Descending (The Rising Series) (10 page)

“I couldn’t sleep
,” Kyros said smoothly, regardless of his racing heart.

“I know what you mean.
Listen, I’m sorry for, you know, before. I shouldn’t have come on to you. I didn’t even know if you had a girlfriend, were married, or whatever. My behavior was uncalled for.”

Kyros frowned. “No.” He sighed and shook his head. “You have nothing to apologize for. I may have overreacted.”

“So why did you?” she asked.

Kyros was
surprised by her boldness. How should he answer? He couldn’t very well say he didn’t want to get mixed up with a human. He also couldn’t say she wasn’t attractive enough. Not only was that an outright lie, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything that might crush that fiery spirit of hers.

“You know, I
can
handle the truth,” she said. “I’m no stranger to criticism.”

“It’s not you…”

“Oh please!” She chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’re going to give me the it’s-not-you-it’s-me line.”

Kyros pressed his lips into a fine line. He wasn’t used to females handling rejection as easily as Gretchen, and it bothered him. Probably more than it should.

“Listen,” she said, “let’s just forget it happened. But, just to make things clear, are you opposed to a friendship with me, or would you rather I kept my distance?”

He’d rather close the distance and pull her into his arms—that
was the problem. He should break off all contact with her. Yeah, right. How could he protect her if he stayed away from her?

“I’m not opposed to a friendship,” he finally said.

“Good.” Gretchen crossed her legs and sat down near the pool’s edge.

“As friends,” she said, “would you answer a few questions for me?”

Kyros shrugged. “Sure.”

“How long have you known Xanthus?”

Kyros had to stop himself before he answered truthfully. He doubted she’d believe that they’d known each other for nearly eighty years. “A long time.”

“
Well, I’ve only known Sara for a little over a year.”

He blinked
and held his silence.
Only a year?

“I know.
It doesn’t feel like only a year. I can’t explain it, but when I met Sara, I felt like I’d known her forever. It’s like we had some kind of cosmic connection.”

Kyros cocked his eyebrow and looked her over from head to toe.

“No! Not that kind of cosmic connection.” Gretchen brushed her hair behind her ear as color rose in her cheeks. “It was more like sisters, only closer. We were like twin sisters. At least, I thought we were. But now…”

“You’re wondering about her legs.”

“Yes! I just don’t know what to think. Did
you
know she was lying?”

Kyros knew she’d ask this question sooner or later. “I didn’t know
,” he lied. Telling the truth would just lead to more questions, questions he couldn’t answer.

“
At least I wasn’t the only one. I just can’t believe it. Sara has legs, perfectly workable, normal legs. The whole thing with her being crippled and in a wheelchair, it was a lie. If she weren’t lying in a hospital, if she hadn’t nearly died to save me, I’d be pretty ticked off right now. I just don’t know what to think.”

“I don’t know what to say about her lying,” Kyros said
, “but I do know this. She didn’t hesitate to put herself between you and a shooter’s bullet. That kind of sacrifice is not insignificant.”

“I know. And I’ve already forgiven her for the lie. I just don’t know
why
she lied.”

Kyros didn’t know what to say. Telling her the truth was completely out of the question.

Gretchen sighed and uncrossed her legs. He couldn’t bring himself to look away. Her legs were surprisingly appealing. She turned to lie on her stomach and propped her head on her hands. “How’s the water?”

“Um, it’s a bit cold. I don’t think you’d like it.”
Great! That was all he needed, Gretchen getting in the pool
. He doubted she’d miss seeing a four and a half-foot-long, grey tailfin.

He prepared to have to push her back. He didn’t care if she started hating him again for being rude. There was no way he could let her see his body.

She furrowed her eyebrows. “Oh really?” She reached out and dipped her finger into the water, yanking her hand away like she’d touched burning acid. Scrambling back, she stood up.

“That’s
seawater,” she said accusingly.

“
Yes, it is.” Kyros’s eyes flew open wide before he narrowed them.

Gretchen took careful breaths and looked around, studying the pool. He could sense
her trembling.

“Why would Xanthus have a pool filled with
ocean water?” she asked.

Kyros didn’t skip a beat when he answered. “He’s health cons
cious. Seawater has many benefits.”

She still seemed startled. Her eyes searched her surroundings
; they lingered over a puddle inches away from her.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “You look a bit pale.”

She started to shake her head, but changed to nodding. “Um, oh yes. I’m fine. I’m just still in shock, what with Sara getting shot and having legs. Uh… it’s late. I should get back to bed.” She hesitated a moment before she turned and stepped out the door, but not before glancing back one last time.

What in Hades was that all about?

The moment Aella saw Robert, she knew he’d failed. He stood before her—his shoulders hunched and his face downcast. She nearly ordered him to slit his own throat at that moment, but stopped herself. He might still be of use to her.

“I’m so sorry.” His voice hitched. She frowned at his show of emotion.
With Robert’s physique and his military training, he shouldn’t be blubbering. She much preferred the less-enamored Robert—the one who battled pirates and gave her attitude. This was an unfortunate side effect. Her voice may put men under her control, but it also made them emotional, needy, and desperate to please her. Not one of those traits was appealing.

She sauntered up to him and caressed his face. “Robert, you disappoint me.”

“I know. I don’t know how I could have missed. I had her in my sight.”

Aella frowned. “
Yet, you did miss.”

“It wasn’t my fault.” He shook his head. “
The girl in the wheelchair, she seemed to know what was going to happen. And then those men rushed in, and I couldn’t get in another shot.”

Aella pursed her lips. “
She was in a wheelchair?”

He nodded and wiped his nose with his muscled arm.

“What did this
girl
look like?”

“She had dark hair, slim build—pretty.”

Aella narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, not as beautiful as you
.” He reached out.

She slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

“Forgive me.” He cowered away.

“You’re so pathetic.” She strolled to the railing and looked out over the waters. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the ocean air. She opened her eyes and frowned.

She could feel the human staring longingly at her back. “Tell me,” she said, “why I should let you live.” She spoke without looking at him.

She could hear his quick intake of breath. “There’s a man—rough, big, intimidating. He was asking questions. I’ll bet he could lead me back to her.”

“No, you’ve done enough damage. Find this man and lead him to
me
. I’ll deal with him myself.”

“Yes. Yes, Aella.”

If Gretchen was going to stay at Xanthus’s house while Sara recovered, she’d better try and make nice with the local giants.
She bustled around the spacious kitchen cooking as she went—admiring all the features. There was not one, but two ovens, marble countertops, a double-wide copper fridge—which had been practically empty until her quick trip to the store.

This kitchen
had everything a domesticated person could want. Gretchen remembered Sara’s previous apartment, the stained sink, the chipped, laminate countertop, the square footage that allowed you to cook, wash dishes, and eat all in the same place. Sara had to
love
her new house.

Gretchen lifted the lid of the frying pan
. Bacon and sausage sizzled and popped. They were crispy, brown—perfect. The waffle iron beeped as she placed the meat in the oven. Gretchen carefully removed the waffle and placed it on top of the giant pile in the warm oven. Given the size of Xanthus’s friends, she thought she’d better make a lot of food. She didn’t want any of them walking away hungry.

“What is that smell?” a deep voice rumbled. A sandy-haired, brown-eyed man stepped into the kitchen. Six-six, she guessed. She
’d decided to play a little game and guess how tall each of these men were. For each one she got right, she’d have to give herself a little reward.

“Come on in. I’ve made enough
breakfast for everyone.” Gretchen smiled.

His eyes widened in surprise. At least she thought it
was surprise, but it almost looked like horror. That didn’t make sense, though. Why would bacon, sausage, and waffles horrify anyone? She’d even made her mother’s buttery syrup.

He hesitated a moment before stepping next to the table.

“Go ahead. Sit down,” Gretchen urged. “Now, I’m sorry we weren’t introduced properly yesterday. My name is Gretchen, and you are…?”

“Pallas,” he croaked as he continued to stand there in a stupor.

“Nice to meet you, Pallas. Do have a seat.” She pulled him over to a chair. He hesitated before he sat.

“
Would you like orange juice or milk with your breakfast?” she asked.

“Milk?”
He briefly glanced down at her chest. He turned away, blushing. Wow. Gretchen had never seen a man that size blush.

“Milk it is.”

At those words, he jerked and looked like he was thinking of springing from the chair and bolting out the door. Gretchen tried to think of something to say to put him at ease.

“How long have you known Xanthus?”

“Um, I haven’t known him long.”

“
How did you two meet?”

“You don’t want to know
.” The answer didn’t come from Pallas, but from another man standing in the door. Six-seven, no maybe six-eight—about the same height as Kyros.

“Hello there, I’m Gretchen.”

“Straton,” he answered, hesitantly.

Gretchen
’s smile widened. “Welcome to the party.”

Straton raised an eyebrow. “Party?” He looked genuinely confused.

“Breakfast,” Gretchen clarified as she dropped two plates filled with hot food in front of Pallas.

“Oh no. I’m not hungry
.” Straton shook his head.

“Oh, don’t be silly. A man your size has to eat a lot of food. Sit down. I didn’t slave over a hot stove all morning for nothing.”

He bit down on his lip and glanced longingly at the door, but did as she told him and took a seat.