Goddess Bound: Goddess Series Book 6 (Young Adult / New Adult) (10 page)

As if his answering smile wasn’t proof enough, he said, “I’d love to.”

Legacy looked at Adin. He winked at her and took her hand. They all walked outside, but as Legacy and Adin separated from Calli and Zach to head toward Adin’s car, Legacy looked up at him. “This is okay, right? I didn’t have a chance to talk to you about it first.”

He frowned at her. “Why?”

“Because we were in the restroom when it came up—”

“No, princess. Why are you asking me if it’s okay.”

She felt her cheeks getting warmer. “Because I just invited people over to your house—”

“Stop right there.” He halted her in the parking lot and turned her to face him. “I know we haven’t made any kind of official lifelong commitment and that you’re only staying with me right now to keep you safe, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think of you as my partner, my life. I have no intentions of rushing you into anything, sweetheart, but please don’t try to throw up unnecessary walls between us.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.” He rubbed her arms to lessen the blow of his words. “You haven’t been back long. I know that. A lot has happened the last month, hell, the last ten months. You have too much to worry about to throw political-correctness into the mix. My house is your house, okay? I don’t want you worrying what you can and can’t do in that house. Understand? It’s yours too, for as long as you are there. That’s the only way I see it.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. She loved the idea of being with him, and as far as she was concerned, he was her future too, but having him reiterate his stance did make her feel a little better about how to address their living arrangement. He started walking her toward his car again. She looked to see if Zach and Calli had left. They were just pulling out of the parking lot.

When they reached Adin’s car, he opened the door for her, but she hesitated, looking back at Zach’s SUV turning onto the main street. “What were you two talking about?”

“You had your girl talk. We had our guy talk.”

She watched him warily as she sat, wondering just what that talk had consisted of. Adin walked around the car and got in. Once he started it up and maneuvered out of the parking lot and onto the regular road, she turned to face him. “Meaning?”

He glanced at her. “I told him if he did something to hurt Calli or you, it would be the last time he ever set foot around either of you.”

She gaped at her boyfriend. “You threatened him?”

“Just made sure he understood the score.”

She wasn’t sure exactly how she felt about that. Adin was a god, after all. He could make Zach disappear from the face of the earth if he really wanted. But she settled on gratitude. “Thanks for sticking up for Calli.”

“I didn’t do it just for her.”

“Me?”

He glanced at her and smiled before turning his attention back to the road. “I’m always looking out for you, but that’s not who I was talking about.”

“What do you mean?”

Adin braked at the stoplight and looked at her again. “I did it for River too.”

“Why?” Legacy frowned at him.

“Because whether or not he’s being a total ass, he cares about Calli. I have no idea what happened, but I know he wouldn’t want to see her hurt again. Before anything else, they were friends.”

“There never was anything more,” Legacy mumbled.

“You sure about that, princess?” Adin asked.

She didn’t have an answer. 

Chapter Twelve

Keeping Adin busy all day had been difficult. She’d dragged him out to go mountain climbing and enjoy a nice picnic lunch—in public. At first, he’d tried enticing her to stay home and fool around, though he hadn’t put it quite like that. But that would’ve interfered with her seduction plans for later this evening. She’d told him there would be plenty of time for that afterward and that she wanted to get started so they could enjoy the hike without the rush. But during their lunch, he’d told her they needed to stop by and see his grandma and mom because if he didn’t, he’d get chewed out for not visiting on his birthday. Unfortunately, stopping by either of their houses was just as off limits as sex was, but he didn’t know that. Besides Legacy’s plans of a naughty night, his grandmother had orchestrated a surprise birthday dinner for him. Legacy had been tasked to keep him away from family until it was time to meet at the restaurant. Another reason why they’d spent the day secluded on a mountainside.

“You’ll have to tell me where we’re going, princess. I
am
the one driving, you know.”

Legacy looked at Adin and slipped her hand onto his knee. She squeezed it gently. “Our reservation is for six. Just get on the interstate heading toward downtown. I’ll let you know when you need to get off.”

He chuckled as he downshifted to gain speed on the on-ramp. After he merged with traffic, he glanced at her. “Good thing it’s downtown. It’s almost six. We’d be late if we had to go farther.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re fishing for information. It won’t work.” She hesitated, wondering how long she’d be able to keep the secret. The place where they were having dinner had valet parking, so there wasn’t a risk of seeing familiar cars parked. Also, Adin’s grandmother had texted her and told her everyone had arrived already. Legacy almost chuckled at the thought of Rose texting. “Take the next exit.”

“We’re going to the River Market?”

“Nope.”

Adin frowned, but did as she said. She’d figured he’d assume that since the River Market was a busy place, filled with restaurants and bars. It was always crazy down there on Saturday nights. She guided him through several turns and up to a posh hotel.

His eyes twinkled when he parked the car in front of the valet. “A hotel? I like where your mind is.”

She snorted as she got out. “We have
dinner
reservations, not
room
reservations. Sorry to disappoint you.”

He walked around the front of the car and took her hand. “You never disappoint me.”

“Aww, flattery will get you everywhere.” They walked into the lobby of hotel and to the
maître d’
. “We have reservations for six.”

“Name?”

“Adonis.”

Adin barked out a laugh, and the gentleman behind the podium nodded once in acknowledgment. Legacy was glad Rose had told her the code name used for the reservations since she’d been the one to make them.

“Of course, madam. Right this way.”

Adin leaned down. “Buttering me up, are you?” he asked as he patted her butt.

She looked up at him and slowly licked her lips. “You
will
behave during dinner, or I will tease you to within an inch of your tolerance. Maybe even way beyond it.”

“It is my birthday, princess. You should cut me some slack.”

“Sweetie,” she whispered, “I will make it worth your while if you be good.” She let her hand slide up his back as they continued to follow the
maître d’
.

He lowered his head so that his mouth was closer to her ear. “Mmm, consider me
Saint
Adonis.”

“Here we are, sir, madam.” The man opened the door to the room Rose had reserved. They walked in, and Legacy immediately got butterflies in her belly. Balloons adorned the corners of the room, and Adin’s family sat around a massive table dominating the space. Rose immediately stood up, and Legacy shot her gaze to Adin. His mouth was open, eyes wide.

“Happy birthday, Dinny.”

“Happy birthday,” several people at the table said as they stood up.

Adin gripped the back of Legacy’s shirt just before he let go of her to hug his grandmother. “Thanks,” he said as he squeezed Rose to him. He stepped back and looked around the room then at Legacy. “Are surprise parties our thing now?” He chuckled as he pulled her to him. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Her heart was pounding double time now. She hadn’t gotten a good look at everyone, but there was one person she knew was here and she was very nervous about meeting.”

“Happy birthday, son,” a man said from behind them. Adin stiffened slightly, which Legacy knew was only from shock, and then let go of her to look behind them.

“Dad! You didn’t have to come all the way out here just for this.” The men hugged with quick slaps on the back and brief laughter and then broke away. Adin looked at Legacy and reached for her hand. “Dad, this is Legacy. Legacy, this is Cyprus Sheppard, my father.”

This man was the reason for her nerves. She knew Adin and his dad got along well, but he had wanted Adin to move away and go to school in Texas because he knew there’d been truth behind the prophecy. Adin had defied him to stay with her, and she’d eventually been the reason he’d been killed, leaving Adin’s precarious condition in his hands while he fought his way through his ascension. Since Adin was a life-death-rebirth deity, he hadn’t had it as easy as River, Kate, Seth, and soon Legacy. She just hoped his dad didn’t hold any kind of grudge… for her killing his son and all.

“H-hi, Mr. Sheppard. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

He held out his arms, tilted his head to the side, and gave her a knowing look. She stepped up to him and briefly hugged him. “Aww, that’s much better. The pleasure’s all mine, Legacy,” Mr. Sheppard said as he moved away to look at Adin again. “And yes, I did have to come. I couldn’t miss your birthday. Not after thinking you might not reach another one.”

Legacy winced and looked away. Adin wrapped his arm around her, pulling her attention back to him. She smiled timidly. “What Dad means is this is a cause for celebration. That’s all.”

“Well, of course that’s what I mean. What else—oh, um, yes, celebrate,” Mr. Sheppard amended when it seemed as if he’d discovered her reason of unease, but that only served to make Legacy feel more awkward.

“Oh for pity’s sake, we’re all happy Dinny is alive and kicking and that Legacy worked her magic to get our boy here up the ascension ladder. Now can we sit down and eat? My dogs are barkin’,” Rose said as she limped toward the seat she’d vacated.

“Grandma, I told you to stay off your feet as much as possible,” Adin said as he hurried up to her to pull her chair out.

Myrha giggled. “Good luck with that.”

Cyprus looked at Myrha and smiled at her. The look was one of appreciation, and maybe a little bit stronger affection-wise. Legacy didn’t want to analyze it. Thankfully, she wasn’t given the opportunity to because after Adin had finished with his grandmother, he pulled out a chair next to the head of the table and motioned for her to join him. She walked over and took her seat. Adin sat at the front of the table.

After her initial nerves of meeting Cyprus Sheppard were gone, Legacy enjoyed the party. Adin introduced her to his extended family, all of which were linked in Greek mythology. Thankfully, Adin had kept the complete truth of her ascension a secret and just shared the news of her being created in the likeness of Persephone. That was all she was comfortable sharing too. She didn’t know his cousins, aunts, uncles, or whatever they should’ve been called. Since the gods didn’t descend the way people normally did, she wasn’t sure if they adopted the same family-tree style titles. The man he’d identified as Hector, who she’d considered an uncle for Adin, kept looking at her. She didn’t like it, but she tried to bank her unrest. He was probably just trying to wrap his head around how she could kill Adin…accidentally or otherwise. She wasn’t explaining anything about her life because the news that she would inherit the powers of both of her parents was privileged information. And the people at this table who already knew the truth were enough. But since the man kept staring at her, she decided to be polite.

“What do you do for a living, Hector?”

He smiled, though it wasn’t really an expression of joy. “You could say it’s my job to make sure the will of man is protected.”

What was that supposed to mean? She grappled for a response.

“Hector is considered a man of peace,” Adin said. That still didn’t explain anything, but she gave a noncommittal sound and slight nod before turning her attention back to the table. She’d tried to engage the man, but it was Adin’s birthday, and she’d rather give him her undivided attention.

Everyone ate while the conversation never waned. Afterward, the waiter brought out the cake that Rose and Myrha had ordered and served it to everyone. While Legacy was still enjoying her sugar high, Rose announced it was gift time. Adin opened all his presents and got some awesome things in the process. When it came time to open hers, she felt it lacking, but she reminded herself that his real present was at home.

Home
. Gods, it had only been a few days, but she couldn’t image spending one night away from him now. He was her life, her home.

Adin opened the gift she’d wrapped and stared at it in awe.

“I know it’s not much, but—”

“It’s perfect.” He opened the leather journal and read the inscription aloud. “’For remembering all the days I spend loving you, your princess, Legacy.’ Thank you, sweetheart.” He leaned toward her and kissed her—not too briefly, but not too passionately—in front of everyone.

“You’re welcome,” she breathed as she pulled away. She glanced at the table to see how closely they were being watched and decided to chance it. She leaned toward him again and pulled him into a hug so she could put her mouth at his ear. She whispered, “You can unwrap your other present tonight.” She gently nibbled on his ear and sat back to look at him. His eyes were smoldering. “Maybe it’s time to finish up your party.” She winked at him.

“No maybe about it.”

* * * * *

Legacy stared at the little red nightie, wondering where she’d find the courage to prance around in it.
Gods, it’d be easier to just walk around naked!
But she refused to listen to that voice. Much. After announcing to Adin he had another gift to open, she knew there was no way out of it now. Part of her reason for telling him that was so she wouldn’t chicken out. She grabbed the sheer robe that barely covered her bottom and tied the red satin ribbon into an enticing bow. She took a deep breath and held it while she smoothed her hair. She dropped her hands and slowly exhaled. “Here goes nothing,” she murmured to her reflection before turning toward the bathroom door. She opened it and frowned. She’d heard Adin in the bedroom, but he wasn’t sitting on the bed. She walked on her tiptoes to silence her shoes as she entered the bedroom and looked around. He was definitely not in here.

Once she entered the hallway, she heard the television and smiled. At least it’d help cover up the sound her red stilettos would make as she approached him. She’d wondered if wearing the shoes with the outfit would be a little too whorish, but the Victoria Secret’s models wore them with next to nothing else on. Legacy’s experience with intimacy was very limited, so she deferred to the women who were paid to exude sexiness…and those models looked the part without going overboard.

From the direction she was coming, Adin’s back was to her, so she’d use that to her advantage. She walked up behind him and covered his eyes. He chuckled and reached for her wrists.

“Keep your eyes closed,” she whispered directly into his ear.

He let go of her arms. “Okay.”

She stood up and put her hands on his shoulders. “Are they closed?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

She stepped back and slowly walked around the loveseat to stand in front of him. She stopped with her legs slightly spread and put her hands on her hips. He was smiling with his eyes still shut. He’d changed into a pair of thin sleep pants and was shirtless. She licked her lips as she stared at his chest. Gods, he was magnificent. Her earlier nerves had vanished. “You can open them,” she said softly.

He opened his eyes. The twinkling humor in them slowly dissolved as his smile dropped with his jaw. Legacy reached for the ends of the bow and toyed with them. “I hope you like how I wrapped your gift.”

He was stunned into silence. She glanced at the couch and decided she would rather do this on the bed where there was more room. She stuck her hand out to him, which he took. Once he was standing in front of her, she turned and led him to their bedroom, making sure to sway her hips to increase his desire for her. Though his lack of speech was actually speaking volumes. She guided him to the big bed and nudged his shoulders. He sat as she’d indicated, but he’d spread his legs and put his hands on her hips to pull her into the cradle of his thighs.

“I do believe this is best present I’ve ever gotten.”

She licked her lips as she stared down at him. “You haven’t opened it yet.” She picked at the ends of the ribbon.

“I don’t have to see it to know that I love it,” he said so softly that there was no mistaking he was talking of his love for her and not just her body. He reached for the tie at the front of her robe and ever so slowly pulled it loose. “Beautiful,” he breathed as he pushed his hands into the opening he’d created.

“Happy birthday, Adin.” She leaned down and took his mouth in a searing kiss. He clutched her waist as he deepened the kiss. When she climbed onto him and straddled his lap, he groaned into her mouth. He was already hard, which both turned her on even more and empowered her to know she did that to him. She might be a novice in the seduction department, but the man beneath her hadn’t seemed to notice. Or care.