Page 75 of Touch of Death
“Get back in the pool,” Eros repeats. “Unless Death is willing to test his touch on you outside the water.”
“No,” Death answers without hesitation.
Eros seems unsurprised by this, but I get the feeling I’ve missed something important as my gaze shifts between them.
“I don’t understand. Why do we need to get back in the pool at all?”
“You do nothaveto, as long as you are then willing to let me practice on you instead.”
“Why is physical touch necessary at all, Eros?” Death cuts in. “She is only meant to be charming them into getting what we need, not taking them to bed.”
“First, because it is the fastest way to ignite desire, if done right. Second, because even I cannot say how far seduction may lead. Especially with Hades.”
Eros flinches as Death lets out a low guttural growl at this last part, and I shudder as I realize what he means.
They can’t possibly think I would go so far as to … no. Not with Hades.
“I am simply saying it is a possibility,” Eros says quickly. “We must be prepared for everything at this point. And then, of course, there may still be Cerberus to deal with.”
I realize as he says this that he may not be wrong. I hadn’t thought of that possibility before, nor do I know if I am capable of going to such extents even to free myself from this place. Would it be worth it if it led to me getting my life back and the chance of a future with the man that I love?
“Do you actually mean for me to lie with Hades?”
Peeking up at Death, I can see that he’s none too thrilled by this either.
“Only if absolutely necess—” Eros starts.
“No,” Death growls. “Regardless of it being a possibility, I will not allow that to happen, little one.”
“We still need her to be prepared for tonight, whatever happens,” Eros says.
“Fine, but you will press no further than she is comfortable with.”
“Then it is settled. Shall we begin?”
“Right now?” I ask.
“Yes, but let us start with something simple. Can you dance, mortal?”
“Again. Drop your gaze and slowly circle him,” Eros instructs.
I let out a frustrated sigh as I do what he says. We’ve spent the better part of two hours practicing several dances, looks, and light touches that I’m meant to use on Hades. Apparently, getting back in the pool isn’t necessary if you’re such a terrible dancer that it stresses out the God of Desire for you.
The excitement I had felt earlier about being able to touch Death has evaporated with Eros hovering around us critiquing, our every move.
Well,myevery move.
“Try again,” Eros says. “Like this.”
I step aside as Eros takes my place and shows me what he’s trying to get me to do. Death stiffens as the pale god steps around him, mimicking how I should trail my fingers over my partner’s body. How I should glance up at him before quickly looking away. How I should press my body …
“Enough,” Death growls, shoving Eros away from him when he gets a little too close. “How is this helping anyone but yourself?”
“You would know if the mortal was doing it right,” Eros retorts, signaling for me to try again.
Sighing, I step toward Death and slowly lift my gaze to his. The moment that our eyes meet, it’s as if everything else falls away. As if by magic, we step together and I’m swept away from the present back to the ballroom where it’s once again just the two of us.
A small smile pulls at the corners of my lips as I move closer, circling him as I run my hand lightly across his chest and then back to return once again. I meet his eyes once more before dipping my head away shyly.
