Page 116 of Heir of the Beast

My cheeks heat and I try to play it off. “No!” I stare again at his narrowed eyes.

“Well, I was just a little curious about your health, seeing how you’re in charge here. I want to know what my future looks like.”

I glance at him, then to his full lips. The color looks fine. I mean, they look healthy, not cold and blueish like a dead person. They have a nice creamy hue…I look away, feeling like I am the twilight zone.

I squeeze my eyes shut, telling myself to be normal.~ Please~, be normal. “So, how ~is~ your health?” I ask, then look at him with, I’m hoping, a normal expression.

My eyes might be too overly wide, though it’s hard to tell. ~Hi, my name is Awkward. What’s yours?~

He tilts his head at me like he is studying me. I hate when he does that, like he’s trying to see into my soul. He leans back on the couch, displaying his wide girth—not god-like in any way.

Siron finally starts writing, then places the note on my thigh—~upper~ thigh.

I stare at the note on my beautiful emerald gown with gold lining. It was brought to me today, and I wonder if he picked it out or if it was just a random thing. Random, most likely.

I feel like it’s hot in here, my hormones must be all whacked out. Nothing three margaritas wouldn’t fix though. Just saying.

I looked around, wondering if they have tequila on this ship.

Focus.

I pick up the note and read it~. My health is not your concern. I will say that you look a little pale, I hope you do not get seasick. If you are feeling that way my staff will be here to aid you.~

~But you should be happy to know I will release you once we make landfall.~

My head jerks toward his in shock.

He just stares back at me, dark eyes glittering.

“Why?” I don’t mean to sound so upset, because I’m not. This could not have worked out more perfectly. I nod and smile, feeling a little lost. What’s giving me pause? Why does my chest feel tight?

He is writing, and I watch him—dark tattoos gracing his golden skin, tight black shirt, Zorro mask, and shining black hair.

I curse.

I just need to see Apollo again. I almost feel tears welling in my eyes, my confusion is so frustrating.

If I was a physiologist, I’d probably say the sudden fall of Apollo impacted me emotionally and this is normal. Feelings of attachment are to be expected. It’s how you’re dealing with this sudden trauma.

I glance at him and realize he has been watching me while my inner battle is going on.

He slowly hands me the note, and I look. ~I see so much sorrow in your lovely eyes. Is this for Apollo? Do you not like my gift of freedom to you?~

I take a shaky breath. “Honestly?” I whisper. “I don’t know.”

Please don’t cry.

He hands me another note. ~If you love him, then go to him.~

I look at him angrily. “Why are you so nice? I thought you were this feared monster!” Why am I yelling?! I am losing my shit, and I don’t know why. Is Aunt Flow making an early trip to see me? Perfect!

He looks down and starts to write, pausing every few seconds like he is at a loss for words. I take another shaky breath and realize I could be having a panic attack. This whole experience it a lot to take in.

First off, I am on this weird planet trying to make Apollo fall in love with me, then BOOM he is almost dead.

Then I get this weird mind-fuck and get bought by this mega-sexy bad boy that is turning out to be the biggest teddy bear! ~Shit~. Tears are streaming down my face. I hate this.

I feel him grab my arm and jerk me toward him. My small body is now in his large lap. I stop crying.

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