Goddess Bound: Goddess Series Book 6 (Young Adult / New Adult) (9 page)

“Jeez, I found out after you’d been taken. It’s not like I’ve been harboring this information the whole time.”

“Yet when I told Adin last night, he was shocked, so you sure as hell didn’t say anything to him. How did you find out?”

He shook his head, looking away.

“River? I’m serious. You tell me everything you know about her right this minute, or I swear to the gods above that after I ascend I will make your life a living nightmare! Quit being such a dick!”

“Fine. I’ll give you the encyclopedia version. Callirrhoe is a naiad, which is a type of nymph. They are like female spirits who preside over streams, wells, fountains…fresh water bodies. They are not gods, but they are part of the mythical realm and descend as we do.”

“So how does this tie in to the fact that you now avoid her at all cost?”

Silence.

“Are you seriously not going to pursue her anymore?”

He shook his head, still looking away from her.

“What, she was good enough when she was mortal, but not now that she’s a nymph? That’s not as
prestigious
, right?” Legacy asked sarcastically. “Or is it because she’s a fresh water chick and you’re a salt water god? Is it taboo?” She rolled her eyes as she goaded him.

That got his attention. “Do you remember the name of the god I descended from?” he asked slowly and with so much venom she’d have been scared if she didn’t know him so well.

“Chrysaor.”

“Right. And he married a nymph, so don’t throw that shit in my face.”

Legacy’s heart started racing almost as fast as River’s knee was bouncing. He was back to looking away from her. Avoiding her. There was more to this than he was telling her, and her spine prickled with foreboding.

“Who did he marry?” she asked softly, almost barely able to get the words out.

His gaze cut to her. “I think you know.”

“Callirrhoe.”

He gave a slight nod.

“I-I…then why are you avoiding her? She could be the one. You’ve been head-over-heels for her, and both of the people you descended from were married to each other. That has to mean something.” That had to mean
everything
. Legacy knew they had their free will to choose their own paths now, but as she’d learned the hard way, history would try to repeat itself. If River and Calli were somehow bonded because of their original gods—or god and nymph—then there was more to this than River was letting on. A lot more.

He stood up quickly and looked to the side. Legacy followed his line of sight. Calli was slowly walking toward them, but was still too far to hear. He looked at Legacy fiercely. “It’s over. I will not be going out with her. Ever. It’s done.” He started to step away, and Legacy was almost too shocked to share the other news. Almost.

“I guess it’s good she’s going out with Zach again.”

“What?” River’s eyes popped open and a brief—very brief—look of hurt crossed them before he schooled his expression. “Forget it.” He grabbed his backpack and stalked off before Calli reached the table.

Chapter Eleven

Legacy stared at her reflection. She’d chosen to wear a casual skirt and blouse to the movie tonight because she didn’t know how dressed up she should be. It was only a movie, but if she wore what she’d had on at school today, Calli would know she hadn’t put any effort into getting ready for the double date. But if she’d gotten all dressed up, it would’ve seriously been overkill. She’d freshened up her makeup and run the straightening iron through her hair for a finished look. Though she’d made Adin wait in the living room while she’d gotten ready. She really did enjoy living…
staying
with him, but she also liked the way he looked at her before going on a date. She wasn’t giving that up. Besides, one of his favorite pastimes of late had been sitting on the bed with a huge grin on his face whenever she’d walk in wearing only a towel. He might be a god, but he was still a man. So she’d shooed him out of the bedroom so she could get ready.

After verifying she looked good enough for the evening…but not too over done, she left the room and headed to where Adin was waiting.

“You look hot.” He stood as soon as she walked in. “We should skip the movie and just stay in.” He wagged his eyebrows and she laughed at him.

“No way. We’re doing this for Calli.”

Adin groaned as he walked up to her. “You know I don’t like this,” he said as he pulled her into a hug.

“I know, sweetie, but Calli needs this. I have no idea why River is pushing her away, but maybe getting attention from a guy she cared about will help her deal with the pain.”

He sighed, pulling away. “Zach is a tool. I still witnessed him hitting on girls last semester when he was supposed to be involved with Calli. He still dumped her at a very bad time. If it wasn’t for River taking her to homecoming, she’d have been even more humiliated.”

“And now River is being a jerk to her. Heck, he kept the knowledge he’d learned about her from you while he was supposed to be helping you get me back.”

He shook his head. “I still don’t understand that.”

“Join the club,” Legacy mumbled as she picked up her purse.

“She could do so much better than Zach, though.”

“That may be, but she wants to do this, so we’re going to do it for her. C’mon, I don’t want to be late.”

Adin’s lip quirked. “Ordering me around now, are you? I can think of some other things I’d much rather you demand from me.”

Legacy snorted. “Incorrigible.” Then she licked her lips as she stepped up to him. “If you play nice tonight, I might let you guess what I got you for your birthday.”

“Hmmm…you in your
birthday
suit?” he asked as he kissed her temple. Even though they’d had sex the first night she’d returned, it hadn’t happened since. Long nights and big discussions had left them both exhausted. Though that hadn’t stopped him from watching her get dressed in the mornings or copping a playful feel here and there. Yep. He was definitely a man. A god, but still a man.

“Nope, but that could be arranged tonight if you’re a good little boy,” she said, and kissed his neck.

He groaned. “You still don’t play fair.”

“Never said I did.” Nor would she tonight. She had that red nightie she was saving for tomorrow. She chuckled as she pulled away and took his hand. He pouted playfully before nodding once in resignation and pulling her toward the door. Once they were outside, he locked the door and guided her to his car. Zach still had an SUV, but Adin was dead-set against riding with him like they’d done in the past. Legacy had been worried Calli would want them to all ride together, and if so, she’d have to ask Lissa to borrow her SUV so they’d all fit. If not, Adin would’ve probably run out and bought one just so he wouldn’t have to ride with Zach. Thankfully, Calli had seemed okay with the idea of Zach picking her up and the four of them meeting at the movie. They’d picked a six o’clock showing so it wouldn’t be late when they got out. That way, if the date was going well for Calli, they could grab a bite to eat afterward. If not, getting full on popcorn was the excuse to end the date after the movie.

They pulled into the movie theater earlier than scheduled, which was exactly what Legacy wanted. She’d planned on being there before Calli and Zach arrived since they couldn’t ride together. Adin parked while she checked her makeup one last time, and he opened the door for her before she had a chance to do it herself. He took her by the hand and led her to the front of the theater. The movie they were seeing had been out for several weeks, so it wouldn’t be too packed tonight. Adin bought their tickets while she watched the parking lot. She saw Zach’s SUV pull in. He parked it and opened Calli’s door for her. Unlike Adin, he didn’t take Calli’s hand, but he stayed by her side as they approached. From here, she could see how attuned Zach was with Calli. He was looking down at her, smiling as he talked and gesturing with his arms, and she giggled. The first date nervousness with new couples was completely gone. It could’ve been because they’d dated before, but Legacy would think that’d make it even more awkward for Calli. Apparently not. When they approached, they were so wrapped up in their own conversation that they didn’t see Legacy standing there until they were almost upon her.

“Hey,” Calli said, smiling. She hugged Legacy and stepped back. “Where’s Adin?”

“Right here,” he said, jogging to her side. “The line was crazy. I forgot about that new Imax release that came out today. The dude at the counter asked me if I was sure when I told him what movie I wanted the tickets for.” He chuckled and handed two to Zach. “I got y’all’s while I was in there.”

“Thanks, man. I’ll get the popcorn.”

“Cool, let’s hit the line before that one gets out of control.” Adin took Legacy’s hand and guided her into the theater, but she was still reeling with how relaxed Adin had been with Zach. It was as if nothing bad had ever happened.

“What would you like to drink, Legacy?” Zach asked.

“Oh, Dr. Pepper. Thanks.” He walked toward the crowd at the concession stand and Calli followed beside him. Legacy turned to Adin. “I’m surprised you’re being so nice,” she whispered.

Adin’s eyes twinkled. “You want me to knock him out? I promise, I’d much rather do that, but you wanted me to play nice, so I’m playing nice.”

Legacy rolled her eyes. “You just want to see me in my birthday suit.”

“Am I that obvious?” he asked, pulling her to him.

She laughed against his chest. “Completely.”

He kissed her cheek, the corner of her mouth, then he kissed her full-on. Legacy wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted onto her toes to get as close to him as she could. She loved the way he tasted, like man and…her. It was as if the more time they were together, she could taste them both on him. It was something she couldn’t quite put her finger on, but it was very intoxicating. She ran her fingers through his hair and clutched him closer to her, deepening the kiss, but he suddenly broke away, panting.

“You keep that up, and you’ll have to walk in front of me.”

“Why, Mr. Sheppard,” Legacy started as she inched her leg up to brush against the evidence of his arousal, which caused him to get harder. “I do believe it’s too late to worry about that.”

“You two ready?” Calli asked.

Adin grasped Legacy’s shoulders and turned them to face her, keeping Legacy in front of him like he’d warned. She had to stifle a laugh…and the urge to lean back against him to toy with him. “Yep,” Adin croaked. He cleared his throat. “Lead the way.”

Okay, she snorted a laugh then, but when Adin squeezed her shoulders, she took the bucket of popcorn from Zach so he wouldn’t struggle with it and carrying two drinks, then started walking and providing Adin’s much needed cover. Calli glanced at her, but she just shrugged. Thankfully, it wasn’t obvious that Adin had gotten turned on. She probably just thought they’d been playful with each other.

By the time they’d reached the shielding convenience of the dark theater room, she felt Adin relax behind her. Drinks were checked and passed out before they took their seats, with Calli and Legacy sitting beside each other, Zach to Calli’s left, and Adin to Legacy’s right. There were several people in there, but not so much that they hadn’t secured a great place to watch from.

The movie had been good, but Legacy would be lying if she said she hadn’t paid any attention to Calli and Zach. Under the cloak of darkness, they still seemed like a friendly couple of people who were easy being around each other. Legacy figured Zach would make a move—the old yawn, stretch, and put his arm around Calli’s shoulder—but he hadn’t. While Legacy and Calli munched on popcorn, Zach had one arm on the opposite armrest and his other casually leaning against his leg. That leg was probably brushing against Calli’s, but Legacy couldn’t tell without making it totally obvious she was spying on them. Regardless, the physical contact was minimal at most, and the reality of the situation was he looked completely comfortable being here with Calli. He had to have known he’d screwed up big time with her and would have to make amends with more than just her BFF, though Calli was the most important one for him to prove he was truly sorry for his behavior to. Legacy recalled a conversation she’d had with Calli about him after he’d broken up with her. He’d been very apologetic then, but then Legacy was certain Calli’s wounds were still too fresh to consider any kind of reconciliation. But now?

Legacy glanced at them again. Zach leaned over and whispered something to Calli. She covered her mouth with a startled laugh, and he chuckled as he leaned back in his seat. Now Legacy wasn’t so sure. She could only remember seeing Calli this happy once recently and it had been the day of the picnic. She’d been there with River. Maybe Calli was just using Zach as a distraction from the hurt River had caused her. But when she looked at Calli again, she saw her slyly looking at Zach and fighting a smile. That wasn’t an expression of Calli using the other person. Legacy knew her too well, and she looked as if she was totally into Zach. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to her about the first part of the date, so as soon as the movie was over, she’d be dragging her BFF to the restroom for some girl talk.

Legacy tried to stay focused on the rest of the movie. Adin had put his hand on her thigh and she’d put her hand on top of his. A few times she caught him staring at her, and once he’d raised an eyebrow, but it hadn’t been a questioning move. He knew she wasn’t acting like herself and he was letting her know she wasn’t getting away with pretending that she was. When the movie ended, she didn’t waste any time. She stood and turned to Calli. “I drank all my Dr. Pepper. Come with me to the restroom.” She didn’t ask because she wasn’t giving her friend an opportunity to refuse.

Calli and the guys stood. They walked out and over to the restroom where the guys parted and headed to the men’s while the girls walked into the women’s.

“You’re either about to pee in your panties, or you have another reason for dashing in here. With me, I might add.” Calli put her hands on her hips and smirked.

“Don’t give me that look.”

“Since you’re not barreling into one of the stalls, I already know the answer.”

“I just wanted to see how everything was going. You know, see how you’re doing and what the game plan will be for the rest of the night.”

Calli nodded and crossed her arms before casually leaning against the tile wall. “Everything is going great.” She smiled. “Seriously, he’s been a perfect gentleman. He’s charming, funny, attentive. He’s like he used to be.”

“Before he ran off to college, started flirting with other chicks, and blew you off, you mean?” She was being snotty, but she couldn’t let her friend forget about the heartache he’d put her through.

Calli sighed. “Yes. Before all that. I’m not stupid, Legacy. I know if he did it once he can do it again. I’m not rushing into anything with him. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop seeing him either.”

“Seeing him? I thought this was one date.”

She dropped her arms and stepped closer. “He asked me to go with him to the park tomorrow. I told him I’d have to think about it, but I’ve already decided that I’m going to tell him yes.”

Legacy clutched her arm. “Are you sure?” she whispered. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Hence the not rushing thing.”

Legacy let go of her. “What about River?”

Calli’s eyes hardened. “What about him?”

“You’re going to disregard him? Just like that?”

“Just like that?” she repeated. “He was the one to push me away before anything could happen between us. We had one date.
One
. And it ended with you being kidnapped, not a goodnight kiss. I’ve tried talking to him. He had his chance. I’m not going to sit around and sulk over him. He doesn’t want me? Fine. I don’t want him. I’ve told you this already.” Calli looked away. Legacy didn’t like the hurt look she was sporting now.

“Okay. I’m sorry. I just love you and want you to be sure.”

“The only thing I’m sure about is I want to enjoy my date tonight. I’ll worry about the rest as it comes.”

Legacy nodded and put on a smile for her friend. “Well, since it’s going well, I take it this date isn’t over.”

Calli bit her lip. “I don’t want it to be, but my nervous hands kept shoving popcorn into my mouth. No way could I eat anything.”

She thought for a minute. “What if y’all come over to our—I mean Adin’s house and play Xbox?”

“Girl, that
is
yours and Adin’s house. Not just his.”

“Whatever. He has a ton of games that allows many players. We could team up against the guys on one of them,” she said, not even addressing the house comment.

Calli hugged her. “That sounds great. Thanks.”

“Okay, c’mon.”

The girls walked out and the guys were standing a few feet apart with their hands shoved into their pockets. Whatever conversation they’d been having hadn’t seemed pleasant, but they were being civil. When Legacy and Calli approached, they looked up.

“Did I pass all the girl talk tests?” Zach asked as he stepped up to Calli smiling.

“For now.” She cocked her head to the side. “Legacy invited us back to their place for fun and games. Want to go?”