Unsure what Naomi meant, Maya looked at Apollo, who had turned a little pink. “Keep it up, Naomi, and I’ll start asking you questions about your activities with Cosmo.”
Naomi pressed her lips together to hide a smile. “I’m an open book. Maybe we couldreaneat[JY1]—”
Apollo held up a hand. “Two unabashed beings together. I must ask you to spare me the stories, Noami. I’ve heard more than enough over the years. And I think what happens in the bedroom is just between the two people who are there.”
“What about if it happens elsewhere?”
Apollo sighed, “I can’t believe I didn’t see how similar you are to Cosmo when we met. Had I known, I might not have been so critical of Maya. You are both incorrigible."
Naomi looked between them, her usual happy look firmly in place. “And I don’t think any of us would have it any other way. See you both later.”
With that, she disappeared. Maya stared at the empty doorway. “I’m afraid I didn’t understand most of that conversation.”
Apollo pulled up a chair and chatted with her while Maya finished her breakfast. Once she was done, he took the tray and moved it out of the way. He was serious when he looked at her. “I think we need to go back to the island.”
Maya’s heart sank. “Do we have to?”
“It sounds like there’s a good chance that we’ll create a paradox if we don’t. I mean, they’ve already seen us there, before they left.” Maya looked down at her hands while Apollo sat on the foot of the bed. “Look, I know how you feel, and nothing has to happen between us. No one saw us actually doing anything. All they saw was us coming out of a room together. That just means that we need to be there on Valentine's Day morning. That was a week ago tomorrow. Since you only had about a week, I think we should get it over with.”
“Yeah, we should get it over with,” Maya said, her voice thick with regret.He doesn’t want me, and he’s coming up with any way he can to get out of actually becoming my mate.
The thought was sudden and unexpected. Maya stared at her hands, unsure how it could be her.Ever since my family died, I’ve been sure I would never love. People want me for power, status, or wealth. Love is ridiculous, and it never lasts. So why am I thinking about Apollo being my mate?
“Talk to me, Maya. What’s wrong?” Apollo had moved and was sitting next to her, his hand over hers.
“I just …” Maya had no desire to voice what she was thinking aloud. Her mind cast about for any excuse. “We fought so hard to leave. And what if my magic affects the place again? We could tear it apart.”
“I know that you never want to return, but I think we are risking a time paradox. Right?”
“Yes,” she sighed. “You are right. Give me a minute. I just need to … prepare.”
“Are you sure you can handle it now? Because I think we have a few hours before they return.”
“No. We should get it over with. Then we won’t ever have to go back to it.”
Apollo nodded solemnly. “I’ll be in the next room over.”
“Okay,” Maya said, looking up at him only after he headed toward the door.
He stopped and looked back at her before disappearing. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’ll come get you in a bit.”
He tapped his hand on the doorway, then left.
What are you doing, Maya? You need to convince him to stay so that he can find the woman he deserves. You are wasting his time. He may say he doesn’t want a mate, but he and Misty deserve someone to complete their family.
She stood up and walked over to the dresser. Looking in the mirror, Maya started to do her hair, something she rarely did. When she felt she had her emotions under control, Maya ensured her usual, emotionless expression was in place.
Maya found Apollo sitting at a desk, going over some papers. “I’m ready.”
He turned and looked at her, his expression as serious as her own. Standing up, he didn’t say a word as he walked toward her. After pausing, he reached out and took her hand. Gently pulling her forward, he took her across the room to a sliding door that led outside. Once they were away from the door, he released her hand, his fingers trailing along hers as he walked away from her. Apollo shifted as he moved, his wing dipping down and lifting Maya up before she realized what was happening. Carefully placing her on his back, the healer took off.
With no idea how long it would take, Maya lay down on his back, enjoying what she figured was the last bit of time she would have with him. He had been healing her for about a week, so there didn’t seem like there was much reason to stay with him once they returned. At the same time, she really didn’t want to leave.
All too soon, Maya noticed an island in the sky, and it was growing larger incredibly fast. As Apollo moved over it, she could see sun-kissed beaches, snow-covered mountains, and then a quaint town. Apollo soared over a forest, then landed in a small clearing. Maya just had time to notice the cabin as he landed. Surprised by his choice of location, she wasn’t prepared when he suddenly shifted.
When he caught her, Maya looked up into his face. “Why did you return here?”
