some of the tension fall away.
The other two men look at me, and suddenly I realize my worry is making them worry more.
Shit.
“Come take a bath with me.” Darrio’s tone is gentle and quiet and throws me so far off guard that I physically stumble back to look at him.
He … wants to take a bath with me … with two other men?
It’s just a bath. Why am I being so emotional over a bath? I need to pull my shit together or these men will think I’m as breakable as they always try to treat me. I can’t help it, my heart melts because he’s trying. He’s trying so hard to make me happy, and I love him completely for it.
“Okay.” It’s the shyest my voice has ever sounded in my entire life.
Ryder and Daxdyn seem equally unsure of themselves as Darrio takes my hand and leads me to the bath. Ryder even steps aside for us. The prince’s hands shove into his pockets as he stands with the most unsure look on his face.
Daxdyn doesn’t seem to have a shitty comment for his brother for once. Everyone is a chain of support in this moment; supporting Darrio to support me.
Why does that make me want to cry? When did these assholes have to turn into the sweetest men I know? It was so much easier when they were just self-centered jerks. I can’t believe I actually prefer it when they’re total assholes. At least then I know what to expect.
I swallow down the rising emotions. Darrio’s fingers push up my abdomen slowly and lightly. The white shirt raises against his palm and I arch into his touch. His stormy eyes hold mine as he pushes the material up my chest. I raise my arms for him as he pulls it off. Silence like I’ve never heard before clings to the room.
With care, he unfastens my jeans. Big hands skim across my outer thighs as he pushes my jeans and underwear down. I try my best not to melt into his touch. His strong shoulders meet my palms. I lean against him and kick off my boots and clothes.
And then I’m naked.
I’m naked before the three men I love. My attention drifts to Ryder. The intensity of his pale gaze skims across my chest. Does he know I love him?
My heart thunders hard and strong.
