Ares' Temptation (7 page)

Kaye stepped between them. “Bradley, meet Armin. Armin—Bradley.”

Ares stood a good three inches taller and bulkier.
Take that, mortal.
If Kaye wanted to make an impression, then surely he was doing the job. Powers not included.

Her brother straightened as tall as he could and extended his hand. “Armin, is it? I knew an Armin once, a small, geeky kind of guy.” He smirked and rolled on his heels, seeing if Ares took the bait.

But Ares had a lot of practice ignoring taunts until the battle began. He put on his normal, stoic face. “Alas, I have never met another Bradley.”

Bradley grinned. “That’s because no one’s like me.”

“Come, Bradley, let them get settled.” Mrs. Underhill ushered him up the stairs. She turned to her daughter. “Once you have your room, come down and meet us in the Blue Dolphin Lounge for a few drinks. Grammy’s already here, and she can’t wait to see you.”

“And don’t forget about our volleyball tradition,” Bradley called down as he shuffled up the stairs. “You and your new boyfriend are going down.”

Ares turned to Kaye. “Volleyball?”

Kaye sighed and directed him to the registration desk. “I’ll explain later.”

Ares followed her. “Whatever it is, I highly doubt we’re going down.”

Kaye smiled and squeezed his arm. “You see, that’s exactly why I brought you.”

Ares’ skin burned under her touch. He wished to please her, to show her family how kind and intelligent she was. It wasn’t because he needed to break the curse, although he did. It was Kaye’s smile and how it undid him, tightening every nerve in his body until his only salvation was her delicate touch.

Powers or not, he would defeat Bradley Underhill.

Chapter Nine

Covert Operations

“You did so well!” Kaye threw the bags on the bed. She must have packed light, because nothing felt heavy these days. Maybe it was just the high of being on cloud nine.

“I hardly said anything.” Ares set his own bag by the windowsill. He glanced at the single bed and frowned. “Did you only reserve this one room?”

“Oh, I couldn’t book two rooms, or my family would get suspicious. We’re supposed to be dating, and gods don’t need to sleep, right?”

Ares turned and stubbed his toe on the dresser. “Hades’ Underworld.”

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” He waved her back. “The couch will suffice.”

“Good.” Weren’t gods above stubbing their toes? Maybe this room was a little small.

She took out her iPad and did a Google search for volleyball. Once she found the best article, she handed the iPad to Ares. “Here you go, everything you need to know about volleyball.”

He took the iPad, holding it awkwardly in both hands as if the words would fall off the screen. “Is this some manner of competitive game?”

“Oh yeah. Especially with my family.” She unpacked a handful of clothes. “I should warn you, I suck at it.”

Ares looked her up and down. “I highly doubt that.”

How he had any idea about her athletic skills was beyond her. But she’d take the compliment. “Thanks.”

Ares read the rules while she unpacked, then they made their way down to the Blue Dolphin Lounge.

Her mother and father sat at the bar, sipping drinks. Although her mother didn’t look a day over forty—thanks in part to plastic surgery and Botox—her dad had lost most of his hair, so only two white tufts stood on either side of his head. Seeing him age sent a pang through Kaye’s gut. She really had to visit more often.

Bradley sat at a table with his lovely wife, Veronica. Her straight red hair had grown long, and she wore it simply, pulled back with barrettes on either side. She glowed with her pregnancy, her freckled cheeks a bit flushed. Beside them sat a few cousins and aunts and uncles. In the center of the room, Grammy sat in her wheelchair with a pink quilt over her legs. She spotted Kaye through her bottle-thick, square glasses and waved.

Kaye waved to her dad and Veronica and walked straight to the family matriarch. She leaned over and gave Grammy a hug. The familiar smell of roses from Grammy’s favorite lotion surrounded her, taking her back to her childhood. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“My dear Kaye. Still searching for seashells?” She winked at Kaye as she pulled away. She’d had her thin hair permed so it formed a halo around her round face.

“Still searching. But not as much for shells.” Kaye always got a little philosophical around Grammy. It was as if the old woman saw straight through to her soul, so she might as well let the truth come out. “This is Armin.”

Ares took Grammy’s hand so gently, it made Kaye melt. He kissed the back of it. “A pleasure to meet you.” His voice was hushed with respect and awe.

“You’ve come from a world away.” Grammy took Ares hands in both of hers and squeezed. “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”

Shock registered on Ares’ normal stoic face. Kaye laughed to cover up the awkward moment. “Maine does feel like a world away.”

Grammy could talk nonsense at times. It just so happened, this time she hit the nail on the head. Kaye took the chair beside her. “Tell me, what have you been up to these days?”

“Lots of reruns.” Grammy rolled her eyes. “You’d think
Gilligan’s Island
would get better the third time around, but the doctor just gets on my nerves.”

“They can do that.” She made a mental note to buy Grammy some new DVDs. Preferably without a doctor on board.

Grammy tapped her arm. “Tell me about you two. I want to hear all about how you met.”

“Yes, let’s hear it.” Bradley cut in from across the room. “Truth is, we don’t know anything about Armin here. He could be an axe murderer for all we know.”

Uneasy laughter erupted from around the room. Kaye swallowed a lump in her throat. Actually, Ares
was
kind of an axe murderer. Except he had a sword.

“Kaye and I met at a wedding.” Ares walked over and took a martini from a waitress’ tray as if it was the most normal thing for him to do. “I asked her for a dance, and here we are now.”

A collective sigh echoed around them. “How sweet.” Kaye’s mother touched her chest.

“Weddings always bring out the best in people.” Veronica held both arms around her baby bump.

Beside her, Bradley stretched his legs out and crossed his feet. “What do you do, Mr.
War
hammer?” Bradley stressed the first part of his name as if it were obscene.

Ares paused, downing the rest of his martini. Kaye’s heart stopped. They hadn’t discussed this. What was he going to say?

“Secret military operations.” He set his glass down on the countertop and gave Kaye a covert wink that went straight to her heart. “Let’s simply say I kill the bad guys.”

People gasped around her.

Kaye was astounded. Ares had captivated everyone in the room. None of this was in that book she had given him. He must have been improvising on the spot. War god or not, this adaptability made him even sexier.

“Kaye, you didn’t tell me anything about this.” Her mom shot her a betrayed glance across the room.

“It’s secret, mom.” Kaye followed Ares’ lead. “We’re not supposed to talk about it.”

To Kaye’s relief, Bradley fell silent. Nothing he could pick on there. In fact, it was the one job that showed up his corporate position on Wall Street. For once, there was another big fish in the room. Having Ares there might be good for him.

“Look at the time!” Her mother exclaimed. “Dinner’s in ten minutes. Come on, someone wheel Grammy. We’re going to the Atlantic Dining Hall.”

Ares returned to Kaye’s side, and together they wheeled Grammy down the corridor.

“Nice thinking.” Kaye whispered to Ares after she sat Grammy at the head of the table.

“Thank you.” Ares pulled a chair out for her. “At least there’s some truth to it.”

“Some truth?” Kaye patted his arm. “You’re brilliant.”

She longed to feel his large arms around her again, to press her body against his warmth. She forced herself to look away and admire something else. Beautiful fans of colored coral decorated shelves on the right wall. The left wall was a giant fish tank. Striped Angelfish, multicolored Gobies, and blue eels swam through long green grasses behind the glass. Kaye had learned all of the fishes’ names as a young girl by studying books at Grammy’s house and taking trips to the local aquarium. If she weren’t so clumsy, she would have her own fish tank in her apartment. But, a big glass object filled with water wasn’t the safest decoration to keep around, for her or the fish.

Kaye sipped her water, reconsidering her interior decorating as waitresses delivered salad bowls. Lately, she hadn’t knocked a single thing over or tripped. They’d been up and down several flights of stairs today, and she was wearing her highest pair of heels.

Her mother held up her wine glass. “A toast to Grammy for reaching ninety years!”

Everyone followed. They clinked their glasses together and broke out into
Happy Birthday
. Ares’ deep bass voice rumbled like soft thunder, perfectly in tune.

After they put their glasses down, they dived into the salad. Kaye spread strawberry vinaigrette over hers, offering the bottle to Ares. “I didn’t know you could sing.”

He took the bottle, studied the label, then put it back on the table without using it. “Before a battle, there are ancient war chants my soldiers sing. I learned them as a very young boy. They speak of courage and bravery against dire odds, sacrifice and honor, and above all, justice.”

“You’ll have to sing one of them for me sometime.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you did not care for war.”

“I’ve been thinking.” She put down her fork. “The story about your sister proves sometimes war is a necessary evil. You had to take up a weapon and kill to protect her. You fight for noble causes, to protect your father’s kingdom and the throne. I may have judged you too harshly.”

Ares reached out and touched her cheek. He ran his calloused fingers along her cheekbone to her neck with the gentlest touch and glanced at her lips.

The urge to kiss him swelled inside her.

“All right, all right. Enough kissy kissy,” Bradley called from the opposite end of the table. “Let’s keep it PG for Grammy’s sake.”

Kaye turned away from Ares, embarrassment burning in her cheeks. For a moment, she’d forgotten about everyone else in the room. This day was supposed to be about Grammy.

“It’s okay, son.” Grammy grinned at Kaye in encouragement. “I’ve seen my fair share of hanky panky in my day.”

“Well, there’ll be no hanky panky here.” Her mother gave Kaye a hard stare. Kaye pushed her salad bowl away uneaten. Somehow, she always managed to disappoint her mother.

“Today we celebrate Kaye’s grandmother.” Ares held his glass toward Grammy. “For producing such a wonderful family, and a lovely granddaughter. They wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you.”

Everyone melted in their seat. Somehow Ares had turned the conversation around—again—and managed to compliment Kaye in the process. No longer was she the disappointment in the family. Ares made her seem important, worthwhile, desirable. Coming from him, everyone believed it.

Waitresses removed the salad bowls and produced plates of crusted tilapia and red lobster. The smell of baked fish and buttered bread renewed Kaye’s appetite. Hopefully Ares would behave better than at Syrinx’s wedding and at least make an attempt to look like he was eating.

He didn’t disappoint.

After biting into the lobster, he complimented her mother on the choice of food, the beauty of the preparation, and the quality of the cuisine.

Kaye couldn’t help but feel triumphant as dinner progressed.

But tonight was only the beginning, and the more she thought about the week ahead, the more her anxiety built. Could they maintain this charade? She didn’t know what she was more nervous about—the volleyball tournament or sharing her room with Mr. Perfect.

Could she resist Ares for the entire week? Or would they end up tricking not only her family, but also her heart?

Chapter Ten

Against the Odds

“Why has Bradley become an adversary instead of an ally?” Ares followed Kaye back to their room. Two plates of lobster had put him in a hazy fog, and he looked forward to collapsing on the couch. Normally, he had no need of food, but without his powers, his stomach grumbled incessantly like a mortal’s dog.

“You mean, why is he such a butthead?” Kaye sighed as searched for the room key and swiped it repeatedly before the door opened. “He was born that way.”

Ares raised both eyebrows.

“Okay, okay. It goes deeper than that.” Kaye sat on the bed and pulled off her high heels.

The sight of her bare feet made his blood run hot. He looked away, involving himself in untying his shoes.

She unclipped her hair, further tempting him as the black curls fell against her back. “I think it goes way back. He was an only child for three years and had all of the attention until I came along. I wasn’t the easiest kid, either. I was always hurting myself, falling down, bruising my elbows—breaking a leg here, an arm there. You know, typical clumsy stuff that resulted in hospital visits and many, many get-well-soon stuffed animals and flowers.

“He used to get so mad at me, like I hurt myself on purpose for attention. Do you really think I had a good time lying in a hospital bed while doctors reset my leg?”

Ares had broken a few bones in his career, but as a god, they healed almost immediately. He couldn’t imagine sitting for months on end in a hospital bed. “It must have been insufferable.”

“It was.” Kaye ran her hands through her curls. “Since Bradley never broke a finger, he used his accomplishments to steal the attention back. Like being first in his class, making the Olympic team, scoring a big-time job on Wall Street.”

The more Ares heard about Bradley, the less he liked him. “As a brother, I always felt inclined to protect my sisters, not compete with them.”

“That’s what makes you a better person.” She joined him on the couch. “Thank you for saying what you did down there. You made my family see me in a different light.”

He touched her hair, picturing tangling his fingers in it as they kissed. “I made them see what’s really there.”

She shook her head. “Why do you have to be so perfect?”

Perfect? He was far from it. Besides his temper and his pride, he was using her to regain his powers. And for that purpose, this was exactly what she needed to think. He could not warn her against himself, much as he wanted to.

Before Ares could respond, Kaye leaned in and kissed him fiercely.

He froze in shock before his own urges kicked in, and he kissed her back. Her hands traveled all over him, igniting his skin. He pulled her closer, running his hands along her back. She felt soft, smooth, and delicate, smelling of wild strawberries.

He hadn’t had the desire to eat strawberries in decades—centuries. It had been a long time since he’d experienced sweet things and put his personal yearnings in front of his duties.

She undid the buttons on his shirt. Her fingertips pressed into his bare skin, and desire surged inside him. He unzipped the back of her dress and felt her bare back, her bare stomach, and the lace running along the curve of her breasts.

Was this it? Had he won her love? Would he get his powers back?

Guilt stopped him from ripping the dress off. This was too easy. Kaye deserved better.

At the same time, Kaye pulled back. A pink flush spread across her cheeks, making her even prettier in the dim light. “I’m sorry. I got a little carried away.”

“Do not apologize.” He smoothed her hair. “I do not regret this, nor should you.”

“I don’t. It’s just…this is moving a little too fast, and it’s totally my fault.”

He smiled. “How can you blame yourself for your beauty?”

Her lips curled. “I didn’t mean it that way.” She stood and dug her pajamas out of her bag. “I’m going to change in the bathroom. Then, we should try to get some sleep.”

He nodded, trying to curtail the wave of disappointment.

But underneath the disappointment came relief. He did not deserve such affection. He could not take advantage of her. If she found out he’d seduced her to regain his powers, he’d lose her forever. Somehow, he had to find a way around the curse. “We must prepare for the volleyball game.”

“Exactly.” She put up her pointer finger, reminding him of his sister Athena when she dictated war strategy. Even though this was a mortal game, Kaye was no less serious. This match was significant for her. “If we lose, Bradley will never let me hear the end of it.” Kaye turned toward the bathroom.

“Kaye.” Ares’ voice kept her from leaving. She turned, and he met her gaze with determination. All of his life he’d been fighting his own battles, for his own family and land. For the first time, he championed someone else’s cause and craved triumph not for himself, but for another. “We will not lose.”

…

Ares looked smoking hot in his orange, palm-tree swim trunks. Kaye tried not to stare as they waited for her other family members on the beach by the volleyball net. The ocean roared behind them, and a small plane flew overhead with a banner advertising beer. But the only thing Kaye had eyes for was his rippling abs and the way the sun shone golden bronze on his skin. A light scattering of blond chest hair tempted her to run her hands over it, while a small trail led down to what was under the swim trunks.

Her thoughts zapped back to last night, and the memory of his hands all over her. He could have been hers. So why the hell had she stopped?

Because she’d only met him a few days ago. Why had he given up his army for a week to help her? Did he like her that much?

A kernel of doubt lodged deep within her chest, like the princess’ pea underneath all her mattresses. Syrinx had told her to be careful for a reason. There had to be more to Ares’ intentions, and she couldn’t just throw herself at a man because he was nice to her family. She had to give their relationship more time.
If
it was a relationship at all.

It could be just a favor, a debt paid for a toe crushed at a wedding.

A small cry caught in her throat.

No.
The passionate way he’d kissed her last night told her it was more than that. She had to believe in the possibility of love, or else she’d never take another chance with any man in her life. She just had to be careful as well.

“Ready to be pummeled?” Bradley shouted from the sidewalk. He’d parked his rental Mercedes right behind her Toyota so everyone on the beach could compare their cars.

Only one type of man rents a luxury car for a family reunion—the type with something to prove. If only Ares could bring his Pegasus chariot…That would put Bradley’s hot wheels to shame.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Kaye tightened the back of her bikini.
No wardrobe malfunction happening here.
When was the last time she’d played volleyball, anyway? She couldn’t remember. Their last reunion had been five years ago, and they had all gone out for mini golf. Normally, with her clumsiness, she stayed away from sports.

Ares took his place beside her, rubbing his palms together. “Do not worry.”

Easy for him to say. He’d never seen her fall flat on her face.

Well, he almost had, but he’d saved her. Could he save her today?

Bradley helped his wife to a shady spot underneath some palm trees where she spread a blanket.

“Veronica’s not playing?” Kaye watched the rest of the family congregate around the net. Some of her aunts had brought a cooler and started passing out fruit juice and beer. Her dad set up his lawn chair, and her mother wheeled Grammy down the sidewalk. Attached to the wheelchair was a pink umbrella with dancing flamingos. Grammy sipped lemonade and waved to Kaye.

“Nope. At six months pregnant, she draws the line.” Bradley waved to their cousin. “Frank is going to team up with me in Veronica’s place.”

“Frank?” Their younger cousin in his twenties, who used to go running with Bradley in high school. He was tall, wiry, and quick. “Wait a second. Doesn’t he coach a collegiate volleyball team?”

“That’s right.” Frank ducked under the net to shake her hand. He’d cut his dark hair short and gelled it up into a spike. “USC. We won the championships last year.”

“Great. Just great.” Kaye tried to keep herself from hyperventilating. Sure, she understood why Veronica wasn’t playing, but it seemed very convenient to ask Frank in her place. An Olympic runner and a decorated volleyball coach against an all-out klutz and the God of War who’d never played the game before. Could they slash the volleyball with swords instead?

Since they were the youngest in the family, she and Bradley, with their respective partners, faced off first, then the winners would go on to challenge her mother and father. The winners of the Underhill direct family line would then challenge the Hillhavens on her mother’s side, and so on and so forth.

Kaye didn’t care about winning the tournament. All she wanted to do was beat Bradley for once in her life.

The initial coin toss declared Bradley’s team would serve first. Kaye took her position on the left, while Ares took the right.

“Remember, you can only hit the ball once at a time.” Kaye whispered.

“I am fully aware of the rules.” Ares spoke through gritted teeth, his gaze never leaving Bradley as her brother bounced the ball from hand to hand.

Bradley taunted them with a few snickers, then tossed the ball in the air with casual grace and hit it right at Kaye’s head.

Instinct took over as adrenaline surged through her body. Kaye moved into position and blocked the serve, sending the ball straight up in the air. Ares moved in, hitting it across the net. Frank received Ares’ spike easily, sending the ball back over.

Both Kaye and Ares were too close to the net. The ball flew over their heads.

Kaye dove and slid in the sand with her arms outstretched. Her fists hit the ball, sending it way over her head and close to the net.

Ares was ready. He jumped and spiked the ball. It came down like a blazing comet to pummel the beach on the other side.

“Score!” her mother shouted. “One point for Kaye and Armin.”

Ares offered his hand and helped her up. “Nice move.”

“Thanks.” Kaye stood in shock. What had gotten into her? She’d always run
away
from the ball, and here she was like some all-star volleyball she-devil. It didn’t even feel like her own body hitting the ball, almost as if she surrendered to a higher power and let nature take over. It must have been her desire to win, because she’d never played so hard in her life.

She brushed the sand off her bikini and stomach.

Ares watched her, his gaze lingering a little longer than usual on her body.

Across the court, Bradley glowered as Frank handed over the ball.

“Your serve.” Her cousin narrowed his eyes as if she’d concealed something from him. “Tell Fabio he can’t do the same trick twice. This time we’ll be ready.”

Kaye took the ball. Confidence surged inside her. “His name’s Armin. And we’ll see about that.”

“Who is this Fabio?” Ares whispered in her ear as she got ready to serve.

“Just another handsome hunk with long hair.” She added a wink when she saw his shocked expression.

Kaye counted to three, then tossed the ball in the air, and hit it underhand with her fists. The ball sprang up, heading straight toward Mr. College Champion.
Oh great. Here we go.

She braced herself.

Frank hit the ball, and it came zinging through the air in the space between her and Ares. Normally, she’d let the other player handle it, because anyone would be better than her. But today she didn’t feel normal, she felt heroic.

Everything moved in slow motion. Bradley yelled as the ball crossed the net. Then Ares shot her a questioning glance. All at once, she saw the trajectory of the ball and a perpendicular line intercepting it, with exactly how far to jump to spike the ball to the left, where Bradley left a gaping hole in their defense.

“I got it!” Kaye shouted then threw herself into the air. She raised her arm as the ball came at her face and brought her palm down. The feeling of the ball under her skin was so satisfying, she couldn’t understand why she’d hated sports all her life.

The ball rammed down into the ground on the other side of the net.

“Score! Kaye and Armin two, Bradley and Frank zero.” Her mother came over to her, studying her as if she had chickenpox all over her face. “What’s gotten into you, sweetheart? Are you all right?”

“I don’t know.” It wasn’t a lie. Kaye really had no flipping idea why she reigned Queen of Volleyball of all crazy things. “I’m just having a good day.”

“I’ll say.” Her mom squeezed her arm in a rare moment of pride. “You get ’em.”

Her mother’s encouragement emboldened her even more. She served again, sending the ball toward Bradley.

Bradley jumped and hit the ball right back over the net. The ball soared over Ares’ head.

Ares was the closer of the two, so Kaye let him have it. He ran like a gladiator on the battlefield, stretching his toned muscles. Everything was going so well until he tripped on his own feet and took himself down. The ball bounced in the sand a foot away from his head.

“Score! One for Bradly and Frank, two for Kaye and Armin.”

Kaye’s stomach dropped to her feet. She ran over to Ares. “Are you okay?”

Ares blinked, dazed. “What happened?”

“You fell.” She helped him up, brushing sand off his face. Maybe he wasn’t used to beach terrain. Warriors usually fought battles in fields, right?

He shook his head and gritted his teeth. “I failed you.”

“No, you didn’t.” Kaye walked with him back to their positions. “We’re still winning.”

She glanced at her family. Everyone was watching to see how Ares would react.

Anger, embarrassment, frustration crossed his eyes. She had to calm him down fast, before he knocked Bradley out. Kaye ignored everyone and turned to Ares. She placed both hands on either side of his face and kissed him tenderly. He closed his eyes and gave in to the kiss. The tension in his jaw calmed. His lips were hot as fire and hungry for more.