Goddess by Chance (Demi-God Daughters Book 2) (5 page)

Chapter Nine

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming. I’m sure that you have many questions, and I hope that I can answer them all for you.”

Triton stood off to the side, watching the press conference. The mortal he’d contacted to initiate his plan spoke at the podium now. The man was a detestable mortal if there ever was one. Cranky and conceited. But Herman George was a means to an end.

Standing behind the droning man was Triton’s mark … Athena’s daughter. The girl’s gaze bounced from place to place. Her arms were folded across her ample chest as she shifted slightly on her feet. Triton smiled, and despite her being Athena’s spawn, he couldn’t help noticing how attractive she was, especially up close.

Her curly black hair was pulled off her neck and twisted into a bun on the top of her head, and red studs gleamed in her ears. The red, short sleeved wrap dress flattered her figure, bringing attention to her bountiful breasts and hips. The girl was definitely beddable, and he meant to do just that.

Triton watched her glance across the room again. This time her eyes met his, and he held her gaze. Her mouth opened in surprise, and he gave her a wide smile. She turned away from him. He’d caught the girl staring at him when he entered the library. She was interested, but he wasn’t too surprised, because he had always been irresistible to women. As the people around him gazed in his direction, he flashed a smile.
Showtime.

****

Chris Triton. So that’s his name.
Arienne watched the handsome man in the navy suit shake Scrooge’s hand before taking his place behind the podium. He placed his hands on the wooden stand.

“For those of you that may not know me, my name is Chris Triton. I’ve been blessed with more money than I know what to do with, and one of the things I love to do with my money is give it away.”

The audience started laughing at the man’s charm.
I’m sure he likes to give money away … for tax purposes.
Arienne couldn’t help her cynicism. The rich rarely ever did anything that didn’t benefit them in some way.

“So when I heard about what happened here at the library, I knew I had to do something. To make sure what happened here never happens again, I will be making a donation to cover new security features. Cameras, metal detectors, and an armed guard. The library will once again be a safe place.”

A round of applause went up, and Arienne found herself clapping. Regardless of Chris Triton’s motives, she couldn’t begrudge his desire to make the library safer for everyone. Not everyone had powers like she did, and even with the gifts she did have, there was no way of telling if even she could outrun a bullet.

“In order for the new security measures to be implemented the library will be closed this week, and I will be paying the salaries of all the workers,” Chris Triton said.

More applause rang out, but Arienne didn’t clap. Instead she found herself wondering if Chris Triton was just too good to be true.

“As happy as I am to offer my assistance to the Cape Canaveral Library, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the bravery and quick thinking of Librarian Arienne Marcos.”

Slowly Chris Triton turned from the podium and faced her. He held out his hand in her direction. Greenish-blue eyes locked onto hers.

“Ms. Marcos, if you’d do me the honor of coming forward?”

Arienne wet her lips. She could feel a bubble forming in her stomach.
Why? It’s bad enough I have to be here at all. Now I have to be in front of the cameras again. Ugh.
Taking a deep breath, she left her spot and stepped forward to stand beside Chris Triton. She felt a charge race through her body when he took her hand and held it in his.
Relax, girl. He’s just holding your hand.

“Because of the actions of this beautiful, brave woman, none of the people held at gunpoint were harmed. Ms. Marcos risked her own life by confronting a gunman, and because of her actions, we hail her as a hero.”

The loudness of the applause stunned Arienne. Daring to risk it, Arienne glanced at Chris Triton and found him watching her. A nervous fluttering rose in her throat. Up close the man was even more arresting than she’d initially thought. Smooth shaven with the type of strong jaw line you’d like to run your knuckles over. Not to mention those killer ocean colored eyes of his.
Hello, Chris Triton. Thank you for letting me know my libido is not dead.
She turned away from him, lest he read what she was thinking.

“So let me end this press conference by reminding each of us to do what we can to help our fellow man and to show appreciation to each other. Thank you.”

At least I didn’t have to talk. Crisis averted.
The media sprang into action, yelling new questions at Chris Triton.
Time to make my escape.
Arienne took a step, but Chris didn’t let go of her hand. She turned back to face him, a slight scowl on her face. He stepped closer to her and leaned down.

“Is there a place we can talk privately?”

A small shudder ran across Arienne’s back as his warm breath caressed her ear. The deep masculine timbre of his voice seemed to vibrate inside her body. Unable to speak, she simply nodded. A small smile touched the corner of his face.

“Please lead the way.”

Still unable to find her voice, Arienne turned and lead him down the hallway and toward the office she sometimes used. She was all too aware that the man had yet to let go of her hand.
I hope he can’t feel my palms sweating. That would be beyond embarrassing.
Grasping the knob to the office door, Arienne stepped inside and turned on the light, jumping a little as the door shut behind them with a slight bang.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“It’s all right. Sometimes I’m a little skittish,” she said, turning to face him.

“I guess we all have our moments. It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Ms. Marcos.”

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. The brush of his mouth across her skin made a tingle rise in a place that hadn’t tingled in a long, long time.

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Triton.”

Clearing her throat, she smiled at him as he finally released her hand.

“Please. Call me Chris.”

“Okay, Chris. Would you like to have a seat?” She indicated the chair in front of the desk.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Arienne took her seat across the desk from him. It was hard to remember a time when a man had left her feeling this flustered. Right now, she had a man who was Greek statue fine sitting in front of her, and it was going to take all of her wits to even have a coherent conversation.

****

Now isn’t this interesting? Those Demigod Daughters sure bring out the men.

Aphrodite stood undetected, watching the mortals in the library. Sensing the presence of a god in the area, she’d decided to stop by. Imagine her surprise to see not only Athena’s daughter, but Poseidon’s son in the same place. As she’d carefully cloaked her presence and watched the scene unfold, already the Goddess of Love could see trouble brewing.

This had the potential to end badly. Gods were not known for finding true love, except for Hades, but he was a rarity among gods and men.  This situation with Arienne had the makings of a disaster of godly proportions, but that was the tricky thing about love. There were so many potential outcomes that sometimes even Aphrodite was unsure what could happen. This situation bore watching.

Poor Athena. Her half-sister had been so sure no one would find out about her half mortal daughter.
Too bad, Sis. The cat’s out of the bag now. It won’t be long before everyone knows.
Seeing Triton completely at ease in his human guise as the wealthy “Chris Triton” was throwing Aphrodite for a loop. She’d thought he was too busy chasing nymphs to be bothered with mortals, but apparently, she was very wrong.

There was no love lost between Athena and Triton, though things had been different many eons ago, and that was what made all this the more interesting. Aphrodite had no idea if the Prince of the Seas was even aware of Arienne’s true identity, but if he wasn’t, he would be soon. She was tempted to give her sister the heads-up about her daughter, but she wouldn’t. Aphrodite had a responsibility to see to Arienne’s love life, and since she had no idea what Triton’s intentions were she needed to remain watchful. Besides, when a god and a Demigod Daughter got together, there was no telling what could happen.

Chapter Ten

As Triton sat across from Arienne, he noticed the tremor in her hands. A fresh smile curved his lips.

“So … Chris, what can I do for you?”

“Actually, Ms. Marcos, I’d like to do something for you. Well something else that is.”

The girl raised a brow. He could see a muscle in her neck twitching.

“I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Mr. Triton.”

He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk. “Chris. I thought we were on a first name basis.”

“I’m not sure that would be appropriate.”

“Really? I would think after sending you red roses you could at least call me Chris.”

One of Arienne’s hands flew to her mouth, and then slowly she brought her hand away. Her eyes stretched wide.

“It was you? Why?”

“When I saw you on the news, something about you really stuck with me. I thought that you were an incredible woman and I wanted to do something nice for you, so I thought flowers would be a small token of my esteem.”

A blush crept up her cheeks. “The roses were beautiful. Thank you. I appreciate you going out of your way.”

“I’m even gladder I did, after seeing that your boss didn’t give you the recognition you deserve.” He leaned back, folding his arms.

“Mr. George is not one to give recognition to anyone, but I can assure you it’s not a big deal. I’ve had more than enough time in the spotlight.”

She’s really something. None of her mother’s arrogance. If I didn’t know the truth, there’s no way I’d even believe Athena was her mother.
Triton cleared his throat. “Arienne, I admire your modesty, but let’s be honest. What you did is usually only done by trained professionals with years of experience under their belts. Everyday people don’t stick their necks out for anyone, but you did and for that you should be commended, but instead your pompous ass of a boss didn’t even acknowledge you.” He noted the smile creeping across her face.

“I take it you’re not a fan of Mr. George.”

“Not in the least. The man nearly hung up the phone on me before I could tell him I wasn’t just some random Joe. It’s amazing how the mention of money can turn a lion into a lamb. After his rudeness, the only reason I even decided to go through with my donation was because I wanted to meet you.”

Her eyes flew open as she rubbed her neck slowly. “You wanted to meet me? Why?”

He leaned forward and took her hand in his, staring into Arienne’s black eyes. They were fathomless. It was almost like he could stare into them forever and never discover their depths. There was something about her, and he didn’t like the fact that he was responding to it so strongly.

****

Arienne waited to see what Chris Triton would say. So far she’d managed to not completely melt down in the man’s presence, but the clock was ticking. The way he kept looking at her with his sparkling eyes. And now he was touching her hand … again. She glanced down at their joined hands before meeting his gaze.

“You may not believe this, but I’m finding myself quite taken with you.”

Is he serious? Taken with me?
Arienne smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that one before.”

“You think I’m running a line, don’t you?”

“Maybe. I mean it is a bit of a surprise.”

“It shouldn’t be a surprise. You’re a gorgeous woman.”

“I appreciate the compliment.”

“You’re welcome. You know I’d like to do something in your honor.”

“That’s not really necessary,” Arienne said.

It was hard to keep her concentration when Chris Triton was softly brushing his thumb across her hand that he still held.

“Please. Let me do something nice for you.”

His blue green eyes pleaded with hers. She could feel her resolve weakening.
Why not? You deserve it.
She mentally nodded. “What do you have in mind?”

“A few things actually, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts. After all this is about you.”

“You said you enjoy giving money away, so how about donating to a charity?”

Chris Triton gave her an easy smile. “So what organization do you have in mind?”

“R.A.I.N.N. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. They work with local rape centers to provide help to people across the nation, and they also have a hotline that gives people someone to talk to about what’s happened to them. I heard they’ve been named as one of America’s hundred best charities.”

“You seem to know a lot about them.”

“You meet a lot of different people working in a library.”

****

Triton stared at Arienne. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
She’s hiding something, and I’m going to find out what it is.
He offered her a smile.

“R.A.I.N.N. sounds like a wonderful organization, and I’d be more than happy to make a donation on your behalf. How does a million dollars sound?”

Arienne’s mouth gaped open.
So despite what I’ve already done today, my generosity still surprises her. I’m going to have to step up my efforts to lower her defenses.

“A million dollars? That’s incredibly generous.”

“I have more money than I need. Why not share it?”

“There are a lot of wealthy people who would not agree with you.”

“And there are plenty of women who when asked by a wealthy man what they’d like, would’ve asked for a new car or a nice piece of jewelry. Certainly none of them would’ve asked for a donation to a charity. I’m amazed by you.”

And he honestly was. He had to keep reminding himself that the woman in front of him was the daughter of his enemy. It didn’t matter that the girl wasn’t self-involved like her mother. He had a job to do.

“Thank you.”

Time for the kill.
He smiled again. “You deserve it and so much more. You may not be aware, but I’ve made my fortune in shipbuilding and transporting goods around the world. It won’t be long before my newest ship will be finished, and it’s going to need a name. I’d be exceedingly happy if you’d let me name it in your honor.”

He watched her face for a reaction. When her eyes grew wide, he knew he was making headway … finally.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“Let me immortalize you. Come on.”

“Okay. Why not?” she said.

“Excellent.”

He released her hand and reached into his pocket to pull out one of his business cards and place it in front of her. Arienne picked it up, staring.

“I like the ocean theme,” she said.

“I’ve loved the ocean since the day I was born. What about you?”

“Thanks but no thanks. Between
Jaws
and the shark attacks at New Smyrna, I don’t get in the water.”

Triton laughed.
These silly mortals and their movies. If only they knew there were worse things in the ocean … like me.
He stopped his laughter. “I’m sure a lot of people feel like that, but there’s risk with anything you do.” He winked at her.

Arienne’s blush crept back. “I’m not much of a risk taker. I like stability.”

“Where’s the fun in that? But hey, I understand. Just a thought, but why don’t you come with me when I make the donation to R.A.I.N.N.?”

She shook her head. “That’s okay. I don’t need to be there.”

“But I’d really like it if you were.”

The hand holding his card shook. “Okay.”

“Great. Is there a number where I can reach you?”

“Yes.”

She put down his card and reached into the desk drawer. Arienne pulled out a business card and scribbled her number on the back before handing it to him.

“Thanks. Now let me be going. I’ve taken up enough of your time,” he said rising.

“It was no problem at all. Thank you again for all your benevolence.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“Mine, too … Chris.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

He winked at her and then took his leave. As he made his way back to the front of the library, a peculiar feeling tugged at him. Maybe he should turn back before things went any further.

No. You can’t do that. You know what’s at stake. Besides, Cerceis will never let you hear the end of it if you call this off.

Arienne was an innocent, but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t allow it to matter. Nothing could dissuade him from what needed to be done. Arienne wasn’t the first innocent caught in a war, and she wouldn’t be the last. There were casualties in every war, and unfortunately for Ms. Marcos, she was going to be one of them.