Page 38 of Charmed By Apollo

“Immortality or love?” he asked. “Because I can tell you, every moment with him was worth it. Would I like to have him by my side now? Sure. But I wouldn’t want him to be unhappy either. And if I found someone to love like that again, I would do it over and over again, even if they end up leaving me.”

Before Geri could answer, a loud, high-pitched giggle interrupted her.

“Oh, Apollo, you’re a riot!” Sapphire laughed, her hand lingering over his bicep.

Apollo beamed at her. “If you like that joke, I have more.”

Geri felt her blood pressure spike at the sight of the female vamp and Apollo looking cozy as they sat together on a large bean bag.

“I love this song,” she exclaimed when an upbeat Motown song came through the speakers. “C’mon.” She got to her feet. “Let’s dance.”

“I don’t really—oh, okay,” he exclaimed as the vampire pulled him up. “Wow, that’s some grip you got there.”

“Yeah, we vampires are very strong. Everywhere.” She flashed him a flirtatious smile. “Now, don’t be a downer. Dance with me, God of the Sun.”

Apollo took her hand. “Alright then.”

As the couple swayed to the beat, a few of the other vampires joined them on the carpeted floor. Geri, however, watched them, a tightness building in her chest as she watched Apollo twirl and swing Sapphire around, their bodies brushing together briefly. When the music changed into a slower tune, the female vampire sidled up closer to him, her arms going around his neck as his hands landed on her waist.

A low sound reverberated in Geri’s ears, and she realized it was coming from her, from somewhere deep in her chest. When Marley gave her a startled look, she loudly cleared her throat. “Actually, you know what, Marley? I am starting to feel tired. Must be the jet lag.” She quickly rose to her feet. “I hate to be rude, but I should get some sleep.”

“I see.” He nodded at one of the staff members, who strode over to them. “Kyle will show you to your room.”

“Thank you, Marley,” she said. “I’ll see you in the morning—I mean, after sunset.”

“Of course, have a good sleep, Geri.”

Geri nodded her thanks, then followed Kyle out of the drawing room, which she thankfully managed to do without glancing back at Apollo and Sapphire.

He can dance with whomever he wants to, she told herself. It wasn’t like they were exclusive; hell, they weren’t even in any kind of relationship, even if they did share a bed last night and a kiss.

It doesn’t mean anything. Apollo, after all, was a philandering charmer, one who’d had thousands of lovers.

“Here you are, Miss Geri,” Kyle said, gesturing to the door. “There’s a phone in there that can call directly to the staff room if you need anything. The bed has been made, and the bathroom is fully stocked.”

“Thanks, Kyle.”

She entered the room and then closed the door behind her. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting medieval battles and courtly life scenes, their rich colors adding warmth to the stone surroundings. A large four-poster bed stood in the center of the room, its intricately carved wooden frame reaching toward the high ceiling. Heavy velvet curtains hung around the bed, adding a hint of luxury and providing privacy in the vast space.

The room was bathed in a soft, golden light cast by flickering candle sconces set into the stone walls. The air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and ancient tapestries, adding to the atmosphere of timeless elegance. Despite the grandeur of her surroundings, Geri felt comfortable and relaxed in the cozy embrace of her castle bedroom. As she settled into the plush cushions of the four-poster bed, she wondered where Apollo would be staying. Would his room be just as nice? Or would he even use it tonight? Or would he be sleeping in Sapphire’s bed?

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Maybe Kyle forgot something? She yanked the door open with an impatient shrug. “I don’t need anything—Apollo?”

He stood at the threshold, brows knitted together. “Marley said you were tired and had left.”

“Yeah.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I was. So what?”

His lips flattened. “You should have said something. I need to know where you are at all times.”

“And why is that?”

“What if something happens, and I have to transport us out of here quickly? I can’t do that if I don’t know where you are.”

“I don’t think we’re in any danger from these vampires,” she said. “They’re harmless, and they want to help me.”

“We just met them.” He lowered his voice. “I still don’t trust them one hundred percent. I want to keep you close to me, just in case.”

“And how would that work? Am I supposed to stay at arm’s length while you’re getting some free love from that blondie vamp?”

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