Morning light streamed over Gryphon where he lay with his head propped against the headboard, one leg kicked out of the covers, the other pinned to the mattress. He hadn’t slept. His chest still vibrated with too many emotions, his head with a thousand thoughts and memories. Some he didn’t want to remember. Some he wanted to experience all over again.
He glanced down at Maelea tucked tight to his side, sound asleep, her legs intertwined with his under the blanket. Her head lay pillowed on his chest, her warm breath heating his skin. Her features were relaxed, her dark hair a fall of black silk around her face. In the hazy light, her skin all but glowed, so soft, so perfect, like the smoothest porcelain. Every time he looked at her, he remembered the way she’d held him yesterday. The things she’d said. He still couldn’t believe, after everything he’d told her, that she wanted to be with him.
He wanted to roll her over, wake her up with his mouth, with his hands, with his body. Knew he wouldn’t, because he’d worn her out last night making love to her and she needed to rest. But it didn’t stop him from wanting, from needing, from dreaming about forever with her.
All I want is you, Gryphon. For a few years, for as long as we’ve got together.
He intended to give her more than a few years. He planned to give her at least five hundred. He’d leave the Argonauts. They could settle anywhere. As long as they were together, that was all that mattered. But first he had to deal with Atalanta.
He tipped his head back against the headboard, closed his eyes. His heart pinched at the thought of leaving her so soon after this bond they’d created had solidified. But he didn’t have another option. He was running out of time. He’d already wasted two months at the colony trying to get his head to work right, a week and a half tucked away in this house here with her. He’d never wanted the Argonauts to know his shame, which is why he’d never told any of them—even Orpheus—about his tie to Atalanta. But now that he was stronger, now that he knew he could fight her voice, he was confident he could find the demigod and destroy her before Krónos’s allotted six months were up. And when he had, when that tie between them was severed for good, then he could come back here. He and Maelea could pick up where they left off. His life could finally start.
He ignored the tingle of doubt that rushed over his spine. Told himself he could handle it. That he’d win. There wasn’t another option. Not when he finally had something to live for.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, slipped out from under her, and made his way to the shower. Floorboards creaked under his feet. He flipped on the water to heat, then looked in the mirror.
For months he’d avoided his reflection. Couldn’t stand to see that dead look in his eyes. But this morning…it was like looking at the old him. Before the Underworld. Before all the pain and suffering and hopelessness. This morning, he looked like himself again. All thanks to Maelea.
The water was warm and invigorating. And strength seeped back into his bones. A strength he’d lacked these last few months. He showered, dressed, and was surprised when he stepped into the bedroom to see the bed empty.
He moved to the curtains, pulled them back, and looked out over the beach. Maelea stood ankle deep in the surf, wearing a thin white robe, staring out at the water while her hair floated behind her in the gentle breeze. And watching her in the early morning sunlight, that heart she’d resurrected warmed in his chest, sending tendrils of energy all through his body.
He jogged down the stairs, caught the scent of coffee brewing. When he reached the kitchen, he saw the coffee was only half-done, which meant she hadn’t been up that long. He decided not to wait for it, bypassed the therillium glowing orange under the heat lamp in the corner of the kitchen, and pushed the screen door open.
Night and water. Those were two things he’d learned she loved. Wherever they ended up, it had to be on a beach like this. So she could have the water. So she could spend time out here at night. So they could make love under the stars with the waves rolling gently against the shore.
Cool water brushed over his bare feet as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and nuzzled her neck. “Good morning.”
She reached for his arms at her waist, tipped her head to give him more room. “Mmm…good morning to you.”
He kissed her cheek, then her mouth when she turned. He loved the way she tasted, loved the way she smelled, loved that she didn’t shy away from him. She shifted in his arms, ran her hands up around his neck. Opened to him when the tip of his tongue slid along her bottom lip. Moaned just the slightest bit as he dipped inside for a taste.
When he eased back, her eyes had that sleepy, dreamy look to them. The one he loved to see.
“You’re up early this morning,” she said as she rested her cheek against his chest and he tightened his arms around her back. “I heard the shower running.”
“I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s okay.” Her lips curled against him. “As long as you let me sleep at least a little later.”