The Underworld Ball (Book 2 in the Aphrodite's daughter series)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I felt myself falter as I gripped the handle to Poseidon’s room. This wouldn’t be fair to him, but what was I supposed to do. Hephaestus wasn’t about to let me go into Tartarus and Poseidon would want to keep me as far away from Andreas as possible. It was his attraction to me that I was planning on taking advantage of. This would definitely hurt him, especially since it would only last till I got Andreas back. My grip on the handle loosened, and I took a step back. No, I couldn’t do it. Andreas would hate me and I would more than likely lose Poseidon as a friend.

I was about to walk away when Poseidon opened the door shirtless. His swim trunks were hanging dangerously low and I was working hand to keep my eyes on his face. A deep blush flushed down my entire body. In response, the ocean in Poseidon’s eyes stormed and desire radiated off him. I backed up into the wall desperately trying to put space between us.

“What are you doing here Isabella?” his voice was deep and husky. A fire burned deep inside me. I was surprised since I never thought I could feel anything for anyone other than Andreas.

“Uh… nothing, I was just leaving.” I turned to walk away, but a firm hand grabbed me gently around the wrist. This direct contact was more than I could handle. My legs began to shake and I was easily pulled into Poseidon’s embraced.

“Stay Izzy please.” His lips were close to my ear and I could feel his need against my back.

“Poseidon, I can’t.” Unfortunately there was no conviction in me voice.

“He’s not coming back Iz. I could love you just as much as he did maybe even more.” Tears threatened the corners of my eyes, but I couldn’t help the moan he elicited by kissing down my neck.

“Please stop.” I choked out the words. His arms encircled around my waste pulling me tight.

“I will never stop. Not until you realize that you love me too. I can see it in your eyes Izzy. I’ve felt you stare at me from across the room. I know you want me just as much as I want you.” His hands traveled down my waist. They stopped at the top of my jeans and he moved to unbutton the top of my jeans. It was then through the cloud of suffocating desire that a very loud clearing of the throat caught my attention.

Octavian, my mentor of sorts, was standing in front of us. He was the man who had trained me when I first arrived at Hephaestus’ mansion in Greece. I straightened immediately stepping out of Poseidon’s reach. He reached for my hand, but I was already too far away.

“If I’m interrupting I can return at a later time your majesty?” There was a slight under tone of anger floating out from his indifference.

“No, it’s fine Octavian. What can I do for you?” I tried to sound nonchalant, but was shaken on the inside. I had come too close to letting things go too far with Poseidon.

“A meeting has been called in the throne room. Ares has completely healed. There is talk of war.” His face had remained impassive, but tension was thick in his voice.

“Great. That’s just what I needed. Fine let’s go.” Octavian turned and I followed. I heard a deep sigh and the door slam behind me. Allowing myself to flinch only for a second, I pushed all thoughts of Poseidon out of my mind.

I slowed slightly and grabbed a hold of Octavian's arm. I needed him to understand; I need to explain. The cold indifference in his eyes made me flinch and I released his arm. I couldn't handle it anymore, a sob burst from my lips and I turned away from Octavian not wanting him to see me cry. A deep sigh came from behind me and Octavian placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“I understand your lonely Isabella, and Poseidon has been a great comfort to you. But letting yourself get close to him is not the answer. I know how strongly you feel about Andreas which is why I told you about Tartarus, and it isn't fair to you or Poseidon if you lead him on like that" He was right and I hated myself.