Page 84 of Of Ambrosia and Stone

“Yes, I agree. Now how are you feeling?” Cracking my eyes peacefully open, I observe him through heavily lidded eyelids. His hand is still in my hands. Careful. Like he is afraid he'll spook me if he moves a muscle.

“Much better.” I grin. “Thank you for stopping in to check on me. I have been enjoying your company.”

The words fell out of me before I recognized what I was saying.

My cheeks burned as I watched the god.

Shifting, he wraps his arms around me. Pulling me close. He smells like a bonfire in the summertime. Smokey and rich. I wanted to bury myself deeper into him.

Just as quick as the hug came, it left. Leaving me craving more.

Taking a step back from the bed he averts his eyes as he runs his fingers through his golden curls.

Contorting to face the God of the Sun, I recognize a heavy crimson tone painted across his cheeks.

I made Apollo blush.

Gods, I want to climb on top of him and never let go.

Awkwardly, he shifts his weight between his feet. “Good! Because we’re going on a trip.” He grins widely down on me.

“Where to?” Pulling my legs over the edge of the bed, I close my book and set it on the end table.

“It is a surprise.” He grins excitedly.

“A surprise?” I ask, “What’s sparked you wanting to surprise me?”

Apollo rocks back and forth on his feet. “It is my way of thanking you. I know you’ll love our destination.”

His excitement is palpable. “Okay, let me pack,” I reply.

“No need. I'm sending a servant to come and pack for you. They’ll transport your luggage to us. Then you won’t have to try to hold onto a suitcase while we’re irising.”

“Hold up… irising?” Giving him a skeptical look, I ask, “What’s that?”

“It's how immortals travel.” He smiles, “Trust me?” Apollo extends his hand.

I pause briefly.

Do I trust him?

I want to trust him so badly.

So, I take it. Now fully curious as to where we will be going.

With a whoosh of the blinding rainbow spreads around them. My stomach was being pulled in every direction.

Lights flashing, I feel the world being ripped from around us and being thrown elsewhere. Gripping tightly onto Apollo, he laughs at my side.

I could picture the grin he was giving me right now.

“Open your eyes,” he whispers against my ear. “You don’t want to miss this.

Forcing my eyes open, I watch the world twist. Every shade of color flowed around us.

Holding Apollo even tighter, I shout, “Don’t let go of me!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he shoots me his crooked grin.

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