Ares: (Gods of Old Book 1) (9 page)

“That sounds like a very good and solid plan.” She licked her lips and grinned, “Very good indeed,” she added happily. Licking her lips she all but moaned. “Right. Food.” So that they didn’t draw too much attention to themselves. “So that means I should feed myself; otherwise, I’m going to attack you again.”

“You probably should,” his voice had dropped an octave. “Slowly, so that you can enjoy the flavors, and so I can enjoy watching you eat. But not too slowly, I don’t want to sit here for any longer than necessary with the erection I currently have.”

“And I don’t want to sit here knowing that you have it for any longer than necessary.” She took another bite, savoring the tastes and the textures. Sighing happily she winked at him. “I think we will be packing up our food soon, in case it rains or something? Can you do that?”

“I could send us, as is, to one house or the other with a thought. Packing up is unnecessary. But I can pack up, so we’re ready for a quick run. Especially since it appears we’re losing some of the interest we had on us a little while ago. Some are still pausing to look our way, though,” he said. “I think there are some college guys checking you out, darling.”

“Hardly.” Ava rolled her eyes and leaned in closer to Ares, “I really think that the moment that the coast is clear we should be gone. Just my opinion, though. I really and truly believe that we need to get out of here as soon as possible, please.”

“And we will, but I’m also not kidding. Those guys are checking you out, Ava. They are,” he paused. When she looked at him, his eyes were narrowed, and it was like a black cloud had fallen over his face. “I’ll kill them,” he growled. His words vibrating through her on a level that had her fight or flight instincts trying to kick in.

Ava reached out and put her hand on his cheek. “Hey,” she whispered with a smile. “How about you just focus on me? Maybe do something that would make people scatter but not draw attention to us? That way you can get us out of here, and no one would ever be the wiser. I love that idea, don’t you?”

“No one would approve of what my first thought is,” he growled. His eyes finally flicked over to meet her gaze. “I should make their lives miserable for their thoughts about you.” Ares was fairly vibrating with anger. A fact that appeared to be reflected in the changing weather. What had been a lovely day was turning cool, a breeze kicking up and clouds rolling in.

Ava scooted closer to him; her hand stroked over his cheek, and she climbed into his lap. She didn’t give a damn who saw her. Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered in his ear, “And yet I only see you. I think I’ve been waiting my entire life for you, Ares. Rein it in, please?”

He let out a low, vicious growl. His arms wrapped around her and he hugged her close. His next move was to bury his face in her neck as he sucked in a deep, slow breath. The weather began to ease, the clouds rolling through slowly and dissipating; the wind slowing to a gentle caress. “Are you alright?” he asked softly.

Rubbing her cheek against his, Ava smiled, “I am perfectly fine, Ares.” She hadn’t felt the storm at all; he had ensured that she hadn’t been affected by it in the least. Pulling back she looked at him and smiled. “See, aren’t you feeling better already?” She was. Just being in his lap, being close to him, was enough to put her at complete ease.

“A little,” he grumbled in a disgruntled tone. Oh, he didn’t sound happy. Well, not completely. But at least he wasn’t looking murderous any longer. “I’d feel even better if you gave me a kiss. Just a little one, get my mind further off the disgusting acts of absolute degradation I saw in those very nearly deceased asshole’s heads.”

“I’m always willing and able to give you a kiss.” Ava didn’t hesitate. Leaning in she brushed her lips against his, shivering in reaction. Moving slightly she wrapped her arms around his neck, legs around his hips and really got into the kiss.

He growled again; this one didn’t sound nearly as angry; it was more needful than anything else. One moment she was devouring him and then he’d turned the tables. His tongue thrust in deep, his hands holding her to him tightly. When he drew back to suck in air they were no longer near the Great Wall, but in a room with a view of the ocean.

When Ava pulled back from him, she was panting. “Another kiss like that, and we should be naked, on the bed,” she whispered softly. “I really think that’s where the next kiss should take us. What do you say?” She didn’t notice the beauty of the room, the soft scents, the gentle sounds, or anything else; instead, she just saw him. Heard him, felt him, needed him.

Ares took her hand in his and led it down and then to the side. He squeezed her fingers around something soft. “We are on a bed, darling,” he said with a smile. “I got us out of there before I lost my cool again with those idiots.”

That had her grinning, “Well it’s a good thing that you knew just where I needed and wanted to be, huh?” Ava moved her hand back to his cheek and let her thumb stroke over his lip. “I adore your lips. I could drown in your eyes. It’s not because you are, well, a God, but because I see inside of you; the good that you hide. Well, good for me, at least. I don’t doubt that you could level a city if you felt the need, but I also know that I wouldn’t be in danger.”

“For you, I’d likely do anything and everything I could just to see you smile. But I also will not tolerate anyone disrespecting you. In any form,” he said in a low tone. There was fire in his eyes, and his words were said in a tight tone. Ares cupped her face and stared at her, “I’m not always as gentle as you’d like to believe, Ava. I have one hell of a nasty temper and the power to do something about what pisses me off. Are you really sure you want to be with me? Because if you say yes, I don’t plan on letting you go. Ever.”

“Yes. Because I know that you aren’t always gentle but I also know, without question, that you would never ever hurt me. You are mine, and I think that I was born to be yours. As long as you never hurt me, we’ll be good because we both know that I would never, ever hurt you. Not because of lack of power but because of what I’m already feeling. You can look inside and feel it in me, right?” she asked softly.

“I can, but I’m trying not to go into your head. Since you can’t access mine, it feels wrong digging around in yours. When you project is entirely different; you practically throw your thoughts at me then. But I also understand what you mean, so there’s no need. And I will always do my best to never hurt you. Physically I couldn’t do such a thing to the best person in my life. And mentally, well, I’m an ass and male, so I’m likely to do or say something eventually that you’ll need to kick me in the nuts for I’m very sure.”

That had her grinning, “Remember we talk things through from now on. I honestly hadn’t meant to hurt you when we first met, so please, from now on, we talk? That’s my one stipulation; well, one of them. I’m sure I will come up with more as we go along. Just please, if I say something that you aren’t sure of or that hurts you, tell me? I know I will do the same for you.”

“Deal,” he said softly. Leaning in he kissed her gently. “Now, since I’ve gotten my hormones under some semblance of control, would you like to look around the house? We’re in Italy in case that hasn’t quite clicked just yet.”

“Actually, I really and truly would very much like to be able to spend some with you looking around the house. But do you think we should explore now, or should we take care of the wants and needs that you and I are both feeling at this moment?” She knew she was still wet and needy; he was obviously still hard too.

“I think we have all the time in the world, Ava. Let’s look around first and then you can decide just where it is I strip you naked, lay you out and lick you into an orgasm.” His lips quirked up in a quick smirk.

“Oh, you are so bad. I love it,” she teased him with a grin. Her hand in his, she let him pull her off of the massive bed and looked back. “I love the bed. It’s super comfy. Are we going to find another place that’s just as comfy along the way I hope? You know, a bit of a tease here, a bit of a tease there. Working us both up until we are ready to explode?”

“Oh, I’m quite sure I can find you plenty of surfaces that would suit our needs. But before we go looking for places that I can lay you on, sit you on, or bend you over, how about that view?” He led her out onto the large deck. The view was of the ocean, the boats down in a harbor, and lots of green. It was a vineyard, and there were even a few trees in the distance; most likely an orchard of some sort.

She walked onto the deck with him and looked across the ocean. It was incredible. “Beautiful,” she whispered. “It’s like the boats are hovering in midair.” The water was so clear, so pure, that there was no way to tell where the water began and where it ended from where they were. “Amazing.”

“I rather like it,” he said. He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. His cheek pressed against hers as he held her close. “I’ve always found it peaceful here. I’ve had this place for a good long while; well, the land anyway. I had this house built about three years ago when the local economy was hitting a bad spot. I figured that all the work would help keep the little village alive and going through the rough patch. Which it did, thankfully. I’ll show you the village later on; it’s quaint and perfect in a way that I can’t even begin to describe. We’ll make a trip down to the ocean as well but, again, much later.”

That had her smiling, and she shook her head. “You are truly an amazing man; God; whatever. It sounds as if this truly is your home. I love that about you. That you can be at peace here on Earth as well as on Olympus.”

“It’s a great spot, and I happen to love it here. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mediterranean, then again, I like Greece too. Not to live there, but I do like the people. So open and giving, with a rich culture and great food. If they would only stop making me look like a prepubescent, snot-nosed brat, I’d likely love them.”

“Why do they see you like that? Is it because of how you are depicted in ancient history or something? Or is it the man that you are now? Do they feel the power inside of you?” She felt it, now. She could feel the tight control that he held over his power, and she was in awe of his sheer willpower. Not the power in him, but him.

“That’s the Roman’s,” he said softly. “When they swept through and took control they changed everything. From the locations of our temples to how we were depicted. They altered the history of the world because they were the powers that be. We, the Gods, I mean, have rules about interfering in the lives of mortal men and women. Though many have interfered on some level, I’ve tried to keep mine to a minimum. A few times back in the day I’ll admit that there were likely a few times I should have just stood back out of the way instead of getting knee deep in things. But since then I’ve been very hands off.”

“Well, I happen to really like that you are so very hands on with me,” Ava admitted to him. “So I give you leave to be as handsy as you want to be. In fact, I’m going to insist on it. I love the way that your hands feel when you touch me.” She felt safe. Calm. Right, for lack of a better word.

“I happen to like touching you, so we are in accord there.” He smiled down at her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll be even happier when I get them on all parts of you. You’re breasts, hips, thighs and, most of all, your pussy. Do you know, little Ava, that I can scent your arousal right now?”

“Well, that’s okay because it cuts out the awkwardness of me telling you just how turned on I am by you right now.” She leaned her cheek against his, rubbing it against his and sighing at just how right and how perfect it felt to be here with him.

She could feel his chuckle along her spine. “It would be bad for there to be awkwardness between us, especially with all the plans I have for you. First, though, the tour. And we should get you some food as well. Ensure your energy levels are all topped off.”

“Good point, especially since we didn’t finish our picnic.” They were both far too hot and bothered to finish a picnic where others could see them. “All right, show me your home, Ares.” The view was stunning from where they stood at the moment and honestly, she couldn’t wait to see more.

“The leftovers are in the kitchen, we can either eat some more, or I’ll put it away when we get there. But first, I’ll show you around up here. This is my room when I’m here,” he said turning her back into the room. He showed her the large bathroom with separate shower and tub; double sinks and light colored marble everywhere. He let her peer into the walk-in closet, nearly the size of a small bedroom.

Out in the hall, he pointed out a few more bedrooms and led her to his office, which had another great view of the vineyards. But this one had the village as part of the view and a small slice of the ocean as well. He also showed her the other balcony that went the length of the front of the house.

Then they went downstairs, and he let her wander around the main living room, that had a fireplace and big comfortable looking furniture, with a lot of pillows. That led to the dining room, a view of the ocean and into the kitchen. He pointed out another large sitting area where there was another fireplace, but that one had a TV above it, surround sound and a few other toys. The kitchen was a chef’s wet dream. Massive range, lots of counter space, cupboards galore, side by side fridge and a pantry that rivaled the size of his bathroom.

He told her there was also another bathroom down there and the laundry. Then he took her out onto the deck. It was a massive space with a hot tub, access down to the infinity pool, and a barbecue area that was detailed, and literally a whole other kitchen. “There’s a gym down on the next level and a media room for movies and such. There’s also access out onto the grounds down there, or you can go around the side of this deck. There are plenty of paths through the vineyard and down to the orchard as well. No direct access to the beach, but that I don’t mind so much. It’s really only about a twenty-minute walk, or five minutes by car, so really, it’s close enough. Plus, this way, I don’t have to worry about beach bunnies and bums trying to use my deck.”