Page 68 of You Can't Fight Lightning
“What?” His eyebrows went up and disappeared into his hair.
I nodded. This was the right way. “Yes. You need to apologize to the women. And let them all have a happy ever after in the afterlife, as much as they can.”
“Or?”
“There’s no ‘or’. This isn’t a game, or something we’re bargaining for. This need to be right. I can’t be with you if it’s not.”
“Did you just think of this?” His frown deepened.
“No. I planned to talk to you about it when I decided to come and see you. I told you that. I went through all of it, you know.”
“All of what?”
“All the pros and cons that I could see in being with you. You’re right. You won’t die on me. I’m more likely to die on you.”
“Only if you want to.” He said the words without hesitation.
I waved a hand. “We can talk about that later. Right now, you have to make your past right.”
He stared at me.
I stared back.
Neither of us moved. We didn’t even blink.
Although I hoped he looked away or said something soon because of course my left eye wanted to blink in the worst way.
He sighed and looked up the ceiling. “I was hoping you were under some spell, something put there by Hera or one of the other gods—”
“She needs to stay out of my head. If it’s you and me, it’s just us.”
“They’re my family. You probably will have to see them from time to time. But you’re not under a spell.”
“You’re sure?”
He nodded. “Sadly.”
“Really? That’s what you have to say?” I made a face.
“I’m not used to this.”
“Don’t make excuses. Make things right.”
He sighed again. “I will.”
His hand came to mine, rubbing my wrist where I had my Olympus tattoo.
“You give me your word?”
A hint of a smile lifted his lips. “You know more than I like, Miss Roxy Kincaid.”
“That’s why I’m perfect for you.” The words came out without me thinking of them.
He smiled broadly. “You are. You challenge me. You make me want to do better. You were meant for me.” He looked down at my wrist and traced my tattoo. “This shows it. You were mine before I ever met you.”
“Your word. Stop distracting me.”
He pulled me to him. “I give you my word as Zeus of Olympus. I will make things right for those who came before you. I will try to make amends for the harm I’ve caused. I don’t know that I can with everyone, but I’m going to try.”
