Page 42 of Touch of Death
I frown in confusion at his question.
“Experience? In what exactly?” I ask.
“Come, now, there is no need to be coy with me,” he snorts. “Nothing you could say would surprise me. Now, tell me, how many men have you invited into your bed?”
Heat floods my body, a wave of shock and embarrassment crashing over me as his question settles on me. My mouth opens, but no words come out.
I am unsure how best to answer him without drawing further humiliation to myself. After several failed attempts, I finally clear my throat and manage to whisper an answer, “None.”
The garden falls silent, as if my whispered answer were screamed from the rooftops instead. I draw back as I feel eyes turning toward me, sensing their scrutiny as they stare at me.
Eros is strangely quiet for a moment, and I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze.
Or that of Death’s.
Instead, I stare at the overflowing plate before me, my stomach knotting within me.
“No one?” Eros finally asks, his voice coming out slightly strained.
I nod, keeping my gaze trained on the table.
Another moment of uncomfortable silence passes, and I have no choice but to glance up.
Eros looks shocked, his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape as he continues to stare at me before turning toward Death.
“I can hardly believe it,” Eros admits. “Avirginmortal soul. Did you know this about her, Death?”
“No,” Death admits. “I did not think it necessary to ask.”
“Well, no, I suppose you would not think that. Normally, I would not either, but in this case …” He pauses before suddenly clapping his hands together, startling me as he continues, “this is excellent news. You, my dear mortal, are a blank canvas. Ready and very willing, I should hope, to be painted with all the colors of desire. Cerberus will not stand a chance against you.”
“Does this mean you are ready to share your plan with us?” Death asks.
Eros snorts softly as he shakes his head.
“No,” he says. “I need time to digest this new piece of information. For tonight, we must live. Eat, drink, and otherwise enjoy yourselves. Perhaps even you will find a way to partake of the pleasure my court has to offer, Death.”
“No,” Death says in a low growl of displeasure as he continues to glower at Eros for a moment longer. Around us, the others have returned to their conversations and merrymaking.
“Well, at the very least, the mortal should try to eat something,” Eros says. “She will need your strength.”
I give Death a questioning look as he lets out a sigh. “He is right. You must eat something, Hazel.”
“See?” Eros says with a wink as he reaches across me for a piece of glazed pork and pops it into his mouth.
And just like that, our attention shifts away from my past and our impending future to the revelry at hand.
Hesitantly, I reach for the plum he placed on my plate earlier. The skin gives way to a slight crunch as I bite into it, the sweet tang of the fruit exploding in my mouth as my eyes widen.
I’ve never tasted a plum so delicious and can’t help but smile. Eagerly, I taste the other food, each one as delightful as the last, every bite bursting with flavor.
As amazing as everything is, I am careful to avoid the wine. From what little experience I have with alcohol, I get the impression that ambrosia would be my undoing, and I would much rather keep my wits about me.
Especiallyaround Eros and his guests.
Once everyone has gotten their fill, two beautiful golden-haired women, in green dresses that barely cover anything, stand to make their way across the garden. One of them settles before a golden harp I hadn’t noticed before, while the second begins to sing in a voice so stunning it takes my breath away.
It takes less than a minute for the rest of the party to dissolve once more into various stages of lovemaking as soft moans fill the garden. Eros leans back, closing his eyes as if basking in their pleasure.
