Taking one of our jugs of water, I tiptoed back into the depths of the cave to rinse of the so-called "food". Stripping down to my boxers, I poured the water on my bare skin, immediately causing goose bumps to spring up.
"Hey sweetheart," I suddenly heard a voice say dripping with honey. I sensed a trap. Grabbing my clothes to cover up in, I turned to see the most beautiful goddess of Olympus staring at me with amusement.
"Aphrodite?" I asked, cheeks flushing with color. "What are you doing here?" trying to be casual.
"Just checking in on you, darling," she replied sweetly. "Wanted to make sure you were fully enjoying my gift."
"What gift?" I asked, wary.
"Why the gift of Annabeth, of course," Aphrodite, examining her nails with distaste. "Her life." Aphrodite snapped her fingers and a bored looking manicurist appeared on the spot. "French with an oval shape," Aphrodite instructed. "Ooo and maybe some glitter." The manicurist rolled her eyes and began to work. Aphrodite turned her doe eyes on me once again and winked.
"Oh, that," I responded uncomfortably. I wasn't sure how to approach this subject. Why was she even here?
"So, where's my payment?" she asked with a sugary tone.
"What payment?" I asked, goose bumps becoming more pronounced as I stood there shivering, half-naked.
"Oh darling, you look freezing," Aphrodite noticed. "You can put those clothes back on. No need to be prude. Believe me, I've seen men more handsome than you. I doubt you're anything special." I rolled my eyes, slightly offended but refused to change.
"So whats this about payment?" I asked, gritting my teeth.
"Did I forget to tell you about payment?" Aphrodite asked, faking concern.
"What do you think?" I asked tersely.
"No need to be rude, honey," she said, offended. "I'll just tell you now, then. You must confess your true feelings concerning Athena's girl. And when I see that, I mean you need to confess them to her."
I don't know what expression flitted across my face at that moment but it must have been something between horrified and queasy. "You can't do that!" I spluttered.
"Yes I can," she said with a giggle. "I am a goddess, duh."
"I know you can," I explained. "But you shouldn't. That was never part of our agreement!"
"Fine," Aphrodite sniffed, waving her drying hands as her manicurist disappeared. "I'll just take back the girls life. Sure Athena will be displeased but it's the rules."
"No!" I shouted frantically. Aphrodite paused and smiled, dimples forming on her cheeks. A tinkling laugh ran through the cave.
"No need for yelling, my sweet," she exclaimed with a chuckle.
"Percy? Is there someone back there?" Annabeth's voice floated back.
"No!" I yelled back with a strained voice. No response bounced back and I sighed.
"Here's your choice," Aphrodite said, walking closer to me. So close I could probably get high off her highly scented perfume. "Either Blondie dies or you tell her you love her."
"I don't know what to say to her," I whispered after a moments pause. Aphrodite's grin grew larger, as if it was possible.
"All your relationship needs is a little anger to spruce things up," she said, tapping her head as if she was thinking. "Like a fight, that always gets me going. I say stiff I regret all the time that way."
