Goddess by Chance (Demi-God Daughters Book 2) (9 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Arienne couldn’t believe Saturday was already here, but then again, when you no longer had to worry about a job, the days seemed to pass by extremely fast. The shock of her firing had finally worn off, and after a few choice words damning Herman George to perdition, she was finally okay with it. Well as okay as one could possibly be about being fired. But she was lucky because she had a nest egg to live off courtesy of her father and her condo belonged to her outright, so things could’ve been much worse. Her cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, my girl. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. It’s Saturday.”

“Not for some of us,” her father said.

Arienne rolled her eyes. “You’re on your way to work, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Dad, why can’t you guys do what you need to do through the week like normal people?”

“With the launch coming up soon, we’re trying to make sure all the kinks are worked out. We don’t need any surprises.”

“I get that, but you worked last Saturday.”

“Princess, you know I don’t mind.”

“Yeah, I know, and that is why they take full advantage of you.”

Her dad laughed. “Well, look at it this way. You have the task of having some fun for me while I’m at work. Any plans today?

Arienne couldn’t help smiling. “Actually yes. I have a date.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

“Dad, are you still there?”

“This is excellent news. Maybe I’m finally going to get some grandchildren.”

“Whoa, Dad, baby steps. This is only our first official date. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“You can’t blame me for being excited. So where did you meet?”

“At the library.”

“Where is he taking you?”

“Sailing.”

“Sounds like you’ve met a man with some wealth.”

“You can say that.”

“That makes this even better. Now have fun and I want to hear all about it at dinner tomorrow. We should go out and celebrate.”

Arienne laughed. “Whatever you want, Dad. Just make sure you don’t get roped into working tomorrow.”

“You have my word.”

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Princess.”

Arienne ended the call, shaking her head. If her father had his way, he’d be marching her down the aisle in a week, but she could understand his enthusiasm. In high school she hadn’t been interested in dating, and then after her rape, men had fallen completely off her radar. It seemed that at twenty-six she was finally going to make some progress.

Rising from her bed, she went to her large walk in closet. Turning on the light, she stepped inside and gazed at her color coded clothes. Pushing clothes aside, her eyes settled on a white and blue tank top dress. Gold buttons were strategically placed on the top of the tank straps.

“Very sailor girl, Arienne.”

She was getting excited.
Why shouldn’t you be? This is your first real date. Besides, after the way Chris kissed you the other day, any woman would be looking forward to seeing him again.
Outfit and shoes selected, Arienne emerged from her closet and placed the items at the foot of her bed. Smiling, she turned away.

“Cute outfit, girlie. I’m sure he’ll like it.”

Turning around, Arienne saw a woman with sun blonde curls and radiant blue eyes standing by her bed. The woman was wearing what appeared to be a pink lace teddy. “Who are you? How did you get in here?”

“I’m your Aunt Aphrodite.”

Arienne stared at the mysterious woman standing at ease in her bedroom. “As in Aphrodite, Goddess of Love?”

“That would be correct.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d check on you. With your mother being out of town and such,” Aphrodite said sitting on the bed.

“Athena asked you to check on me? I find that surprising.”

“No. Your mother would likely burst a few brain cells if she knew I was here. Apparently she’s still under some misguided impression that anyone believes her virginity claims.”

“I’m tired of that excuse myself,” Arienne said.

“I don’t blame you. Athena should be glad to claim you. I saw you rescue those boys from that car wreck. Very impressive.”

Arienne raised a brow. “You were there?”

“Uh hmm. Saw your mother watching so I decided to stop and rattle her cage a bit.”

“It doesn’t take much to do that.”

“You’re so right about that. So I see you’re getting ready for a hot date.”

“Is that the real reason you’re here? To give me advice about my love life?”

“No. Not exactly. Just some friendly advice from a concerned aunt.”

“Okay. Shoot.”

“I know he’s handsome and that you like him, but just be careful. You know when love is involved, things tend to get messy.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Arienne asked. Her brow furrowed.

“As the Goddess of Love, I cannot spill any secrets of what may or may not happen. But as your aunt I can share with you that your mystery man is more complicated than he seems. Don’t let that killer smile fool you. There’s pain behind that grin.”

“That’s pretty heavy.”

“People are complicated. What can I say? Now you have fun and I’ll be watching.”

The goddess disappeared in a cloud of pink smoke.
Aunt Aphrodite, huh? I’m pretty sure she’s not one of mother’s favorite people.
Speaking of Athena, she briefly wondered where Athena was, but she had more important things on her mind … like Aphrodite’s mysterious words concerning Chris.

What did dear old Auntie really mean?
Should she be wary, or was the love goddess only warning her that Chris had his own painful secrets? She didn’t know, and not knowing worried her. Arienne glanced at the clock. It was a little after one and too late to back out. But she didn’t want to. This was supposed to be her first date, and she was going through with it no matter what.

****

Triton stood in front of the mirror in his office adjusting the collar of his white button up shirt. It was almost time to pick up Arienne. He’d done a lot of thinking about the girl since the last time he’d seen her.

“Well don’t you look handsome? All ready for your big date?”

Triton turned around to find Cerceis sitting on his desk, legs crossed.

“And what would you know about it?” he asked frowning.

“Let’s just say, since you decided to cut me out of the loop, I found a way to stay in it.”

“You’re spying on me now?”

“Yes, and it’s a good thing I am, otherwise I wouldn’t have witnessed you abandoning the mission over a few tears.”

“What in the name of Olympus are you talking about? I haven’t abandoned anything.”

“Really? Well from the way you kissed the girl, I’d swear you had feelings for her. Am I wrong?

Triton’s eyes widened as he crossed his arms around his body. “You’re out of your mind. I don’t feel anything for you or anyone else.”

Cerceis’s eyes narrowed as she rose from her seat and came to stand in front of him. “I hope you’re sure about that.”

“I’ve never been surer of anything.”

“Then all is well, because what I have in store for Athena’s daughter will bring the girl to her knees.”

A small smirk crossed Triton’s face. “Oh?”

“Just stand back and watch me work.” Cerceis winked, and then she was gone.

Triton rubbed a hand over his face. He had a sneaking suspicion that Cerceis was the one behind Arienne’s firing, and from her ominous comment, there was no telling what would come next. Arienne was a lamb led step by step to the butcher, and he was the one showing her the way.

“Damn you, Triton. Damn you.”

Chapter Nineteen

Arienne stood in front of the mirror … again. Wiping the sheen of sweat from her brow, she was careful not to smudge her makeup. Whatever this evening turned out to be, it was a milestone.
Not to mention, you look fantastic.
Her curly black hair fell in loose waves down her back. Her ensemble was a bit shorter than she remembered and the wedges gave her an extra inch of height, but overall she was pleased with how she looked.
I hope Chris is, too.

There was a loud knock at the door.
This is it.
Scooping up her blue clutch and keys from her bed, Arienne made her way to the front door of her condo. She looked through the peephole as she undid the chain and two deadbolt locks. Opening the door, Chris Triton stood before her wearing a short sleeved white button up shirt with a gold anchor stitched across the right breast. A dark denim pair of blue jeans were fairly molded to his muscular frame, and in his hand was a perfectly blossomed white rose.

“Chris.”

“Arienne. You look … wow. Let’s just say if I was a pirate you’d be the lady of my ship. This is for you.” He held the rose out to her.

Taking it from his hand, she blushed as their fingers brushed against one another. “Thank you. I must say, you look pretty seaworthy yourself, Captain.”

She quickly placed the rose in the vase with the red bouquet he’d already given her.

“I’m glad you like it. I knew I had to step it up having a lady like you on my arm.”

Arienne was sure Chris could see the blush staining her cheeks. “I feel pretty lucky to be on your arm. Are you ready?”

“Yes. I have a few surprises for you this evening.”

Arienne locked the door before focusing her attention back on Chris. “What kind of surprises?”

“The kind that wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” Chris smiled, a full smile that showed all of his pearly whites.

Arienne couldn’t help smiling back as they took the elevator down to the garage. A black stretch limousine was waiting.

“I guess inconspicuous is out of the question today, huh?”

“Yes. Today is a special occasion so I’ll take my chances.” Chris opened the back passenger side door.

“And what makes today so special?” Arienne couldn’t help asking.

“It’s our first date.”

Chris winked at her as she slid into the limousine. Closing the door, he entered from the other side, and as soon as he was seated, the limo took off. Arienne suddenly couldn’t stop fidgeting with her hands.

“There’s no need to be nervous. I’m not going to bite.”

“I know.”

“Then why the nerves? I thought you were pretty comfortable with me.”

Arienne’s eyes flew to his. “I am. Very comfortable.”

“Then what’s wrong? Come on, Arienne. You can tell me.”

His sea blue eyes beseeched her to trust him and share her most embarrassing secret. Maybe he wouldn’t think she was a total dweeb. She hoped not.

“This is my first date.”

Chris’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Yes. I was a real bookworm through high school so no dates for me. And then afterwards ... that was the last thing on my mind. So yeah.” She glanced at him, trying to gauge his reaction.

“That’s a long time to be alone, Arienne.”

“I know, but I had other things to keep me occupied. I can assure you I was not the girl crying at home over the state of my love life.”

“I don’t doubt it. I can’t picture you as the pining type,” he said. Grabbing one of her hands, he stroked it.

“I’m glad you can see that.”

“Of course I can. You know this makes me even more honored that I’m the first man to take you out on a proper date. So that means we should celebrate in a big way. How about a drink to start things off?”

****

Triton moved to the other seat to access the mini-bar, noting a small frown marred Arienne’s features. “Is something wrong?” He opened the small fridge and removed a bottle of Chardonnay.

“No.”

“Sure?” he asked. He reached for the corkscrew.

“Well you remember I told you I don’t drink?”

“Of course.”

Triton stabbed the bottle opener into the cork and twisted until there was a popping sound before grabbing a glass and starting to pour. Arienne sat before him, legs crossed with hands tightly folded in her lap. Setting the bottle carefully inside the fridge, he held the half full glass in front of him.
Time to tempt the maiden with the apple.
He gave her a tender smile.

“I thought with today being a special occasion I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer you a glass of Chardonnay. You only live once,” Triton told her.

He held the glass out to her. Bubbles rose to the top as the liquor continued to fizz. He smiled as he reached for her hand, noting how her eyes were now fixed on the glass.

“I don’t know, Chris.”

“Do you trust me?”

Her eyes rose from the glass to meet his. “Yes.”

“Then there’s no need to worry. You have my word as I gentleman, I will not let you get drunk.”

Arienne eyed the glass once more, before her eyes met his again.

Part of her still fears I might get her drunk and take advantage. Poor thing. The last thing I want is a woman too inebriated to respond to me.

“A sip isn’t going to make me drunk.”

“Of course not. Maybe a little tipsy.”

A small gasp escaped her throat.

“I’m just kidding,” he told her.

For a minute she just held the glass before she finally released a deep breath and brought the glass to her lips. Triton smiled as she took a long swallow.

“It’s not too bad,” she said finally.

“See. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Just wait until you see the other surprises I have planned.”

Triton smiled as Arienne took another sip from her glass. He may have had no idea what Cerceis had planned for Arienne, but this afternoon it didn’t matter. He was going to make sure the girl had the time of her life.
No sex. No alcohol. I can’t even imagine.
Clearly the girl had been living like a nun since her rape, but it was time to change that. Even the daughter of his most hated enemy deserved to live a little. Didn’t she?

****

“Eyes shut. No peeking.”

“Okay. Okay. I won’t,” Arienne promised.

“Good. Now just hold my hand and let me lead you.”

Arienne held tight to Chris’s hand. She was a little tipsy after finishing the glass of Chardonnay.
That’s what you get for not sticking to your guns. Lightweight.
Arienne ignored the voice in her head and instead concentrated on walking straight. “Are we almost there?”

“Almost. Now walk carefully. Carefully.”

Arienne moved slowly up what felt like a ramp. “Chris?”

“All right. Open your eyes now.”

Opening her eyes Arienne saw that they were at Port Canaveral. To the left and right of her were cargo liners and ships, but directly in front of her was the biggest yacht she’d ever seen. Gleaming pearl white, the words
The Arienne
were emblazoned across the side in bold, blue block lettering. Her hands flew to her mouth.

“A yacht? You named a yacht after me?”

“Well I thought something personal would mean more. So what do you think?” Chris asked.

“I’m amazed.”

“Well let’s go on board and check out your namesake.”

Chris’s voice was close to her ear and then his lips briefly touched her there. A shudder ripped through her body as his arm settled around her waist. Arienne nodded, suddenly unable to speak, and together they boarded the ship, walking up the stairs to the upper deck. Silver railings ran along the sides of the boat, and cushioned blue and white seats surrounded the entire upper deck.

“This is the entertainment deck. You could have a hell of a party up here,” Chris said.

“Do you party a lot?”

“No. I’m more low key. You never know when somebody’s lurking around snapping pictures.”

“The paparazzi. Everyone’s favorite menace.”

“You said it. Would you like to see below deck?”

Arienne glanced up at Chris. She couldn’t stop smiling. “I still can’t believe you did this.”

Her breath caught in her throat as his hand caressed her face before he leaned forward and kissed her. His lips were soft. Gentle. She relaxed as his hands curled around her waist, bringing them chest to chest. Her hands rose to touch his shoulders, and when his lips trailed down her neck, she moaned. It felt so good.

But you need to tell him to stop.
Arienne ignored the voice in her head as his tongue traced the shell of her ear before dipping inside.

“Chris … I … we…”

Silencing her protests he kissed her again, and she clung to him opening her lips. He sucked on her tongue with eagerness, and a flutter rose between her legs. Her thighs trembled, and then Chris’s manhood was pressing into the V of her thighs. Her muscles grew rigid, and then she pushed away from him sending him skidding across the deck.
Oh crap. How am I going to explain this?

“Wow. Someone’s been eating her Wheaties.”

“Chris, I…”

“You don’t need to explain. I didn’t mean to move so fast, but you looked so beautiful standing here bathed by sunlight, I just couldn’t help myself.”

There was a softness in his eyes as he stared at her. A light.

“I understand the feeling, finally. It’s pretty powerful.”

“It is with the right person. So what say we continue the tour before you send me over the side of this boat?”

Arienne blushed. “Sorry. Guess I don’t know my own strength.”

“I think you do now. Wonder Woman status.” He winked at her, motioning for her to follow him to the stairs leading below deck.

Moving to follow, she stopped short when her phone rang inside her clutch. “Sorry. Forgot to turn my phone off.”

“No worries. Go ahead and answer it.”

Embarrassed, Arienne opened her purse and took out her phone glancing at the screen. Not recognizing the number, she slid her thumb across the screen and unlocked the phone. “Hello.”

“Is this Arienne Marcos?” a man’s gruff voice asked.

“Yes it is. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Ma’am, this is Detective Ryan Ducane. I’m here at the Space Center. There’s been an accident.”

Arienne’s shoulders grew tight, her hands clammy. “What kind of accident?”

“An explosion.”

“Is … is my father?”

“We don’t know. Bodies are still being removed.”

Arienne gasped for air. Her lips trembled, and she choked back a scream. “I’ll be right there.” She threw the phone in her purse. Her hands clutched her chest as she quivered.

“Arienne, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“There was an explosion at the Space Center. My father works there. He went in today. The police don’t know if he’s…”

“Come on. We’re going right now.”

Arienne was numb inside as Chris led her from the yacht.
Please, Daddy. Be okay. Please.
She wiped tears from her eyes. Her father had to be all right. He just had to.