Charmed by Apollo

7. Geri

They materialized at what Geri assumed to be Cenote Santa Cruz in Mexico, where the sky was bathed in the late afternoon’s soft hues. The gentle rustle of leaves filled the air, and the water cast mesmerizing reflections on the surrounding rocks. The fading light of the evening cast a melancholic hue over the tranquil scene.

Her gaze scanned the area before settling on Apollo. Her keen eyes immediately caught sight of the blood seeping from a wound on his shoulder. Her breath hitched as she hurried to his side, her heart racing with concern.

“You’re bleeding,” she exclaimed as she reached out to inspect the wound.

He winced as her fingers brushed against the torn flesh, his expression tight with discomfort. “It’s nothing,” he assured her. “It was worse when that decrepit old vamp had his fangs in my neck.”

Her brows furrowed with worry as she examined the wound more closely. “It looks deep,” she remarked. “We need to tend to it before it gets worse.”

“I fixed it just enough to stop myself from bleeding out and then you.”

“Oh.” She ran her hands down herself where she was sure Uriel had managed to sink his claws and fangs into her—her neck, her shoulder—and realized the skin there was red and raw, but not bleeding. He must have given her enough strength to close the wounds, and now her shifter abilities were kicking in.

“I just…didn’t have enough time or strength left to fully heal either of us because I needed to get us out of there.”

She could see the fatigue in his eyes and wondered if he had enough strength to fully heal himself. “Where else were you bitten?” she asked, worried.

“A-a couple of spots. I-I just need a minute.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Wait.”

She took a step back, giving him the time he needed. She watched him as he closed his eyes in concentration, his hands hovering over the wounds. A faint glow emanated from his palms, and then the injuries gradually faded away under his touch.

With each passing moment, the weight on her shoulders lifted as the wounds gradually faded away. The intensity of the moment left her breathless, her heart swelling with gratitude for his unwavering strength.

Once fully healed, he opened his eyes, his gaze locking with hers. “There,” he whispered. “All better.”

“Good,” she replied, relief washing over her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced him tightly, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “I’m so sorry. I never imagined you would be in danger because of my stupid quest.”

“Hey, it’s not your fault,” he said softly, his arms wrapping around her. “I chose to stand by your side, no matter what.”

She looked up at him, and her throat tightened with emotion at his unwavering support, her heart aching with gratitude for his steadfast presence. She’d treated him so badly last night when he wouldn’t sleep with her without knowing how things stood between them. She’d treated him terribly, and he almost died. “You shouldn’t have to suffer because of my choices.”

“We all have our paths to walk.” He offered her a small, understanding smile. “And sometimes, that means facing dangers we never anticipated. But, like I said, I’m going to see this through and protect you.”

With a choked sob, she buried her face into his chest, not able to hold back the overwhelming flood of emotion any longer.

He pulled her close against his steady heartbeat as he held her with a gentle tenderness. “It’s okay, Geri,” he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm against her pain. “Let it out. I’m here for you.”

She clung to him, her tears dampening the fabric of his shirt, as she released the pent-up anguish and sorrow that had been weighing heavily on her heart.

“I feel like a broken record,” she admitted, her gaze fixed on the shimmering waters before them. “Every time I set out on this quest, I’m determined, I’m driven…but then something happens, and it all falls apart.”

“It’s not easy,” he replied softly. “But sometimes, the hardest journeys are the ones that shape us the most.”

She nodded, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her burden. “I just…I don’t want to let anyone down,” she confessed. “Especially not you.”

Apollo reached out, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. “You could never disappoint me, Geri,” he assured her. “You’re strong, you’re resilient…and you’re not alone in this. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

Geri felt a glimmer of hope stir within her, the warmth of Apollo’s words seeping into her weary soul. With a grateful smile, she leaned into his touch, finding comfort in the quiet strength of his presence.

He chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with amusement as he teased, “Well, now that you’re calm, I suppose you should probably get dressed.”

She grinned. “Right, wouldn’t want to shock any unsuspecting bystanders,” she quipped, the laughter a welcome respite from the heaviness of their emotions. “Guess I’ll need some help with that,” she admitted, shooting Apollo a sheepish grin.

In the blink of an eye, she was dressed in shorts and a tank top. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. After all, it’s the least I could do since you saved me from being that senile old vampire’s breakfast. If you hadn’t shifted, I would have suffered greatly. And I’m feeling much better now.”

Geri smirked, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “Good to hear,” she said. “Now, let’s get back to business.”

She realized that she was still standing close to him, and she took a step back, trying to regain her composure. Clearing her throat, she quickly changed the subject. “What did Dr. Rodrigo say again?” she asked.

“He said we need to swim in the cenote,” he explained. “Once we feel Yumil’s power, we’ll know which way to go to get to the right cave.”

They submerged themselves in the cool waters of the Cenote Santa Cruz, the evening light filtering through the trees above cast a soft, ethereal glow over the cavernous surroundings. The crystal clear and inviting water offered a sense of weightlessness and tranquility, and she found it surprisingly refreshing as they waded into the water, a welcome relief in the warm evening air.

Her senses heightened as she adjusted to the underwater world, her movements fluid and graceful. She could feel the gentle currents caressing her skin, and the faint echoes of distant sounds resonated through the cavern, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Beside her, Apollo moved with effortless grace, his powerful strokes guiding them deeper into the cenote system. They swam through the cavernous passages of the cenote, and the water grew darker, the shadows of the rocky formations looming overhead like silent sentinels guarding the secrets of the underwater world. The walls of the cavern were slick with moisture, adorned with intricate patterns carved by the passage of time.

Apollo summoned his magic to light their path. With a flick of his wrist, tiny orbs of ethereal light materialized around them, casting a soft, iridescent glow in the dark waters. The orbs danced and shimmered, illuminating the cavern walls with hues of azure and aquamarine.

Each orb pulsed with a gentle energy, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the submerged rock formations. The water around them sparkled as if studded with a thousand tiny diamonds, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting mystical ambiance.

As they ventured deeper, the water seemed to take on a life of its own, swirling and eddying around them in a hypnotic dance. The echoes of their movements reverberated through the cavern, creating an eerie symphony of sound that echoed off the walls.

Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over her, a tingling energy that prickled her skin and sent a shuddering sensation down her spine. She glanced at Apollo, whose expression mirrored her own sense of unease.

“I felt it too,” he said.

With a renewed sense of purpose, they pressed on, their strokes becoming more determined as they followed the currents deeper into the heart of the cavern. The powerful priestess’s energy drew them, and they found themselves before a seemingly solid wall within the cavern. Without hesitation, Apollo grasped Geri’s hand and led her forward, his determination unwavering as they passed through the barrier as if it were mere mist.

Entering the cavern beyond, a scene of solemn reverence met them. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and chanting reverberated off the cavern walls, creating a mystical atmosphere.

They watched in silent awe as a group of followers dressed in ceremonial attire knelt before an altar adorned with offerings. The flickering light of torches cast dancing shadows across the cavern floor as the followers made their solemn sacrifice, their voices raised in devotion to their deity, the Maize God.

At the heart of the cavern stood an altar dedicated to the Maize God, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the cycle of life and the bounty of the harvest. The altar itself was carved from ancient stone, weathered by centuries of reverence and worship.

Upon the altar lay offerings to the Maize God, including freshly harvested corn, ripe fruits, and fragrant flowers, arranged in ornate patterns as a symbol of gratitude and supplication.

The followers knelt before the altar while they prepared to make a sacrifice, offering a prized animal—a goat adorned with ceremonial markings—as a symbol of their commitment and faith.

“Where…oh my Gods.” Geri took in a sharp breath, and goose pimples broke out all over her bare arms.

At the center of the altar stood Yumil, a figure of quiet authority as she watched over the proceedings with a calm expression. Her presence seemed to fill the cavern, her aura radiating power and wisdom as she presided over the sacred ritual.

Her features were both striking and serene, her skin bronzed by the sun and her hair cascading in dark waves around her shoulders. Adorned in flowing robes of earthy hues embellished with intricate patterns reminiscent of the cornfields in harvest, she exuded an aura of wisdom and ancient power.

Yumil’s eyes, deep and soulful, held the wisdom of ages past, and her gaze seemed to pierce through the veil of reality, glimpsing the mysteries of the divine.

And she was staring right at Geri.

“You,” she said, her voice deep and resonant. “Una licántropa. What do you want?”

“I…” She swallowed under the gaze of the priestess. Everything around her seemed to disappear—the cave, the worshippers, even Apollo. “My grandmother died a few days ago. Taken from us much too soon. I need to know, Lady Yumil…can you bring her back?”

All the air seemingly squeezed out of Geri’s body as she waited for the priestess’s answer, and the silence around her built a painful pressure in her ear.

“Yes,” she answered.

Tears built at the corner of her eyes. “Oh, please. Please bring her back.” She fell to her knees. “I just want Grannie back, like she never died.”

“I can do that for you, licántropa. But my power has a price, and you must be willing to pay it.”

“Anything,” she whispered. “Whatever you want.”

The priestess’s face remained calm and peaceful. “If you want a life, I must have a life back.”

“A l-life?”

“An equal sacrifice.” A heartbeat passed. “A human sacrifice.”

Geri’s blood froze in her veins. “What? But how?”

The priestess’s eyes flashed. “You know what I need and what you need to do. Once the deed is done, Mary Andersen will return to you whole, just as if she had never died.”

“But—no!” Geri screamed as a bright light blinded her vision. She heard Apollo shout her name, but when she reached out beside her, all she got was air.

“Apollo!” She staggered back, raising her hands to her face and then…

Nothing.

She lowered her arms to her sides, then blinked her eyes open. She was once again standing inside the cave.

“G-Geri?” Apollo’s hand darted out to grab her shoulder, steadying her. “What happened?”

“I…you were there the entire time, right?”

“Yeah.” He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. “Are you okay?”

She pressed her cheek to his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and inhaling his delicious scent, which now soothed her. “You heard everything, right?”

He stiffened. “Yes, I did.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Yumil’s price…”

“Terrible,” he said. “Don’t think about it now. You’re still shaking.”

A shiver ran through her. “Cold…cold…”

He kissed the top of her head. “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes and somewhere warm.”

Under the cloak of night, the Akumal beach lay bathed in the soft glow of starlight, casting a placid and mystical aura over the landscape. Geri stood on the balcony, her gaze drawn upward to the vast expanse of the nighttime sky, where countless stars twinkled like distant beacons.

The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing background melody as she contemplated the events of the day. Thoughts of their encounter with Yumil lingered in her mind, and the weight of the demand for a human sacrifice weighed heavily on her heart.

Looking out over the tranquil scene before her, she felt a sense of solitude and reflection wash over her. The beauty of the night sky offered a moment of solace amidst the turmoil of their quest, reminding her of the vastness of the universe and her place within it.

Lost in the stillness of the night, she took a deep breath. She knew that she must press on, no matter the challenges ahead.

The weight of their quest bore down on her shoulders, and each thought was heavy with uncertainty and doubt. The notion of finding a human sacrifice felt like an insurmountable hurdle, a daunting task that tested the limits of her resolve. Turning away from the expanse of the night sky, Geri leaned against the balcony railing, her gaze drifting out towards the darkened beach below. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves seemed to echo the tumultuous thoughts swirling in her mind.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Geri whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of the night breeze. “Finding a human sacrifice…it’s too much.”

But then, as if in response to her doubts, a flicker of determination ignited within her. She clenched her fists, the resolve in her heart burning brighter than ever before. “But I have to try,” she said aloud.

She felt Apollo’s presence behind her, and her heart skipped a beat, the warmth of his body encircling her in a comforting embrace. She leaned back into his arms, finding relief in him. “Do you like the view?” he asked softly as they gazed out at the star-studded sky above the Akumal beach.

She nodded, her eyes scanning the expanse of darkness punctuated by twinkling stars. “It’s breathtaking,” she admitted before looking up at him. “But how did you book this hotel? I didn’t see you with a cellphone to make a reservation or get on the internet. How are we paying for this?”

“First of all, I’m a god,” he reminded her.

“So, you stole this room? You didn’t pay for it?”

“What? No! I have a credit card. But, it’s a magic card, kind of. Works like the real thing and the hotel will get paid. And as for the reservations itself, let’s just say I have a little help from a magical electronic assistant.”

“A magical electronic assistant?” she echoed, her curiosity piqued. “Don’t those two things contradict each other?”

“You would think,” he said. “But, in a way, technology is a kind of magic in itself. And this particular assistant was engineered by none other than Hephaestus himself,” he explained. “I used my magic for such tasks in the past. Then, with the advent of the internet, things became easier. But now, this assistant works as an extension of my magic. It can handle all the mundane tasks I require, so I don’t have to be there.”

“Who’s Hephaestus?”

“He’s one of the Olympian gods, and he’s…well, he’s a bit of a jack-of-all-trades,” he replied with a chuckle. “He’s known as the god of blacksmiths, but he’s also quite skilled in engineering and all sorts of science-y things.”

Geri’s brows furrowed slightly in contemplation. “So, he’s like a divine inventor?” she ventured, trying to grasp the concept.

“Exactly,” he confirmed. “He’s known for his ingenuity and creativity, often crafting ingenious contraptions and inventions that even the other gods marvel at.”

“That’s incredible.”

“Yeah, he’s great. I was skeptical at first, but then the assistant has been pretty handy.”

Geri nodded, taking in the information. The more she learned about his world, the more fascinated she became. She couldn’t help but admire his knowledge and the way he navigated the complexities of his divine existence with ease.

She felt a surge of emotion wash over her, and without thinking, she turned to him and hugged him, grateful for his presence and comfort. For a moment, they simply stood there, lost in the quiet intimacy of the night. Her heart swelled with affection for him, and she felt more connected to him than ever before. She looked up at him with a soft smile, her heart full.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He met her gaze with warmth in his eyes. “I’m always here for you, Geri.”

The night breeze gently tousled her hair as she gazed up at him. There was something about how he looked at her; his eyes were filled with warmth and understanding, making her heart flutter.

As she took in his familiar features, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon above, she felt a wave of realization wash over her. Despite her best efforts to push her feelings aside, she couldn’t deny her growing attraction for him. With each passing moment in his presence, she found herself drawn to him in ways she couldn’t fully comprehend. It wasn’t just his charm that captivated her—it was something deeper, something she couldn’t quite put into words. Despite the challenges they had faced together, he had never faltered in his support for her. And even though she had treated him poorly last night, he still stayed by her side.

She realized just how much Apollo meant to her. He wasn’t just a friend or a fuck buddy—he was someone she trusted implicitly, someone she could rely on no matter what.

As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, Geri suddenly realized she didn’t want to stop her feelings for Apollo. Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, she couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him, the undeniable connection that seemed to bind them.

“What?” he asked, smirking at her.

She leaned in closer. “Can I kiss you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The air between them crackled with tension as her request hung in the air between them.

Apollo’s smirk faltered slightly, his gaze meeting hers. “Oh? Are you sure about that?”

He shook his head. She would have thought he was serious if it hadn’t been for the tugging at the corner of his mouth and the look of mock horror crossing his features.

“Yes, I’m sure. Why, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t think we should kiss,” he teased, “that would be wrong. Definitely not something we’d enjoy.”

“We’ll have to see about that.” Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she tugged him closer. She felt him try to resist, but Geri pulled him until their lips were mere inches apart.

“I think you forget that I’m a wolf,” she murmured, her breath ghosting over his skin, “and strong.”

Apollo’s eyes widened in mock surprise, a hint of challenge glinting in their depths. “Yeah?” he responded, his voice low and husky. “I might need a reminder then.”

The tension between them only served to heighten the crackling in the air, both of them fully aware of the electric chemistry that sparked between them. She tightened her arms around his neck until her lips were tantalizingly close to his. The promise of something more hung between them, waiting to be unleashed.

They hadn’t even kissed yet, and she felt her heart racing and her breath came in shallow bursts. “You haven’t said yes that I can kiss you,” she whispered. He was still smirking, and she wanted to wipe it off his face.

“You don’t need to ask. Just take what you want.”

She went onto her toes, and the second their lips met, she felt an inferno burst within her, and she moaned into their kiss. It felt good to surrender and give in to him. She had been fighting her feelings for so long and could finally enjoy it. Enjoy him.

But then he pulled back. “I don’t think that was good enough. I still need a little bit more convincing.”

“Ugh, shut up,” she said before pressing her lips to his again. This time, she eased right into it and slid her tongue over his lower lip and right into his mouth like she was meant to be there.

He slid his tongue against hers in an almost teasing way that went straight to her head. His hands found her hips and jerked her toward him, closing what little distance was between them.

She needed him, needed him closer, needed more. She threaded her fingers through his hair, tilting his head to get better access. She kissed him like he was the best thing she had ever tasted, and she could never get enough.

He groaned and grasped her ass to lift her, and she immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. “What do you want, Geri?” he said against her lips.

“You,” she said, looking into his eyes. She felt like she was lost in the deep blue that reminded her of the ocean.

“And? You remember what I said the last time? Back in Bran?”

“I do want you.” A flicker of emotion crossed his face, and she knew she had to be straight with him. “But I also want more. More than just your body.”

The smile on his face didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Don’t you believe me? I swear this time?—”

“I do, I do,” he said quickly, his brow furrowing. “It’s just…that night in Bran when we almost had sex, I said some pretty hurtful things to you, too, and I’m sorry…I’m just fucked up when it comes to things like this.”

“Fucked up? How?”

“Well, I have this reputation, see, for chasing women. Most people think I’m just a pretty face who will sleep with anyone.”

“You’re not,” she assured him. “You’re smart and kind and wonderful.”

“Yeah…I need to tell you why I lashed out before this goes any further…” He cleared his throat. “There was this woman. Daphne.”

Geri ignored the stab of jealousy in her chest. “Go on.”

“She was a nymph.…”

And so, Geri listened to the entire story, her emotions like a rollercoaster as he told her what happened, including how Eros had messed him up with his arrows.

“And so, you see, I just thought, I’d let them think what they want anyway, there was nothing I could do about it.”

Geri harrumphed. “Yeah? Well, fuck those people.”

He chuckled. “Really?”

“Yeah. If they don’t know how you really are—that you’re generous and brave and kind, then they don’t deserve to know you. But, thank you for sharing this, and I’m sorry I treated you like a piece of meat.”

“That means a lot. Thank you.” This time, he smiled a real smile that made his eyes crinkle at the edges. It went straight through her, and she knew she would be happy to see him smile like that for the rest of her life.

She traced a finger along his cheek and then his lips. He was so beautiful he took her breath away. “So, do you need more convincing that I want you—for yourself and not just your body?”

“No,” he said before quickly turning into the room and laying on the bed on top of her.

It happened so quickly that all she could do was giggle at the suddenness of it all. Then she welcomed the feel of him against her. He nuzzled her neck and took a deep breath, seeming to take her in.

She hooked her ankles and reached to cup his neck, then moved so her body ended on top of his. He laughed as she straddled him, but then he looked at her astride him, and his gaze turned molten.

“Hmm,” she murmured, running her fingers up his body. She hooked her fingers into the collar of his shirt and ripped the fabric before pulling it away. “There, that’s better.”

Her gaze flowed over his body. “This is so unfair. You’re literally a Greek god.” Her eyes flicked to his, and they shared a laugh.

“So, is it as they described?” he asked, adjusting to pull their hips together.

She could feel his hard-on and started to rock along his length. “Yes,” she said and felt an exquisite warmth pool between her legs. She ran her fingers over his arms and noticed a scar. “Wait, this is the bite from Uriel?”

“Yeah, I wanted a reminder that you care.”

“Hmm,” she said before leaning over to kiss it. When she heard him gasp, she nipped the scar and pressed her tongue against it before kissing and nibbling her way up his arm, and with each kiss, his muscles trembled under her. He smelled so good that she felt kind of lightheaded as she sat up and looked down at him.

He looked at her and then snapped his fingers. She was dressed in white lingerie.

“Aren’t you supposed to get me naked,” she complained, but she tried to keep from smiling. “And not in this contraption.”

“No. I’ve daydreamed about what you’d look like in that, and I’m not letting this chance pass,” he said, his hands exploring the lace.

“Fine,” she grumbled and started to lean down. But then he moved until they were on their sides facing each other.

He kissed her, a soft brush of his lips against hers. Oh, the way he tastes…It zipped through her, and she cursed herself for keeping herself from him. From then on, she promised to take every chance she got to kiss him.

And then his hand caught one wrist and the other before guiding them over her head. She gave him a questioning look and was answered with one of his devilish grins. Before she could speak, he turned her around.

“Yup, your ass looks nice in lace.”

“Apollo,” she managed to cry indignantly, but she couldn’t deny how much he was turning her on.

He slapped her ass, and she gasped. Then she felt his hot breath against her neck; he nipped the sensitive skin and then kissed it. It felt so good that she squirmed against him.

He cursed against her neck, the sound vibrating through her. “How can you not see or feel how much you affect me?”

“I do,” she said breathlessly, trying to move out of his hold. She was breathing so hard she was practically panting. But she didn’t care. “You have the same effect on me.”

He held onto her firmly. “So, this is more than just sex, right?”

She shivered. “Yes.”

When he turned her around again, she saw his smile. It was small, but it said a lot. This time, when she leaned toward him, he let her kiss him. The kiss was soft and tender, and she sighed contentedly.

“You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you finally admit it,” he said and traced her chin with a finger.

“I’m done fighting this.”

His smile turned into a grin, and the kiss he gave her was slow and claiming. It felt like she was falling further under his spell and sank into the feeling. It was all that mattered. He mattered. And she could face anything with him by her side.

When he ended the kiss, she smiled and giggled when she saw the smile on his face. Giggled! They both had goofy smiles on their faces, and it was ridiculous but felt right at the same time.

“Now that that’s settled, what should we do now?” he asked, and then his gaze lowered to skate over her.

It felt like she could feel his gaze light a fiery trail down her body. “Uh, we could have really hot sex that makes us come so hard that we forget who we are.”

“Sure, that sounds like a plan,” he said while his hand moved down to her breasts and pinched a nipple through the lace. “Spread your legs.”

She immediately hooked her ankles together and pulled on his hold. “I don’t think so,” she said, giving him a small smile.

“And why not,” he said and nuzzled her neck.

“Mmm,” she squirmed and tried to press herself against him. “Just because.”

“I thought you wanted to come so hard that you’re going to forget your name,” he murmured against the curve of her breast.

“Well, you want me just as much,” she sighed as he pressed his face between her breasts. “It’s the only power I have over you.”

She watched him as he nibbled on the lace teddy and nipped her tummy. She moaned and jerked against him, and it was enough for him to slip his hand through her thighs, spreading them.

He gave her a victorious smile before he dipped down, humming with delight while he kissed her tummy and placed his knees between hers. He was still holding onto her hands and moved them to her stomach while he kneeled. She watched him greedily look her over, and a sigh escaped her lips when he slowly moved his hand up inside her thigh.

“So fucking hot,” he said, and his fingers finally reached her panties. “You’re soaked. Is this all for me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m pretty sure this is the most that you’ve said yes to me,” he said, smiling. “I could really get used to it.”

When she pursed her lips and sighed, his smile widened, and he then he pressed his thumb on her clit, and she moaned.

“I guess you’re not attached to these, so you won’t be mad if I do this,” he said while placing his finger in the hem of her panties. The silk easily ripped, and he flung it over his shoulder.

Another gasp slipped through her lips. She couldn’t believe how much she was reacting to everything he was doing to her.

He palmed her and pushed two fingers into her. It felt possessive like he was trying to claim her. “Does this feel good?” he asked, idly sliding his fingers in and out of her.

“Yes,” she gasped and tried to angle her hips to take him deeper. Her thighs started to shake. Gods, he’s just getting started.

In the next inward slide, he wedged a third finger into her, and she started to rock her hips, riding his fingers. He groaned and leaned over to kiss her. She bit his lip and kissed him back, trying to claim him just as possessively as he was doing to her.

Then his thumb pressed her clit, and all of a sudden, she felt an orgasm rush through her. The waves crashed through her, and he didn’t stop fingering her until the spasms subsided.

“Gods,” she mumbled and groaned when he pulled his fingers out of her. But then she felt his blunt head working into her, each little thrust eliciting a soft moan from her. The moment he filled her, he didn’t give her time to adjust before he wrapped his arms around her and dragged her onto his lap, kneeling under her.

“This is so deep,” she whispered, barely able to stop from moaning. The way he nibbled on her neck made her body arch into him. When she finally caught her breath, she wound her fingers into his hair to pull him back.

“What?” he asked when he noticed her staring at him.

“Did you use magic to make me come? That orgasm came out of nowhere.”

He laughed. “Yeah, I did.”

Damn him, he doesn’t even look sorry.“Is this the first time you did that?”

“Yes.”

She pulled his hair tighter. “Don’t use magic during sex. You’ve made me come without it before.”

“Nope, not agreeing to that,” he said, trying to kiss her, but she held him back. “Mixing sex and magic can be a lot of fun.”

“Then don’t use it to make me come.”

“Nope, same answer,” he said, laughing at her.

“Then don’t do it again tonight.”

“Fine,” he said, giving in, but he laughed at how she glared at him. “It still felt good, right? Don’t even try to deny it.”

“Hmph.”

He laughed at her again and started to thrust into her. “The sounds you were making were driving me crazy, and I wanted to hear your moans when you come. Those are always the best ones.”

The pleasure started to build again, spreading throughout her body. She sighed and shook her head at him but then kissed his smile.

He shrugged out of her hold and kissed her back. “Can we have sex now?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize we weren’t having sex since your cock is deep inside me.”

“It is, isn’t it,” he said smiling, then he gripped her hips, guiding her to meet his thrusts. “Let’s see if we can make you moan even louder.”

His lips skimmed the skin of her neck, the heat red-hot and branding. She thought she would probably still feel it even after that night. The feel of him and his kisses consumed her, taking over and making her toes curl. But she needed more and ground down on him, circling her hips so that her clit pressed against him. He placed his arms around the small of her back, pulling her closer, and continued to pump into her.

“Ah,” she moaned, her body coiling tighter and tighter with pleasure. There was no magic now, just the two of them and desire weaving a spell around them. She dug her fingers into his hair again and pressed herself even more against him as she came. Her moans grew louder as the pleasure poured over her. He held her tightly against him while she convulsed against him.

“Mmm, that was good,” she said, running her nose against his neck. His delicious smell, now mixed with sweat and sex, seeped into her senses. She pressed her tongue against his soft skin, and she felt the urge to bite him. A growl began to rumble in her chest, and she pressed her teeth under his ear.

“Geri,” he groaned, squeezing her ass.

She snapped out of the daze and took a breath before trailing kisses along his chin. “Now, it’s your turn,” she said against his lips.

The next moment, she was on her back, and Apollo started moving again, slowly thrusting into her. She held his face and kissed him, lazily moving her tongue against his, savoring him.

When he rested his forehead against hers, she opened her eyes and realized he was watching his body rolling over her, his cock slipping in and out of her, her legs spreading so she could take him deeper.

“Fuck, you feel so good,” he groaned and moved to wrap his arms around her waist, holding her close.

She arched her back. “How do you want to come?”

“Like this but with you fucking me.”

She took the cue and started to meet his thrusts. Somehow, the desire and pleasure surged even more between them. She wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to get even closer to him, deeper. Fuck, I’m going to come again.

She pressed her head against the bed, and he kissed her exposed neck. She moaned and grabbed at his arms while he pumped into her. “Apollo, I—” she managed before she started to come, and then all she could do was moan.

He held her hips to him, and every thrust from him made her orgasm coast higher. His lips found hers, and she sobbed into his mouth. Just at the point when she couldn’t take anymore, she felt him jerk into her, coming hard.

He slumped against her, his head resting on her shoulder. They were covered in sweat and trying to catch their breath. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his temple. “Still remember your name?”

“I did forget for a little bit,” he said, laughing against her neck. He raised his head and looked down at her. “That was the best sex I’ve ever had.”

“Really?” she asked, squeezing his back. “Even after all the practice you’ve had?”

“Yes,” he said and kissed her. “You always surprise me.”

She giggled. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

“Mmm. Let’s order room service.”

“And you’re going to have to magic some pajamas for me; I can’t sleep in this,” she said, pulling at the lingerie that was sticky with sweat.

“Who said you’re gonna be sleeping?” he said before kissing her again.