The Love Game (Gods of the Universe: Book 1)

Thirteen

"I wonder where we're going that involves bathing suits," I call out from my bathroom.

"Did you consider that maybe you're going swimming?" Shui asks.

I finish pulling on one of the new swim suits I got yesterday and come out of the bathroom, where Milo, Carina, Shui, and Genji are waiting patiently on my bed. "Well, no," I admit as I turn around slowly. "I haven't really gone swimming in six years, so that wouldn't be very high on my list."

"What else could it be?" Genji asks pointedly, and I know she's right. A tinge if excitement travels through my heart.

"I don't like this one," Milo announces. "Try the black one, Lana!" He pleads again, and everyone joins in.

"Alright, alright, alright!" I say, exasperated. "Just calm down, people." I turn and go back to the bathroom.

"The black one" is the only bikini my mom let me get. The top is a sort of wrap-around with a halter strap, and the bottom shows off a lot of my hips. It's all simple and elegant, with no extra clips or anything strange like that. I know Anubis will like it.

That's why I was hoping the four of them would decide on one of the one-pieces.

I don't know why I'm so nervous. I mean, yes, I'm apparently in love with one of them, but I don't know if I'm ready to woo one of them yet.

Of course you are, a voice inside me promises. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gotten that.

I slip the strap over my head and look at myself in the mirror. I look... Decent, I suppose. The swim suit fits me perfectly and practically matches my long hair. I decide to go for it.

Milo stands up and claps enthusiastically when I emerge from the bathroom. "That one," he announces firmly. Carina, Genji, and Shui agree.

I pretend I'm not happy with their descision as I pull on a red and white tank top, but I'm secretly giddy inside. I can't wait.

My father yells for me just as I pull on a pair of jeans. I feel the back of my neck tingle and know Anubis is here. I shove a pair of flip flops on my feet, say goodbye to my friends, and dash down the stairs. "Are you sure you go swimming?" My dad asks. "It's the middle of autumn."

I smile reassuringly. "I'll be fine, dad. Wish me luck?"

"Tell that boy if you get hurt, I'm coming for him," my dad mutters as he pulls me in for a hug. "Stay safe, darling," he says before releasing me. "Now go out there. He's undoubtedly dying."

I laugh. "Thanks, dad."

"Bring her back before sunset!" My dad calls out as I swing the door open.
My heart flutters when I see Anubis, who smiles at my red face. "Yes, sir," he calls back.

I swing the door shut before either of them can say anything else. "Nice to see you, too," I mutter, adding false annoyance to my tone.

I can hear the smile in his voice as Anubis apologizes. "Sorry for not greeting you first, Your Highness," he teases.

I squint my eyes at him. "My dad told me to tell you that if anything happens to me, he's 'coming for you,'" I say.

Anubis cringes. "I don't know who scares me more; your mother or father."

I laugh. "My father," I decide. Then my smile fades as I say, "If you wanted to kidnap me, my mother would let you." Then I brighten and say, "My father would kill you."

Anubis laughs, but quickly stops when he sees my face. "You're joking, right?"

I shrug. "Can gods be killed?"