Aphrodite's Daughter

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

            I stood silent, just staring at Andreas. His news had yet to process in my mind. Vulcan nudged my hand, but nothing happened. I think I am going into shock. Three days was no time to become fully prepared to win a war!

            Andreas was calling my name trying to get me to do something. When I still didn’t move, He picked me up and carried me bridal style back to the mountain. Vulcan followed whimpering loudly. Half way back to the mountain everything snapped back into place. I began to sob and placed my hands over my eyes. This was all too much.

            The only comfort I found was being in Andreas’ arms. I cuddled closer as I cried. Digging myself deeper and deeper into despair, I slowly closed myself off from the real world. Fear ruled me and I began to shake. I realized we were finally inside when I heard the sound of feet running towards us.

“Andreas, what happened?” The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place who it belonged to.

“I told her about Zeus.” The same voice cursed loudly.

“You should have waited till she was ready!” His voice was now enraged and I flinched away.

“Poseidon, there was no right time. The sooner she found out the better. We only have three more days.” Andreas began to move again and I heard the ding of the elevator.

The ride up was painfully silent. I decided to look up at Andreas’ face. Our eyes met and a small smile formed on his lips. In return I stared blankly up at him. His smile fell and I knew he was losing hope too.

The doors to our floor opened and he carried to my room. Vulcan was still following dutifully behind us growling at anyone who got too close. I was still watching Andreas’ face as he carried me to my bed gently lying me down. Buring my face in to my pillows, I screamed. Andreas rubbed my back as all my frustration, anger, and fear rushed out of my body. All I was left with was exhaustion.

“Talk to my Isabella. I know you’re afraid to die, but there is still a chance we could win this. Eros so already completed the hard part, and you’re an excellent fighter. Besides, you will have a team with you that will be there to protect you.” I sat up and look Andreas right in the eyes.

“I’m not afraid to die. I’m afraid to fail. If I can’t kill Zeus then the entire human race will be enslaved. All of you will die for believing in me.” Andreas grabbed my face pulling me so that we were only inches apart. Our closeness was intoxicating and I desperately wanted to kiss him.

“I would gladly die for you Isabella Jones. Not because I believe you are only hope, but because I love you.” A tear rolled down my cheek and I closed the distance between us.

The kiss was primal. I was angry at the world for the cards I had been dealt. Taking control, I pulled Andreas underneath me and straddle him. He let out a loud moan as I began to grind against his body.

“Isabella, why are you doing this?” He voice was low and husky, sending shivers down my body.

“Well, I only have three more days to live and I want to regret nothing.” His face softened and he ran his fingers across my cheek.

“We could survive, you know.” I shrugged, not willing myself to hope. “I’ll make you a deal. If we survive, you have to marry me.”

I froze on top of him. Marriage, was he serious?

“W-what?”

“You heard me. You seem to have already given up hope, so I’m giving you something to hope for. I was going to wait till after this was over, but now seemed to be as good a time as any.” I was still sputtering like an idiot. That was the last thing I expected him to say.