Medusa's Desire (The Fate of Eros #1) (The Fate of Eros Series) (18 page)

"Does that mean you love me, too?" she asked, breathlessly, once they pulled apart.

"Yes, it does," Perseus said. "I love you, too, Medusa."

"Perseus!" The sound of Andromeda's annoying squeal echoed through the jungle and made the two of them jump apart. "Where are you?"

Medusa rolled her eyes. Andromeda had amazing timing, as if she knew what was going on.

"I'm hunting for dinner," he called back. "Stay right there and I will be back shortly as long as you're quiet and stop scaring the animals."

"Okay," she responded.

Perseus pecked her on the lips again, but Medusa frowned. The moment was ruined.

*** *** ***

Perseus hunted for a while. When he caught a deer and cooked it over the fire, Andromeda complained about how plain it was and how it had none of the spices she was used to eating. Medusa predicted in her head how poorly Andromeda would handle sleeping on the ground that night.

"I know what to do," Andromeda said before she crashed through the forest and scared the wildlife. She stopped only a foot in front of Medusa, squinting at the ground. She gripped a strange plant and pulled.

"Ah-ha!" she shouted. "Just what I was looking for! This will flavor the food exquisitely."

Perseus tried to argue with her as she grabbed a piece of meat and crumbled bits of the green leaves on it. She shoved it into her mouth, not listening and moaned at the taste.

"Are you really sure you know how to find herbs in the forest?" One of Perseus' eyebrows was raised. "You don't seem like an outdoor girl."

"Trust me," Andromeda said. "This is the only practical thing my mother allowed me to do–keep a garden."

I hope she kills herself
, Medusa thought and then guilt immediately shuddered through her body afterwards. Where did that thought come from?

When Andromeda didn't drop dead, Perseus tried a bit himself and moaned in pleasure at the taste. He laughed at the conversation between him and Andromeda. Medusa narrowed her eyes.

They fell asleep a short time later. Everything seemed fine, but it wasn't really. If Andromeda hadn't been around, then they would probably be making love at that moment or at least talking. Her presence was ruining their relationship and Perseus was enjoying it. Medusa couldn't wait to get rid of Andromeda.

The next morning, Medusa didn't even get the chance to share a good morning kiss with Perseus. Andromeda woke and leaped into Perseus' arms, asking what destination they would be flying to that day.

Perseus set her down gently and put some distance between them. "
We
will not be flying anywhere.
You
will be traveling inside the endless wallet."

"But isn't the head of Medusa in there?" Andromeda shivered. "That's what you told my family-that you had gone on an adventure and killed her."

Perseus cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, yes, but I put the invisibility helmet on her head to prevent anyone from accidentally viewing her. The guests at the party went inside and they were fine."

Medusa had to give him credit. That wasn't even a lie!

Andromeda crossed her arms. "It's really stuffy in there, though. I could move in the wrong direction and knock the helmet off."

"That won't happen."

Andromeda's eyes widened. "But what if it does? Won't I be turned into stone like you turned that sea monster?"

Medusa's hands clenched into tight fists. That "sea monster" was her mother.

Perseus stared into her eyes. "You trust me, right? Or else why did you decide to come on this journey with me?"

Andromeda nodded her head. "I do."

"Then you have to believe me when I say you'll be safe."

Andromeda looked down and chewed her lower lip. Her mouth was plump and her eyes lowered like an adulteress. She sighed. "You're right."

He opened the bag. "Then get in."

She walked over and stuck one of her long, sexy legs inside. It disappeared in the fabric. Medusa looked away, frightened that she would catch Perseus staring and not wanting to know the truth. Andromeda stuck her other leg in and her entire body fell inside.

Perseus reached for Medusa's hand, but grasped air as she moved out of the way. He waved his hand around in the air for a while, until she gave in, but with only two of her fingers. She didn't want to touch Perseus. It made the hole in her heart feel that much larger.

She flapped her wings and Perseus fluttered his sandals. Their feet left the dirt and the world whizzed by them.

Perseus glanced back at her instead of watching where he was going. "I can't see you, but that doesn't mean I can't feel you glaring at me."

Medusa shrugged. "I'm angry, but can you blame me? Andromeda's ruining everything."

Perseus smiled. "Don't worry. I plan to rest in the city of Larissa tonight. We'll find a job or someone who will take care of her there until she can get home and then we can go back to enjoying each other's company." He winked at her. "Remember that I can do the impossible. I've been in more dire situations with my mother, but I've always found a way to make it out on top."

Medusa relaxed at his words.

When it neared midday, they spotted the town of Larissa and a forested area nearby. They decided to land there. If they approached on foot rather than through the air, they'd blend in better. Normal men didn't float into cities.

Perseus opened the bag and pulled Andromeda out. She tumbled as her feet landed on the ground.

Fig trees with decayed fruit at their roots stood nearby. Perseus reached for a ripened fig still attached to its branches. Andromeda took one as well, her eyes widening as she took a bite. They didn't have figs in Ethiopia and the two of them hadn't been eating well. She danced around the trees, picking and munching as they neared the city.

"These are delicious," Andromeda said.

The sound of music filled the air. Excitement fluttered through Medusa's body as the chatter of a crowd filled her ears. They approached the town gates. They saw men from Sparta, dressed in armor with serious expressions on their faces. Entertainers regaled the crowd with their beautiful costumes and fancy party tricks. Men from the East with silk and spices wandered in and out.

They explored the town. Trinkets and delicacies filled the marketplace. Guards were stationed everywhere in preparation of the Olympic Games. Medusa watched Perseus' eyes light up as realization hit him. She'd always wanted to see the Olympics, but never been allowed to, because she was a woman. No one could stop her now.

Andromeda linked arms with Perseus as a muscular man with tan skin and a giant gem around his neck approached. Medusa resisted the urge to rip Andromeda away-a difficult task when she was standing so close.

The man kissed Andromeda on each cheek. She recoiled. "It's so good to see you, Princess. I'm surprised your parents allowed you to travel this far. Where's Phineas?"

He had a thick accent that Medusa didn't recognize. One of his servants carried a bucket of water with him that he used to wash the man's hands.

Andromeda looked disinterested. "I don't know. Phineas isn't my fiancé anymore. Perseus is now." Her eyes oozed desire as she gazed up at him.

Perseus shoved her arm away. "That isn't true. I'm her body-guard. Phineas has died and the king and queen thought it would be a good idea for her to socialize more and attract another husband."

Interest sparkled in the handsome man's eyes. "Nice to meet you, Perseus. I am Carius." They greeted one another and then he turned to Andromeda. "Know that my proposal still stands if you've changed your mind. I thought I lost you to Phineas, but fortune is in my favor. Any man would be lucky to be engaged to a woman like you."

Andromeda analyzed her nails. "I'll keep it in mind, I guess."

He gripped both of Andromeda's hands. "How callous of me. You must still be mourning your fiancé's death. I was under the impression that this happened a while ago. I'm sorry for your loss and I'm here if you need anyone to speak to."

"I'm okay. I have Perseus," Andromeda said.

"It's good to know you're being taken care of." His smile was so shiny it stung Medusa's eyes.

The three of them watched his retreating back, until him and his servants were swallowed by the crowd.

Andromeda's lips curled as if she would growl. "All he's truly interested in are my parents' throne and their wealth."

Perseus turned to Andromeda. "Lots of men marry women for superficial reasons, but you no longer have the luxury of taking your time to find a husband, given your situation."

"I've already found a man I'm interested in." She winked at Perseus.

"You can't tell anyone else that I'm your fiancé. I'm trying to give you a life here. You can't stay with me, but I can find you a husband or at the very least someone who will provide you with safe passage home. Don't ruin it or I could leave you here to fend for yourself."

Andromeda stamped her foot. "Why are you doing this? I can see it in your eyes-you're attracted to me. My parents won't kill you if you come back as my husband. I'm the type of woman who will love a man forever when she finds the right one. You're it for me."

Medusa's throat constricted. Was Perseus really attracted to her? Or was she desperate enough to see things that weren't there?

Perseus' voice grew hoarse. "It doesn't matter what you do to me physically or not. My life is too hard for someone like you to be a part of. I already have enough people to rescue without adding you to the list."

Andromeda crossed her arms. "If you had a girlfriend or wife already, you know I wouldn't be bothering you. But you're a good man and you can't brood all your life. Everyone needs other people and I'll be here until the day you realize you need
me
."

Medusa shut her eyes, wishing Perseus would break their one rule and tell Andromeda the truth, but that could endanger everyone in the area. The gods could find out and kill everyone in their path until they found Medusa. The truth must be kept secret.

"I have other people," Perseus said. "I am not alone." He couldn't give her all the information, but at least it was the truth.

"Really?" Andromeda raised an eyebrow. "Because I don't see anyone else here that you know besides me."

They worked their way through the crowd. Medusa had fantasies about Andromeda getting lost in the city or sneaking up behind her and ripping off her head. She shook the images away.

Carius found them later and got them an invitation to sleep in the castle. Perseus and Andromeda were given separate living quarters and Carius bought Andromeda a few dresses. He was courting her, but Andromeda was using him, claiming that she was sick of wearing the same dress every day. She was starting to smell, never mind that Perseus was the kind of guy who had only owned one outfit at a time his entire life.

Medusa was relieved to see the familiar gods decorating the walls and floors of the castle in colorful tiles. This was the first time she had set foot in Greece since the curse.

They sat down to a giant feast. Medusa hovered on the sidelines. The king asked Perseus whether he would be participating in the Olympic Games.

"You look young and capable," the king said.

Perseus smiled. "I'd be honored to, but lack the invitation."

The king chuckled. His laugh was hearty. "I'll make sure you're allowed to participate. I'd like to bet my money on you tomorrow."

Carius paid careful attention to Andromeda all night. She agreed to be watched by his sisters while Perseus competed in the Olympic Games. Her shoulders were relaxing as she talked to him; she was giving in. Women weren't allowed to watch the Games and she was relieved to have something to do. Maybe Perseus' plan would work after all.

Her hope ended the moment the sleeve of Andromeda's yellow gown fell off her shoulder. The gowns had been purchased quickly without time for a fitting, so they were too big. The two men stared at the exposed, soft skin of her dark shoulder. Andromeda fluttered her eyelashes at Perseus, leaning closer so he could get a better look.

Medusa refused to take this lying down. Maybe she couldn't reveal her presence to the world, but that didn't mean she couldn't fight back.

She crawled underneath the table, careful not to knock against anyone's legs and found Perseus' ankles. He shifted in his seat and cleared his throat as she lifted his robes. He hardened as she took his length within her hands.

She remembered her time as a prostitute-how Cithara had always told her that men came to her because of what they couldn't get at home. They enjoyed the novelty of experiencing sex with new women with fewer inhibitions, so even though oral sex was considered a shameful act in Athens, she thought it was just the thing she needed to do to show her love to Perseus and win him over.

She took his erection in her mouth and he gasped. She thought it would taste strange, but she found the act enjoyable. Andromeda asked him what was wrong and his hoarse, struggling response claimed that nothing was wrong. He was more than fine. Medusa knew the excitement of doing something dirty a few feet from strangers turned him on.

She licked his shaft up and down; he tasted delicious. He grabbed the back of her helmet-a risky move-to pump her mouth up and down. She swirled the tip occasionally for a little variety.

She pulled away. Disappointment radiated from him. He would have reached for her and begged her to continue, but it would make a scene.

She crawled out from under the table, struggling not to giggle. This was all going according to plan. She tiptoed up to him until she was only an inch away from his ear. "If you want more," she whispered so that only he could hear, "then meet me in your room." She licked his ear quickly for good measure.

She raced towards the room and struggled to hold in maniacal laugher. She knew he was staring after her, even though she couldn't see him.

She looked back and forth in the hallway and waited until no one was standing around. Then she opened Perseus' bedroom door and waited inside. When he didn't show up immediately, she bit her nails. Maybe this whole thing had been a mistake. Maybe pleasuring him in public had disgusted rather than aroused him.