Kyra

Chapter Eight

Training wasn't as different as Kyra thought it would be in Erika's absence. Leda was running their session today—though they were all being observed.

Just across the courtyard, Ares sat drinking tea with his winged friend. They seemed to be deep in discussion, but he made a point of glancing over as the girls gathered to start their drills.

Leda used the waiting time as her opportunity to pounce.

"What's happening between you and Ares?"

Kyra nearly had a heart attack, slamming her hand down over her chest. Even Leda's thinking it now.

"Did Erika say something?"

"Erika didn't say anything. But rumours are going around that he was in your bedroom recently."

She'd known that would look different to the others.

"It wasn't like that." That being sexual. "He was having a word with me about my behaviour, making sure we're both on the same page."

"And?"

"And that's it. That's all it was."

Could Leda hear the lie in her voice?

They hadn't done anything sexual, per se. But she still felt the ghost of his lips over hers. And if something like that were on the table, Kyra wouldn't be against it. Her thoughts were hers now, sure, but the lust was still there. It just didn't dictate her anymore.

"Care to tell me why he's watching you like that then?"

She turned to Ares. Leda was right. He was watching her, even as he spoke to his friend. And his look—God his look—was heated.

She wore an even tighter pair of shorts today.

Get him out of your system.

"He's waiting for me to fuck up so he can scold me for it."

Leda hummed. "So that's what that look is. Silly me. I must be losing my touch."

Hook, line and sinker. Leda had set her up. She knows something I don't.

"What did you think it was?" Kyra demanded, too fast to seem unbothered.

"You've got it all figured out. Who cares what I have to say?"

"Leda, please tell me."

Furtively, they both shot the God a look. Their slyness made zero difference.

"That's a possessive look. I've seen men use that look on their partners before. Or at least people they intend to make a partner of."

"That's ridiculous."

"Is it?"

"I'm still mortal. Why would he be looking at me like that?"

Because he's going to take my flower.

But when? The sooner they got the sex over with, the sooner he'd lose interest. Or maybe he wouldn't. Maybe Kyra could use that interest to her advantage. Would Ares be more up front and honest with the woman he slept with?

"Attraction isn't something you can control," Leda said.

"So there's no way to ignore it?" Kyra asked it too late. Leda was already walking off, ready to address the group.

Defeated, she looked to Ares again.

Their eyes met.

He quirked a brow.