Goddess Bared: Goddess Series Book 5 (Young Adult / New Adult) (15 page)

Chapter Sixteen

Adin kissed Legacy softly, sensually, slowly, relishing the feel, the taste of her mouth against his. As they kissed, he slowly gathered her into his arms and guided her down against her pillow.

He leaned back and gazed into her eyes again, a look of awe on his beautiful, chiseled face. “I love you so very much, Legacy,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

After several minutes of kissing slowly, softly, they began to kiss deeper, breathing through their mouths, clutching each other. He gently trailed his hands down her body and lifted her nightgown, only breaking from their kiss when he had to in order to remove it.

When she tugged at the drawstring of his pajama pants, he squeezed her tighter, panting. This time, when she untied them, he didn’t stop her when she explored, though she found he was easily distracted feeling her touch. He tried to keep kissing her when she wrapped her hand around his cock, but he broke away, groaning, digging his head into the crook of her neck, panting her name as she slowly worked her hand over his hard flesh.

They kissed as they undressed completely. Then Adin explored her body with his hands…and his mouth. He’d sucked on her nipples before, but he’d never kissed lower, as he did now, peppering a trail of open-mouthed kisses to her core. He gently caressed her legs as he coaxed her to spread them wider. Her shaky thighs fell completely open for him.

“Adin,” she breathed when his tongue slipped into her folds. He groaned against her and she gasped at the sensation. She’d never felt anything like this. It felt, oh gods, it was almost too much. He licked her slowly, exploring every inch of her down
there
. She fisted the sheets at first, but when he sucked her clit into his mouth and batted it with his tongue, she grabbed his head instead, unsure if she was going to pull him away or hold them there forever. Her hips lifted on their own and she threw her head back. Holding him there. That’s what she was doing. If he stopped now, she was going to die. Then he pushed a finger inside of her as he continued his attention on her clit and she stiffened all over. She felt herself clamp down on his finger like last time, but this was different—more powerful—because she was dying, screaming as she came for him.

Adin gently pulled his finger out and kissed her gently on her thigh before forging a path of kisses back up her body. Then he rolled over and fumbled with something on her nightstand. She couldn’t help her curiosity, so she glanced over.

As it turned out, the condom he’d taped to his journal to represent what had almost happened on homecoming night would be of some use after all.

“Gods, Legacy, I can’t wait.” He fumbled with the wrapper as he ripped it open, and she watched, mesmerized, as he rolled it onto himself.

“I don’t want to wait.” She didn’t recognize her own hoarse voice.

Adin cursed as he came over her. He lifted one of her legs and the other one bent in unison to hug his thigh. He reached between them, grabbed his cock, and rubbed it along her opening. She gasped as the overly sensitive flesh became needy again. “Tell me if I hurt you,” he whispered as he gazed at her. She nodded, unable to speak.

He pushed slowly, stopping once he barely breached her. His head fell to the crook of her neck and he groaned, the sound of agonized pleasure. He pushed into her farther, and she gasped as her arms came around him, holding him. He pulled back a little and then thrust hard. She winced at the sudden burning pain and squeezed him.

“You okay?” he breathed as he slowly retreated some. She nodded quickly against his head. The next thrust took him deeper. She bit down on him to keep from squeaking from the confusion of pain mixed with pleasure. “L-Legacy, talk to me, princess.”

She released his shoulder. “Don’t stop. It feels. Good. Different. Just…gods, don’t stop, Adin.”

“Legacy,” he breathed, her name a benediction on his lips as he pushed into her again, deep. The feeling of total possession made her suck in a lungful of air, but Adin’s mouth crushed to hers before she could release the scream that had built.

Her limited experience in this area notwithstanding, it was perfect. Adin was gentle—a body of a god, exercising complete control, taking his time so as not to hurt her too much. He was strong—and gods, that was totally hot—yet easy with her. He whispered his love for her time and time again as they made love, and the feelings that emanated from within her overwhelmed her. She was so happy that she was emotional. Luckily, she didn’t sob, but she couldn’t help the tears that brimmed over.

Her body tingled as need built inside her. She lifted her leg higher and wrapped them both around him, trying to get closer. She was so close to coming again, an experience she hadn’t considered that would happen with it being her first time. She clenched around Adin’s dick with the onset of it. So, so close.

“Legacy,”
Adin groaned as his rhythm faltered. He thrust into her hard and fast, the muscles in his back stiffening with his effort. She involuntarily squeezed around him again.

“Oh gods, I think I’m gonna…” She finished that thought on a scream while stars exploded behind her eyelids. Adin cursed as he pushed into her deep and held still as a groan vibrated up his chest. She kept moving against his still body underneath him. Because it had felt too good to stop? To prolong his release? Purely instinct? She didn’t know, but as she moved, Adin kept groaning and squeezing her.

When they finally stopped, their bodies remained tangled while they clung to each other, catching their breaths.

Yes, it had been perfect. After all the months of waiting, she’d gladly wait again to have this perfect experience.

After long, long moments of kissing and caressing, they eventually freed themselves of each other to freshen up. Once they were back in bed, though, they kept stealing kisses from one another until they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

And Legacy had her dream yet again.

In it, she was sitting in a field, meditating under a vibrant sky. As she meditated, clouds rolled in, and she heard her mother’s voice.

“Watch out, for he lies. Evil lies inside the good,” she said softly. “He’s setting you up, and you’re falling for it.”

Then her mother came to stand before her. “Be careful. He’s not dead.” Taking a step toward her, she said, “You were right about him.”

She woke up sprawled out on Adin’s chest. She immediately thought about her dream because it was the most recent thought she’d had. There was a new line in it, and she didn’t know what to make of it. As she contemplated it, she felt Adin’s fingers trail down her naked back, and she shuddered lightly, smiling as she recalled the events that transpired
before
falling asleep.

She propped up on an elbow, wrapping the covers around her. His glowing smile said it all. He was as happy as she was. He gently stroked her hair while he smiled at her, too awestruck to speak, she guessed.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

“Good morning,” he mumbled through his smiling lips.

She wanted to kiss him, but she was worried about her morning breath. She figured he had the same fear, though she was sure that neither was worried about the other’s breath. It was purely a self-conscious worry for both of them. They continued to stare for a few minutes before she spoke again. “I need to shower before we leave.”

“Me too. You can go first.” Still smiling.

She smiled crookedly at him. “I don’t want to go
first
.”

His brow furrowed, but he didn’t stop smiling. “You want me to go first?”

She shook her head slowly. “I want you to join me,” she whispered as she slid out of bed and stood before him, not waiting for a verbal response.

He bit down on his lip and got out of bed, not openly staring at her naked body. He walked around to her side and slipped his hand into hers. They walked to the bathroom and brushed their teeth, staring at each other’s reflections while the water from the shower warmed up. When they finished brushing, they both immediately reached for the other to kiss. It happened so fast she wasn’t sure who’d get credit for initializing it.

He coaxed her to the shower, one hand on her back to keep her from falling back, one hand knotted in her hair as he kissed her. They continued to kiss in the shower in between taking turns washing each other, which they were particularly thorough. At one point, he had her pinned against the wall, kissing and panting as the hot water beat down on them.

“Gods, Legacy, I want you again.” She didn’t think she’d ever stop wanting him, but they didn’t have any protection in here. Besides, she wanted to try something, and for that, no condom would be necessary. He eased back, and she understood his intention was go to back to bed and finish what they’d just started. He’d be mistaken. With enough room between them now, Legacy dropped to her knees before him. Adin gasped, stepping back again, but there wasn’t much room in there. The water continued to hit her side and his calves, but at least it wouldn’t be a problem. “Wha-what are you doing?”

She looked up at him and licked her lips. He sucked in air as realization dawned. Then she licked the tip of his cock. Adin groaned and quickly widened his stance and lifted a hand to brace himself on the wall behind her. She wasn’t sure what the right way was to give a blow job, but the mechanics seemed as if they were self explanatory. She shifted, and licked along his shaft, starting at the base and ending at the head. She placed a hand on his thigh to steady herself and licked him again.

“Shit,” Adin breathed when she used her other hand to explore his sac. She tilted her head so that his cock rested completely within her open lips and then dragged her mouth up to the head. This time, she took him into her mouth as far as she could. She felt his thigh tremble beneath her hand as she began to suck him slowly, savoring the taste of him. One of his hands dove into her hair and he clenched it, words tumbling from his mouth incoherently. His needy response was encouraging, so she increased her pace, taking time to suck the head harder, rubbing her tongue against it a little longer before taking him to the back of her throat. “Oh gods, Legacy, Legacy.” She moaned around him and slid her hand up from his sac to his dick. She stroked him as she sucked him harder. He groaned, rocking back and forth up on his toes, just lightly pushing into her and retreating. Legacy felt moisture pool between her legs and realized this act was turning her on more than she’d been before starting it.

He suddenly yanked her up and slammed the water off, startling her, and carried her out of the shower and into her room, not bothering with towels. They were all over each other, too far gone to stop. Wet bodies slicking against each other, wet hair tangling around them. Luckily, Adin had been hopeful enough that he’d packed condoms in his bag. Lots and lots of condoms. She quickly realized her desire for him would not be easily sated and cursed herself for planning this picnic today. She could’ve stayed in bed with him all day.

At least they had an eternity, she mused.

An eternity as a goddess with a god. Two powerful beings who loved each other with all their hearts. Love that guided them through many things and would continue to guide them throughout their lives. As long as she made it through the next three months—the last season of her ascension—she could have that eternity with him.

And as Adin donned a condom and entered her, she seriously worried if eternity would be enough.

Chapter Seventeen

Adin and Legacy were late getting to the picnic. No surprise there. After their second round this morning, neither wanted to budge, but they reluctantly dragged themselves out of her bed—again—and got dressed. They rushed to the store to get some food and drinks for the picnic, and arrived after everyone else was already there.

She knew River was going to ask Seth about inviting Kate, but it looked as if someone had clued Thad and Ellen in the fun. They were sitting with everyone else on a large blanket. No biggie, but she hadn’t really considered what to tell them about Adin. Last anybody knew, he was dead. Everyone here had been at his memorial service. How were they going to explain his presence here today? If she wasn’t so wrapped up in her personal joy, she’d have considered this dilemma sooner.

And to be quite honest, she didn’t care as much as she probably should have. She was still drowning in her bliss to truly worry. She had her arms wrapped around Adin, and he had one arm around her while he carried their ice chest. They watched each other, smiling, kissing, enjoying the closeness of each other as they walked up.

Legacy did happen to notice Calli and River sitting together. They both looked really nice. It was obvious to her they’d dressed up for each other, but she figured no one else would pick up on that detail. When they approached, River turned his head in Legacy’s direction. Then he got up and walked over to her, eyeing her warily. She figured he’d also be concerned with the predicament they were in regarding Adin’s death, so she hoped he had a plan he was going share.

“Are you kidding me?” River barked under his breath as he approached Legacy. “He’s been back all of thirty-six hours, and you jump into bed—”

Her gasp of embarrassment cut him off.

Adin glared at him. “Our relationship is none of your business”

“Quit reading my energy,” she ordered.

“I’m not reading your energy, Legacy. It’s all over your face…and
his
,” River said, eyes darting at Adin.

She figured it’d be best if she didn’t act offended. Whether or not River could tell what she Adin had been doing, she really didn’t want to announce it to everyone else. And she really didn’t want the two most important men in her life at each other’s throats.

She smiled softly at River. “I know you mean well, but I know what I’m doing.”

River rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. “Really? I asked you to be careful.” He shook his head, trying to focus. “When’s the last time you had your dream about a man lying to you?”

“Er, last night,” she mumbled.

Adin’s eyes shot to Legacy, concerned.

“Why do you ask?” She tried to sound indifferent.

“Because all I could read from Adin is that he wasn’t lying when you asked him about Hades. That didn’t mean he’s not playing you, Legacy. It just means he doesn’t know it.”

Adin glared at River. She stared at him, too, but her gaze was one of shock, not anger. “What are you talking about?”

“Legacy,
your
mom said Hades has a plan.
My
mom said that too. Your mom is telling you to be careful about a man who’s not really dead. We know my mom worked with Hades. She could have told him I could read energies. If Adin believes he’s telling the truth, then I can’t see if he’s actually lying.”

“I’m
not
lying!” Adin said through gritted teeth.

“You wouldn’t know, Romeo.”

Adin growled, turning his head. She stroked his arm. “River is just trying to look out for me. Just like you wanted,” she reminded him.

He turned his head and looked at her. “I’m not lying,” he whispered.

“I know,” she whispered back. “Why don’t you put the ice chest with the others while I have a word with River?”

Adin nodded, flashed his eyes to River and then back to Legacy, and he kissed her before walking off.

After Adin was several feet away, she turned to River. “I get that you’re just trying to protect me, River, but you don’t have to be an ass about it.”

“I’m not being an ass. I just didn’t think you were going to jump into bed with him! Do you know how much it’ll hurt you now if he’s lying to you?”

She sighed. “If Hades is using Adin to get to me, it’ll hurt me regardless of what’s transpired.”

River shook his head, but seemed to let it go—for now. He pursed his lips and said, “I figured you might be worried how we’d explain Adin to Ellen, Kate, Seth, and Thad, but no explanation is necessary.”

“Why not?” she asked, frowning.

“Because they don’t remember him dying. I called my dad last night to find out if Adin’s story could be true—”

“You just said he could be lying to us about that,” she interrupted.

“Yeah, he could be. My dad didn’t tell me if he knew for sure if Adin had ascended. He just said that it was likely.” He shrugged.

“Ugh! You could’ve mentioned
that
in front of Adin.”

“Please. Like I’d go out of my way to help him.” He shook his head like that was an absurd idea.

“River,” she chided, “he came to you yesterday to help me. The least you could do—”

“Knock it off, Legacy. I’m just trying to tell you that they—those who are either not part of Greek god heritage or have firsthand knowledge of what we are—will not remember him being dead. They just think you broke up with him and got back together.”

“Really?” she asked with a smile. This was a relief.

He nodded, and then he cracked a smile. “So…how did it happen?” he whispered, stepping closer.

Really? She just got the third degree for having sex, and now he wanted details? “Uh-uh.” She shook her head, trying not to laugh. “I’m not telling you that. Or I could use the same, useless line you told me and say that it just happened.” She did laugh then.

He chuckled. “I might need the pointers,” he said innocently.

Pointers? She didn’t think so. She glanced around him and looked at Calli who was talking to Adin. “Doesn’t Calli look pretty?” she said casually.

River moved his head to block her view, eyes on her. “Yes. Now don’t stare, or she’ll think we’re talking about her.”

“We
are
talking about her.” She smiled. “I mean, we are talking about her if you want me to tell you what I found out,” she said, shrugging her shoulders playfully.

He gasped and grabbed her arm. “What did she say?”

“Well…she…” She hesitated. She couldn’t really lie to him because he’d know it from her energy. Calli was too tickled to specifically come out and ask Legacy to keep quiet about her feelings, so she wasn’t sure if she should tell him outright. She told Calli she’d talk to him at the picnic, but they really hadn’t ironed out what details would be revealed.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice how antsy River was getting, waiting to hear the verdict. “Spit it
the hell
out!”

She chuckled. “Okay, fine.” She smiled. Calli would thank her for this—one day. “She really likes you too,” she softly said.

“No way! What’d she say?” His eyes sparkled.

“I told her you’d probably be dating again now that we weren’t bonded and suggested if she was still interested she should make a move. She played coy for a bit, but when I told her you’d talked to me about a girl you liked, she got sad. That is, until I told her it was her.”

“You told her I like her?” he screeched, and then glanced around to make sure no one had heard.

“Yes, and I told you she likes you. You both know how the other feels.” She smiled at him. “Now why are you wasting precious time talking to me when you could be flirting with your future girlfriend?” She wagged her eyebrows.

He chuckled, but shook off his laughter. He smiled softly at her and said, “I love you, baby.”

She hugged him. “I love you too. Now let’s join the others.”

River guided them to the picnic spot. They all made sandwiches while they talked. When Seth offered River some tea that wasn’t sweetened, Legacy couldn’t resist. She knew it was in poor taste, but she couldn’t help it. With an even expression on her face, she looked over at River and said, “Why don’t you borrow Calli’s sugar?”

He shot her a look, but didn’t have time to respond. Calli dug in her bag and pulled out some sugar. “Here you go,” she said, totally clueless.

He gave one short laugh. “You really have sugar?” he asked, taking it from her.

“Of course. I like my tea sweetened too.”

“Of course,” he mumbled to himself through a smile, not looking at Legacy.

While they ate, Legacy sat between Adin’s legs, her back against his chest. He kept an arm snug around her at all times. They laughed and talked and kissed. They did try to talk to their company, but each couple was mesmerized in their own individual conversations and activities. At one point, Thad and Ellen got up to go for a walk, and then a little while later, so did Seth and Kate.

When they left, it made it a little easier to spy on River and Calli. They were the only couple not acting like a couple, but they looked adorable! They sat as close as they could without actually touching. She could see the side of River’s face, but she could see most of Calli’s. They were both smiling and leaning toward each other while they talked, and at least one time, she saw River brush her hair out of her face. When Calli turned around to get something out of her bag, Legacy saw River lean closer, smelling her hair.

It was a quick move. He retreated before she could notice what he was doing, but as he moved away, it looked as if he were fighting a smile, and it almost looked as if he murmured, “Apples.”

Legacy pressed her lips together to keep from smiling and then turned her attention back to where she wanted it. She leaned to the side and kissed Adin on his neck. When she pulled back, he stroked her face, gazing into her eyes. He kissed her softly, but she moved her lips back to his neck, kissing him up to his ear. Adin moaned quietly as he tangled his hand into her hair, holding her face, her lips against him.

“Are you ready?” she whispered into his ear. “I’d like to finish something I didn’t get to finish in the shower.”

She kissed it again, and he panted, “Let’s go.”

She remembered her wavering theory about Adin enjoying it more when she paid special attention to his ear or to his chest. In the summer, she assumed it was the ear that stirred the intended reaction, but in the fall, she remembered thinking she needed to rethink that theory when she was caressing his chest. Even though she was now kissing on his ear, she realized it really wasn’t just his ear or his chest. It was the attention. He enjoyed it no matter where she directed it, as long as she was the one doing it.

“Definitely. Let’s get out of here.” She traced her lips back to his. “I have plans for you,” she whispered against his lips. And boy, did she ever.

He groaned as he kissed her. She wasn’t sure how long Lissa and Olive would be gone, but she was thrilled the house would still be empty. She pulled away and started to stand. He helped her up.

“We’re leaving,” she announced to Calli and River.

Adin reached for their ice chest, and River stood. “I’ll load up our stuff too,” he said.

She figured River was giving her a free moment with Calli. Once the guys left, she quickly told Calli what she’d told River, and Calli paled slightly. Legacy reassured Calli she’d be fine, and then she proceeded to tell her what had happened between her and Adin. The news distracted Calli from her immediate nerves and she squealed. As they rushed though their girlie conversation, Legacy heard a noise by the tree nearby. She looked around Calli, but didn’t see anything. Calli started folding the blanket.

“I’ll be right back,” Legacy said to her. She didn’t know why she wanted to check it out, but she felt she needed to.

“Where are you going?”

“Just right there,” she said, pointing to the tree.

She walked over and noticed how bright the sky looked and got the strangest feeling of
déjà vu
. She walked around the tree and recognized the field. The vibrant sky, the field, these were elements of her dream. Her heart raced. What should she do? She made a split-second decision to sit down like she had in her dream. She wasn’t sure if she should try to mediate or if she even knew how, but she shut her eyes and felt the wind pick up. She opened her eyes and saw that clouds were rolling in—just like in her dream.

She shut her eyes again and began to concentrate. She thought about her mother and opened her eyes. She was standing before her. “Be careful. He’s not dead,” she said.

She heard a rustling noise on the ground behind her, but tried to ignore it. She stayed focused straight ahead, so she could speak to her mother. She needed her to explain this puzzle once and for all.

“There you are. I’ve wondered where you’ve been,” a chilling voice said, coming from behind her.

Her eyes popped as she whirled, and she stared at him. “Casey,” she said gravely. She jumped to her feet. “How?” She shook her head, trying not to cry, shock overtaking her senses.

“I didn’t die.”

Legacy looked to where her mother’s image still stood. “You were right about him,” she said. Legacy looked at Casey again. He didn’t seem to see or hear her mother.

He pulled out a phone and dialed quickly. “I’ve got her,” he mumbled, staring at Legacy. He hung up and said, “Hades is coming for you.”

She glanced at her mother. “He’s setting you up, and you’re falling for it,” she said.

Legacy started to run, but he jumped in front of her, grabbing her arms and waist. She screamed and shocked him, but he refused to let go. She saw Seth and Kate run up. She figured Calli took the blanket to the car, and Adin and River were with her in the parking lot. If she could just fight Casey off until they got here, she’d be okay. Seth ordered Kate to stay back, and he charged Casey. Seth grabbed him in a chokehold, but Casey refused to let go of her. Seth grunted, not letting let of Casey, and Casey’s arms didn’t loosen until he finally passed out from the lack of air supply. He dropped to the ground, and she fell into Seth’s arms, sobbing. Oh gods, Casey wasn’t dead! Why was he after her? Why had he attacked her before? He had to be somebody linked to Hades, but who?