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Sometimes, I wonder about Gaia's tendency toward recklessness. How does she take care of the Earth when she can hardly seem to take care of herself? We became friends since we both look after the land, yet she focuses on harmony and I focus on the harvest.
"I don't want to make a fool of myself, is all,” I tell her softly.
"Um, sweetie, you are about to ask someone to sleep with you. I don't think you have anything to be nervous about. Once they hear your plan, they are going to be fighting to help fulfill it."
She might be right, but still. "I get nervous. You know that."
"Then let me help you." She clasps her hands and drags me toward Ares who is looking as ruggedly handsome as ever, running a hand over his jaw as he looks over the crowds.
"Don't embarrass me," I start, but it's already too late.
"Hey, Ares," she drawls. "Remember Persephone? She needs someone to dance with."
"How could anyone forget you, Persephone?" He offers me his hand. I take it, my breath catching in my throat. The last time I spoke to Ares, I became so flustered I ran away. Not exactly a regal exit. "With your silver hair and clear, bright eyes, you're hardly a goddess one might forget."
He leads me to the dance floor of the massive ballroom. There are white columns surrounding us, and people are weaving in and out as they move around the room. Trumpets sound when any new guest arrives, and elegant tapestries hang from the ceiling.
I look over my shoulder at Gaia. She's grinning, and then clutches the hand of Poseidon as he walks by her and then drags him to the dance floor as well.
I feel a twinge of regret at watching Gaia dance with Poseidon, a god I also admire greatly, who is strong and muscular, with brown hair and brown eyes. But to desire the attention of more than one god at a time is greedy, and I focus again on the man whose strong hand is now placed solidly on my waist. I inhale, pleasure rolling up my spine at his mere touch.
"It's been a long time," I manage, looking up into his green eyes. His fire red hair is thick, and I have the insane urge to drag my fingers through it.
The thought alone makes my heart beat faster. The music filling the hall speeds up, the dancers around us spinning and twirling in time. I feel faint.
"Are you alright?' he asks, looking down at me, making me dizzy with so much direct eye contact.
"I'm fine. Just a bit... nervous."
He laughs easily. "Don't be nervous around me. It is I who has a reason to be uneasy around you."
"And why's that?" I ask quizzically.
He frowns, leading me from the dance floor as if realizing how uncomfortable I was out there. He presses a hand to the base of my spine, guiding me out to the patio, where an inky black sky is bejeweled with thousands of silvery stars.
He turns me to face him. "It's quite simple, Persephone. You're the only woman I have eyes for."
My cheeks flame as bright as his hair. "I don't believe you."
"It's the truth. You walked into the ballroom tonight and I told Zeus I would get to dance with you before the night was through."
"And what did he say?" I ask, my pulse quickening at the mention of the god with bright blue eyes like the sky, a sunny face and blond hair. It would be lying to say I don't also keep a portion of my heart for him.
Ares grins. "He said he would fight me for you if it came to that."
I shake my head, laughing softly, pressing a hand to his chest. My fingers run over the silky fabric of his tunic, and I'm caught off guard by how solid and strong he is.
"I don't want anyone fighting over me."
Ares looks directly at me. "I may be the God of War, but I'd never force a fair goddess like you into a difficult position."
"What position are you putting her in?" Hades asks, joining us outside. A double meaning seems to drip from his lips. As I look him over, my insides tighten. He is every bit as dark and dangerous in appearance as I remembered. Chiseled jawline, haunting eyes. I'm pulled to his aura, his lean, tall body, and his shadow.
At first, I don't think he notices the way my eyes rake over his body, but then our eyes meet, and I know he knows. He gives me an arrogant smile that makes my heart flutter.
Ares turns to look at Hades and for a moment I am worried. Neither of the men is exactly good-natured; Ares is known for being dominating, and Hades has a reputation that precedes him. As the God of the Underworld, he is known for his dark tastes.
