Percy didn’t like the idea that she called down the power of the gods against him. One goddess before him was bad enough. He raised his hands in surrender. “I have no intention of ruining anything.” At her narrowed gaze, he said, “I speak the truth.”
“Really?” She stuck out her chin, as her words struck their mark. “So much for your American accent.”
Percy winced.Damn it!“Yes, about that... There were extenuating circumstances that dictated a morecovertcharacter.”
“Such as?”
Percy blinked. She was asking for details? “They’re personal.”
She tried again. “Who are you, then?”
He grimaced, but his answer was honest. “Hard to say anymore.”
She snorted and shook her head, and Percy didn’t like the new spark entering her eye.
“Well, then.” Her sweet smile was terrifying, as was watching her place her gun away in her reticule as if she no longer needed it. “I’ll leave you to your personal endeavors, then. Spending the next few hours finding your way to the exit will provide ample time for you to contemplate yourcircumstances, and formeto contact the proper authorities.”
She turned to leave the way she’d come.
Percy watched, mesmerized at her fierceness, and then remembered he hadn’t had breakfast or lunch. “You would leave me here?” he asked incredulously. “With these monstrousstatues? To fade away from starvation and thirst?” He’d be impressed by her callowness if he weren’t so hungry.
She scoffed, clearly affronted, and pointed at the fountain. “Thatis Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom, as she battles her sisters for the good of mankind.”
Athena’s Justice.Ah.
She wasn’t conspiring with the gods, then. Small mercies.
“I am to perish in agonyandbe at the mercy of the gods? You are cruel.”
Her brow cocked on one side. “Dramatic, aren’t we?”
How he loved that saucy tone, loved how it parted those ripe lips and drew them to one side.
His hunger shifted. It was suddenly imperative she did not leave, not until he got a taste of her. A small one, he promised himself. Not so much he’d ruin her, but enough to last him another three years. He’d go mad if he didn’t partake.
She turned away again.
“Wait!” He angled himself between her and her chosen exit. “If I am to be lost here,” he said as he stalked closer, feeling his body coil in tight anticipation of her skin against his, “I have a boon to ask.”
She eyed him suspiciously, but she stood her ground like a general on the battlefield. “You don’t deserve a boon.”
She had him there. “True.” He smiled, not missing her quick inhale when he was close enough to run a finger down her arm. Would she make that same sound in bed, when he nudged himself between those lovely thighs... He shook himself. A chaste kiss was all he’d take. All he’d allow himself. She did have a loaded gun, after all.
He dipped his head and brushed his lips against her ear. “But I did accommodate you once, did I not? ’Tis only fair to return the favor.”
She shuddered.
Percy’s blood pumped hot. If he didn’t take her in his arms this instant, he’d really turn into the maze’s monster, a frustrated beast denied by an angel. But still, he did not act. If she said ‘no,’ he would not force her or further tempt the temptress. Seduction was for underhanded gentlemen. When he won a woman, it was with a clear head.
He stepped back to give her space. “What do you say, Daniella?” Her name was sin on his lips. “May I kiss you and save us both the unbearable waiting?”
He didn’t have to wait long.
She flung herself into his arms. “God, yes.” Her fingers curled into his hair and dragged him down so she could demand against his lips, “There’s no escaping me this time, sir. I will kiss you until I am satisfied.”
God help him. He cupped her bottom and lifted her against him, throwing his pesky morals into the illy-decorated fountain. He was a gentleman now, and it was his responsibility to see to the lady’s demands.
He found the duty was no task at all.
