Page 49 of Loved By Aphrodite

“Why should I? Why should I ignore what I feel? I want to be with you, Aphrodite. Not because anyone says we have to, not because it’s convenient, but because I can’t imagine going through eternity pretending I can live without you.”

Aphrodite’s lips parted slightly, caught in a moment of pure surprise. The vulnerability in her expression was unlike anything he’d seen before. Her silver-blue eyes, usually filled with playful mischief or defiance, now held a softness that made him feel as though he were melting and constricting simultaneously. She looked so beautiful, so open, that he found himself moving closer without even realizing it.

He reached up, his calloused fingers brushing against her chin, and her breath hitched. She sighed, the sound delicate and full of something he couldn’t quite name, and her lashes fluttered closed. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers, tasting sweetness and something distinctly Aphrodite—a flavor that was as intoxicating as it was familiar. Somehow, the kiss felt like something more than any other time.

He was happy that he could finally kiss her, the barriers that had held them apart seemingly dissolving in the warmth of the moment. As her lips moved softly against his, he made a silentvow, fierce and unyielding: he would do everything in his power to ensure this wasn’t a fleeting moment. Whatever it took, he would fight for the chance to hold onto this, to hold onto her, and to kiss her like this for the rest of eternity.

Chapter 12

Aphrodite

Their lips met, and Aphrodite felt a wave of relief and happiness flood through her, grounding her in a way she hadn’t realized she needed. Hephaestus wasn’t mad—he understood her. The kiss felt like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, warm and certain, chasing away every doubt she’d been holding onto. It was tender and unhurried, but it carried a depth that made her heart ache in the best way, as if he was pouring every unspoken word into the connection between them.

She smiled against his lips and pulled back just enough to murmur, “If I get to have kisses like this from talking to you, then sign me up.”

He laughed, a deep, warm sound that filled the room and made her heart flutter. She loved that she could make him laugh, especially like this—free of all the weight he usually carried. At that moment, he looked almost boyish, his seriousness melting away, leaving only a ridiculously handsome god gazing at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

Her thoughts tumbled over each other, chaotic and raw, but one thing stood out above the rest. She couldn’t imagine Hephaestus disappearing from her life again. “I…” She took a deep breath. “I didn’t expect this, Hephaestus. I didn’t think you—” She stopped, shaking her head. “But the truth is, I can’t imagine you not being in my life. Not again. Once was hard enough. Losing you a second time…I couldn’t bear it.

“I don’t know if I have the right words right now, but I know this: I don’t want to go back to pretending either. Not when you’re the one who’s been there, who’s seen me for who I really am—even the parts I try to hide. Not when it’s you.”

Her lips quirked into a small, soft smile. “So, I guess what I’m saying is…you’re not going anywhere. Not if I have any say in it.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again, savoring the way his hands tightened on her waist. She could’ve stayed there forever, getting lost in him.

“Well, well, well,” a voice drawled, breaking through the bubble of intimacy.

Aphrodite froze and pulled back to look toward the sound. Standing near them, arms crossed and wearing a smug grin, was Eros.

Her mood shifted as she turned to face her son. “Eros, do you ever think about boundaries?”

Eros grinned, completely unbothered. “Boundaries? Come on, Mama. I just had to see what’s got you two all cozy these days.” He gestured vaguely between her and Hephaestus.

She folded her arms. “I am not happy with you.”

Hephaestus stayed silent, though his jaw tightened slightly. He didn’t look particularly amused either.

“But I’m your beloved son!” Eros feigned a wounded expression, clutching his chest dramatically. “I’ve come to check on your well-being after all the chaos you’ve been dealing with. You know, being a dutiful offspring and all.”

“Don’t,” she snapped. “Don’t try to play the concerned son act with me, Eros. I know you had something to do with Winged spiraling out of control.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His grin widened, but his gaze shifted slightly, just enough for her to notice. He was deflecting, as always.

“Drop the act. Do you have any idea how much trouble this has caused? The council is breathing down my neck, and I’m cleaning up your mess while you stand there smirking like it’s a joke.”

Eros tilted his head. “It’s not my fault love magic is so…unpredictable. Besides, it’s not like mortals didn’t have fun, right? A little chaos now and then keeps things exciting.”

“You’re impossible.”

Hephaestus finally spoke. “Eros, enough with the games. This is serious. You need to start taking responsibility for your actions.”

“Wow, look at you”—Eros raised an eyebrow—“stepping into the parental role. How touching.”

“Don’t push me,” Hephaestus warned.

Aphrodite stood and held up a hand, silencing them both. “Eros, if you don’t start being honest with me right now, I swear?—”

“Okay, okay,” he said, cutting her off with a sigh. “Fine. I might’ve tweaked a few things in the app, but it wasn’t supposed to get this out of hand. I was trying something new, that’s all.”

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