Page 89

He brushes a thumb across my cheek. “Now I find that giving it is infinitely more satisfying.”

A soft smile turns my lips. “That’s a pretty big revelation for the God of Desire.”

He wraps his arms around me. “I’ve realized something. All I need is you. A stubborn mortal woman who laughs at my arrogance and loves me anyway.”

I laugh and the he kisses the top of my head.

“For the first time in my existence, I understand the difference between being desired and being loved. And may the gods help anyone who attempts to take you from me.”

“I like the sound of that.” I burrow into him a little deeper.

“Rest, little mortal.” He traces his fingertips across my skin.

And in that moment I know that I would do anything for him and losing him would be like losing a piece of myself.

I’ve fallen head over heels for the god of my dreams.

Maybe against my better judgment.

Chapter 11

Calla

one month later

Our new house sits on a quiet street just off Saint Street, tucked between two enormous live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

It’s a beautiful old New Orleans home with wrought-iron balconies, twelve-foot ceilings, tall windows, and enough original woodwork to make a preservationist weep.

Naturally, Morpheus insisted on buying it the moment he saw the enormous bathtub.

“I require adequate space for bathing,” he’d announced.

“You’re seven feet tall. You require adequate space for everything.”

“Precisely.”

How he acquired the money remains a subject of considerable debate.

He claims that several ancient treasures rightfully belonged to him.

I claim that casually producing gold coins from thin air raises serious questions about international banking regulations.

He claims I’m overthinking it.

We’ve agreed to disagree.

The house is filled with books, art, velvet furniture, and more antique sculptures than any two people reasonably need.

One room has become my restoration studio.

Which brings us to my second great discovery about living with a Greek god.

He’s an absolute nightmare to work with.

“That is not Athena.” He studies the bust. “That is Hera.”

I blink.