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DoubleTrouble

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Warning:

Thefollowingmaterialcontainsgraphicsexualcontentmeantformaturereaders.Thisstoryhasbeen
ratedE–roticbyaminimumofthreeindependentreviewers.

Ellora’sCavePublishingoffersthreelevelsofRomantica™readingentertainment:S(S-ensuous),E
(Erotic),andX(X-treme).

S-ensuouslovescenesareexplicitandleavenothingtotheimagination.

E-roticlovescenesareexplicit,leavenothingtotheimagination,andarehighinvolumepertheoverall
wordcount.Inaddition,someE-ratedtitlesmightcontainfantasymaterialthatsomereadersfind
objectionable,suchasbondage,submission,samesexencounters,forcedseductions,andsoforth.E-rated
titlesarethemostgraphictitleswecarry;itiscommon,forinstance,foranauthortousewordssuchas

“fucking”,“cock”,“pussy”,andsuchwithintheirworkofliterature.

X-tremetitlesdifferfromE-ratedtitlesonlyinplotpremiseandstorylineexecution.UnlikeE-rated
titles,storiesdesignatedwiththeletterXtendtocontaincontroversialsubjectmatternotforthefaintof
heart.

DOUBLETROUBLE

AllysonJames

TrademarksAcknowledgement

Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademarkownersofthefollowingwordmarks
mentionedinthisworkoffiction:

IndianaJones:Lucasfilm,Ltd.

NationalGeographic:NationalGeographicSociety

DoubleTrouble

ChapterOne

ThelastshardofthevessellayinFiona’shand.

Fiona’ssexjar,theotherarcheologistssnickered.

Thepaintingontheterracottatwo-handledjardepictedtwobeautifulmenwithlong,veryerectcocks,one
oneithersideofavoluptuouswoman.

Theirpeniseshalfpenetratedthewomaninprofile,oneinfront,onebehind,inanimpossibleposition.
Thewomanhoveredbetweenthetwo,herheadthrownbackinecstasy,herlongblackhairtouchingthe
cockofthemanbehindher.

Theirnakedmalephysiqueswereinexcellentshape,theirfacesnearperfect,andeachofthemhadunruly
black,curlinghairthatendedjustbelowthenapesoftheirnecks.Thepaintingfollowedthesinuouscurve
ofthejarandthemen’smusculararmsnearlytouchedintheback.

Fionacouldstudythepaintingforhours,enjoyingtheartofthatlongdeadAthenianwhohadcaughtthe
threesomeintheireroticact.

TheancientAthenianshadnotbeenafraidofsex.NeitherwasFiona,butspendingherdaysinamuffled
officeordiggingthingsoutofthedirtunderthebroilingsundidn’tgivehermuchchancetohaveany.Her
lastboyfriendhaddepartedthreeyearsago,andnowtheonlytimeshegotonherhandsandkneeswitha
manwastohelphimbrushdustfromunearthedpottery.

Soshelookedatthevesselthatdatedto500B.C.E.andwishedshewerethewomaninthemiddle.She
wonderedifthepaintingdepictedamythorjusttheartist’sownfantasy.Maybesomedayherresearch
woulddiscoveritssecret.

Fionahadneededonepiece,brilliantredtippedwithblack,tocompletethejarshe’dbeenworkingonin
theAthenianAgoraforthepasttwosummers.

Today,almostasifbyaccident,thelastpiecehadnearlyleaptatherfromthespreadofpotsherdsinthe
collectionroom.Nowshehelditinherhand,theancientclaysmoothandcool.

Atlast.

AgraytabbythatenjoyedloungingaboutthesitechosethatmomenttorubFiona’slegs.Usedtoherby
now,Fionabarelyjumpedatthebrushoffuronherbareskin.

Shedabbedtheshardwiththepastetheyusedtogluepotstogether,andwithasatisfiedsmile,carefully
setthelastpieceintoplace.

Asuddenvibrationhummedthroughherbody.Sheheardaloudclick,andthelightswentout.

AllysonJames

Someoneoutsidethepotteryroomgroaned.“Generator’sgoneagain.Tohellwithit,I’mgoingtobed.”

Fionatookoutherpocketflashlightandmadeherwaytothedoor.Theofficeswereincompletedarkness,
butnoonepanicked—everyonewasusedtothetemperamentalgenerator.Mostlytheymutteredswear
wordsandleftthebuilding.

Fionalefttoo,thecatstayingbehindinthecomfortabledark.Fionaheadedbacktothedormandthetiny
privatebedroomawardedherbecauseshewasapostdoc,asmallstepupfromthegraduatestudentswho
bunkedfourtogetherinone-roomapartmentsspreadthroughoutthecity.

ShesighedasshecrossedthecompoundunderthemildAthensnight.Suchananticlimacticendtoaday
she’dlookedforwardtofortwoyears.She’dfinishedherjar,butnooneverymuchcaredexceptherself.

Thetruelifeofanarcheologist,shethoughtwithaninwardlaugh.NoIndianaJonesadventuresforme.

*****

Inthepotteryroom,unseenbyanyonebutthegraycatwhowatchedthejarwithintenseyelloweyes,the
blackandredvesselbegantorock.Awispofsmokerosefromthetop,thecrazedcracksofthepieced-
togethershardsvanishedandthepaintedfiguresbegantoglow…

*****

Fionawoketowhispers.

“Thinkshe’llbeasbeautifulwhensheopenshereyes?”Itwasamasculinevoice,deepandrichand
slightlyaccented.Greek.

“Haveyoueverseenhairthiscolor?Itislikethedepthsoffire.”Thesecondvoicewasjustasdeep,just
asrich,justassinfullysexy.

“Isitreal,doyouthink?”

“It’slikethefinestgossamerwovenbyAriadne.”Fionafeltfainttouchinherhairthenitwasgone.

“Whatlanguagearewespeaking?”thefirstmanasked.

“English.”

“Neverheardofit.”

“Itmustbeherlanguage,”thesecondmansaid.“Ofcoursewe’dunderstandit.

She’sobviouslyagreatsorceress.”Againthefainttouchinherhair.“Andabeautifulone.”

“Isawherfirst.”

“Thefuckyoudid.Wearrivedatthesametime.”

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Fionalaystill,wonderingwhatkindofdreamhadtakenoverhertiredbrain.Shefeltawarmweighton
eithersideofher,asthoughthemenhadstretchedoutonthenarrowbedwithher.Muskyandmasculine
scentswovethroughherhalf-asleepmind,soothingandcomforting.

Theirvoicesweresimilar,butshesensedadifference.Thefirstmansoundedamused,asthoughhefound
theworldperpetuallyfunny.Thesecondhadapoeticturn,richsyllablesslidingfromhistonguein
beautifulphrases.

“Iwonderwhereweare,”thefirstonesaid.“LastthingIrememberisthatbitchinthetemple,andthen—
nothing.”

“Itistoodark.Issheagoddess,doyouthink?”

“Herfingersaredirty.”

Fionafeltherhandbeingraisedandabrushofsomethingwarm—lips—acrossherfingertips.Shestirred,
thespacebetweenherlegsheating.

“Agoddesscangetherfingersdirtyifshewantsto,”thesecondmansaid,hisvoicedeepandwarm.

Whatamagnificentdream.

Fiona’seyelidsbegantoopen,andshefoughtwakingup.Stayasleep,enjoyit.

Wakingupwouldbringdullrealityrushingback.

Sure,spendinghersummersinAthensworkingintheancientruinswasexotic,butonlyuntilthelights
didn’tworkandtheplumbingbackedup,andapeanutbuttersandwichseemedlikefoodofthegods.

Fiona’seyelidswouldn’tcooperate.Theyslidopenandhereyestookinthedarknessoftheroom.

Exceptthedreamdidn’tgoaway.Twolarge,hard-bodiedmenlayfull-lengthoneithersideofher,each
proppedupononeelbow,eachwithblackhairrumpledtothenapesoftheirnecks.Twofacesofhard,
identicalhandsomenesshungoverhers,twopairsofglitteringdarkeyesfixedonher.

Twins,shethoughtdistractedly.

Bothmenwerestarknaked.Theylaylanguorouslyonherbedcovers,legsstretchedtoentwinewithhers,
sculptedpectoralsdustedwithblackhair,armsrawwithmuscle.

Theoneonherlefthadherhandinhisandwasbrushinghislipsoverherfingers.

Theoneonherrightlookedatherwithsuchintenseconcentrationthathisgazeseemedtoborestraight
throughherhead.

Sheopenedhermouthtoscreambutonlyastrangleddrysoundcameout.

“Shh,”saidtheoneholdingherhand,hisbreathticklingherskin.

Forsomereason,shewantedtoobeyhiminsteadoffightingherwayfreeandshoutingforhelp.

“Areyouasorceress?”theoneonherrightaskedsoftly.“Oragoddess?”

Fionagulped.“Neither.I’m…anarchaeologist.”

AllysonJames

Thetwomenexchangedaglance.“Ar-chaeo-lo-gist,”themanonherrightsaid,lipscarefully
pronouncingthesyllables.“AGreekword.Studierofthepast?”

“Yes.Iguessso.”Atthemoment,Fionawasnotsureexactlywhatshedid.“Whothehellareyou,and
whatareyoudoinginmyroom?”

Thetwomenlookedateachother,surprised.“Youfreedus,”saidtheoneonherright,hisintenselook
deepening.

“Weweredrawntoyou,”thefirstmansaid,hislipslingeringonherfingertips.

“Afterthespellbrokeandyoufreedus.Ofcoursewewanttothankyou.”

Thesecondman’ssmilechangedhisseriousdemeanor.“Wewillthankyouinwhateverwayyoulike.”He
laidhishandacrossherabdomenandeventhroughtheblankets,hislargepalmsoakedheatintoher.

“Wait.”Fionastruggledtositup.“Ifreedyou?Fromwhat?I’veneverseenyoubefore.Ihaven’tbeen
anywherebutthediginweeks.You’remistakingmeforsomeoneelse.”

“No,”thefirstonesaid.

Theystartedspeakingatthesametime,eachfinishingtheother’ssentences.“Weweretrapped—”

“Inoblivion—”

“Foreternity.”

“Itseemedlikeeternity.”

“Doyouknowhowboringoblivionis?”

“Especiallywithhim.”

Theyglaredateachother.“AtleastIknowmorethantwojokes,”theoneonherrightsaid.

“AtleastIdon’tsing.Zeusabove,butyourvoicewouldmakeaHydracringe.”

Fionawavedherhandstobreakin.“Oblivion?”

Theirbanterceased,smilesvanishing.“Itwasdark—”

“Andsodamncold.”

“Lonely.”

“Thedarkcouldeatyoursoul.”

Theystopped.

Fionahuggedherkneestoherchest,awaresheworeonlyathinnightshirtoverherratheramplecurves.
Thesadnessintheirvoicespulledather,butshehadtorememberthattwonakedstrangershadbroken
intoherroomandgottenintobedwithher,andwhatshereallyshoulddoisgetawayfromthemandrun
forsecurity.

Buttheyweresocompelling.Theirfeatureswerenearlyidenticalandyetnot.Themantoherlefthada
twinkleinhiseyesthattheoneonherrightdidnot,andhislipscreasedintoreadysmileswhilehis
brotherwasmoreserious.

DoubleTrouble

Butthemanonherrighthadsuchacompellinggazethatshefoundherselfswayingtowardhimwhenhe
spoke.

“Atleasttellmewhoyouare,”shesaidfaintly.

“Pollux,”saidthemanonherleftside.

“Castor,”saidthemanonherright.

“CastorandPollux?”Fionarepeated.“LiketheGreekdemigods?LiketheGeminiconstellation?”

Polluxnodded,hiseasysmilewide.“That’sus.”

SheshotaglanceatCastor,whoalsonodded.

“Goodlord,”shespluttered.“Yourmothernamedyouafteraconstellation?”

Theylookedpuzzled.“Theconstellationwasnamedforus,”Castorsaid.“OurmotherwasLeda.”

“Shehadapartialitytoswans,”Polluxgrinned.“Don’ttellherhusband.”

“Swans.”Fionadraggedinabreath.“YoumeanLedaandtheswan.LedaandZeus.”

“Yes,”Castorsaid.

So—they’retall,dark,handsomeandinsane.“LedawasthemotherofHelenofTroy,”

shesaidfaintly.

Theybothnodded.

“Oursister,”Polluxsaid.“Peoplecangetuptothestupidestthings.Anentirecivilizationdestroyed
becauseofacuckoldedhusband’spique.”

Fionaheldupbothhands.“Allright,juststop.Iwon’treportyouorcallthepoliceifyousimplyleavemy
roomandgetoutofthecompound.Really.Yougo,Idon’tsayaword,andyounevercomeback.”

Thetwomenlookedateachother.

“She’safraidofus,”Castorsaid,inatoneofsurprise.

“Butyoufreedus,”hisbrothersaid.“Youmusthaveknownwhenyoubrokethespellthatwe’ddevote
ourselvestoyou.NoonefearsCastorandPollux.We’rethedemigodsofgoodtimes.”

“Andduality,”Castorsaidsoftly.“Identical,yetcompletelydifferent.Thosebornunderourinfluence
haveagreatcapacityforart.”

“Anddiscourse,”Poladded.

“ForGreekdemigods,youspeakEnglishverywell,”Fionapointedout.

“Becauseitisyourlanguage,”Castorsaid.“Themagicthatbroughtusbackallowsustounderstandit.”

“Oh.Right.”

Polluxunfoldedhimselffromthebed.Theroomwasstilldark,themoonlightleakingthroughthethin
curtainsnotenoughtoilluminatethemcompletely,butshe9

AllysonJames

couldseethatPolluxwastall,welloversixfeet.Everymuscleonhistorsorippledinperfectharmony.

“Whatdoyouwantustodotoprovewe’rewhowesayweare?”heasked.

“Youcan’t,”shesaidatonce.

Castortookadvantageofhisbrother’sabsencetomoveclosertoher.Somethinglargeandfirmpressed
herthigh,asatinprodagainstherbareskin.Hiscock.ShecouldseeonlyPollux’suppertorsointhedark,
butknewthathewasjustasnakedandhiscockmustbejustaslarge.

Herheartbeatswiftly,thepartofherthatwasallwomanwakingupandtakingnotice.

Castorsmoothedalockofhairwithhisbroadfingers.“Whydoyounotbelieveus?”

Shouldyouarguewithcrazypeopleorjustgoalongwithwhattheysay?

Fionadraggedinabreath.“CastorandPollux—theGeminitwins—it’sallamyth,madeupthousandsof
yearsago.Bypeoplewithnoconceptofgenetics,bytheway,becauseifIrememberright,Castorand
Polluxhaddifferentfathers,andyoucan’thaveidenticaltwinswithdifferentfathers.Peoplethoughtthat
aboutwomenwithtwins—

thatthey’dcheatedontheirhusbands—because,likeIsaid,theydidn’tknowanythingaboutgenetics.”

Herwordsranoutashermouthdriedandbreathdesertedher.Sherealizedthatbothmenwerestaringat
herlikeshewastheonewhowascrazy.

“Thousandsofyears,”Polluxrepeated.

“Yes.”

Castorlookedtroubled.“Howmanythousands?”

“Idon’tknow.Troywaswhat,fiveorsixthousandyearsago?Youmusthavebeenbornabouttwentyor
soyearsbeforethat,right?”

Silencefell.Thenightwasquiet,theonlysoundsadistanthumofacarandthescuttleofclawsfromthe
micetheycouldnevergetridof.

WhenCastorspoke,hisvoicewassubdued.“Wedidnotknowthatmuchtimehadpassed.”

“Itwassocold,”Polluxrepeated.Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshisbroadchest,flexingmusclesthatany
othertimeFionawouldbethrilledtowatch.Andtouchandlick…

Fionafelttheirdistressandforsomereasonwantedtocomforthercrazynakedmen.“You’reallright
now,”shebegan.

Castorgaveherawarmlook.“Yes,becauseofyou.Ourstrongsorceresstobreakthespell.”

“Itwasstrongmagic,”Polluxadded.“IsensedthatevenasSelenamadethevesselandstartedtopullus
in.Wehavestrongmagicbutwecouldnotresist.Itboundusfast.”

DoubleTrouble

“Shelaughedatus,”hisbrotherfinished.“SaidthegreatCastorandPolluxwouldbenothingbutfaceson
ajar.”

Fiona’seyeswidened.“Jar?”

Shefinallyfoughtfreeofthecoversandscrambledtoherfeet.

“Iknowwhatthisisallabout.Theysentyou,didn’tthey?BobandJoanWhittington.They’vemadefunof
mysexjarfromdayone,butthey’reprettyannoyedIgotthathugewrite-upinArchaeologyTodayand
especiallyNationalGeographic.Theyscornpopularpublications,butatthesametime,theywerepissed

ashell.Theysentyou,didn’tthey?Asabigjoke.TheymusthavefoundoutIfinishedthevessel.”

Bothmenlookedblank.CastorandPollux—ifthatweretheirnames,whichshedoubted—exchangeda
puzzledglance.

Sheputherhandstoherhead,tuggingathertousledhair.“OhGod,ifthey’vedoneanythingtothejar…”

Shesnatchedapairofjeansfromachairandjammedherfeetinthedustysneakersshekeptbythedoor.
Withoutlookingbackatthetwomen,shegrabbedherflashlight,slammedoutofherroomandhastenedto
thepotteryroom.Thankfully,noonesawherandshewasabletodashintotheroomalone,shutthedoor
andturnonthelight.

Thegeneratormusthavebeenresetbecausetheelectriclampabovetheworktableglowedreadilywhen
sheturnedtheswitch.Thegraycat,whichhadcurleditselfintoaballunderneaththetable,raiseditshead
andblinkedather.

Thevesselsatwhereshe’dleftit.Exceptithadcompletelychanged.

Gonewerethecracksthatshowedwherethepieceshadbeenfittedtogether.Thepaintinglikewisehad
altered.Thetwoidenticalmen—CastorandPollux?—hadchangedposition.

Theywerenowstandingbacktoback,armsfoldedoverwell-muscledchests,cocksstillrampant.The
womanhaddisappearedcompletely,leavingablankspaceofredterracottabetweenthem.

AllysonJames

ChapterTwo

Caseasedhimselffromthebedandtoldhisinflatedcocktogodown.

Thesorceress,theirrescuer,wasbeautiful,herbodyallcurvesandvalleys,avoluptuousplaygroundfor
hishands.He’dfalleninstantlyinlovewithherround,sweetfaceandherfire-coloredhairlikewarm
silk.

He’dhopedthateasingherawakewouldresultinalongboutoflove-play.He’dwantedtoslideherthin
garmentfromherandexploreherbodywithgentlefingers.

He’dscentedherdesireasshemovedbetweenthem,awomanarousedevenunderherfearand
indignation.

Herangermadenosense.IfshehadreleasedthemfromthevesselandSelena’sspell,whydidsheseem
unhappytoseethem?

Butshehadn’tbeencompletelyunhappy.Hernippleshadpearledbehindhergarmentandherjuiceshad
runwarmlybetweenherlegs,hehadsensedit.

Polwantedhertoo.Hewasdarklyerect,hiseyesfilledwithfrustratedneed.CasandPoloftenshared
women—forsomereasonwomenlikedbeingpleasuredbytwomenwholookedjustalike.ButCasfelta
pullofpossessivenessforthered-hairedsorceressandwonderedifheandPolwouldhavearivalryfor
her.

“What’sthematterwithher?”Polasked.

“Sheisfrightened.”

“Whyshouldshebefrightenedofus?Agoodwine,agoodfuckandwe’rehappy.”

“Letusfollowher,”Cassuggested.“Iftherearethosewhowouldplaytricksonher,shewillneedour
protection.”

“I’mallforthat.Wheredidshego?”

“Notfar.Icanscenther.Weshouldmovewithoutbeingseen.”

Polagreed,andthetwinsinvokedtheirabilitytoslidebetweentheveryairitselftomovequicklyand
undetected.

Caswasrelievedtofindtheystillhadthisskill.Hedidn’tliketheideathatthey’dbeentrappedinthe
vesselforthousandsofyears.

Anythingcouldhavehappenedduringthattime—thegodsoverthrown,theirpowersstripped.Zeushad
onceoverthrownKronosandtheTitans,whatwastosaythatZeushimselfhadn’tsufferedadownfalland
thatCasandPolwouldbeindanger?

It’sallamyth,she’dsaid.Whatthatmeant,Casdidnotknow,butitdidnotsoundgood.

Theyfoundtheirsorceressinaroomcrammedwithshelvesandshelvesofdustypiecesofclayand
ceramics.Eachpiecehadalittlecardnexttoitwithwritingonit.A12

DoubleTrouble

worktablestoodinthemiddleoftheroomwithasingleglowinglampoverit,acatcalmlywashingits
faceunderneath.

TheworktablewaslikenothingCashadeverseen.Ithadaverysmoothsurface,butitwasnotmadeof
woodormarble.Slimmetalinstrumentswerelinedupcarefullyonatrayandafewoddlyshapedpieces
ofmetalstoodnearbyinpositionsofreadiness.

Theirsorceressstoodinfrontofthetable,staringopen-mouthedatthejarthatsatinprominentpositionon
thetable’ssurface.

Polsuckedinhisbreath.Caslikewisefeltatwingeofuneasiness.Itwastheamphora,theonethedemon
demigoddesshadmadetowreakherrevengeonthem.Itwaswhole,unbroken.

Casleanedforwardandtouchedit.

Alertedtotheirpresence,theirsorceressjumpedandswungaround,herbrowneyesround.“Whatdid
youdotoit?”

Casfrowned,notunderstanding.

Polrestedhishandonthetable,lookingtroubled.“Wheredidshego?”

Agoodquestion.IfCasandPolwerefree,thenSelenamightalsobefreeandalivetocontinueher
vengeance.

Cashadnodoubtthatthered-hairedsorceresswho’djustfreedthem—thearchaeologist—waspowerful,
butshe’dneedprotectionagainstSelena,ahalf-demondemigoddesswithatemper.

“Arearchaeologistsmorepowerfulsorceressesthanmost?”heasked.

Theirgoddesswasn’tlistening.“Whatareyoutryingtodo,makemealaughingstock?Iworkedsohard
onthis…”

Herwordscutoffatthesoundofthedooropeningbehindthem.CassignaledtoPol,andtheymade
themselvesunseen.Theirsorceress,ontheotherhand,whirledaroundandclappedherhandoverher
mouth,suppressingascream.

Thewomanwhocameinthedoorwasnowherenearasbeautifulastheirs.Shewasperhapstwicetheir
sorceress’sageandherskinwasweatheredbythesun.Shedressedinclothesthatbaredherarmsand
legs,andhergrayinghairwascroppedshort.

Thewomanstaredattheirsorceressthenbrokeintoalaugh.“Fiona,can’tyouleavethatthingalonefor

tenminutes?Nextthingweknowyou’llbesleepingwithit.”

Theirsorceress—Fiona,beautifulname—facedtheintruder.Shedartedaglancetoeithersideofherand
didn’tseeCasandPol,whichseemedtobothrelieveandworryher.

“Joan,”shesaidinabreathlessvoice.“YouknowI’dneverdeliberatelydoanythingtoharmyourwork
oryourhusband’s.Ever.Professionalrivalryisonethingbutsabotageiswrong.Iwouldneverdosucha
thing.”Hervoiceheldtears.

“Iagree,”thewomancalledJoansaid.“That’swhyIcamebacktofindyou.BobandIandDr.Wheelan
wentouttoatavernawhenthegeneratordied,andIthought13

AllysonJames

youmightliketojoinus.Thewineisn’tparticularlygoodatthisone,butafteracoupleofglassesyou
stopcaring.”

Fionastaredatthewomaninsurpriseandsuspicion.“That’stheonlyreasonyoucameback?”

“Yes,whyelse?”

“Nottotakepicturesoranything?”

Joanlookedbewildered.“Picturesofwhat?Areyoufeelingallright?You’vebeenworkingveryhard.
Exhaustionisn’thelpfulonadig.”

“Andyouhaven’ttouchedmyjar?”

Joangaveheranoddlook.“Noteveryoneintheworldisinterestedinyourpottery,Fiona.Ihavethe
bronzesIfound,youhaveyourjaro’hunkymen.Icallitsquare.”

Fionadeflated.“Oh.”

“Ichangedmymind.Youshouldn’tcomeoutwithus,youshouldgetsomesleep.

AskDr.Wheelanforafewdayssicktime.Youlookterrible.”

Shakingherheadandwithoutwaitingforanswer,thewomanJoanturnedandlefttheroom,clickingthe
doorclosedbehindher.

FionasaggedandCascaughtherinhisstrongarms.

Foraminute,heforgotaboutthevesselandthedemondemigoddessSelenaandthethousandsofyearsof
blanktime,andbaskedinthesoftarmfulFionamade.Herleggingsrubbednicelyagainsthisrisingcock,
andhercurvesfitsweetlyagainsthisbody.

Shestaredupathim,eyesstarkinherwhiteface.“Youknow,youreallycan’trunaroundthedignaked.”

“Noonewillseeus,”Casassuredher.

BeyondherPolliftedthevesselinhishands.“Thismightbeaproblem.”Hesighedandsetthejar
carefullydown.“Ornot.Keepthiswellforus,willyouFiona?Ifearwhatwouldhappenifitcameinto
thewronghands.Orshattered.”HeshotCasaworriedlook.

“Fiona’smagicwillprotectus.”Casslidhishandtothecurveofherwaist.

Herredlipsparted.“Remindmewhichofusiscrazyagain.”

Polrestedhishandslightlyonhiships.“TheJoan-womanisright.Youneedrest,sweetFiona.Thebest
thingtodoisreturntobed.”

Cas’pulsesped.“Bed,yes.Letustakecareofyou.”

“Icanrubyourfeet.”Polmovedtotheothersideofher,hisgrinwidening.“Caswillstartatyourhead,
andwewillmeetinthemiddle.”

Fionagaped,andCasfeltherbodytemperaturerise.Shewantedthem,heknewit.

ButshepushedherselfawayfromCasandglaredatthemboth.“Noyouwon’t.

Youwillleavemealone.Youwillgoaway,backwhereveryoucamefrom—Athens,the14

DoubleTrouble

constellations,toBobandJoan’sfriends—whatever.IwillgotobedbymyselfandwhenIwakeupinthe
morning,everythingwillbeallright.”

Hervoicewasbrittle,asthoughshewastryingtoconvinceherselfratherthanthem.

Pol’sgrindidn’tdiminish.“Wewillprotectyouasyousleep.”

Sheutteredalittlescream,fistsballed.“Fine.Dowhatyouwant.Goodnight.”

Sheswungaroundandbangedoutthedoor,slappingherhandagainstthewallasshewent.Thelight
abovethemsuddenlywentout.

PolandCaslookedateachotherinthedark.“Shehaspoweroverlight,”Polsaid.

“Hermagicisgreat.”

Fionasuddenlyappearedinthedoorway,herragereachingallthewayacrosstheroom.“Itisn’tmagic,
it’salightswitch.”Shestaredatthemamoment,thengaveherlittlescreamagainandhurriedaway.

CasandPolwentafterherforherprotection,butfirsttheypausedforabouttenminutestolearnthemagic
ofthislightswitch,whilethecatwatchedwithapparentglee.

*****

Fionadidnotgetherpeacefulnight’ssleepalone.Bythetimeshe’dflungoffherjeansandcrawledback

intobed,buryingherheadbeneaththecovers,thetwinsreturned.Sheremainedmotionlessunderthe
blankets,forsomereasonbelievingthey’ddisappearifshepaidnoattentiontothem.

Butthatwasimpossible,becausetheystartedplayingwiththelightswitch,flippingtheoverheadlightoff
andonandoffandonandoffand…Thentheystartedarguingaboutwhogottofliptheswitchnext.

Fionaflungoffthecoversandrosetoherkneesonthemattress.“Wouldyoupleaseleaveitalone!”

Thebrothersstaredather,stillabsolutelyandgorgeouslynaked.Intheglareofthelamp,shesawevery
inchofthem,broadshoulders,taperedwaists,tautthighs,assestomakeanywoman,evenadried-up
potteryspecialist,drool.

Theirblackandcurlinghairsweptbackfromtheirforeheadstothenapesofnecks.

Theirblackeyessmoldered,Pol’swithwickedhumor,Cas’withsomethingdeeperanddarker.

Theywerethespittingimageofthemenontheredandblackvessel,downtotheirverylargeand
beautifulcocks.

Buttheycouldn’tbe.Couldthey?

MaybeshehadgoneoutwithJoanandDr.Wheelan,drunktoomuchouzoandwasdreamingallthis.

Cassnappedthelightoffonelasttime.Hecametothebed,Polontheotherside.

“Fionaisright.Shemustsleep.”

AllysonJames

Heheldthecoversforherandtoldhertoliedown.Fionadid,tootirednowforarguingandworryingand
wondering.Gently,Casshookthecoversoutoverher,smoothingthem,hishandsoothingthroughthe
blankets.

HeandPolclimbedbackonthebedandlayoneithersideofherastheyhadbefore.

Theirbodieswarmedher,makingherrelaxagainstherwill.Pol’shandmovedtoherthighatthesame
timeCaspressedatkisstothelineofherhair.

“Rest,sweetFiona,”hebreathed.

“Wewillcareforyou,”Polmurmured.

Fiona’seyesclosedagainstherwill,andtohersurpriseshestartedtodriftofftosleep.

Casbegantohumatuneshe’dneverheardlowinhisthroat.Itseemedancientsomehow,notmusicofher
owncentury.

Poljoinedin,hisvoicelendingahauntingharmonytohisbrother’s.Undertheinfluenceofthismusicand
theirlighttouch,shefelldeeplyasleep.

Whensheawoke,CasandPolhadvanished,thesunwashighandJoanWhittingtonwasknockingonher
door.Fionadraggedonherjeansagainandopenedit.

“Dr.Wheelanislookingforyou,”Joansaid,lookingsmug.“Twomenhaveturnedup,sayingthey’re
friendsofyoursfromAthens.Youlittlevixen.Nowonderyou’vebeenlookingsotired.”

*****

Sureenough,CastorandPolluxwereoutintheAgora,bothtalkingavidlywithDr.

Wheelan.Atleast,thankGod,they’dfoundclothes.

Bothworejeansslunglowontheirhipsandthinsandalseasilyobtainableinthefleamarkets.Pol’st-
shirt,stretchedtightoverhischest,borethelogooftheAmericanSchoolofClassicalStudiesinAthens.
CashadwrappedawhiteandbluestripedGreekblanketoverhistorsolikeaserape.

Dr.WheelanwasinwhatFionarecognizedasfullarchaeological-fevermodeanddidn’tseemtonotice
whateithertwinwore.Everywomanonthedig,Fionasaw,madeexcusestowalkclosetowherethe
threemenstood.

“Ah,Fiona,”Dr.Wheelansaidwhenhecaughtsightofher.

Hewavedherover,lookinginnowaylikehewasabouttogiveherastern,fatherlylecture.“Ididn’t
knowyouhadfriendssofamiliarwiththeancientAgora.Theyhavesomanyideas,it’sjustamazing.Why
haven’tImetyouatconferencesorreadanyofyourpapers?”

“Papers?”Polaskedblankly.

“They’reamateurs,”Fionajumpedin.“Notassociatedwithanyuniversityorgroup.”

“Well,theycertainlyareknowledgeable.Whoseworkhaveyoustudied?”

DoubleTrouble

Casgavehimawarmsmile.“Somanypeople.Welivehere,yousee.Itishometous.”

Dr.Wheelantookthisatfacevalue.“StrangeIhaven’tseenyouanyotherseason.

I’vebeencomingherefortwentyyears.”

“Wedislikeinterfering,”Cassaid.

“CastorandPollux,”Dr.Wheelanchuckled.“Soamusing.”

“That’sus,”Polsaid.

Dr.Wheelanclaspedhishandandshookithard,aritualPollookeduponinsurprise.“Stayandlook
aroundasmuchasyoulike.Idon’thaveanyfundingtohireextrapeople,butknowledgeablevolunteers
arealwayswelcome.Fionawillshowyouwhattodo.Right,Fiona?”

“Ofcourse,”Fionasaidfaintly.

“Finetohavemetyou.Wemusttalkagain.NowIhavetogocalmdownanothergovernment
representative.MakesmewishIwasapostdocagainwithnothingtodobutscrabbleinthedirt.”

Stilltalking,hemovedofftofacetheunpleasantdutiesofadministration,leavingFionastandingbefore
thetwins’intensescrutiny.

“Whatwereyoutellinghim?”shedemanded.

Polgrinned.“Whereeverythingis.It’sbeenalongtime,butIrememberthisplace.”

Hegesturedtoadepressionwhereadoorwayhadonceexisted.“OvertherewasPraxos’wineshop,not
verygoodwinebutgoodcompany.Rememberthetimesomeoneaccusedhimofhavinganotherman’s
wife,andPraxosnearlydrownedhiminawinebarrel?Itwastrue—Praxoswashavingitoffwiththe
otherman’swifeandtheaccuser’swifeatthesametime.”Helaughedhard.

Cassmiledinmemoryandthenbothtrailedoff.

“Everything’sgone,”Polsaid,hisvoicesuddenlyquiet.“Nothingleftbutdustandbones.”

HiswordstuggedatFiona’sheart.Shewasn’tsureshebelievedthatCasandPolweredemigodsfrom
hervesselbroughtbacktolifeaftertwenty-fivehundredyears,buttheirsadnessinviewingtheAgora,the
ancientmarketplace,wasreal.

Sheknewwhatitwasliketoreturntoaplacethatcontainedfondmemoriesonlytofindthebuilding
abandonedortorndowntomakewayforamall.

Great,nowshewasfeelingsorryforhercrazymen.

“Thearchaeologistsarepreservingthepast,”sheexplained.“Weworktounderstandexactlyhow
everythingwasandtelleveryoneaboutitsoitwillneverbeentirelygone.Wemakesuretheworld
knowsandunderstandsthehistory.”

Thebrotherssurveyedtheruins,handsonhips.Cas’eyesweresomber.“Eventhearcheologists’magic
cannotrestorewhathasbeenlost.”

AllysonJames

“Istheentireworldinruins?”PollookedupatthecrumblingcolumnsoftheAcropolisstandingonitsflat
bluffhighabovethecity.“Withonlythearchaeologiststoliveinit?”

“Ofcoursenot,”Fionasaid.“Athensishugeandthriving,andthereareplentyoftownsinGreeceandits
islands.Nottomentiontherestoftheworld.”

“Dotheyhavewineshops?”Polasked.

Thesuddenhopeinhiseyesamusedher.“Plenty.”

PolexchangedaglancewithCas.“Good.”HestartedtostrideawayandCas,afterwinkingatFiona,
followed.

“Waitaminute,whereareyougoing?”

Casspunaround.“Tofindlife.ToseeAthensthrive.”

Alarmtrickledthroughher.SheimaginedCasandPolstrollingthroughAthens,smilingtheirdevastating
smilesandproclaimingtheyweredemigodstoeveryonetheymet.

Shetooktwostepsforward,mouthopentocallout.Thegraycatfromthepotteryroomtookthe
opportunitytotwineitselfaboutheranklesandthemundanefeelingbroughthertohersenses.

WhyshouldFionaworryaboutthem?They’dbrokenintoherroomandrefusedtoleave,andtheymust
havesabotagedherjar.

Thatwastheonlyexplanationshecouldthinkofforthechangeinthepainting.

They’dstolentherealjarandsubstitutedthisfake.Whytheyshoulddothis,shehadnoidea,andshe
reallydidn’thavetheenergyrightnowtopuzzleitout.

SowhyshouldshecareiftheywanderedaroundAthensbythemselvesinclothestheylikelystole?

Theylookedsogoodintheclothes,though.Shecockedherheadtostudythem.

Everyfemaleinrangewouldturnintheirtracksastheypassed,hopingforoneglancefromtheirmolten
eyes.Thewomenwouldfollowthetwinsaroundandeverymanintownwouldbeaftertheirblood.

Theirownfaultforbeingsosexy.Fionawatchedthemwalkaway,backsidescuppedlovinglyintight
jeans,bodiestall,curlinghairblue-blackunderthesun.Theywereoverfullofconfidenceandabouttogo
outandplayintraffic.

ShesuddenlycaughtsightofSwedisharcheologistHansJorgensenonhiswaytostarthisdailywork.
HanswastheonlymanonthesitewhocameclosetoCasandPolinsize.Tallandblondandingreat
physicalshape,hewastheofficialhunkofthedig.

Infact,aphotographerlastyearhadaskedhimtoposeforacalendarentitledTheHe-Menof
Archaeology.Hanshaddoneit,thinkingitagoodjoke.

ItsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatthejeansandshirtCasandPolwerenowwalkingawayinlooked
suspiciouslyliketheclothesHansnormallyfavored.

“Damn,”shemuttered.“I’mgoingtohatemyselfforthis,Ireallyam.”

DoubleTrouble

“Fiona?”Hansstoppedandstaredatherwithhisfineblueeyes.“Whatisthisyousay?”

Fionasnappedherattentiontohim.“Nothing.Justtalkingtomyself.”Sheshothimafeeblesmile,stepped
overthecatandscuttledoffafterCasandPol,whohadalreadyvanishedaroundthecornerintothecityof
Athens.

AllysonJames

ChapterThree

Casgazedaroundinastonishmentastheystrodethroughthecity.TheruinsoftheAgorahadsaddened
him,butthisnewAthenswasacacophonyofcolorandsoundthatsurpassedimagination.

Polwasjustasimpressed.“Holymothergoddess,”hesaid.

HereandthereCascaughtglimpsesofoldGreece,crumblingwallsofstoneandroped-offareas
containingaforlorncolumnortwo.TheAcropolisrearedabovethecity,crownedwiththetempleto
AthenathatPericleshaderectednotlongbeforeCasandPolhadbeentrappedinthepainting.

ButwhatCasmostlysawweremonolithsthatroseintotheskyinalldifferentshapes,sizesandcolors.
Andthevehicles—theymovedfasterthanthebest-madechariotpulledbytheswiftesthorses,andthere
weresomanyofthem.

Thevehiclesemittedastrange-smellingsmokeandsoundslouderthananythinghe’deverheard.Oncein
awhilethepeoplesittinginsidethemwouldwavetheirarmsorshoutswearwordsoutofthewindowsat
othervehicles,aritualthatseemedtobecommon.

Thestreetswoundnarrowlythroughthecity,sometimesfilledwithpeopleonfoot,sometimesdominated
bythewheeledvehicles.CasandPolflowedalongwiththefoottraffic,stoppingwhentheystoppedfor
thevehicles,movingwiththemwhentheymovedagain.

Casscrutinizedtheotherswithinterest.Themenandboyslookedthesameasmenandboysofcenturies
past,eitherwalkingpurposefullyorstrollingalonglookingintoshopwindowsandstoppingtotalkat
lengthtoothermen.

Thewomen,ontheotherhand,weremuchdifferent.IntheAthensofthepast,respectableladiesstayedat
homeandneverwentout.Thatdidn’tmeanCasandPolhadn’tfoundtheirwayinsideplentyoftimes,but
theonlywomenallowedonthestreetshadbeenslaves,veryelderlywomenandcourtesans.

Thesewomen,walkingwithheadshigh,woreeverythingfromtheblueleggingssimilartowhatthetwins
woretocolorfulbody-huggingdressesthatnicelyexposedlegsandarms.Hedidn’tthinkthescantily
dressedwomenwerecourtesans,becausetheylackedthepracticedcome-hitherlooksofprofessional
ladies.Thesewerenormalwivesanddaughtersenjoyingawalkinthemorningsun.

Allverystrange.ButCaswasademigodwho’dlivedforcenturies,andhe’dwitnessedchangesin
fashionandthewayinwhichmenandwomentreatedoneanother.Spartanwomen,forexample,hadbeen
verydifferentfromtheAthenians.

DoubleTrouble

Athleticandbeautiful,Spartanwomanhadbeenmoreorlessignoredbytheirmenandhadn’tmindeda
littleseductionbytheirfavoritedemigodtwins.

Fionawasdifferentfromthewomenofancienttimes,butshewasalsodifferentfromthewomenwho

walkedthesestreets.TheAthenianwomenhesawnowcarefullydressedtheirhairandhadeverypiece
ofclothinginplace.

Fiona’sshirthadbeenbuttonedwrong,hershortleggingshadbeenwornanddirtyatthehem,andshe’d
scrapedhermussedredhaircarelesslybackintoatail.Casfoundheradorable.WhenheandPolreturned
fromexploringthisnewAthens,hewouldputhisarmsaroundherandshowherjusthowadorablehe
thoughtshewas.

Turningacorner,CasandPolfoundthemselvesinaseaofmarketstallscrammedeverywhichwayalong
asquare,throngedwithmenandwomenfromtheyoungintightclothingtotheelderlyinblackshawls.

Thesuddenwallofcolorandsoundbroughtasmiletohisface.Thiswasmorelikeit.Herewasthe
worldoftheAgorabroughttolifewithallitssmellsandsounds—

smokefromroastingmeat,squawksofchickensandotherfowl,cracklingmusicandoff-beatsinging,
shoutsofmenandwomenhawkingtheirwares,thepungentodoroffruitandthegreenscentofvegetables.
Childrenranaboutscreaming,mothersshoutingafterthem.

Othernon-Greekpeopleweretheretoo,staringasavidlyasCasandPol.Aprettyyoungwomanherdeda
grouplikeashepherdess,sayinginaloudvoice,“ThefleamarketborderstheancientAthenianAgora,
whichhousednotonlyshopsandmarketsbutgovernmentandlawoffices,themintforcoiningmoney,and
theprison.”

Caslistenedwithinterestasshedescribedtheancientstoaorarcadedshopsthathadtradedolives,wine,
grainandoil,aswellasexotictreasuresfromthefar-flungPersianempireandEgypt.Thegroupshuffled
away,staringatthemodernfleamarket,whichalsoheldexotictreasuresinabundance.

Polhadmovedtoaboothsellingbaklava,apastrystickywithhoneyandgroundpistachios.Casaskedfor
oneandthepungentdrinkthestallownercalledcoffee.

Casfeltinthepocketsoftheleggingshe’dliberatedfromtheblondmanandfoundafewcoins,whichhe
passedtothestallowner.Itseemedtobeenough,becausethestallownersmiledandgavethemnocoins
inreturn.

CasandPolmovedthroughthemarket,chewingbaklava,lickingfingerscoatedwithhoney.Caswas
beginningtolikethistime,wheneveritwas.Theshoppersseemedrelaxedandhappy,thesunwashot,no
onewaspushedasidetomakewayforthearistocracyandthereseemedtobenoslaves.

Athens,ofcourse,hadalwaysbeentheleaderoftheworldandthismightbetheonlyoasisinahowling
wilderness.Timewouldtell.

Polsoonfoundatavernaandduckedinside,callingforwine.Theproprietorseemedsurprisedandnot
readytoopenandservethem,butPolspoketohimforatime,andheagreed.Polwasnotaboveusinghis
powersonpeopletomakethemdoasheliked.

AllysonJames

Asthetwinssettleddownwithabottlebetweenthem,othermendriftedintothetavernaandtookseats.
Polrequestedthebestwineforthemaswell.

Bytheendofthehour,thetavernahadfilled,theclienteleallnewfriendsofPolandCas.Oneman
broughtoutastringedinstrumentandsoontherewasmusicandclappingandsinging.

Theproprietorcarriedanotherbottleofwinetothetable.Nexttoithesetasmallslipofpaperwith
numbersonit.

Caslifteditthepaperbetweenhisfingers.“Whatisthis?”heaskedinGreek.

Theproprietorgrinned.“Itiswhatyouowe.”

Casfeltinhispocketsformorecoinsbutfoundnone.Polhadafewpapernotesthatmeantnothingto
eitherofthem.Theproprietortookthenotesbutsaidtheyneededmore.

“Wehavenomore,”Polsaid.“AreyousayingthatCastorandPollux,thesonsofZeus,havetopayfor
theirwine?”

Theproprietorlaughedloudly.“Dionysushimselfwouldhavetopay,myfriend.

Mywifedoestheaccounts.”

Theentireroomwentoffintohilarity.Polliftedhiscupinsalute.“TellDionysustocomethen.Hecan
pay.”

Casshookhishead.“Rememberhowangryhewaslasttimeyoudidthat?”

“True,”Polagreed.“Whatcanwegiveyou,goodman?Blessingsonyourwineandyourchildren?Each
willimprovetenfoldandyourtavernawillneverbeempty.”Poldrainedhiscuptocheersfromthe
crowd.

Theproprietorreachedfingerstothefolded-leatherpouchCashadpulledfromhispocketandpluckeda
thincardfromitsinterior.“Noproblem.Iwilltakethis.”

HedisappearedbehindhiscounterasCaspouredmorewine.Whentheproprietorreturned,hehanded
Casthecardandanotherslipofpaper,thengavehimastylus.

“Signhere.”

Casstudiedthestyluscuriously.Oneendwasblunt,badformarkinginwax,andthepointedendwastoo
round.Hepressedthepointedendontothepaper,butitmadenoindentation.Hefoundtohisamazement
thatwhenheliftedthestylusawayitleftbehindamark.

HeshowedPol,movingthestylusandmakinglines.Theproprietorstartedtolookworried.“Ineedyou
tosignthereceipt,”hesaid.

Caspickeduptheshinycardtheproprietorhadreturnedtohimandlookedatthelettersonit.Theywere
notGreek,butwhatevermagicFionahadusedtobringhimandPolbackfromoblivionallowedhimto

readit.

HepressedthestylustothepaperagainandcopiedHansJorgensen.

Thiswasevidentlythecorrectthingtodo,becausetheproprietorbeamedasmileathim,tooktheslipand
wentaway.

DoubleTrouble

TheAthensofthisdaywasobviouslyaprosperousplace,soprosperousthatthepeoplecouldgiveaway
theirwaresandwinesfreely.Allyouhadtodowasgivethesmooth,thincardtotheshopownersand
theyletyouhavewhateveryouwanted.Itwasastonishing.

PolandCasleftthetavernatoshoutsofthanksandfarewellsandmovedthroughthewinding,narrow
streets.Theywalkedalong,observingeverything,outtowiderstreetswithmoreoftherushingvehicles
onthem.

Astheyhesitatedonastreetcorner,wonderingwheretogonext,asmallwheeledconveyancepulledtoa
halt.“Taxi?”themaninsideasked.

Theystaredathim,wonderingwhathemeant.

“Yougentswanttogosomewhere?”themanwentoninGreek.“IknowthebesttavernainAthens.Ican
takeyouthere.”

PolgrinnedandclappedCasontheshoulder.“Excellent.Wewillseethistaverna,andifitistrulythe
best,wewillfetchFionaandgiveherwine.”

“Agoodplan,”Casagreed.

Themaninsidehadtogetoutandshowthemhowthemysteriousdoorsoperated.

OnceCasandPolhadstuffedthemselvesintothetinyseat,theirlonglegsfoldedwithkneeshigh,theman
hoppedbackinandtheconveyancespedthemawayatsickeningspeed.

Casheldupthethincard.“Ihavethis,”hesaid.

Thedrivergrinnedathiminamirrorhangingfromthewindow.“Goodforyou.

Myfriendatthetaverna,hewillgiveyouallyouneed.”

*****

ThedemigoddessSelena,spawnedfromthematingofagodandawilddemon,wokeonahardfloor.For
amoment,thedaylightstunnedherandthensherealized.

Iamoutsidethejar.Thespellisbroken.

Well,shit.

Shesatup,fuming.Thosetwodamnwalkingcocks,CasandPol,musthavetrickedher.Shewas
supposedtobewiththeminthatjarforeternity,havingsexontopofsex—she’dmadesuretheycouldn’t
escape.

Exceptallhadbeencolddarkness,notecstasy.Somuchtimeseemedtopassandyetnoneatall.

Selenagingerlyclimbedtoherfeet,touchingherheadthatpoundedwithahellofamigraine.Shetriedto
banishitandcouldn’t,whichpissedheroff.

Shewasahalf-demon,half-goddess,whycouldn’tshegetridofalittleheadache?

Andwhycouldn’tshefigureoutwherethehellshewas?

Shewasinabuilding,inaroomthatlookedunused.Emptyshelvesrestedagainstawall,woodenand
broken.Ashutterhadbeenlatchedoverasmallwindow.

AllysonJames

Selenaopenedtheshutterthenjumpedbackasastrangevehicleroaredpast,belchingfumes.

Whatdemonwasthis?Andcouldhehelpher?

Shecranedtolookoutofthewindow,butthestrange-smellingdemonhadgone.

Belowherwasalittlealleyfulloftrash.Shewrinkledhernoseandturnedtotrythedoorbehindher.It
waslocked.

Thatwouldn’tdo.Sherattledthedoorknobthenstoodbackandtriedtousehermagictoheatthelock
untilitmelted.

Awaveofweaknesshitherandthelockremainedintact.Damn.

Thespellmusthavedrainedhermorethanshe’dthought,orelseCasandPolhadfoundawaytocastrate
hermagic.

Bastards.Assoonasshefoundthem,she’dcastratethemintheliteralsense.Theyhadnobusinessbeing
sofuckinggorgeousandthendeigningtorefusewhensheinvitedthemtoscrewher.

Fuckingassholes.

Selenapoundedonthedoor.“Letmeoutofhere!”shescreamed.

Herlanguagesoundedstrangetoher.ItwasGreek,butdifferent,asthoughthewordsandtoneshadsubtly
changedwhileshewasstuckonthejarwiththesexybutelusivetwins.

Inafewmomentsakeyrattledinthelock,andamanstuckhisheadaroundthedoor.Hestoppedinshock
whenhesawher.

Selenasupposeditwouldgiveanyoneashock—findingavoluptuous,nakedwomanwithblackhair
snakingaroundherinalockedroommustbethehighlightofthisman’sday.

Hewasn’tbadlooking,either.Sherananassessinggazeoverhim—inhistwenties,blackhair,brown
eyes,tannedskin,well-honedbody.Sheputherhandsonherhipsandswayedtowardhim.

“Thankyou.IthoughtI’dbestuckinhereforever.”

“Uh…”themansaid.“Howdidyougetinhere?”

“Longstory.”Shehookedherfingersaroundtheman’sshirtandpulledhiminside,bangingthedoorshut.
“I’vebeeninoblivionforeverandit’smademereallyhorny.

Fuckme.”

Hisbrowneyeswidened.“What?”

“Isaidfuckme.Hasthemeaningofthewordchanged?”

“No,but—”

“Butwhat?IneedreleaseandIneeditnow.Sodoit.”

Shehadn’tlostallherpowers,shethoughtwithsatisfaction.Themanbeganhastilyundressing,alookof
astonishmentonhisfaceasthoughhewasn’tsurewhyhishandsrippedoffhisclothes.

DoubleTrouble

Shepulledhimdownontopofher.Whenhelayonherbody,alookofincrediblehungercameoverhim
andheplungedhiscockstraightinsideher.

Italwaystookthemafewminutes,buttheyinevitablywantedherintheend.Allexceptthosedamntwins,
sonsofZeus—arrogantbastards.

Shetookoutherangerontheman,makinghimtakeherinmanyways,becauseshewassohungry.She’d
fuckhimuntilhewasherslaveandthenhe’ddoanythingforher,evendie.

Whenshefinallylethimup,hewaswhimperinginexhaustion.

“Ineedclothes,”shesaid.“Iwanttowandertheworld.”

Shakingallover,themandrewonhisownclothesanddeparted.Sheknewhewouldn’tlockthedooror
runforhelpandhedidn’t.

Shewaiteduntilhereturnedwithadressandsomesandals,whichshestaredatindisbelief.“Youwant
metowearthese?”

“I’msorry,I—didn’tknowwhattoget.”

Hebowedhishead,waitingforhertostrikehim.Selenaputherhandonthebackofhisneckand
scratchedjustdeeplyenoughtodrawblood.

“Youcanmakeituptome,”shesaid,smilingsweetly.“Ineedyoutohelpmefindajar.”

Heblinked.“Jar?”

“Yes,twohandles,hadapictureoftwinsfuckingawomanwholookedjustlikeme.

Ineedtofindoutwhathappenedtoit.”

Themanlookedblankandsheslappedhimacrosstheface.“Butfirst,we’regoingtofindmesomedecent
clothes.”

Sheputonthedressthentookhimbytheearandmarchedhimoutthedoor.

Theunusedbackroomturnedouttobeattachedtoasmallapartmentwithafewtinychambersandasmall
kitchen.Apeasant,shethoughtindisgust.She’dchosenapeasanttointroducehertotheworldagain.Ah,
well,he’dbefineuntilshecouldfindsomethingbetter.

Themanledheroutintostreetsthathadchangedinsomewaysbutwerethesameinothers.Thevehicles
andclothesandbuildingsweredifferent,butthewaypeoplemovedabout,livingtheirlittleliveshadn’t
changed.Theydidn’tknowanything,poorfools.

Thepeasant—Selenadidn’tbotheraskingwhathisnamewasbecauseshedidn’tcare—ledheralongthe
streets.Peoplestaredastheywentby,andsheheldherheadhigh,knowingtheymustallrecognizethat
shewasademigoddess.Shewouldrestarthercultofworshipsoon.

Shecaughtsightofherreflectioninashopwindow.Thewindowsofthisparticularshop,ratherthan
displayingwares,hadblackcurtainscuttingofftheviewoftheinterior,eventhoughtheshopwasopen.

AllysonJames

Thereflectionshowedherself,breastsnearlyspillingoutofthetightdress,legslongandstrong,hersleek
blackhairflowingbacktotouchherass.Shesmiled,likingwhatshesaw.

Butshit,shehadtogetnewclothes.

“Whatisthisshop?”shedemanded.

Themanswallowed,facepale.“Anadultstore.”

“Aren’tallstoresforadults?”

“No,Imeanwheretheysell,um…”

Selenasolvedtheproblembystridingtothedoorandshovingitopen.“Ah,youmeansextoys.
Excellent.”

Shedraggedhiminside.Thereshefoundexactlytheclothesandshoessheneededandchangedintothem,
watchinginsatisfactionwhilethemanpaidthebill.Theblackleatherhuggedherlegsandpressedher
breastshigh.Theblackglovesfitperfectly,andthecrowningtouchwasthewhip.

Itwasanicelittlewhipwhichcouldbewoundtoasmallcoil,butsheknewthatitslashwouldsting.

Happyatlast,shedraggedherslaveoutofthestore,backtohishouse,andspenttherestoftheday
playingwiththewhipandtestingoutherbrandnewblack,spike-heeledshoes.

Next,she’dfindthejarandthetwinsandtakeoutherangeronthem,andthatwouldbethat.

*****

Bytwo-thirty,whenshopswerebeginningtoclosefortheafternoonsiesta,FionastillhadnotfoundCas
andPol.She’dsearchedthePlaka,thedistrictofnarrow,meanderingstreetsaroundthehigh,flat-topped
Acropolis,andfoundnotraceofthem.

She’dlosttheminthefleamarket,andfromtheretheycouldhavegoneanynumberofplaces.Atonepoint
she’dgottenitintoherheadthatthey’dprobablygonebacktothedigandshe’dracedback,outofbreath.

Theyhadn’tbeenthere.HansJorgensen,though,haddiscoveredthelossofnotonlytwopairsofjeans
andat-shirt,buthiswalletaswell.Hewasfuriousandfrantic.

Fionaslippedawayagain.

Downoneofthenarrowalleysontheothersideofthefleamarket,shefoundatavernaoverflowingwith
mensinginganddrinkingwine.ShepeeredintoitsdarkdepthsbutsawneitherCasnorPol.

“Lookingforsomeone,myangel?”amanatasidewalktableaskedher.

Allhiscompanionsweremen—infact,therewasn’tawomanintheplace.Fionablushed,remembering
thatGreekwomenusuallywouldn’tapproachanall-maleplace,andforeignfemaleswhodidcouldbe
mistakenforwomenonthemake.

DoubleTrouble

“Haveyouseentwomen?”sheaskedinherbestclassroomGreek.“Theyareverytallandlookalike.
Twins.”

Allthemenatthetablenodded.

“Thosetwo?”anothermansaid.“Likethegodsthemselvescamedownforacupofwine?Theywere
here.Verygenerous.”

Fionahidagroan.“Didyouseewheretheywent?”

Themenshrugged.Amanatanothertable,youngerthantheothers,gestureddownthestreet,acigarette
stuckbetweenhisringandmiddlefingers.“Isawthemgetintoataxi.”

FionaglancedatthecornerasthoughCasandPolwouldconvenientlymaterialize.

“Damn,”shemuttered.

“ItwasPlatonis’taxi,”anothermansaid.“Heonlytakestouristsoneplace,andthat’sthePlataria,a
taverna.”

“Theyweren’ttourists,”theyoungermanargued.“TheyareGreek.”

“Butnotfromtheseparts.”

Themenshooktheirheads,murmuringagreement.

“WhereisthisPlatariaplace?”Fionaasked.Whenthemenwentstone-faced,unitingagainstascolding
woman,shesaid,“Ineedtofindthem.Please,it’simportant.”

Theyoungermanseemedtounderstandherdistress.“It’sinOmonia.”Henamedapartoftownthatwasa
bitofaredlightdistrict.“Notforladies.Waitathome,love.

They’llcomeback.”

Fionachokedbackafrustratedsnarl.She’dworkedwithacademicsandarchaeologistssolongshewas
notusedtomenwhoadvisedwomentostayathomeandleavetheirmenalone.

Ofcourse,thesemencouldn’tknowthatshewaschasingdemigodsfrom500B.C.E.

who’dstolenhercolleague’swalletandwerebusyenjoyingthemselvesonHans’creditcards.

Asshehurrieddownthestreet,tryingandfailingtohailacab,shewonderedwhenshe’dstarted
believingtheyweretrulydemigodscometolife.Maybethat’sthemostconvenientexplanation,she
thought.Ishouldjustreportthemtothepoliceandgobacktowork.

Butasshefranticallywavedattaxisthatwouldn’tstop,sherememberedthetwins’

warmweightoneithersideofherandthecuriousmagicoftheirvoicesastheysanghertosleepthenight
before.Themelody,soalien,hadhauntedherandgivenherdreamsabrightnessandincrediblesensation,
thoughtheywereblurryandhalfforgottennow.

Whoeverthetwinswere,theyweren’tnormalmen.Andtheywereoutthereintwenty-firstcenturyAthens
withfifthcenturyB.C.E.knowledge.Sheadmittedit.Shewasworriedaboutthem.

AllysonJames

*****

Fionawouldneverhavefoundthematallifitweren’tforthemusic.

Sheatlastpersuadedacabtostopforherandthenusedallherpersuasiontogetthedrivertotakeherto
Omonia,eventhoughitwasthebeginningofthesiestatime.

Whenshedescendedandpaidthedisapprovingdriver,thesunwashotoverheadanddoorsandwindows
wereclosingagainsttheheatoftheday.

Shehadalwaysapprovedofthesiestatime,duringwhichpeoplerestedoutofthesunandstartedup
againaroundsixintheevening.Itmadesensetoliveinsuchafashioninawarmclimate,andthe
camaraderiesheandhercolleaguesfoundinthecoffeehousesandtavernasatnightmorethanmadeup
fortheinconvenienceofclosedshopsinthemiddleoftheday.

Butthisafternoonshegroundherteethasshewalkedpastdarkshopswithlockeddoors,tryingtofindthe
tavernacalledthePlataria.Thecabdriver,likethemenbythefleamarket,hadn’twantedtotellher
exactlywhereitwas.

Sheduckedintoatinysidealleytoescapeamotoristhurtlingupthenarrowstreet,andthensheheardit.

Someonebehindawindowdowntherowwaspluckingaslow,sweetmelodyfromastringedinstrument,
andawarm,sensualbaritonevoiceaccompaniedit.Asthenotesflowedoverher,themusicseemedto
heatherskin,muchlikethesunthattrickledintothealley.

Sheknewthevoice.ItwasCas,hummingasongsimilartotheonehe’dsungtoherlastnight.Heslidin
wordsnowandagain,mostlyaboutbeautifullimbsandsweethoneyonhistongue.

SlowlyFionawalkeddownthealley,drawnbythemusic,nolongerfrantic.Thesongsoothedher,
convincingherthatallherworrieswerefornothing.

Comeandlisten,themelodywhispered.Thereisnohurthere.

Abluepainteddoorstoodopen,leadingthewayinsideadimtaverna.Theplacewasdeserted,customers
obviouslygonehomeforsiesta,exceptforCasandPol,sittingonpaintedwoodenchairsbeforeacold
fireplace,andawoman.

Thewomanwasabellydancer,repletewithgauzyharempants,tinytopandveils.

Shelaynearlyflatonthefloor,herlegsfoldedunderherwhilesheleanedallthewayback,herarmsand
handsmovingsinuously.Itwasapositionthatmusthavetakenmuchpracticetomaster,andFionafelta
twingeofenvyandadmiration.

ThewomanwaslikelyTurkish,ordescendedfromtheGreeksmadetoleavethemainlandofTurkeyyears
ago.Shehadlongblackhairthatblendedwithherveilsandalovelyfacepaintedwithmakeup.

Cascontinuedtosing.Heleanednegligentlyinthechair,acupofwinedanglingfromhishand,eyes
languid.Nexttohim,Polsoftlyplayedalaoúta,amandolin-likeinstrument,accompanyinghisbrother
andwatchingthewoman.

DoubleTrouble

ThetavernahungwithheatandasensualitythattangledFiona’ssensesandpulledherinside.

Whenthedoorwaydarkened,Caslookedaround,breakingofftheheadymusic.Hesmiled,hisgaze
smolderingallthewayacrosstheroom.“Fiona.”

Polalsogrinnedather,buthedidn’tstopplaying.“Fiona,ourgoddess.Comeinanddance.”

WhatFionashouldhavedonewasscoldthepairofthem,demandHans’walletanddragthembacktothe
digtomakerecompense.

Whatshedidwasleanagainstthedoorframe,twiningherhandstogether.“Idon’tknowhowtodance.”

Thewomanrosefromthefloorwithenviablegrace.SheheldoutherhandstoFionabutsaidnothing,
likelynotspeakingEnglish.

Casgesturedtothedancerwithhiswinecup.Hetrulylookedlikeagod,lounginginthechairthat
emphasizedhislargebody,hiscurledhairmissingonlyitscrownofleaves.He’dacquiredat-shirt
somewhere—thisonereading“Athens,CityofWonders”—butitdidn’ttakeawaythedivinityshesensed
fromhim.

“Shewillteachyou,”Cassaid.“Danceforus,Fiona.”

TheyoungwomansmiledandcametowardFiona.SheseemedtounderstandwhatCaswantedanddrew
Fionatothecenteroftheroom.

PolplayedalittlefasterandCashummedalong.Thewomanbegansnappingherfingerstothebeat,
whichmadeFionathinkofharemtentsandsheiksandmensmokinghookahs.

SmilingatFiona,theyoungwomanmovedherarmsoftlytotheside,fingersbent,andnoddedatFionato
imitateher.Fionaheldherarmawkwardly,knowingdamnwellshewasnotadancer.TheTurkishwoman
gentlyreachedoverandpositionedFiona’sfingerscorrectly,middlefingerpressedinward,asthoughshe
heldanimaginarycymbalbetweenfingerandthumb.

Thewomanswayedherhips.Itlookedsoeasy,butFiona’slegsrefusedtomoveinthesensualswirl.She
tried,thenlaughedatherownefforts.

Cascontinuedtohum.Hiseyesweredark,almostinkyblack,liketheheavenswithnostars.Hedidnot
laughbutwatchedFionainherknee-lengthshortsandlooseblouseasthoughshewerethesexiest
creaturealive.

ThebellydancershowedFionasimplearmmovements,howtocircleherwristswhileloweringherarms

infrontofher,howtorotateherhipsbyswirlingherankles.

AsmilecreasedPol’sfacehewatchedFionatrytomasterthemoves.Shedidn’tmindhisteasinglook—a
gorgeous-as-sinmangrinningatherdidn’tbotherherintheleast.

Polincreasedthebeat.Fionashothimanexasperatedlook,andhelaughedoutloud.Hislaughterwas
beautiful,velvetandwarm.Cascontinuedtohum,thethroatysoundmakingFionawarmallover.

AllysonJames

Suddenly,shecaughtontothemovesthewomanwastryingtoteachher.Theydancedtogether,legsand
armsmovinginunison.

Fionawasdelighted.“Ineverknewbellydancingwassomuchfun.”

Casrosefromhischair.Polcontinuedtoplay,andthewomancontinuedherdance.

Thetemperatureintheroomincreased,Fionasweatingfromtheheatandhermovementsandthelookon
Cas’faceashecrossedtheroomtoher,stillhummingtheunnervingmelody.

Hestoodbehindher,histallbodytoweringoverhers.Fionahaltedherdanceashisstrong,sun-bronzed
armsslidaroundherwaistfrombehind.Hishipsmovedagainsthers,thezipperofhisjeanspressingto
thesmallofherback.

HegatheredhertohimandswayedintimetoPol’smusic.Hishipsrockedwithsensuousgrace,andhe
pulledhertoswaywithhim,legsstrongagainstherthighs.

Fionaclosedhereyes.Hisbroadchestpressedherback,hishandsrestedonthecurveofherwaist.
Withoutthinkingaboutwhatshewasdoing,sheeasedherhandsontohis,feelingthesinewsofhisfingers.
Theheatofhisbodycoveredherslikeablanket.

Thefeelofhiscockagainstthecreaseofherbuttockspooledwarmthatthejoinofherlegs.Hisbreathin
herearasheleanedintonibbleitonlystirredthefire.

Themusicwenton.Cascontinuedthedance,hischestvibratingwiththestrangetune,hisbodyseducing
herswithouthimsayingaword.

Fionalosttrackofwhattheotherwomandidandwhereshewas.Polplayedon,thesoundofthestrings
weavingthroughhermind,makinghersleepyandwideawakeatthesametime.

Timeslowedandmovedlikethicksyruponawinterday.Hersensesnarrowedtothree—sheheardthe
notesofthemandolinandCas’song,shesmelledthemuskofCaswrappingherbodyandshefelthistall
formagainstherback.

Whensheopenedhereyes,theshadowsintheroomhadlengthenedandthebellydancerhaddisappeared.
Pol,hiseyesdarkwithdesire,setthelaoútaasideandrosefromhischair.

Instinctively,Fionasteppedback,butCaswasthereholdingher.Polstoppedbeforeher,hisscenttangling
withCas’.“Youdancewell,goddess.”

HewasastallasCas.Thet-shirtstretchedoverhisfirmpectoralsandshoulders,hisarmscordedwith
muscle.

Fionahadahardtimebreathing.“Whathappenedtothedancer?”

“Shewenthome,”Cassaid.

“Shehadtogetsupperforherhusbandanddaughter,”Polputin.

Theexplanationsoundedsonormal,soprosaic,thatFionagaspedwithlaughter.

ThenherlaughterdiedwhenPolliftedhishandsandsqueezedhernipplesthroughhershirt.

Atthesametime,Casunbuttonedthewaistbandofhershorts.

DoubleTrouble

Shegaspedagain.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Givingyoupleasure,”Polsaid.

Casmurmuredinherear,“Theleastwecandoforrescuingus.”

“But…”Shecastaworriedglanceattheopendoor.“Someonecouldcomein.

Anyonecould.”

“Maybethey’dliketowatch.”Cas’breathscaldedherearandtrickledheatdownherspine.“MaybeI
wantthemtowatchmepleasuringyou.”

Fiona’skneesstartedtobend.“No,”shewhispered.

Pollaughed.Hegesturedtothedoorwithonehandanditswungclosed.

Thewind?Fionathoughtwildly.Butnobreezestirredthenarrowpassageoutsideorrattledtheshutters.

“She’sshy,”Polsaid,hisfingersdelicatelypullinghernipplesintohardlittlenubs.

CasslowlyloweredthezipperofFiona’sshorts,aloudzzzzinthestillness.“Ittookmeawhiletocatch
ontohowtheseworked.”

Sherememberedfaintlywhyshehadfollowedthemandthatshewassupposedtobelecturingthem.“You
shouldn’thavetakenHans’clothes.Orhiswallet.”

Polflickedhisthumbsoverherhard-pointednipples.“Wewillmakerecompense.”

“Oh.”Shebelievedthem.Shehadnoideawhy.Butsherelaxed,relieved.Itwouldbeallright.

Thatis,sherelaxeduntilCasslidstrongfingersintoherloosenedshortsandpressedasidetheelasticof
herunderwear.

AllysonJames

ChapterFour

Cas’cockhardenedatthesoundofFiona’sgroan.Hesmelledherfemaledesireinthehotroomandknew
Poldidtoo.

Thewiryhairsofherquimtickledhisfingers.“Youfeelgood,sweeting.”

Hewonderedifherpussylookedasgoodasitfelt.Shewasswimmingwithcream,theliquidalloverhis
fingers.

“Makehercome,”Polsaid.Hisbrothercontinuedtoteasehernipples,hiseyesintenseanddark.

“Doyouwanttocome,Fiona?”Casasked,nibblingtheshellofherear.“Wewanttothankyouforsaving
us.”

“Thankyou,”Polechoed.

Casmovedhisfingersthroughhercream,easilyslippingafingerintoheropening.

“Zeusabove,butyou’rewet.”

Polsmiledindelight.

Fionawhimpered.Herfire-redhairwarmedhislips.Hepartedheropeningandrubbedthefoldsofit.
Shenearlycame,hefeltit,herheartbeatspeeding,herfacegleaminginsuddenperspiration.

“Someonemightcomein,”sherepeated.

“Andwhatwouldtheysee?”Casrestedhisheadagainsthers,whisperingintoherhair.“They’dseemy
handinsideyourclothes.They’dseePolwithhisfingersonyourbreasts.They’dsmellyourdesireand
knowyouflowedlikehoneyonmyhands.”

Shemadeagurglingnoise.Poltookastepbackandquicklypoppedopenthebuttonofhisleggingsand
pulleddownthemetalfastening.Heworenothingbeneath,andhiscockspilledout,darkandhard.

“Theseleggingsaretootight,”hesaid.“I’minpain.”

“Jeans,”Fionasaidfaintly.

“What?”Caswhispered.

“They’recalledjeans.Notleggings.”

Caschuckled.“Iwillremember.Polisveryhardforyou.Doyouwanttotouchhim?”

Hercreamflowedfaster.“No.”

“Yourbodyjusttoldmeyoudid.Don’tbeafraid.”

Polmovedclosertoher,hishandsonherwaist,splayinghisfingersunderherbreasts.“Touchme,my
goddess.Blessmewithyourmagic.”

DoubleTrouble

Fionadrewabreathasthoughshewantedtosaysomethingthenshebrokeoff.

Tentatively,shereachedherfingerstowardPol’srigidcockandlaidthemacrosstheshaft.

“Gods,”Polbreathed.

“That’sit,”Cassaid.“Makehimlikeit.”

ShemovedherfingerstothetipwhilesheleanedbackintoCas.Casenjoyedhimselfplayingwithher
folds,thenhedippedhisfirsttwofingersinsideher,sinkingthemalltheway.Fionamoanedandshifted
hersweetbacksideprovocativelyonhiscock,whichwasjustashardasPol’s.

“Youfeellikefire,”Cassaidasheleanedtonibbleherneck.“You’resqueezingmyfingerssohard.”

Shearchedbackagainsthim,unconsciouslysqueezingstillmore.Torewardher,Casslidinathirdfinger.

“Oh,”shesaid,eyeswide.

Polsmiled.Hestoodwithhandsonhips,hisbodyswayingashefeltwhatshedidtohim.“Ithinkshe
likesit.”

“Goddessesliketobepleasured.”Casbitherskin,lovingthesalttasteofit.“Don’tthey,mygoddess?”

“I’mnotagoddess.I’manarch…”HerwordsfalteredasCasaddedafourthfinger.

“…aeologist.”Thesyllablestumbledoutinarush.

“Youfreedus,”Polwhispered.“Itwasaterriblespell,andyoufreedus.Onlyaladyofgreatpower
coulddothat.”

Fionafrownedasthoughshewantedtoarguebuthereyelidsdrooped.ShepressedherselfagainstCas’
hand,theyearningwomantakingovertheshyscholar.Atthesametime,sherubbedherpalmoverPol’s
cockfromtiptobaseandbackagain.

Caswouldhaveenviedhimifherasshadn’tbeenrubbingalloverhim.Hequicklyunfastenedhis—
jeans—releasinghiscocktobumphappilyagainstthethinfabricacrossFiona’sbackside.

Shelaidherheadagainsthisshoulder,herwarmhairescapingitsconfinementtoflowacrosshischest.
Shewassobeautiful,hereyessobrownwithgoldflecksswimminginthem,lasheslongandlushagainst
hercheek.Awomanorademigoddessoranarchaeologist—whoevershewas,shewasmadeforloving.

Casflickedhisthumboverthehardnubofherclit.Shejumpedandsquealed,comingbackdownto

impaleherselfevenfartheronhisfingers.

“OhmyGod,”shecried.

“Demigod,”Casmurmured.

Polwasmoaningsoftly,pushinghiscockintoherhand,hisheadthrownback,eyesclosed.

AllysonJames

FionasquirmedagainstCas’pressingfingers,herpussysowetandslickhehadtoconcentrateonkeeping
hishandinsideher.Heslidhisthumbbackandforthonthehardberryofherclit,stirringupevenmore
cream.

Sheroseuponhertoes,herheartbeatspeeding,herbreathcomingingasps.Andthenshecame,
beautifullyandcompletely.

Hereyesflewopen,herlipspartinginastonishment.Herhipsrockedfasterandfaster,seekingthe
pressureofCas’fingersdeepinsideherandatthesametimerubbingherclithardagainsthisthumb.

SheclampedherhanddownonPol’scock,knuckleswhiteningassheclutchedhim.

Hemoaned,shakinghishairback,andmovedhishandoverhers,helpingherstrokewhileshesqueezed.

TheheadyscentofherjuicesfilledCas’senses.Hemadeaquietnoiseasshecontinuedtocome,her
breathhotonhisface,hercriesofpleasureinhisear.

Polcameallatonce,puttinghishandoverhissweatingface,swallowinggroans.

Fionaroseonhertiptoes,strokingPol’scock,rubbingherassagainstCasandpressingherselfdownonto
hishand.

Cassankhisteethintoherneck,enjoyingthetasteofherskin,thesaltofherperspiration.“That’sit,
love,”hemurmured,lickingwherehe’dbitten.

Theymovedtogetheralittlelonger,allthreeoftheminpleasure,FionaandPolmindlesswithit,Cas
smilingandwatchingandfeelingFiona.

FionalostherholdonPol’scock.Polbackedaway,throwinghisheadbackanddraggingindeepbreaths,
tryingtocalmdown.FionaclosedhereyesandbumpedanddancedagainstCas.

Hepinchedherclitandshescreamedonce,thendrifteddownintobabblingincoherencies.

“SweetFiona,”hebreathedintoherear.

Thenallthreeofthembegantocalm,theshatteringmomentunwindingintowarmstillness.Outsidethe
window,peopleshuffledthroughthealley,thecitywakingagainfromitsafternoonnap.

Fionaopenedhereyes.ShelookedbackatCas,eyeslanguid,thenatPol,who’dsatdownonthewooden
chair,faceinhishands,hiscockstilloutandgleaming.ShestaredatPolthenatCasagain.

Sherealizedwhatshe’djustdoneandblushedfuriously.

“She’sshy,”Cassaid,laughterwellingupinsidehim.“Howadorable.”

“Ilikeher,”Polsaid.

“SodoI.”Casleaneddownandkissedher,aslowdecadentkissthattoldherhe’dstampedherashis
own.

Whenhereleasedher,she’dscarcelyamomenttodrawabreathbeforePol,who’drisenfromthechair
again,tiltedherheadbackandclaimedhisownkiss.

DoubleTrouble

Twodemigods,oneoneithersideofher,identicaltwins.Thishadtobeparadise.

“Ourowngoddess,”Casmurmured.“Whatcouldbebetter?”

*****

“IkeeptryingtoexplainIamnotagoddess.”FionasatbetweenPolandCasinaneaterythatwasdark
butlivelywithpatrons,blood-redwineandexcellentfood.

Casliftedhisglasstohislips.Shecouldn’thelpfocusingonhimashetippedwineintohismouth,
swallowedslowly,andchasedareddropfromhislipwithhistongue.

“Goddess,sorceress,archaeologist,whateveryoucallyourself,itwaspowerfulmagicthatfreedus.”

Afterabriefcleanupinatinybathroomatthetaverna,CasandPolannouncedtheywerehungryandit
washightimetoeat.Theywanderedoutofthealleyandtoanotherpedestrianareawithsidewalkcafés
andshopsstretchingthelengthofthestreet.

They’dduckedarbitrarilyintoacafé’sinteriorandthewaiterbroughtthemajugofwineandthree
glasses.Withoutbotheringtolookatthemenu,PolandCasorderedafullroastwithwhateverfruitsthey
hadandbread,asfreshascouldbehad.

Thewaiterstaredatthemthenturnedaroundandbellowedtothekitchen.Arespondingbellowcamethat
fine,they’ddowhateverCasandPolwanted.

Thepairdidn’tseemtohaveanytroublegettingpeopletofulfilltheireverydesire.

They’dusurpedthebesttableinthecafé,andnowthecookwashappytomakeaspecialfeastjustfor
them.

Andthey’dconvincedFionanotonlytonotyellatthemabouttakingofftothetavernaandstealingfrom
Hans,she’dletthetwoofthempleasureher.Together.

IthadbeenalongtimesinceFiona’slastsexualencounter.She’dbrokenupwithherpreviousboyfriend
threeyearsago,ingradschoolforheaven’ssake.Andneverintheeighteen-monthrelationshipwithhim
hadshefeltwhatthetwinshadmadeherfeelintheemptytaverna.

Nosexforthreeyears,andthenbam,shehadapleasuresessionwithtwomenatthesametime.When
hadlifegottensooutofhand?

ButCasstrokingherhadmadehernearlyexplodewithpassion.NottomentionholdingPol’swarmshaft
inherhand,lettinghistipbumpherpalmwithsatinsoftnessandtheslickheatofhiscomeslideoverher
fingers.

Neverinherwildest,wildestdreamswouldshehavethoughtshe’dbepleasuredbytwoidentical,
gorgeoushunksofmenatthesametime.

Hunksofmenwhothoughtshewasagoddessoratleastsomesortofmagicalbeing.

“AllIdid,”sherepeated,“wasfindthepiecesofthejarandputitbacktogether.”

“Andhowdidyoufindallthepieces?”Casasked.“Howdidyouknowtoputthemtogether?”

AllysonJames

Hishandslidtoherthigh,touchingtheskinbaredbyhershorts.Sheclearedherthroat.

“Byworkingmybuttoff.Isurveyedandtooknotesandhuntedandsortedthroughthousandsofpiecesof
potterybeforeIfoundtherightones.Thevesselmusthavebeenshatteredinoneplaceandthepieces
moved.Usuallypotsarefoundonagarbagedumporshovedtothecornerofaroom.Thepiecesmightbe
scattered,butnotthatmuch.Piecesofthisoneturnedupinahugevarietyofplaces,asthoughtheyhad
beendeliberatelyseparated.”

“I’mnotsurprised,”Polsaidgrimly.“Yousayyouarenotmagic,butwhyshouldyourepairthevessel
unlessyouknewtobreakthespell?”

“Curiosity.”Shebitherlip,thinking.“No,IadmitIwasdrawntoit.WhenIhadenoughtogethertosee
thatithadtheportraitofabeautifulmanonit,Iwantedtokeepgoing.Itwasabicepsthatcametogether
first.”

SheglancedatCas’,whichwerebrawnyandstrongwithoutbeingtoohuge.

“Iwonderwhose,”Polsaid,eyestwinkling.“Hisormine.”

“Idon’tknow.”Herfaceheated.“Everyonecallsit‘Fiona’ssexjar’,becausethepaintingissoerotic.
Whatwasitmeanttobe?”

Pollosthissmile.“Aspell.”

“Atrap,”Casadded.“Byademondemigoddesswhoseangersurpassedherreason.”Themusclesofhis
jawhardened,hiseyesdarkwitholdrage.“ShetriedtomurderPol.”

Polgesturedwithhiswinecup.“SheusedmeasbaitsoCaswouldcomerunningtosavemylife.Assoon
asweweretogether,shestartedweavingthespell,trappingusinthepainting.”

“Why?”Fionaasked.“Whyshouldshewantyouinapainting?”

Sheglancedatbothtwins,takingintheirattractivephysiques,moltendarkeyesandhandsome-as-sin
faces.Shesupposedthatinapainting,apersoncouldlookatthemwhenevertheywished—butnottobe
abletotouchthemorhearthemortastethem?Whatwasthedemigoddessthinking?

Nottomentioncagingthemupforseveralthousandsofyears.Thatwasjustwrong.

CassethiswineglassonthetableandsmoothedalockofFiona’sunrulyhair.“Theideawasthatwe’d
betrappedcopulatingwithherforeternity.Idon’tthinkitworked,becausetherewas—nothing.”

“That’sevil,”Fionasaidindignantly.“Whyshouldshedosuchathing?Imean,Iunderstandwhya
womanwouldwanttohavesexwithyou—believeme,Ido—butthatseemsalittleextreme.”

PolsloshedmorewineintohiscupthenFiona’s.“Ah,butshewasawomanscorned.Scornedbyus.”

“Shewantedus,”Cassaidbluntly.“Andwesaidno.”

DoubleTrouble

Fionastudiedhim,curious.“Whydidyousayno?Wellallright,apartfromherbeinganevil
demigoddessandtryingtokillPol.”

“Justbecausewehavehealthysexualappetites,”Polsaid,“doesn’tmeanwedropourclothesforevery
womenwhowalksby.Shewantedustopledgeourselvestoherandchampionherandhelphermoveup
thegoddesshierarchy.Shemoreorlesswantedustobeherslavesandcouldn’tunderstandwhenwe
objected.”

“Soshedecidedwe’dbewithherforeternity,”Cassaid.“Shebounduswithverystrongmagicand
forcedustoperformthesexualritual,andthen—oblivion.”

Fionashivered.“I’msosorry.”

“Whichyoureleasedusfrom.”Polraisedherhandtohislips.Thetouchofhissensualmouthonherskin
startedthefiresbetweenherlegsagain,notthatthey’dreallydampeddown.“Withyourmagiccalled
archaeology.”

Casturnedhiswineglassmoodily.“Theproblemis,ifwearefree,Iimaginesheisfreeaswell.”

“Herimagedisappearedfromthevessel,”Fionasaid.“Yoursdidn’t.Maybethatmeansyougotfreeand
shedidn’t.”

“Idonotwanttocountonthis,”Casanswered.“Shemightbeoutthererightnow,inAthens,searchingfor
you,wantinghervengeanceforfreeingus.”

Fionastaredathim.“Butshewastrappedinobliviontoo.Wouldn’tshebeoutcelebratingthatshe’sfree?
Thespellobviouslywentwrong.Whyshouldshebeangryatmeforthat?”Shelookedatboththeirfaces.
Caswasfrowning,andPolstilllookedgrim.“Oh,Iforgot,she’sanevildemigoddess.”

“Sheneverlikedtobethwarted,”Polsaid.“Shewon’tlikeitnow.”

“Ialwaysthoughtofgodsandgoddessesasgood,”Fionasaid.“Well,withinreason.Theyfightamongst
themselvesbutaren’ttoobadtowardnormalhumans.

Demigodmeanshalfhuman,halfgod.Whatisthisdemigoddess’sname,andwhichofthePantheonwas
herfather?”

“ShecalledherselfSelena,”Polsaid.“ShewasspawnedbyPoseidonandashe-demonofgreatpower.”

“Oh,”Fionasaid.“Thatcan’tbegood.”

Casdrewhisfingeracrosshercheek,thewarmthtinglingherskin.“No.Asyousay,thatcan’tbegood.”

Shekissedhisfinger,feelingdaring.“I’lldowhatIcantohelp,”shesaid.

Cassmiledhisslow,heatedsmilethatmadeherrememberhisfingerspenetratingher,bringingherto
pleasurewithintense,wildfriction.“Weknow.That’swhywelikeyou.”

Polliftedherhandtohislips.“Andwhywe’llgiveyouallthepleasureyouwantinreturn.”

“Allthepleasure?”sheaskedfaintly.

AllysonJames

“Anythingyouwant,”Cassaid,nuzzlingher.“Whatdoyouwant,Fiona?”

Shewantedthem.

Goodlord,whatwasthematterwithher?She’dneverwantedunconventionalsexinherlife.Never
dreamedsheeverwouldhaveit.

Andnowshewantedmoreofit.Someoneneededtohoseherdown,becauseshewasburningup.

CasandPolwatchedherintently,waitingforheranswer,theirdarkeyespoolsofwanting.

Fionaswallowedhard.“Look,”shebabbled,relieved.“Herecomesthefood.”

*****

Thetwins’worryaboutthedemondemigoddessdidnotmakethemrushbacktothedigtofindanswers
andhidefromher.Instead,theysettleddowntoenjoytheextensivemealbroughtlovinglybythewaiters.

Fionaatesparingly,enjoyingthefoodbuttoostunnedbytheeventsofthedayandthenightbeforetobe
abletoconcentrateoneating.Thetwins,ontheotherhand,ateeverything,passingcomplimentafter
complimenttothecooks.

Theyhadmeatandwineandfruitandmorewineandcheeseandmorewineandsweetstickybaklavaand
morewine.Theyremainedattherestaurantforthreehours,talkingandeatingandlaughingwithFionaand
totalstrangers.

JustwhenFionawaswonderinghowtheyweregoingtopayforallofitandwhethershewouldhaveto
footthebill,Casheldupaplasticcardandhandedittothewaiter.

Fionaspluttered,coughingupwine.Polthumpedheronthebackasthewaiterdisappearedintotheback
withthecard.

“That’sHansJorgensen’screditcard.Youcan’tusethat.”

“Onthecontrary,Fiona,everyonewishesmetopaywiththiscard.”

“Butyoustoleitfromhim—whenyoustolehisclothes,Imightadd.”

“Borrowed,”Polcorrected.“Wewillacquireourownandreturnthem.Hewastheonlymanwesaw
whowasthesamesizeandshapeweare.”

“Hewon’tbesounderstandingwhenhereportsyoutothepoliceforstealinghiscreditcardandgoingon
aspendingspree.”

“Butwearespendingnothing,”Cassaid.“Wegivethecardandallisgiventous.

EveryoneinAthenswillsoonknowthatHansJorgensenlikestheirwaresandtheirfood.Iamwritinghis
namesohewillbethanked,notme.”

Polnodded,hisfaceflushedwithwine.“‘Tisgenerousofyou,brother.”

“Oh,gods.”

DoubleTrouble

Fionalaidherheadonthecoolwoodentable.Howonearthwasshetoexplaincreditcardstodemigods
whohadn’tgoneoutintwenty-fivehundredyears?Athenianshadbeensophisticatedwhenitcameto
money,butshewasn’tquitesurewhatamodernequivalentwouldbe.

Sheraisedherheadandheavedasigh.“Theyaren’tgivingyouthethingsbecauseyouhaveacard.I

mean,theyarebut…”Shestartedagain.“It’slikearunningtally.Thecardkeepstrackofeverythingthat’s
spentandattheendofthemonth,Hansreceivesonereally—big—bill.”

BothPolandCasfrownedoverthis.ThenCassaid,“Youmeanwearebuyingoncredit.”

“Yes,”shesaid,relieved.“That’swhatImean.”

“Youshouldhavesaidso.”ThewaiterputthebilldowninfrontofCasandheliftedthepenandwrote
HansJorgenseninapracticedmanner.Fionabitbackagroan.

“Don’tworry,Fiona,”Cassaid,smilinghissinfulsmile.“Wewillpayhim.”

“How?”Sheloweredhervoice.“Youdon’thaveanymoney.”

PolexchangedaknowinglookwithCas.“Butweknowwheresomeis.AndHanswillgetitall.”

Somehow,thisdidn’tmakeFionafeelanybetter.

Theylefttherestaurant.Itwaswelldarknow,andFionaassumedthey’dreturntothedorm.Butassoon
astheyleftthecafé,Polliftedhisheadandsaid,“Ihearmusic.”

Mostofthecafésandtavernasfeaturedsinginganddancingthatlastedwellintothenightandearly
morning.Thestreetwascrowdedwithpeoplewalkingorstandingingroupstalkingtothepeoplewhosat
intablesattheoutdoorcafés.

CasslidhisarmsaroundFiona’swaistasPolstrodeoffinsearchofwhatevermusichadcaughthis
attention.Theystrolledalongbehind,keepingPol’stallforminview.

“Iwantyou.”Cas’lipstouchedherear,hisvoicelowandsensuous.

Shegaveashakylaugh.“Demigodsaren’tmuchforbeingsubtlearethey?”

“ImeanIwantyouformyself.Justme.”Hisbreathtickleddeepinsideher,lightingfiresalltheway.

Theheatmadeherblush.“SoyouandPolusually…”

“Share.Yes.”Hisfingersslidtothesmallofherback.“ButthistimeIthinkIwantyoutomyself.Mineto
savor.Alone.”

ShehadthesuddenvisionofherselfandCasstandinginawarmroom,herdormroom,forinstance,their
clothesonthefloor,theirhandsallovereachother.Shethoughtaboutthewayshe’dheldPol’shugecock
inherhands,butithadbeenCaswho’dstrokedher,heldher,anddemandednothingfromher.

“WhataboutPol?”sheaskedastinglinginvadedherentirebody.

AllysonJames

“Polisrarelyleftwithoutcompanionship.Womenlovehim.Heis,IthinktheEnglishwordisoutgoing,
alwayswithlaughterandjestsonhislips.Heisirresistible,Iamtold.WhileIamperhapsnotas
interesting.”

“Don’tthinkthat.”Fionastopped.“You’remorethoughtfulandquietbutplentyinteresting.Trustme.”

Hegaveherahalfsmileandsmoothedaringletonherforehead.“Iwishyouformyself,Fiona
Archaeologist.”

“McCarty.MylastnameisMcCarty.ArchaeologyiswhatIdo.”

“Itisapartofyou,”Cassaid.“Itiswhatyouare,thisarchaeology,thismagicthatmadeyousearchfor
piecesofapotscatteredacrosstheseislands.Iwanttoexplorethatpartofyou,Fiona.”

Hebrushedhislipstothecornerofhermouth,sendingfiresdancingthroughher.

“Iimagineyouwanttoexploreotherpartsofmetoo,”Fionasmiledintohisskin.

Casgrinned,hiseyessuddenlylighting.“Allofyou,mygoddess.”

DoubleTrouble

ChapterFive

TheyfoundPolinatavernaalreadydancingtothesoundsofastringedlaoúta,hisarmsoverhishead,his
feettracingcomplicatedpatternsonthefloor.CasprocuredhimselfandFionaatablenearthecenterof
thetaverna,andtheysatdowntowatchPol.

Poldancedwellforamansotallandmuscular.Hemovedwithasinuousgracethatwasallmasculine
andeveryfemaleintheplaceappreciatedit.Hesnappedhisfingerswiththebeatandthedrinkersatthe
tablesaroundhimclappedorsnappedfingerswithhim.

Hemovedhisfeetaslanguidlyashadthebelly-dancer,hishandsmakingsharpergesturesthanhers.His
blackhairglistenedinthecandlelight,hisswarthyfacegleamingwithperspiration.

“Helovesattention,”Cassaid,soundingamused.He’dpulledhisseatclosetoFiona’sanddrapedhis
armacrossthebackofherchair.

AnothermanjoinedPolonthefloor,onewithwhitehairandanobviousexperiencewithdancing.He
dancedslowlyaroundPol,thetwomenmovinginharmony.Afteratime,anothermanjoinedwithhis
wife.

FionalookedupatCastofindhisfaceclosetohers,hiseyesholdingafirethatcouldhaveburneddown
thetaverna.Shewonderedwherehershynesshadgone.Twodaysago,shewouldhavewrithedwith
embarrassmenttobethisclosetoaman,especiallywhenitwasobviouswhathehadinmind.

Nowshegazedbackathim,herheartbeatquick,thenraisedherfacetohisandmethislipsinakiss.

Hiswarmmouthbrushedhersandhekissedthecornerofherlips,dartinghistonguebrieflyoverherskin.
Herfemaleplaceswentmolten—shesworetherewaslavadownthere.

Shekissedhimagain,followinghisleadtotakeitslowly.Hiseyesclosed,thickblacklashesrestingon
hisbronzedcheeks.Henuzzledher,thenkissedherupperlip.

Shecaughthislowerbetweenhersandsucked.

Casmadeanoiseofsatisfaction.Hedrewback,eyeshalf-closed,thegleamfrombeneathhislids
wicked.

Onthefloor,Polcontinuedtodance.Hehadhisgazeonthedancingwoman,afactwhichthewoman
noticedandherhusbanddidnot.Polwinkedandsheblushed.

“Iseemybrothermightbekeepinghimselfbusytonight,”Casmurmured.HeslidhisarmaroundFiona’s
shouldersandeasedhergentlybackagainsthim.

“Butshe’smarried,”Fionahissed.

AllysonJames

RememberingstoriesofgodsanddemigodsoftheGreekPantheon,sherealizedthatnoneofthempaid
muchattentiontothemaritalstatusofthepersontheywanted.

TheonlyreasonZeushaddisguisedhimselfasanimalsorrainorwhateverwasbecausehedidn’twant
hiswifeHeratoknowhewasoffphilandering.Hehadn’tbeenparticularaboutwhetherthewomanofhis
affectionswasmarriedorsingle.

“FewwomencanresistPol,”Cassaid.

Fionaflushed.“Includingme,itseems.I’veneverdonethatbefore.Youknow,withtwo.”

“There’safirsttimeforeverything.”Hecuddledhercloseandpressedawarmkisstoherhair.“Ihope
thesecondtimeiswithme.”

“WillPolmind?”

Whatiswrongwithme?I’maskingamanifhisbrothermindsifhedoesn’tdoaménageatroiswith
us.

“Heknowshowtokeephimselfbusy.”

CasskimmedhisthumbalongFiona’sjawandturnedherfacetohis.Thiskisswasstillslow,butfuller,
hismouthslantingallthewayacrosshers.Herbloodranhot,sweatpricklingonherforehead,andthe
creambetweenherthighswasdefinitelylavalike.

Hedippedhistongueintohermouthgentlybutcompletelyanddelvedexpertlytotasteeverycornerof
her.

Whenshecameupforair,shesawPolstaringatthem.HislookwasnotpossessivelikeCas’,butalmost
feral.HeseemedtolikewatchinghisbrotherkissFionasothoroughly.

“Letuswalk,”Cassaid.Hescrapedhischairbackandrose,hislargebodydwarfinghersashewaited,
hishandonherchair.

“WhataboutPol?”

Casslidhisgazetohisbrotherwhowasdancingagain.ThebeathadincreasedandPol’sstepsbecame
fasterandmoreintricate.Someonewhooped.

“He’llbefine.Helikestoshowoff.”

“Buthedoesn’tknowhowtogetbacktothedorm.Shouldweleavehim?”

“Wewillnotgofar.”

Handonthesmallofherback,CassteeredFionathroughthemazeoftablesandchairsandoutintothe
coolnight.Thestreetwasstilllively,thesidewalksfilledwithpeoplelounginganddrinkingand
smoking,musicspillingoutofdoors.

FionalikedAthensbestatthistimeofnight.Theworkdaywasover,thenightairrefreshing,and
everyonerelaxedandchattedunderthestreetlightsandthestars.

“ItwaslikethisintheAthensofold,”Cassaid.“Exceptthemarriedwomenstayedinside.Iliketosee
thewomenoutside,walkingfreely.”

Fionagrinned.“AnancientAthenianfeminist.”

DoubleTrouble

“Ihavenotheardthiswordfeminist.Butwhyshouldwomenbelockedawaylikeprisoners?Menshould
beallowedtolookeveniftheycannottouch.”

Fionatuckedherarmthroughhis.“Well,Idon’tthinkyourmotivesareexactlypure,butIsurewouldn’t
wanttobeconfinedtomyhome.Butthen,whenIsaidIwantedtobeanarcheologist,peoplewondered
whyIdidn’twanttogetmarriedinstead.Notthatitwasadifficultchoice,becausenooneaskedmeto
marrythem.”

“Iamgladtheydidnot.Iwouldhavetofightthemortrickthemtogettoyou,becauseIamdeterminedto
haveyou.”

Herheartdidalittleflutter.“You’reverysweet.”

Hislooktoldherhedidn’tknowwhatshewastalkingabout.Shedecidedtosaynothingmoreandjust
enjoywalkingnexttoatall,deliciousmanwithbeautifulblackeyeswhowantedtobewithher.

“Whendidyoubegintobelieveme?”Casasked.Theyreachedtheendofthestreetandturnedintoa
narrowerlane,repletewithshadows.

“Hmm?”

“Whenwefirstappearedinyourbed,youdidnotbelieveweweredemigodsfromyourvessel.Whydo
younow?”

Shethoughtamoment,twiningherfingersmorefirmlyaroundhisforearm.

“Idon’tknow,really.Ifiguredifyouwanttosayyou’redemigodsfrom500B.C.E.,whyshouldn’tIlet
you?Eitheryou’retellingthetruthandbelievingyouistheleastIcando,oryou’remakingitupasajoke,
inwhichcase,whoamItostandinthewayofyourfun?”

Heslantedasmileatherthatwasfullofpromise.“Itsoundsverylogical.”

“Yes,itdoestometoo.Ithink.Whyarewehere?”

Cashadledheraroundanothercornerintoashelteredwalkwaybetweenstreets.Ithadbeenturnedintoa
stripofhiddengardenwithalatticedrooflacedwithvinesandroses,agravelwalkway,morevineson
thewalls,highwheretheycouldreachthesun,andwoodenbenches.

“Whydoyouthink?”hesaid,thenhekissedher,afull-blownassaultthistime.

Histonguereacheddeepintohermouth,possessingit,tellingherfirmly,Youaremine.Hetasted
incrediblysweet,therichdarkwinehe’ddrunkmellowandsoftonhertongue.Shetwinedherarms
aroundhisneck,likinghavingsomeonewanthersomuch.

Thekisswashardanddemanding,hismouthopeninghers,lipsbruising.Fionahadneverreallybelieved
womensighedinsurrender—itwasonlywhatshereadinromancenovels—butherkneesweakenedand
sheletoutamoanthatwaspuresurrender.She’dwaveawhiteflagifshehadone.

“Fiona,”hewhisperedashemovedhismouthtohercheek,herforehead,herchin.

Hisshouldersbunchedashekissedherthroat,hiskissesincludinglittlelicksthatsentshockwaves
throughherbody.

AllysonJames

“Whatifsomeonecomes?”Hervoicewasweak,asthoughshecouldn’tthinkwhyshewasprotestingat
all.

“Whatiftheydo?”Hesmiled,breathhotonherface.“Whatiftheyseeyou,beautifulFiona,andme
lovingyou?”Heslidhishandintoherblouseandbegantoundobuttons.

“No,really,it’sapublicwalkway.”

Heledherafewfeetdownthepathtotheshadowsnexttoabench.“Better?”

“No.”

“Letthemwatch.”Hekissedherpartedlips,dartedhistongueinside,thenevadedherwhenshetriedto
kisshimback.“Doyoulikebeingwatched?”

“No.Idon’tknow.Ineverhavebeen.”

Hepriedopenmorebuttons,workinghiswaydownhershirt.Coolairtouchedherbreastswhichswelled
overhersensiblewhitebra.Hetouchedthetopseam,fingertipbrushingherskin.“Iwantthisoff.How
doesitwork?”

“Intheback.”

ShereachedbehindherselfbutCasslidhishandinsidehershirtandbegantoworkattheclasps.

AdemigodfromancientGreeceshouldn’tknowhowtoundobrahooks,shethought,andhedidn’t.He
playedwiththemforalongtimebeforetheyfinallyburstfree.

“Didyourotherloversneverdisplayyou?”Casaskedasheeasedhershirtandbrafromhershoulders.
Bothgarmentshungfromherlowerarms,andshefroze,herbreastsexposedtooutsideairforthefirst

timeinherlife.“Didtheynevershowothershowbeautifulyouwere?”

Stunnedsurprisechasedshockthenamusementthroughherbrain.“Hardly.

Charles,myboyfriendingradschool,didn’tevenwanttodisplaymetohimself.Healwayskeptthelight
off.”

“Perhapshehadsomethingtohide,”Cassuggested.“Thereisnoreasontoconcealthisbeauty.”

Hetracedhisfingersoverthesidesofherbreaststhentoherareolas,whichwerealreadyhardandtight
forhim.

“YouthinkI’mbeautiful?”Couldshesoundanymorewistful?

“WhatIthinkdoesnotmatter.Yourbeautyisafact.”

Sheshiveredhard,sowantingtobelievehim.NoonehadevercalledFionaMcCarty,Ph.D.,dusty
archaeologypostdoc,beautiful.

“Ithinkyou’reflatteringmesoyoucangetintomypants,”shesaid,thensheblushed,rememberingthe
tavernaandCaspressedbehindher.“Nowait,youalreadygotintomypants.”

“Everymomentofthisafternoonwasunforgettable.Iwantmore.”

“Youmakemewantyoutoo.”

DoubleTrouble

“Good.”Hedrewouttheword,breathingintoherhair.

“Idon’ttrustmyself,”shewhisperedassheslidherhandsaroundhisneck.

“Thentrustme.”

Sheclosedhereyes,alreadyknowingshewasn’tgoingtofight.Don’tloseyourheart,Fiona,shechided
herself.Heshowedupoutofnowhereandhe’lltakewhathewantsanddisappearbacktonowhere,
leavingyouinthedust.It’swhathappenswithgorgeousmenlikehim.

Yes,butgorgeousmenlikehimneverhappentome.

Shehadnointentionsofpushinghimaway.Shekissedhimashewentbacktoswirlinghisfingersaround
herareolas.Ifhewasgoingtoleaveherinthedust,whyshouldn’tsheenjoytheheckoutofhimfirst?
She’dgoinwithnoexpectations.

Expectationswerewhatgotyouhurt.

Nowaycouldshepushhimawayanyway.Herentirebodywasonfire,creamranrampantbetweenher

legsandhewassostrong.

Cassatonthebenchandpulledhertostandbetweenhisthighs.Thismadeiteasierforhimtotilthishead
andclosehislipsoverhernipple.Fionagroanedandletherheaddropback,thrustingherselffartherinto
hismouth.

Hesuckledher,asensationofbothpleasureandpain.Heroldboyfriendhadoccasionallyplayedwithher
nippleswhiletheyhadsex,butwithCharlesithadbeenpinch,pinch,thrust,thrust,done,andherlying
therewonderingwhathadhappened.

Castookhissweettime.Hegaveallhisattentiontoherbreastwithlipsandtongueandteethandfingers,
untilherbodyheatedtounbearabletemperatures.Asifsensingshewaspushingthelimit,Casreleased
her.Justasshedrewabreathofmixeddisappointmentandrelief,heswitchedtoherleftbreast.

Shemurmuredsomethingincomprehensibleeventoherselfandswirledherfingersthroughhisblackhair.
Shelovedthefeelofit,thickandsilky,rampantwithcurls.

Hemovedhistonguearoundherleftnipple,playinguntilitstoodupasmuchastheright.Thenhe
switchedbackandforth,suckingone,nippingtheother,flickinghistongueoverthefirstone,rubbing
fingersgentlyoverthesecond.

Hewasdoingagoodjobdrivinghercrazy.Sherockedontheballsofherfeet,herthighswetand
scaldingwithcream,wantinghim.“Please,Cas.”

“I’llletyoureleaseinamoment.Notyet.”

“Whynot?”shewhimpered.

“Ihavenotfinished.I’llhelpyoureleasewhenI’mready.”

“Please,please,please,”shebegged.

“WhenIamready.”

Hewentbacktopleasuringherbreasts.Hershirtsaggedopen,andhedrewhistongue,astreakoffire,
downtomassagehernavel.Hewentlower,asfarashecouldbeforerunningintohershirtandthe
waistbandofhershorts.

AllysonJames

Heputhisfingersunderthewaistbandandslidthebuttonthroughthehole.Fionashiveredinexcitement,
wishinghe’dgoonandthrusthisfingersinsideherlikehehadthisafternoon.

Sherememberedtheheatofhisbodybehindherandhisfingersmovingthroughherslickopening,fucking
herwithhishandwhilesheheldontotheincredibleheatofPol’scock.Ithadbeentheloveliest
experienceofherlife.

Toherdisappointment,Casstoppedatunbuttoningthewaistbandandsatbackawayfromher.Beforeshe
couldvoicehersorrow,hegrabbedthehemofhisownshirtandpulleditoffoverhishead.

SheclosedhermouthonherwordsandsimplyadmiredthemoonlightonCas.Historso,asshe’dnoted
thenightbefore,hadsharplydefinedmuscles,ashadowedhollowbetweenthepectorals,andhard
shoulders.Haircurledoverhischest,blackandwiry,hismalenipplesinperfectproportion.Dreamily,
Fionatouchedonenipple,happytoseeitdrawtoapeakastightashersdid.

“Doyoulikethat?”sheasked,abitsurprised.

“Doyou?”

“Yes.”

“Thatisyouranswer.”Hestoodupanddrapedhisshirtoverthebacklesswoodenbench.“Liedown.”

Thiswasgettingoutofhand.Theywerebothhalf-undressedandthiswasstillapublicplace.

Butdidshebuttonuphershirt,tellhimnoandsensiblywalkaway?Ofcoursenot.

Sheobedientlyploppedtothebenchandswungherlegsuptoliefulllengthonit.

Casunzippedhershortsandtuggedthemandunderweardownherlegs,releasingherrightlegfromthem
sothatthefabricbunchedaroundherleftankle.Hepressedherthighsapart,makingherstraddlethe
bench.

“Perfect,”hesaid,thenhepositionedhimselfbetweenherthighsandkissedherquim.

Nomanhadeverdonethat.Afewmenhadwantedto,butFionahadalwaysfeltshyaboutlettingthemsee
herprivateplaces,notsureshe’dlikeitandfearingtheywouldn’t.

Casdidn’tbotherasking.Hekissedherclitthenworkedkissesdowntoheropening,breathhotonher
folds,whiskersabradingthesoftfleshofherthighs.Shesquirmedandarched,beggingwithherbodyfor
himtodomoreandmore.

Theshirtbeneathhersoftenedthebench,containingwarmthfromhisskinandCas’

headyscent.

Caslickedher,histonguemasterful.Herexcitementspiraledandbuilt,andsuddenlyshecame,moaning
intothenight.

Shepressedherhandoverhermouthtostiflehercries,andCascontinuedtotortureher.Helickedand
played,delvinghistonguedeeperasshearchedintohim,46

DoubleTrouble

andsheprayedhernoisewouldn’tcausesomeonetohearandinvestigate.Howembarrassingtohaveto
explainanarrestforindecentexposuretoDr.Wheelan.

Casraisedhisheadandsmiledather,holdingherdownwithbothhands.“ThetormentofAphrodite,”he
said.“Shemadesurethatwomenwouldhavethegreatestofallpleasures.”Hetouchedthespotthatin
LatinwascalledthemonsVenus—AphroditewasVenusintheGreek.

Aphroditehaddoneherjob.Fionagaspedandgroaned,tearsleakingfromhereyes.

Casatlastwithdrewhisfingers,butthefeverstillhummedthroughherbody.Shefelthappyandstrong
andreadyforsex.

Insteadofcontinuingtothenextstep,Casliftedherandsettledherinhislap.Shetiltedherheadbackto
kisshimandthekisswenton,longanddeepandtaking.

Sheheardgravelcrunchsuddenlyonthepath.Shegaspedandbrokethekiss.

“Someonewaswatching.”

Cassmoothedhishandthroughherhair.Hershirtsaggedandhershortswerestillwrappedaroundone
leg,herbreastsandquimexposedtotheair.

“Whatiftheywere?”Caswhispered.“Youarebeautifulandgavethemalovelyshow.”

“Terrific.JustwhatIalwaysdreamedof.”

“Youshouldnotbeashamed.”Hislipsgrazedhertemple,breathburning.“Beingwatchedturnsmeonin
abigway.Sodoeswatching.”

“Itdoes?”

“Watchingawomanpleasureherselfisaheadything.Youlearnexactlywhatshelikesandexactlywhat
bringshertoecstasy.”

Fionashivered,imagininghisintenseblackgazerivetedtoherwhileshedippedherfingersintoherown
quim.“Ohmy,”shesaid.

“Doitnow.”

Fionaturnedtostareathim.Heworeasmileonhislips,buthiseyesheldrawneed.

“Now?”

Hepushedhergentlyfromhislap,andshelandedshakilyonherfeet.“Now.

Touchyourselfforme,Fiona.Iwillwarnyouifanyonecomes.”

Shedidn’tquitebelievehim,andshewonderedifshehadheardsomeoneonthepathbefore.Itmight
havebeenabirdoranimal,andinspiteofthedarkexcitementflowingthroughher,shehopedso.

Caswantedhertotouchherselfwhilehesatonthebenchandwatched.Deargods.

Heexpectedit.Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,musclesplaying,aslightbreezerufflinghishairashe
waited.

AllysonJames

Boldly,Fionakickedoffhershortsandsetthemonthebench.Hershirtandbrastillhungfromherarms
butsheleftthemthere.Thefeelofthecottonlooseagainstherskinarousedher,makingherfeelnaughty.

Shestuckherforefingerintohermouthanddrewitoutslowly,thenshedidwhatshe’dneverdoneinher
life—probedherfingertipthroughherownfolds.

Shewaswetandhotandherquimwastight.She’dneverknown.She’dlivedwithherfemalenessallher
lifebutshe’dneverexploredorappreciatedit.

Cas’raw,hotgazehelpedherjuicesflowfaster,wettingherfingerswithscaldingliquid.She’dcomein
herunderwearbefore,butshe’dneverfeltthehoneywithherhands,nevertouchedthehardnubthat
releasedallherfantasies.

Thepicturesinhermindwhenshetouchedherselfwereincredible.FirstwasCasashewas,watching
her.Nextwasherselfkneelingbeforehim,suckinghimintohermouthwithenthusiasm.Thenshethought
ofhimbehindheronhisknees,easingthathugecockintoherwhileshescreamedandwrithed.

SheputPolintheshadows,watchingwiththesameintensegazeCashadnow.

AndthenshehadPolkneelinfrontofher,hiscockheavyandlong,bumpingherlipsuntilshepulledhim
intohermouth.

Thelastpicturemadehermoanwithlonging.Shepressedherhandshardagainstherself,legsparted,
creamalloverherfingers.Shelovedit,lovedit,lovedit.

Casroseandcametoher.Heswiftlypulledheragainsthim,hisbodyalmostassaultingher.Heletherrub
herwetquimoverhisjeans,makingherorgasmgoonandon.

Hotandsweetandrough,ohgods,Ilovethis.

Cas’handscoveredherbuttocksasshewrithedagainsthisthickthigh.Hismouthcamedownhardon
hers,histongueallovertheplaceinsideherashecaughthercries.

“Cas,”shesaid,hervoiceragged.“Doyouwantto—goalltheway?”

“Alltheway?Youmeanfuck?”

“Yes.Yes,that’swhatImean.”

Tohersurpriseandembarrassment,heshookhishead.“Notyet,mylove.NotbecauseIdon’twantyou,
butbecauseyoumustbeready.”

“But…”Shegulpedforair.“Ijustletyoulickme,andthenItookoffmyshortsandplayedwithmyself
foryou—inapublicgarden.”

“Iknow.Anditwasbeautiful.”

“IthinkitmeansI’mready.”

“Notyet.”Heheldherhard,thehotfrictionofhisjeansalmostassatisfyingashistongue.Sherockeda
fewmoretimes,enjoyingthefire.

“Youlikethis?”heasked.

“Yes.”

DoubleTrouble

Shecontinuedtopleasureherselfonhim,amazedatherself.Itfeltsogoodtomoveagainsthispowerful
muscles,hearinghimgruntsoftyasheheldherwithhardfingers.

“Youarebeautiful,Fiona.”

Shewascomingagain,buttheonlythingthatwouldsatisfyher,deeplysatisfyher,washavinghiminside
her.Sherememberedthepressureofhisfingersinherquimandthefeelingofhislongcockpressed
againstherass.

Fionawantedthatcockdeepinsideherandshewanteditnow.

Buthewouldn’tgiveittohernow.Shehadthefeelingthatnomatterhowmuchshebegged,hewould
havesexwithheronlywhenhedecideditwastime.

Shewisheditwouldbetimequickly.

Asherorgasmdiedawayintolittlegasps,Casliftedherinhisarmsthensatdownonthebenchand
arrangedherinhislap.

“Youarethesweetestwoman,”hewhisperedagainstherhair.“Youtastesweetandwatchingyoucomeis
delectable.”

“Iwanttotasteyou.”Shetouchedhisjawandkissedhislips.

Caslaughedsoftlyandgentlyliftedhershirtandbraoverhershouldersagain.

“Iamforevergratefultoyou,Fiona.YouhavelessenedthesadnessofleavingbehindallIknew.Imissed
somuch,butnowIhaveyou.”Hereturnedherkisswithadeeponeofhisown,thenhepushedhertoher
feet.“Ihavemuchtoteachyou,butlater.”

Fionafoundherselfstandinginfrontofhimbare-assed,shirtunbuttoned,scrutinizedbyhisappreciative

gaze.Herentirebodywascryingoutforsex,andheknewit,ifthesmileonhisfacewasanythingtogo
by.

Shetookuphershortsandunderwearfromthebench.“When?”Shehopedshedidn’tsoundtooeagerand
hornyandneedyandpathetic.

Heliftedhisshirtandpulleditonoverhishead.“Wewillhaveotheropportunitiesforplay.”Hissmile
turneddark.“Ipromiseyou.NowletusreturntofindPol.”

“Pol?”Shestarted.“Ithoughtyouwantedmealltoyourself.”

Hechuckledandgaveheranothersearingkiss.“Ido.ButIamthirsty,andwherewefindwine,wewill
alsofindPol.”

Hegraciouslygavehertimetoputonandzipuphershorts,thenheslidhisarmfirmlyaroundher
shouldersandledherbackoutintoAthens.

AllysonJames

ChapterSix

Whentheyreachedthearchaeologicalcompoundagainthatnight,Fionafoundthetwinsanempty
bedroomandtoldthemtheyhadtosleepthere.

Polgaveheraglancefilledwithsin.“Butwewanttosleepwithyou,goddess.Yousavedus,andweare
devotedtoyou.”

“Yes,butifanyonefindsoutwesharedasinglebed,I’lllosemyjob.PostdocstotheAthenianAgora
aren’thandedouttojustanyone,andIworkmybuttoffforit.”

Bothtwinsturnedtheirgazestoherbackside,lookingappreciative.

“Ithinkitisstillthere,”Polsaid.

Casnodded.“Inthebestpossibleway.”

Fionagurgledinfrustration,threwblanketsandpillowsatthem,andstalkedfromtheroom.

Backinherownbedroom,shegotintohernightshirtandlaydown,butsleepeludedher.Todayhadbeen
onehellofaday.She’dspenthalfofitchasingtwoon-the-loosedemigods,thenhavingherfirstménage
asshestrokedPolandCasbroughtherreadilytoorgasm.

ThenallthatfoodanddrinkandwatchingPoldance,thenCasstealingoffwithhertothedarkgarden
walkandhavingherstandinfrontofhimandplaywithherselfforhim.

Sheshiveredagain,rememberingthenightairtouchingherexposedskinandherownhandsworking
herselftoorgasm.She’dneverthoughtherselfcapableofit.

PolandCaswerebusilyteachingherallthatshewascapableof.

AtleastPolhadbeenamenabletotakingataxistraightbacktothedormwithoutsuggestingtheydriveup
totheAcropolisorsomethingformoreimpromptusex.Notthatshedidn’tthinkitwascoming.

Shealsoreviewedtheirstoryofthedemigoddesswho’densorcelledthemontothejar.She’dneverheard
thisaboutthelegendofCastorandPollux,thetwinsoftheconstellationGemini,thoughsheadmittedshe
didn’tknowmuchaboutthem.

SheknewthestorywentthatCastorandPolluxwereveryclosebrothers,andwhenCastorwasslain—
becausethetwinshadcarriedofftwowomentheywantedandthenhadtofighttheladies’suitors…
typicalofthem—PolluxgrievedsomuchthatwhenZeusmadePolluximmortal,heaskedifhecould
sharetheimmortalitywithCas.

Eachday,oneofthetwinswouldresideinHades,oneintheheavens.Zeuseventuallyrewardedtheir
loyaltytoeachotherandmadethembothimmortal.They50

DoubleTrouble

werethebrighteststarsoftheGeminiconstellationandsaidtobeluckyforsailingandgoodweather.

ButtheancientGreekshadcomeupwithmanybeautifulstoriestoexplainphenomenasuchas
constellationsandoddrockformationsandechoesandlaureltrees.

Howmuchwastrueandhowmuchimaginationwasdifficulttoknow.

Perhapsthestoryhadbeenmadeuptoexplaintheconstellation,whiletherealCasandPollivedon,
gettingthemselvesintoandoutoftrouble.Thenonedaythey’dmetalust-riddendemigoddesswho
wouldn’ttakenoforananswer.

Shegroundherteeth.Bitch.

FionaMcCartydidn’tsaysuchwords,buttherewasnoothernameforawomanwho’dpunishthetwins
becausetheywouldn’tdothedirtywithher.Sometimespeoplehititoffandsexwasgreat,andsometimes
itdidn’thappen.Mostpeoplefacedrejectionbywalkingaway,lickingtheirwounds,andfinding
someoneelse.Butthiswomanhadchosentopunishthembytrappingtheminoblivionfortwenty-five
hundredyears.

Whyoblivion?Fionasuddenlywondered.Thedemigoddesshadmeanttotrapthemintoaneternalerotic
game.AfterFiona’sowntasteofthetwins’sexualitytoday,shecouldn’treallyblamethedemigoddessfor
wantingtospendeternityenjoyingsexwiththem,eventhoughshewouldnothavechosensuchacruel
method.

Butthedemigoddess’straphadn’tworked.Whathadgonewrong?

Fionagotherselfoutofbed,pulledonherjeansunderthenightshirt,thrustherfeetintogrubbysneakers,
andpaddedoutofherroom.Outsidethenightwasquiet,theareaaroundthedormasilentdarkness.

OnceuponatimetheAgorahadbeentheheartofthecity,asbustlingandthrivingastherestofAthens
today.TheAgorahadhousedtheofficesofgovernment,templestoApollo,Zeus,andothergods,anda
hugemarketplace.Thestoaaroundthesquarehadsolidbackwallsandpillaredwalkwaysthatinvited
peopletostepintotheshadeoutofthehotsun.

AllofAthensmethere,thecouncils,thelawcourtsandjuries,merchantswithgoodsfromallcornersof
theknownglobe,thefamousphilosophersandthepriestsofthetemples.Itbustledwithactivity,colorand
life,muchlikethefleamarketandotherpedestrianareamarketsofthecitytoday.

Nowitwasdarkandsilent,itsinhabitantslonggone,withonlythelovingcareofpeopleinterestedinits
richpasttoremindpeopleofthegreatnessthathadgonebefore.

TheAmericanSchoolofClassicalStudieshadworkedonthissitefornearlyacentury,restoringand
studyingtheheartoftheancientAthenianempire.

Fiona’sspecialtywaspottery,sosheporedovertinyfragmentsthearchaeologistsunearthedtoseewhat
kindsofthingsmerchantshadsoldinthemarketplaceandwheretheyhadcomefrom—wine,oil,perfume
andotherexoticthings.

Asshecreptintothepotteryroomandturnedonthelight,shereflectedthatshe’dfirstthoughthervessel

hadcontainedwine,butfurtherstudybyanexpertinresidueshadtoldherthatithadcontainednothing,
whichwasstrange.Pots—jugs,bowls,51

AllysonJames

vessels,amphoraandsoforth—hadbeenmeanttobeused.Itwasunusualtofindonethatwaspurely
decorative.

Thecathadreturned.ItdidnotlooksurprisedtoseeFionaandmovedunderthetabletowashitsface.

Fionaturnedthejararoundinherhands.Thetwohandleslookedthesame,butthefaintlineswhereshe’d
fittedthepiecestogetherhadvanished.Thetwinsfacedawayfromthecenter,armsfolded,frowning.And
betweenthem,agreatgapwherethewomanhadbeen.

IfthetwinswerestillinthepictureaswellasabletowalkaroundAthens,nottomentionpleasureFiona,
didthefactthatthedemondemigoddesshaddisappearedmeanshewasgone?

Bestnottojumptoconclusions.Itmightalsomeanthatthetwinswerestilltiedtothejarsomehowwhile
thedemigoddesshadescapeditcompletely.

Thefactthatallofthiswascompletelyimpossiblemadeherheadache.

SheturnedaroundandsawPolleaningagainstthedoorframe.Fionagaspedandnearlydroppedthe
vesselbutcaughtitatthelastminutesetitbackonthetable.Thecatmeowedasthoughindisapproval.

“Youscaredthedaylightsoutofme,”Fionasaid.

“Imovesoftly.”Hesmiled,thewickedtwinkleinplaceinhiseyesasheclosedthedoorandcametoher.
“Iamherebeforeyouhearme.”

Herskinprickledwithhisnearness.Caswarmedherallover,butPolmadeherhotwithcuriosityabout
whathewoulddo.

Hegaveheraknowinglook,waiting.

“Ohgods,”shesaid,realizing.“WasthatyouIheardinthegardenwalknearthetaverna?WhenCas…”
Shestopped,figuringifitwasn’thim,hedidn’tneedtoknowthedetails.

Poltookonestepclosertoher.“WhenCaslickedyoursweetpussyandmadeyouscream,thenhadyou
standupinfrontofhimandmakeyourselfhot?”

“Yes.That’swhen.”Sheblushed,herfacescalding.“Youwerethere.Iknewsomeonewaswatching.”

“Peace,sweetFiona.”Hetouchedherhair.“‘Twasonlyme,andIenjoyeditverymuch.”

“Howcompletelyembarrassing.”

Heleaneddown,hisbodyeverybitaswarmasCas’andeverybitasexciting.

“Why,sweetheart?Ilovedlookingatyourasswhileyouspunyourfingersinyourhoney.Inearlycame
watchingyou.”

Fionaswallowedhard,feelingthathoneyflowingoncemoreandjustashot.“Cassaid…”

“Hesaidhewantedyoutohimself.Hetoldme.”

DoubleTrouble

Shebackedonestepbutthetablewasbehindher,itsedgesharpagainstthebacksofherthighs.“Sowhy
areyouhereteasingme?”

“Casisasleep.Nowonder,youworehimout.”Polgrinned.“CaslikesdifferentthingsinawomanthanI
do.Hetreatsyousweetly,verylovingandgenerous.

Pleasuringyouandaskingnothingforhimself.”

“Ilikehim.”

“Ofcourseyoudo.Whyshouldyounot?ButwhatIlikefrommywomenisalittlemore…obedience.”

HethreadedhisfingersthroughFiona’sredhairandtwistedhishand,nothard,butenoughthatFiona
wouldnotbeabletogetawaywithoutpullingherhairpainfully.

“Obedience,”sherepeated,herlipsnumb.

Hesmiledasthoughpleasedsheunderstood.Hisblackeyesfixedonher,lashesstillashegazedather
steadily.

“Forinstance,ifIfoundmyladyaloneinthesmallhoursofthenightinhernightdressinaroomfarfrom
inhabitedones,Iwould—hmm,nowwhatwouldIdo?”

Thecornersofhismouthquirkedinhishabitualsmileashethought.

“What?”Fionafaltered.

Polreleasedherhandandtookastepback.Hissmileremainedinplace,aswickedasever.“I’d
commandhertotakeoffherclothes.”

“Youwould?”

Aslownod.“Iwould.Takeoffyourclothes,Fiona.Stripforme.”

Toherconsternation,herhandwenttotheplacketofhernightshirtandskimmeditasidetobareher
shoulder.“Cas…Itoldhim…”

“Casisinbed.Iamhere.Iwon’tusurphisterritory—nofucking.HeclaimedyoufirstandI’lllethim

haveyoufirst.ButIwanttoplay.”

Shebitherlip.“Butthisisthepotteryroom.”

Hissmilewentferal.“Ialsohavesomeideasonwhattodowhenmyladydisobeysme.”

Sheshiveredasbothcoldandhotsensationsmovedthroughherbody.Hewasademigod,ifshebelieved
inallthis.Whatkindsofthingscouldhedo?

FionaMcCarty,whosedissertationonAthenianandPersianamphorawonheracclaim,didnotstripfor
men,didnotobeythemwhentheysmiledlikeacathappeninguponamousetheyparticularlywantedto
tease.

No,notacat,shethoughtwithaglanceattheanimalwashingitsfaceunderthetable,ignoringthem.

Polwasmorelikealeopardorapantherintentonhisprey.Hissmilewasslow,eyesnevermoving.He
knewFionawouldobey,andFionaknewshewouldtoo.

AllysonJames

Slowlysheeasedthewideopeningofhernightshirtdownherarms,baringherbreaststotheharshlight.
Polwaited,expressionunchanging.Sheletthenightshirtdroptothefloorthenshepoppedopenthebutton
ofherjeansandslidthemdownherlegs.

AmusclemovedinPol’sjaw,butotherthanthathewasalivingstatue,hisbodyhardunderhisAmerican
SchoolofClassicalStudiest-shirt,hiscockstiffagainstthezipperofhisjeans.

Fionaslidherunderweardownherlegsandsteppedoutofthecircleofclothes.

There.Shewasnakedexceptforthesneakersonherfeet.

Polranhisgazefromthetopofherheadtothetipsofherwornshoes.Hetookhistime,rakinghissensual
gazeslowlyfromeyestolips,throattobreasts,bellytoquim,thighstocalves.Shefeltasthoughsomeone
hadtouchedherphysically,warmfingersbrushingherskinallthewaydown.

“Verynice,”hepronounced.

Sheblushed,ratherembarrassedbythepraise.Archaeologistswerequiteinterestedintheopenway
ancientculturesdealtwithsex,butonlyineroticaofthepast.Fionahadneverappliedherresearchto
herselfinthepresentday.

Polwasamanofthatancienttime,whensexwasasharedpleasurebetweentwo,sometimesmore,and
notasin.ThearchaeologistinhergrewexcitedthinkingwhatamineofinformationCasandPolcouldbe,
awindowonthepast.

Thewomaninhergrewexcitedthinkingofthekindsofpleasuresthepeopleofthepastenjoyedand
wonderingifPolwasabouttoshowher.

“Youarebeautiful,Fiona,doyouknowthat?”

Cashadcalledherbeautifultoo.He’dsaiditwithadeepnoteinhisvoicethatshe’dheardinthevoiceof
arthistorianswhentheyfoundaparticularlyfinestatue.She’dlovedthathecalledherbeautifulbut
remindedherselfthatthegardenwalkhadbeendark.

NowshestoodunderabareyellowlightbulbwhilePollethisgazetraveltoeverypartofher.

“Notreally,”shesaid,rememberingtobebashful.

Pollosthissmile.“Ilikemyladiestoknowtheyarebeautiful.Notashamedoftheirownbodies.Tellme
youarebeautiful,Fiona.”

Fionaglanceddownatherself,atherbellywhichshethoughtwastoofull,atherbreastswhichcouldbe
fuller,fingersthatwerepudgyandusuallycoatedwithdust.

Didanywomaneverbelieveshewasbeautiful?Theywereallheldtosuchahighstandardevenfrom
earliestchildhood.Seethatwomanonthetelevisionscreen?Nowshe’s

beautiful.Andifyoudidn’tlooklikethat,youweren’t.

Pol’sfingerspressedhardtoherchinandwrenchedherfaceupward.He’dmovedtohersoswiftlyand
silentlyshewascaughtoffguard.Hiseyesweresparksofblackfury.

“Tellmeyouarebeautiful.”

DoubleTrouble

“Iam…”Theunfamiliarwordslodgedinherthroat.

“Sayit.”Hepinchedherchinbetweenhardfingers.“OrI’llwhipyou.”

Hereyesrounded,herheartspeeding.Infearorexcitement?Shecouldn’ttell.

“Whip?”

Polbentandkissedher.Hisfingerswovethroughherhair,pullingherheadback,mouthbatteringand
bruisinghers.

Herkneesweakened,butnotforlong.Somethingwokeupinsideher,somethingasferalashewas,along
dormantneedforwildnessandsexandexactlywhathewasoffering.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck,fingersbitingintohisflesh.Sheopenedhermouthwide,wanting
allofhistongueandsuckingonitwhenhegaveittoher.

Whentheirmouthsbrokeapart,hesaid,“Youlovetosuck.Ilikethat.”

Sheneededto.Sheslammedhislipsbacktohersandgotbacktothebusinessofsuckingonhislipsand
histongue.Theyclutchedeachother,handsasbruisingasmouths,hersskimmingtohisbuttocksunderhis
jeans.

Shetriedtowormherfingersunderhiswaistbandandwhimperedinherthroatwhenshecouldn’tget
veryfar.

Polwrenchedhimselfawayfromher.Shestumbledafewfeetback,panting,watchinghimround-eyed.
Hewassmiling.Heunhookedhisbelt,alsostolenfromHans,andunbuttonedandunzippedthejeans.

Hewasn’twearinganythingunderthem.Goingcommando,shethoughttheexpressionwent.She’d
noticedhewasbarebeneathhisjeansinthetavernaevenwhileshe’dbeendistractedbyCas’body
wrappingaroundhers.

Hiscockstoodoutstraightandhardfromtheblackcurlsofhairframedbytheopenzipperofthejeans.
Deargoddessoflove,helookedlikethebestmalemagazinemodelshe’deverseen.

Hestartedlaughing,anactivitythatjiggledthelovelyrigidcockupanddown.

Fionarealizedshewasstaringhardatit,hermouthhangingopen,asshewaitedforPoltointroducethem.

“You’vealreadymet,”hesaid,asthoughreadinghermind.

Shetriedtothinkofsomethingwittyandfuntosaybutonlyastranglednoisecameout.Thiswasnotime
forjokes.

Fiona’shandmovedofitsownaccordtorestlightlyonthetopofhisofferedcock.

“Howdoyoudo?”shebreathed.

Helaughedagain,asoundthatrumbledthroughtheroomandthroughherbody.

“Howdoyou?Takeitinyourmouth,Fiona.”

Thebreathwentoutofher,andherminddarkenedwithdizziness.Goodthingsheneededtogetonher
knees,becauseshedidn’tthinkshecouldstandanylonger.

AllysonJames

ThewarmpileofherclothescushionedherlegsasshesankdowninfrontofPol,hereyesonthat
gorgeouscock.

Nottoofast,shetoldherself.It’slikeafabulouspieceofchocolate—youstartoutwithalittletaste,a
littlenibbletosateyourcravingandtemptyourselfatthesametime,andthenyoureallydigin.

Savorthis.

FionaleanedforwardslightlyasPolsteppedclosetoher.Heheldhisjeansbythewaistband,theopening
hangingloose,thebeltdraggingthefabrictoeitherside.Hiscockhadtobeeleveninchestoafootlong—
thereweremeasuringtoolsinthepotteryroom,maybesheshould…

Later.Aftershe’denjoyeditforawhile.Hishairwassoblack,shininginthelight,hiscocksmellinga
littlelikedustandvelvet.Shenuzzledthetipandwasrewardedbyhissmoothskinbumpinghernose.

“Mmm,”hesaidappreciatively.

Sheranthetipofhernosearoundhimplayfullythenputouthertongueandtouchedittohisslit.His
knuckleswentwhitewhereheclutchedthefabricofthejeans,sinewsinhisforearmsmoving.

Fionawriggledhertongueoverhisslitsomemore,tastingthebeadofmoisturethathadwelledupather
touch.Shedraggedhertonguearoundhisflange,rubbingthesmalllineoffleshunderthetip.

“Baby,whatareyoudoingtome?”hesaid,hisvoiceroughening.

“Havingfun,”Fionasaid.Shesuckedhistipintohermouththenpusheditoutagainrightaway.

“Cruelwoman.”

“I’mtheoneobeyingyou,”shepointedout.Beforehecouldanswer,shedrewhiscockallthewayinto
hermouth.

“That’sit,”hewhispered.Heunballedonefistanddraggedhisfingersthroughherhair.

Fionagraspedhisbuttocks,sinkingherfingersintohisskin,andwenttoworkonhiscock.

Shedrewback,lettingitfalloutofhermouth,blowingalittleonit.Shehadnoideawherethisplayful,
sex-crazedwomaninsideherhadcomefrom.Sextoherhadalwaysbeenmoreorlessanobligationto
pleaseamansoshewouldn’tbealone.

Pathetic.Itwasn’tlikeshehadn’twantedsexandsexualpleasure,butherfriendshadalwaystoldherthat
sexwaswhatyouhadtodotokeepmenhappy.Theyweren’tgoodenoughatittokeepyouhappy,soyou
eitherhadtokeepyourselfhappyorfindagirlfriendwhoknewhowto.

BecauseFionahadbeentooself-conscioustotouchherself,andneverhadanyinterestinotherwomen,
she’dassumedthatsexwasallrightbutnothingspecial.

DoubleTrouble

Cashadbegunteachingherthatsexualpleasurecouldbethemostoutstandingthingontheplanet,andPol
wasbusyhammeringthepointhome.Cas,withhiswarmeyesandraresmile,wasalreadystealingher
heart.

HisbrotherPolwasaloverofadifferentkind.Demanding,foronething.

“Harder.”Hishandtwistedinherhair.

Sheobeyed.Sheslidhiscockbackintohermouthandrolledhertonguealloveritwhileshesucked.He
tastedsogood,warmandsaltyandmale.Herentirebodytingledwiththemalenessofhim.

“Ah,Fiona.”Thewordsdraggedoutofhim,amanobviouslyhappywithwhatshewasdoing.Herocked
slightlyonhisheels,pressinghimselfdeeperintohermouth.

Shelovedeverydifferenttasteofhim.Theroughtextureandspicytasteofthebaseofhim,thesmooth,
honey-sweetnessofhistip,therigidandsatintasteofhisflange.

Shelikedlickinghisballstoo,shediscovered,smoothskincoveredwithwiryhair.

Hisballsrodehighandtight,roundandalmostashardashiscock.Experimentallyshedrewoneintoher
mouthandlightlygrazeditwithherteeth.

“Damn.”

“Doyoulikethat?”sheasked.

“DoIlikeit?”Hepushedherbacktowardthebaseofhiscock.“Whatisthattellingyou?”

“Youlikeit.”Shelaughedindelight.Howpleasingitwastopleaseamanwhoreallylikedtobepleased.
Shelaughedagainathertongue-twistingthoughts.

Fionateasedandlickedandnibbledathisballsalittlelonger,thenwentbacktothesatisfyingfeastofhis
cock.

Polhadbeguntheirencounterincontrol,butbythewayhishandsalternatelyflexedandclosedand
tuggedatherhairorpulledherfartherontohim,hehadleftcontrolbehind.

“Fiona,sweetgoddess.”

Shelickedhimharder,nibblingthesensitiveundersideofhistip.Thetwinshaditfixedintheirheadsthat
shewasagoddesswho’dusedherspecialmagictorescuethem.Theywerecompletelywrong,butitwas
ratherfuntobeanobjectoffascinationanddesire.

“I’mgoingtocome,”hemoaned.

Hisstronghandstightenedinherhair,holdinghertohimwhileherockedintohermouth.Fionahadnever
swallowedamandownbeforeandhadnocluewhattoexpect.

Polgrowledlowinhisthroat,hishipsmoving,andthensmooth,thickliquidfilledhermouth.Sheranher
tonguethroughitandswallowed,likingthestrangenewtaste.

Theseedofademigod.PlainFionahadcomealongway.

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Polhauledhertoherfeetandgatheredherclose.Hisbodyshudderedandheburiedhisfaceinherneck.
Thefeelofhist-shirtandstill-openjeansonherbareskinexcitedher,andshekissedhim.

Heheldherhard,kissingherback,thetasteofhisseedandhistonguemixingtogetherintoaheady
cocktail.

“Fiona,”hewhispered.“Thankyou.”Hekissedheragain,histonguearoughweightinhermouth.

“Thankyou,”herepeated,andshehadthefeelingthathisthankswentbeyondherpleasuringhim.“Thank
you,sweetFiona.”

DoubleTrouble

ChapterSeven

Howcantheyleaveatrailtenfeetwide,Selenafumed,andthendisappear?

IthadbeeneasytotraceCasandPolthroughthepreviousdayandnight—

everyonerememberedthetall,unbelievablyhandsometwinsandtheirdevilishsmiles.

Probablycharmingtheirwayintogettingeveryonetodoexactlywhattheywant.

Whileshecouldrespectgettingpeopletoobey,shecouldn’trespectthemethod.

Painwassomuchmoreeffective.

Atleast,itusedtobe.Thetwinsmustretainsomeoftheirpowers,becausetheykepteludingSelena,
alwayshavingjustleftaplacesheentered.Shewouldgetturnedaroundonthebackstreetsandthe
peopletherewouldrememberthetwinsbutnotquitewhichdirectiontheywent.

Itwasenoughtodriveademondemigoddesscrazy.

Finally,afterthey’dleftthelastrestaurantintheweehoursofthemorning,shehadn’tbeenabletotrace
them.She’dreturnedtoherslaveinhistinyapartmentandwhippedhimsenselesstorelieveherpique.

Inthemorning,hestilllaygroaningonthefloor.Shesteppedoverhimonthewayout,notbotheringto
yankhimtohisfeet.Shedidn’tneedhimanymoreanyway.

Angryandhungry,Selenaapproachedastandsellingthetastybeveragecalledcoffee.Itpleasedherthat
shecouldmakethevendorgiveherthecoffeewithoutpaymentsimplybyglaringathim.Shehadn’tlost
hertouchentirely.

Shefeltstrongerthismorning,asthoughherpowerswereslowlyreturning.Maybeitwasallthefucking
she’ddonewiththepeasantman.Hewasusedupthough.She’dhavetofindanotherone.

Thatthetwinsstilleludedhermadeherboilwithrage.Shecouldn’tfollowthem—

they’dobviouslyleftmagicbehindtoconfuseher—sosheneededtogetonestepaheadofthem.

How,shedidn’tknow.

Sheneededtofindthedamnjarandtrytogetthembackintoit.Thistime,she’dmakesurethespell
worked,andthey’dburythemselvesdeepinherforever.

Mmm,whatalovelythought.PolandCashugeandhardinsideherandneverabletogetout.Neverable
toreleasealthoughshewouldreleaseandgrowexcitedasmanytimesasshewanted.

Shelookedoverthemagazinesandnewspapersatastandnexttothecoffeevendor’s.Politicsofthetime,
salaciousgossipaboutpeopleshe’dneverheardof.

Boring,boring,boring.

AllysonJames

Herattentionwasarrestedbyamagazineinthecorner,dog-earedandforlorn,likenoonewantedit.But
onthecover,boldascouldbe,wasapictureofherjar.

Shepointedaredtalonatit.“Givemethat.”

“Thearchaeologymagazine?”thevendorlookedbewildered.“Youdon’tlookthetype.”

Selenagrabbedtheman’sshirtfrontandjerkedhimdowntohisglossycopiesofnudeandsports
magazines.“Isaid,giveittome.”

Coughing,thevendorgrabbedthemagazine,shoveditatherandbackedtothefarthestcornerofhisstall.
Ignoringhim,Selenawalkedaway,flippingthroughthemagazineuntilshefoundthearticleshewanted.

Therewasthejar,chippedandhalf-finished.ButthosemenwereCasandPol,nakedandbeautiful,and
therewasherself,beautifultoo,hangingbetweenthem.Theircockswerehalfburiedinher.

Shouldhavebeen,anyway.

Sheskimmedthearticle,herbrainalreadyadaptedtotwenty-firstcenturyGreek.

Whatshereadraisedherangertoblazingfury.

Selenaslammedthemagazineclosed,holdingtheplacewithherfinger.Shewaiteduntiloneofthetaxis
spedtowardher,thenshesteppedoutinfrontofit.

Itscreechedtoahaltasthoughstoppedbyagiantforce.Thedriverleanedoutofthewindow,staringat
herwithroundeyes,hisfacewhite.

Selenajerkedopenthepassengerdoorandclimbedinbesidehim.“Doyouknowwherethisis?”

Sheopenedthemagazineandjammedherpointednailattheparagraphthattoldherthejarwasbeing
studiedbyapostdocfellowattheAmericanSchoolofClassicalStudiesinAthens.

“It’sintheKolonakiDistrict,”themanstammered.

“Good.Takemethere.Now.”

Thedrivergulped,jammedhisfoottothefloorandswervedthevehicleoutintotraffic.

*****

Fionaroseinherusualmorningfog,stumbledtotheshowerswithhertowelandtoothbrush,mumbled
goodmorningtotheotherwomeninthebathroom,andsteppedunderthelukewarmwatertowashher
hair.

Whentheslapofshampoowokeherup,shefroze,sudsdrippingdownherface,assheremembered.

Shehadfreedtwodemigods,chasedthemacrossAthens,letthemfondleher,thenwentwiththemoneata
timetopleasureandbepleasuredbythem.

She’ddoneitwithtwins.

DoubleTrouble

TwinswhostillhadHansJorgensen’sclothesandcreditcardsandthegodsonlyknewwhatthey’dgetup
totoday.

Fionahurriedthroughherablutions,zippedatoweloverherskinandpulledherclothesoverherstill-
dampbody.Sheskimmedatoothbrushoverherteeththendashedoutofthedormtomakeherwaytothe
Agora.

Whenshegottothedig,itteemedwithpeople.Theyallseemedtocongregateonthenorthwestside,
standinginthestancethatFionahadcometorecognizeasarchaeologistsexcited,handsonhipsorfingers
tochins,allstaringquietlydownatthesamespotasthoughhopingandnotwantingtohopethatherewas
agreatfind.

InthefrontofthegroupwasCasandPolandHansJorgensen.Fionapushedherwaythrough,breathing
“excuseme”halfadozentimesbeforeshegotthroughbodiestothefrontofthecrowd.

Pollookedherwayandgaveherawink.HerblushreturnandflaredevenmorewhenCassentheraslow
smile.

Hansandtherestofthearchaeologistspaidnoattention.Hanswasscrapinghisblondhairbackwith
agitatedhandsashestaredatthelumpofstonethathadbeenrevealedintheearth.

HeglancedatFionaandhiseyeswidened.“Fiona,doyouknowwhattheyhavedone?”

Fionaflinched,expectinghimtochastiseherforallowingthemtostealhiscreditcards,butHanswenton
beforeshecouldinterrupt.

“Theyhavefoundastoa.Onenotknownofbefore.Theybroughtmetoit—itwillmakemycareerifitis
truewhattheysay.”

“Theymintedcoinhere,”Cassaid.“Thereisaroomandcoinsstillthere.Worthmuchmoneytoyou,I
imagine.”

Hansstaredathimasthoughhe’dgrownthreeheads.“Money?Isuppose.Butapreviouslyunknown
stoa…Thankyou,mygoodfriends.Imustmarkthespotandmakeasketch…”Hesquattedinthedirtand
startedexaminingthegroundminutelyasthoughforgettingthatanyoneelsewasnearby.

Theotherseithercongratulatedhimandmovedofftotheirownjobsorstayedtohelphim.Fionaglanced
atHans’bigbodyandraptfacethenswitchedhergazetothetwins,wholookedbackather,grinning.

Sheglaredatthem,turnedaroundandwalkedaway.

Ifshethoughttheyweregoingtofollowherandapologize,shewaswrong.Shestompedmostoftheway
throughtheAgorabeforesherealizedthey’dstayedwithHans.

“Men,”shesaidthroughclenchedteeth,notsurewhyshewasangryatthewholesex.

“Ithoughtyouweremoreinterestedinpotterythanspectacularfinds,”JoanWhittingtonsaidinpassing.

AllysonJames

“Iam.”FionamadeherwaybacktothepotteryroombeforeJoancouldcontinue.

LetthewomanthinkshewasjealousofHans.Shehadtoomuchgoingontoworryaboutit.

ShehadcomeherelastnighttoresearchtheproblemofthejarandwhyPolandCasremaineddepicted
onitwhilethedemigoddesswasnot.AndthenPolhadcomeintellinghertotakeoffherclothesandhad
startedunzippinghisjeans.

Thememoryofthesmoothtasteofhiscomemadeherheatupagain,herbloodfiringinherveins.

Research,shetoldherself.Focusonresearch.

Shepulledoutbooksandjournalsshe’dcollectedonancientGreekpotteryandconcentratedonthoseof
thefifthcenturyB.C.E.,theheightoftheAthenianempireandthetimeofPericles.She’dalreadycombed
thesebooksforinformationonjarssimilartoherownandfoundlittle,butshemighthavemissed
something.

She’dhavetogototheschoolandlookthroughtheirlibraryforlegendsofCastorandPolluxandGemini.
Greekgodsusuallyhadmorethanonestorytoldaboutthem,morethanonefacet.

Zeus,forexample,thoughhewasthekingofthegods,hadotheraspectsthatwereworshipedatdifferent
times.InthetempleintheAgora,Zeuswasworshipedinhisaspectascounselor,whichmadesense
becausethesenateandlawcourtshadmetnearby.

CastorandPolluxmightappearinsomeloreandlegendsthatwereunknowninthepresentday.Fionawas
historianenoughtoknowthatwhatarchaeologistsknewofthepastwasthetipoftheicebergandthatso
muchwasforeverlost.Somewheretheremustbethestoryofthejarandthemagicthatwentalongwithit.

Fionapickedoutthebooksthatmightbemosthelpfulandhoistedthemintoherbackpack.Shetrotted
backdowntothedig,whereHanswassketchingtheareaandCasandPolwereholdingforthonwhathe
wouldfind.

CasandPolweretwofabulouslybuiltmen.Withthesunontheirblackhair,theirskinbronzedand
clothesstretchedovertightbodies,theycouldeasilymakenextyear’sHe-MenofArchaeologycalendar.

Whentheycaughtsightofher,theybrokeoffandsaunteredtowardher.Hermouthwentdryastheyboth

sentherlooksofhotpromise,bothofthemremindingherofwhatthey’ddoneinsecretlastnight.Sheesh,
whenhadherlifebecomesocomplicated?

Theymovedtoeithersideofher,Casontheright,Polontheleft,theirbodyheatenclosinghers.

Poltouchedthebackpackslungoverhershoulder.“Youaregoingsomewhere?”

“Yes,tothelibrary.”

Sheexpectedthemtotellhertheywouldaccompanyherandperhapsstopoffinatavernaforwineand
moretouching,butCassaid,“WewillstayhereandhelpHans.”

DoubleTrouble

“Whatdidyoutellhim?Howdidyougethimtobelieveyouknewofacompletelynewandundisturbed
find?”

“Isaidthatwehadbeenhereforadigmanyyearsago,”Casanswered.“Thattheyhaduncoveredalittle
ofthenewstoa,buthadnotbeenableto—whatisthewordforyourmagic?—excavateit.”

“Andhebelievedthat?”

“Notatfirst,”Polsaid.“Notuntilweshowedhimwherethefirststonewas.Thenhedidnotcarehowwe
hadfoundit.Theprospectofafewstonesexcitedhimmorethanthethousandsofcoinsthatliebeneath
it.”

Fionapressedahandtoherforehead.“Thisiswhatyoumeantwhenyousaidyou’dpayhimback.”

“Yes,”Casanswered.“Therearemanymorecoinsherethanwhatamealandwineandtransportcostus
yesterday.”

“True,but…”Shebitherlip.“Youdidtellhimaboutthecreditcardbusiness,right?”

“Wedid,”Polsaid,warmamusementinhiseyes.“Afterweshowedhimthestoa.

Hesaidnottobotheraboutit,wehadmorethanpaidhimback.”

Shelookedbackandforthbetweenthem,sensingthesmugnessradiatingfromboth.“Ican’tbelieveyou
two.”

“Whynot?”Cas’mouthquirked,buthisgazemovedoverFionalikeatouch.“WehavemadeHans
Jorgensenvery,veryhappy.Hesaidheowedushislife,whichofcoursewewillnottake.Itisquite
dangeroustosaythattoademigod.”

“I’llbecertainandremindhim,”shesaidfaintly.

“Wearethedemigodsofgoodtimes,”Polsaid,hisgazeandsmileasdevastatingashisbrother’s.“Not

wrathfulorvengeful.Butspeakingofgodsofgoodtimes,IwonderwhyDionysushasnottriedtofindus.
Wehavegonetotheplaceshewouldlingerandhaveseennothingofhim.”

“ThereisatempletoAthenaaboveus,”Cassaid,hisgazemovingtotheParthenonontheflathill.

Streamsoftouristsinmany-coloredshirtsstreamedupthehilltowardthetemple,butevenwiththat
modernity,thepillarsstandingontheAcropolis,theancientnessofit,overwhelmedtouristsint-shirts
withcell-phonesandcameras.

“Buttheyareabandonedandruined,”Caswenton,anoteofsadnessenteringhisvoice.“Thegodsno
longercomeheretosmelltheburnedofferingsorheartheprayersoftheirpeople.They’vegone.”

“Theycouldn’thavegonecompletely,”Polargued.“Theylovedthislandandthepeopleinit.”

Casgavehimasomberlook.“Idonotfeelthemhere.Therearenewreligionsandnewbeliefs,andthe
godshavebeenforgotten.”

AllysonJames

Pollookedasthoughhewantedtoarguefurther,butFionabrokein.“Casisright.

Everyoneisfascinatedbythegods,buttheydon’tbelieveinthemanylonger.Therearestillpeoplewho
callonthem,butveryfew.”

CasturnedhisheadtolookovertheAgora,thesunglisteningonhisdarkhair,lookingverymuchagod.
Thesorrowofhislosstouchedher,makingherheartstingwithgriefforhim.

“Well,Iamgoingtofindoutwhathappenedtoyou,”sheannounced.“Whyyouweretrappedinoblivion
andifthere’sanydangerofyougoingback.”

Bothswungtoher,theirgazesglittering.ThecordsinPol’snecktightened.“Whatdoyoumean?Thereis
dangerofusreturningto—tonothingness?”

“Idon’tknow.Thepicturechangedandthedemigoddessdisappeared,butyoudidnot.Idon’tknow
whetherthatmeansshediedoryouareonlypartiallyfree,orifitmeansnothing.That’swhyI’mgoingto
thelibrary,tofindoutandtotrytofreeyouallthewayifyouaren’t.”

Thetwinsglancedatoneanother.Shesawarippleofuneasinessbetweenthem,fearthattheydidnot
wanttoadmit.

“Fiona,”Cassaid.Hiseyesweredarkashesoftlytouchedherface.“Youaregoodtouseyourmagicto
helpus.Idonotfullyunderstandwhyyoudothis,butwearegrateful.”

Fionashrugged,tryingtobeoffhand,butherthroattightened.

IfsheweretolosePolandCastowhatevermagichadtrappedthembefore,shewouldbemorethan
sorry.She’dknownthemonlyalittlelongerthantwenty-fourhours,buttheyhadawakenedinher

somethingnootherman—ormen—had.

Besides,shelikedthem.Theyweretroublemakers,thatwasapparent,buttheyborenoanimosityto
anyone.

“IhopeIcanhelp,”shesaid,notknowinghowtorespond.“I’lldomybest.”

Polgrowled.“Ifthegodswouldshowtheirfaces,wecouldgetsomeanswersfromthem.Apollohasa
templeintheAgora,sodoZeusandAthena.Peoplemayhaveabandonedthem,buttheyhaveabandoned
theirplacesaswell.”

“Well,Idon’tknowhowtotalktogods,butIdoknowhowtotalktolibrarians.”

Fionaheldupherhands,palmoutward.“Youwillstayhere,right?”

PolexchangedanotherglancewithCas,whichworriedher,buthisvoicewasperfectlysteadywhenhe
answered.“Ofcourse.WewillhelpHans.Heseemspersonable.Andwhenyoureturn…”

Heloweredhislefteyelidinawink.Behindhim,Cassentheraknowingsmile.

We’llplaywhenwe’realltogether,heseemedtosay,butwhenyouandIarealone…

Fionahastilyturnedonherheelandleftthembeforeshesuccumbedtotheheadyvisionsinherheadand
draggedthembothoftoherroomtoseewhattheyhadinmind.

DoubleTrouble

*****

Thelibraryyieldedonlyafewinterestingpiecesofinformation.Thereweremanyversionsofthestoryof
PolgrievingforCas’deathandsharinghisimmortalityuntilZeusmadethembothimmortal.

Shereadthatthey’dhadadventureswithJasonandtheArgonauts—ittooklittlestretchoftheimagination
topicturethemsailingfromporttoport,fightingmonsters,havingwomenandenjoyingeverymomentof
it.

Castorwassupposedtobeanexcellenthorseman,Polaboxer,whichalsowentwiththetwinssheknew.
Apersonhadtohavequietstrengthandpatiencetodowellwithhorses,andboxersneededacombination
ofaggressionandcunning.Polluxhadapparentlybeenabletokillwithhisboxingskills.

Somestoriessaidthattheyhatchedfromthesameegg,somefromtwoeggs,somethattheyhaddifferent
fathers,Leda’smortalhusbandandZeus.

Allthestoriesagreedthattheywereidentical,powerful,fun-lovingandclose.Thedemigodsofgood
times,theycalledthemselves.

Onlyonestorywasalittledifferent.CastorandPolluxwerepursuedbyademondemigoddesswhowas

soadamanttohavethemshesentahydratocapturethem,butwhetherthehydrasucceeded,thestory
didn’tsay.

Fionasighedandclosedherlastbook.Theremightbemoreaboutthejarinlibrariesbackatthe
UniversityofChicago,andshe’dhavetosearchtheInternetandtheemailloopsincaseanarchaeologist
wasworkingonsomethingthatcouldhelpher.

Thelibrarywasquiettoday,mostpeopleouteitherdoingtheirjobsortakingvacationonthecoast.She
satinashadowedcornernearawindowwithalongstretchofemptytablesandchairsbetweenherand
thedoor.

Exceptnowtheyweren’tempty.Awomanloungedinachairnotfarfromher.Shehadlongblackhairthat
swepttoherlapinasensuouswaveandworetightblackleatherpantsandablackleatherbustier,
impracticalforthehotweatherofsummer,andstrangeattireforanacademiclibrary.

WhenFionastoodup,thewomansmiledandstooduptoo.Shehadapointedface,darkeyesandafull-
lipped,scarletmouth.Sheworeglovesonherhandsandcarriedawhipcoiledinonefist.

Fionalookedintothewoman’sfaceandgasped,thesoundloudinthequietlibrary.

Hereyeswereblackpoolsofevil,eroticismtakeninafouldirection,sexusedforpainandtortureand
death.Shewasawomanwhogotherpleasureusingpeopleuntiltheybeggedtogetaway,andthenshe
punishedthemforpleadingformercyandkilledthemanyway.

Fionasensedallthatbehindthewoman’seyes,asticky,foulmalevolencethatsoiledtheairofthe
innocentlibrary.

“So,”thewomansaid,herdeepvoicefilledwithscorn.“Youtookawaymyboys.”

“You’rethedemigoddess,”Fionawhispered.

AllysonJames

“IamSelena.”Herbosommoundedhighoverthebustier.“Thetwinsbelongtome.”

“Notanymore,theydon’t,”Fionasaidquickly.Thewomanwasscaryashell,butFionahadnointention
oflettingPolandCasbackunderherpower.Selenahaddeprivedthemoftwenty-fivehundredyearsof
theirlifeuntiltheywokeupinaworldtheydidn’tunderstand.

Selenacockedherhead,studyingFionaclosely.“Youmusthavegreatmagictobeabletoliftthespell.As
muchasyouliftedit,anyway.”

Fionaautomaticallystartedtodenythatshehadanypowersatall,thenreconsidered.Itwouldn’thurtif
thiswomanbelievedshewasn’tasdefenselessasshefelt.

“Ihavethemagicofarchaeology,”Fionasaid,drawingherselfup.“IusedittofreeCasandPol.”

“Luckythem.”Thewomanranherglovedfingersoverherownlips,outliningherblood-redmouth.“IfI
wasn’tsopissedoffatyou,I’ddoyousweetly,mydear.I’dbenice,sinceyou’resopretty.”

AshiverofloathingwentthroughFiona.“Whydidyoubindthemtothejar?Howdidyoudoit?Itwasa
cleverbitofsorcery.”

Thewomanslantedherasmilethatsaidshe’dcaughtontoFiona’sattemptatflattery.

“Itwasn’tcleveratall,justasimplebindingspell.Weperformedtheritualthatyousawsonicelypainted
onyourjar.Andthenwebecameapartofit,tohaveraw,beautifulsexforever.”Shewavedherfingers,
lookingtriumphant.

“Butsomethingwentwrong,”Fionasaid.“Thetwinswereinoblivion,andI’mwillingtobetyouwere
too.”

RageflaredinSelena’sblackeyesandsparksactuallyshotfromthem,makingFionatakeseveralhasty
stepsback.

“Interferingbitchwouldn’tletmehavemyfun,”Selenahissed.

“Whichbitch?”

Selenaopenedhermouthtoanswerthensmiledagain.“Ohno,I’mnotgivingyouallmysecrets.”

“Atleasttellmewhyyouarenolongerpicturedonthejarwhiletheyare.”

Selenasmirked.“Wouldn’tyouliketoknow?There’snothingyoucando,darling,CastorandPolluxwill
beforeverconnectedwiththatpieceofclay.AfterIenteredthespell,Ihadoneofmyslavesbreakthejar
andscatterthepiecesfarandwidesothegoddessesthey’dbeguiledwouldn’tbeabletofindit.Lazy
bitcheswouldn’tbothertolookiftherewasachancethey’dbreakanail.”

“GoodthingIpersistedinfindingit,”Fionapointedout.“Orelseyou’dbetrappedinoblivionstill.”

DoubleTrouble

“Theoblivionthingwasaslightcomplication.”Selenamadeatinyspacebetweenglovedthumband
forefinger.“Butnowthatallthegoddesseshaveabandonedthisplace,Icandomyspellagain.Ah,sweet
eternitywiththosetwoenormous,gorgeouscocksburiedinmybody.”Sheclosedhereyesandgavea
littleshiver.

“CasandPoldon’tbelongtoyou,”Fionasaidangrily.

Selena’seyessnappedopen.“Theydon’tbelongtoyou,sweetie.Idon’tcarehowmuchthey’vestroked
andteasedyou.”HersmilereturnedasFionablushed.“Theyhave,haven’tthey?Theycan’tkeeptheir
handsoffanythingfemale.Didtheymakeyoubelieveyou’respecialtothem?”Sheimitatedapout.“Isn’t
thatsweet,theymadeyouthinktheycared.”

Fionafeltanansweringfurybubbledeepinsideher.Thiswoman,forallherpoweranderoticism,knew
nothingaboutCasandPol,carednothingaboutthem.

“Getoutofhere,”shesaid,findingstrengthinanger.“Youdon’tbelonghere.”

Hervoicerangtotheverycornersofthelibrary.Theshelvesandshelvesofbooksliningthewalls
seemedtofrown,notlikingthenoise,yetagreeingthattheblack-hairedwomanhadtogo.

Instantly,SelenawasatFiona’sside,longfingerstwistinginFiona’shair.Shelaidthecoiledwhip
againstFiona’scheek.“Stupidlittlebitch,yourmagicisnothingcomparedtomine.Iamademigoddess,
daughterofPoseidon.Doyouthinkyoucanchallengeme?”

No,Fionareallydidn’t.Ifshehadn’talreadytalkedherselfintobelievingmagichadtrappedCasandPol
fortwenty-fivehundredyears,she’dbelieveitnow.Thewomanradiatedpower—harsh,evilpower—
andFionaknewSelenacouldkillherhereandnow.TherewasnothingFionacoulddotostopher.

Fionafeltsomethingbrushherlowerleg,thenagraytabbycatwithorangeeyes,lookingremarkablylike
theonethatlikedtohangaroundthedig,jumpedtothenearesttable.ItglaredatSelena,slammeditsears
backandhissed.

Selenaswungaroundandslashedatthecatwithherwhip.

Exceptthecatwasn’tthere.Theairshimmeredwithenergywherethecathadbeen,energythatvibrated
upthewhipandslammedSelenahardintoatablebehindher.

Selenaclimbedtoherfeet,blinking.Ishouldrun,Fionathought,butherfeetwerefrozentothefloor,her
limbsunabletomove.

Andthenthecatwasbackonthetable,itshacklesraised,itsorangeglaretrainedonSelena.

“Bitch!”Selenascreamedatit.Shestartedbackingaway,navigatingthechairsandtableswithdifficulty,
nolongertryingtolashoutwiththewhip.“Youwon’tbeabletoprotectheralways.Andyou—”She
switchedherfuriousgazetoFiona,stabbingtheairwithaleather-coveredfinger.“Youwon’tbeableto
protectthem.Thinkaboutwhatmighthappenifthatjarbreaks.”

AllysonJames

Fiona’seyeswidened.Shepicturedherjarsittingunprotectedinthepotteryroomandastray
archaeologistbumpingthetableandsendingthevesseltothecementfloor.

SheimaginedthepicturesofPolandCaslyingbrokenandsplintered.

DidSelenameantheywoulddie?Orbesentbacktooblivion?AndwhatwastostopSelenafromrushing
tothedigandbreakingthejarherself?

Fionamadeanoiseinherthroat.Thecatlasheditstail,stillglaringatSelena.Theblack-cladwoman
sneeredonelasttimethenturnedandstrodeoff,disappearinginmid-air.

Fionashuddered,releasedfromherfrozenstance.Sheglancedatthecat,whoyawned,thensatonits
haunchesandbeganwashingitsfaceinaverycatlikemanner.

“Thankyou,”Fionatoldit.“Whoeveryouare,thankyouforstoppingher.”

Thecatcontinuedtowashitsfaceasthoughoblivioustohumanchatter.

Tentatively,Fionarubbeditbetweentheears,hopingthatshewasn’toffendingwhateverentitywas
inside.ThecatlowereditspawandleanedagainstFiona’shand,itsbodyrumblingwithpurrs.

“Really,thankyou.”Fionadraggedinabreath,fearbringingherstrengthback.“Ihavetogo.Ihaveto
makesureshedoesn’thurtCasandPol.”

Thecatrubbeditsheadagainstherhandafewmoretimes.Thenitjumpeddownfromthetableand
stalkedaway,tailstraightintheair,lookingsmugasonlyacatcould.

*****

Thetransportcalledamotorcyclewashardtogetusedto,butafteronlyafewmishapsCasbeganto
catchon.Hehadtoadmitheenjoyedthecurseshedrewfromhisbrotherwhoclungonbehindhim.

They’dgottenthemotorcyclefromHansJorgensenwho’dgoodnaturedlytoldthemtotakeitandenjoy
theirtrip.They’dgottenthemapofmodernGreecefromamaninthefleamarketandthewholeideaof
thetripfromHans.

“Doesanyoneworshipthegodsanylonger?”Polhadaskedhimthatmorning.

“Anyoneatall?”

Hanshadactuallypausedinhisjoyofbrushingdustfromstonestoanswerthem.

“WhenvisitingMountOlympusearlierthissummer,Imetpeoplewhokeptshrinestotheoldgods.Ihad
muchinterestingconversationwiththem.”

“MountOlympus,ofcourse.”Pol’seyesshonewithanticipation.“Wewillgo,perhapsinoneofthethings
youcalltaxis.”

Hanslaughed.“Thatwouldcostafortuneiftheywouldevengo.Youneedtotakeabusorthetrain.Or
youcouldborrowmybike.Iamnotgoinganywhereforawhile.”

Hegavethestoneflooralookmostmenreservedfortheirlovers.“AndIgivemuchthankstoyouforit.”

DoubleTrouble

CasandPolmountedthebike,whichseemedtobeamechanicalhorsewithwheels,listenedtobrief
instructionfromHanshowtostartit,thenjammedhelmetsontheirheadsandtookoff.

Dr.Wheelan’svoicetrailedafterthemastheyrodeoutofthecompound,“Youdohavealicenseto
operateamotorcycle,don’tyou?”Atleastthat’swhatCasthoughthesaid.Itwasdifficulttounderstand
himovertheroaringofthebike.

AllysonJames

ChapterEight

Cas’magiccouldmovepeopleasideforhimifhehadto,withoutthepeopleinquestionbeingawarehe’d
passed.Butonthebike,hedidn’tneedtousehismagic.Theothervehiclesdovehastilyoutofthewayas
Casracedthroughthestreets,thedriversofthemshoutingandwaving.Caswavedbackandkeptgoing.

Hehadn’tunderstoodthemapofconfusingbywaysthroughtown,buthedidn’treallyneedit.Hewasa
demigod,andallgodsweredrawntoMountOlympus.Theyweren’talwayswelcomethere,butthey
weredrawn.

Casunerringlydrovenorthandwest,findingarouteoutofthecityafteralongtimeofmaneuvering
throughit.

TherewasnodefinitegateorboundarytomarktheedgeofAthensastherehadbeeninhistime.The
buildingsuponbuildingssimplydwindledandfellaway,andatlasttheywereracingthroughopen
countryside—rollinghillsanddeeprivervalleysleadingtosharpmountains.

Polstoppedcursingbehindhimandsettleddowntoenjoythescenery.Therewasstilltraffic,butnotas
much,andtheroadswereunbelievablysmooth.Theyroaredthroughvillages—clustersofwhite-washed
houseswithbluepaintedshuttersanddoors—andoutagain,thetrafficbecomingmoresparseasthey
went.

Acoupleoftimes,soldierscalledpolicewavedthemtostopanddemandedofCaswhyhewasdriving
soswiftly.WhileCastalked,Polsoothedthesesoldiers’mindssotheyforgotwhythey’dstoppedandthat
they’dthreatenedtotakeCasandPoltojail.

Oncethesoldiersbecamefriendly,theypointedouttheroadstotaketoreachMountOlympusinashorter
timeandinvitedthemtostopattheirfriends’orfamilies’

homesorcafésforamealandwine.Theyalsoexplainedaboutsomethingcalledpetrolorgasolinethat
theyneededtofeedthemotorcycleinordertokeepitgoing.

CasandPoldidstoponceortwicewhentheygothungry,andspentafewhoursdrinkingandtelling
storieswithlargefamilieswhowouldn’tletthemgowithoutapromiseofavisitonreturn.Thepeopleat
theplaceswheretheyfoundthegasolinealsopressedgiftsoffoodandfizzysoftdrinksonthem.

Casbroughttheblessingsofthegodsontoalltheirhouses,ensuringthatthey’dbewealthyandfruitful,
andthenheandPolwentontheirway.

Theyrodeforalongtime,wellafterthesunsetandtheworldwentdark.Abovethem,thousandsupon
thousandsofstarsstretchedacrossthehorizon,whitesmudgesinthedark.

Casknewtheconstellationslikeoldfriends,buttherewerenewstarsupthere,severalofwhichmoved.
Heknewnowaboutairplanes,thosevehiclesthatflewinthe70

DoubleTrouble

skyandtransportedpeoplefromcountrytocountryinamatterofhours,buttheselightsweretinyand

distant.He’dhavetoaskFionaaboutthem.

Busygazingatthesenewmovingstars,heranthebikeintoaditch,throwingPolandhimselfofftolandin
apastureofstartledsheep.Thinkingtheymightaswellrest,Caspulledthebikefromtheditch,removed
hishelmetandbroughtoutthepacketsofpitabreadandsouvlakiathatthewomenatthelasthousehad
pressedonthemtotakeforthejourney.

Polwascursingassoonashishelmetwasoff.“IlearnedanewphrasefromtheAmericansatthedig.
Yourdrivingsucks.”

“Whatdoesthatmeanexactly?”Casstretchedoutonthebankandchewedonwell-seasonedchickenin
bread.

“Technically,it’swhatawomandoestoaman’scock.Butithastakenonthemeaningthatsomeonedoes
somethingbadly.Really,reallybadly.”

“Fionadoesn’tdoitbadly.”Casslantedaglanceashisbrother.“Doesshe?”

Pol’sangersoftenedintohisusualgrin.“Yousaw?Sheisagoddessanddoeseverythingasagoddess
should.”

“OfcourseIsaw.Ican’tstayawayfromher.Neithercanyou.”

“Sheisfetching,youmustadmit.”Polopenedhisownpacketofmeatandbreadandtzatzíkiandbeganto
eat.

CaswatchedPolforawhile,thensaidslowly.“Iclaimher.”

“Iknow.”Polchewedandswallowedandlookedupatthestars.“You’velostyourheart,haven’tyou?”

“Ihave.”

“‘Tisthewaytodisaster,Cas.Loverscometogrief,likeAphroditeandAdonis.”

Cassnorted.“Thatstorydoesnotmeanloverscometogrief.Itmeansalwayslistenwhenagoddesstells
youyou’lldieifyougohuntingthatday.Adoniswasanidiot.”

“Thatistrue.IalreadytoldFionaI’dbackoffandletyouhaveherfirst.Don’tsayIneverdidanythingfor
you.”

Casfinishedhismealinsilenceandlaybacktowatchthestars.Astreamtrickledsomewherenearby,the
rushingsoundsoothing.Hehadn’tfeltjealousywhenhe’denteredthepotteryroomandseenFiona,nude
andlush,onherkneeswithhersweetmoutharoundPol’scock.

He’dfeltarushofdesireandhisowncockhadhardened.She’ddonesowelllickingandnippingand
sucklingthathe’dalmostfeltitallthewayacrosstheroom.Polmadeherlaugh,whichmeantherred
mouthwassmiling,hereyesglowingindelight.

Suckhim,love,that’sit,hadgonethroughhismind.Hewantedherforhimself,butthejoyofwatching

herwasheadyandhardtoresist.Hewantedtofuckherandloveher,buthewantedtowatchPolfuckher
afterward.

Aplanbegantoforminhishead.

AllysonJames

Pollickedthelastofthetzatzíkioffhisfingers.“Keepgoing?”heasked.“Orsleep?”

Casclimbedtohisfeetandreachedforhishelmet.“Keepgoing.”

Demigodsdidn’tneedsleeplikehumansdid,andhestillhadn’tshakenoffthepallofbeinginoblivion
fortwenty-fivehundredyears.HehopedtheycouldfindZeusorDionysusorApollo,andthatthegods
wouldfilltheminonalltheyhadmissed.

IttookthemanotherthreehourstoreachMountOlympus,andtheydrovethroughthetownofLitohoroat
itsbaseinthepitchdark.Theheadlightonthebikeledthemalongapavedroadforawhile,whichsoon
turnedtorutteddirt.Whenthetrackbecametoonarrowandrocky,theyleftthebikeandproceededon
foot.

AtleastCasknewwherehewas.Thefoothillsofthemountainhadalwaysbeendominatedbyhumans
whoventuredashighastheydaredtoseekthegodsandtheirwisdomandhelp.Theyweren’talways
welcome.Thegodshadplentyofsuddensnowstormsattheirdisposal—eveninhighsummer—tothrow
atunwantedvisitors.

Thetrackbecameprecarious,especiallyinthedark,butCaswalkedalongwithoutworry,Poltramping
closebehindhim.

Thesatdowntoresthighontheslopes,thefrigidairchillingthem.Theywaitedwithoutspeaking,
perchedonbouldersbyafoldofvalleythroughwhichrananoisystream.

Thesunroseslowly,lightspillingintotherivervalleyandturningtheairtomist.

Throughthemist,astagwanderedtothestream,itsantlershugeandintricate,indicatinghe’dsurvived
manyaseason.Thestagloweredhisheadtothestreamanddrank.

Casrosetohisfeet.Thestagstartedandlookedupathim,waterstreamingfromitsmouth.

Polgotupaswell,andthestagturnedtorun,frightenedbythehumansintrudingonhisworld.

“Weseeyou,”Cassaid.Heliftedabottlethathadbeenpressedonhimbyoneofthefamiliesalongthe
journey.“Ibroughtthewinethistime.Remember?Ipromised.”

Thestagstopped.Itstoodlookingatthemforalongtimethenitbeganwalkingtowardthem.Ina
particularlythickpatchofmistthestagblurredintotheformofalarge,muscularhuman,theantlers
remainingonhishead.

“ButIalwaysbringthewine,”Dionysussaidashespreadhishand.

Afeastlaiditselfoutonaclothofgoldatthetwins’feet,platesofmeatandpastries,overflowingbowls
ofgrapesandhugegoldengobletsofwine.

ThegodwalkedaroundthefeastandclaspedCas’handbetweenhistwohugeones.“Wellmet,”hesaid
formally.

ThensuddenlyheroaredwithlaughterandgrabbedCasinacrushingbearhug.“Ishouldsay,wherethe
hellhaveyoubeen?”

DoubleTrouble

*****

FionadrovenorthwardtowardThracebothsteamingmadandcoldwithworry.Inthefrontseatofthetiny
carshe’drentedlaythevessel,wrappedinsheetsandpillowstocushiontheride.

Technically,sheshouldnottakethejarfromthedig—allthefindsbelongedtoGreece,andtherewasstill
alotoftensionovertheElginMarbles,whichhadbeenlootedfromtheParthenontwohundredyearsago
andresidedinEngland.Shejustifiedhertheftbytellingherselfshewasn’ttakingthevesseloutof
Greece,andshefeareditwouldbebrokenorlostifshekeptitatthedig.

WhenHanshadexplainedthatCasandPolhadnotonlygoneofftoMountOlympusbuthadtakenHans’
motorcycle,she’dputherhandstoherheadandgroaned.

Thegraycat,theonethatlookedremarkablylikethecatinthelibrary,hadrubbedheranklesatthat
moment.Fionaknewshehadtogoafterthem.Theyweredemigodsandcouldprobablytakecareof
themselves,butthemenaceinSelena’sthreatswasrealandshehadpower.

Ifithadn’tbeenforthecat…

FirstIhavedemigodscomingoutofapaintedjarandhavingsexwithme,andthenacatsavesmylife
fromademondemigoddess.

Whowasthecat?Anotherdemigoddess?Whichone?

I’mdrowninginmythology.

Twothingswerecertain—FionahadtowarnthetwinsthatSelenawasfreeandraringtogoandthatthey
hadtoprotectthejaratallcosts.

ShetookthemostdirectroutepossibletoLitohoroandhopedthetwinshadn’tdetouredtodrinkand
dancethenightawayinsomevillageontheothersideoftheGreekmainland.ButasAthensfellfarther
andfartherbehind,shehadnotroublegettinganswerstoherfaultyGreekquestionsabouttwohandsome
menonamotorcycle.Thetwinshadbeenrememberedfarandwide.

Somepeoplewerefuriousatthem—sheheardgarbledaccusationsofupsetsheepandhensthatwouldn’t
lay—andsomelaughedandrememberedthemfondly.Eitherway,sheknewshewasontherighttrail.

AmaninLitohororememberedamotorcycletearingthroughearlierthatnight,butbythenFionawastoo
exhaustedtodriveanyfarther.Plussheknewshe’dnevernavigatenarrowmountainroadsinthedark.

ShefoundatinyinnofftheroadthatwaswillingtotakeinastrayAmericanattwointhemorning.She
keptthejarathersideallnight,onlyhalf-sleepingincaseSelenashowedupandtriedtowrestleitfrom
her.

Morningdawnedwithoutanydrama,andFionadownedatinycupofthickcoffeeanddroveoff,thejar
besideher,toMountOlympus.Themountainwasafavorite73

AllysonJames

hikingtrekoftourists,sohercarjoinedmanyothersattheendofapavedroadthatledtothetrails.

Shelookedupthecraggyslopesandhighcliffsofthemountain,thetopbathedinmist.Thehelpfulmap
she’dpickedupinthetownshowedseveralroutestothesummit,allofthemforhardyhikerswiththe
rightsupplies.AllFionahadwassandalsandanancientjarwrappedinasheet.

Withoutanyclearideahowshewouldfindthetwinsorevenifshecould,Fionastartedtowalk.

Aftertwohoursshewasoutofbreathandherlegshurt.Shegroundherteethandwonderedwhatshewas
doingthere.SheshouldjustgobacktoLitohoroandwaitforthetwinstocomedown.

Shestoppedtorest,leaningonaflatrockonthesideofthehill,lookingdownthetrailintoamistygorge.
Afewhikerswentpasther,hardytypeswhochattedtoeachothercheerfullyastheywentby,noteven
breathinghard.

“Thisisstupid,”shemuttered.“I’llneverfindthem.I’mgoingback.”

Assheutteredthewordsshegrewsuddenlydizzy,sodizzyshethoughtshe’dheaveoutherbreakfastof
too-strongcoffee.Shecouldn’thavealtitudesickness,shereasoned,becausethelastmarkerindicated
thatshe’dreachedeight-hundredmeters,whichwasonlyabouttwenty-fourhundredfeet.

Norcouldshehaveahangover,becauseshehadn’tdrunkanythingbutbottledwaterthenightbefore.Of
course,itcouldalwaysbeanastyvirusorfoodpoisoning.Ashermindwentdownthishappytrail,her
visionwententirelyblack.

Justassuddenlyitcleared.Shewasstandinginacompletelydifferentpartofthemountaininameadow
ofbrightredandblueflowersbisectedbyawidestream.TheslopesofMountOlympuscascadeddown
fromwhereshewas,whichdidn’tmakeanysense,unlessshe’dclimbedtothetopinhersleep.

Allthehikershaddisappeared,butnearthestream,lyingontheirassesonaclothofgoldliketheywere
havingagreattime,wereCasandPol.

Shewassorelievedtoseethemthatatfirstshedidn’tnoticethethirdfigure.

Foramoment,sheviewedthingshermindcouldnotcomprehend.Shethoughtshesawaman,hugeand
nudeandperfectlyformed,butwithanelegantsetofantlersrisingfromhisheadasthoughtheywere
completelynatural.Heseemedtomoveinshadow,andshewasremindedofdescriptionsoftheCeltic
hornedgod—thegodofharvestandfertility,theloverandhusbandoftheGoddess.

ButthiswasmodernGreecenotancientBritain,andthegodsweremyths.

Atleastthat’swhatshe’dthoughtbeforeCasandPolhadappearedinherbedtwonightsago.

Thegodseemedtoshimmerandgrowsmaller,andthenhewasjustamanwithaloinclothdrapedabout
hiships.Theantlersdisappeared,althoughwheneverheturnedhisheadtooquickly,shesawthevaguest
hintofthemabovehisears.

DoubleTrouble

Asshewalkedtowardthetrio,shebecamemoreandmoreuncertainshe’dseenanythinggodlike.Perhaps
hewasahermitoroneofthemonksfromthemonasteriesthatdottedthispartofGreece.Notthatshe
expectedmonkstowalkaroundmostlynaked,butperhapshe’dtakenhisvowofpovertytotheextreme.

Casroseasshenearedthem.Heopenedhisarmstoherandtheneverythingwasallright.Hiswarmth
envelopedherlikeablanket,hisscentscatteredherthoughtsandhislipsinherhairmadeherangerand
fearevaporate.

ShehandedthejartoPolandconcentratedonhuggingCas.Hesnakedhishanddowntoherbacksideand
hauledherupforalong,tongue-tanglingkiss.

“Mmm,”shesaidastheyparted.“Iguessyoumissedme.”

“Ididtoo,sweetheart,”Polsaid,runningawarmhandoverherbackside.

StillinCas’arms,FionaturnedherheadandkissedPolonthelips,herinsidestinglingwithwickedness
andwanting.

“Thisisthewomanwhofreedyou?”

ThethirdmanspokeEnglish,butwitharich,deepaccentthatwouldmakethemostfrigidofwomenstrip
offherclothesandspreadherselfinfrontofhim.She’dbeghimtotakeherhardandfastandnotworry
aboutbeinggentle.Fiona’shandevenwenttothefirstbuttonofherblousebeforeshecouldstopit.

Castwinedhisarmfirmlyaroundherwaistandthecompulsionsuddenlyfaded.

Thatis,shenolongerwantedtostripforthethirdman.ShewantedtostripforPolandCas.

Caskissedhertemple.“ThisisFiona.”

Thethirdmanlookedherupanddown.Hewasabreathtakingportraitoftheperfectlyshapedman,broad
shoulders,knottedmuscles,hardchest,pectoralsflatanddefinedwithoutbeingoverlybulgy,biceps

smoothandfirm,abdomenflat,thighstaut.

Hehadbrown-blackeyesthatswamwithflecksofgold,andhishairwasmidnightblacklikeCas’and
Pol’s.Agoldbandcircledhisupperarm,thedesignsonitGreek,butvery,veryold.

Asanordinaryman,hewouldhavebeenspectacular.ButFionafelttheimmensepowerinhim,astrange
magicthatradiatedoverherandwouldknockherflatifhehadn’tkepthimselfcontained.

He’dputadampeningfieldaroundhimself,shethought.Ifhehadn’t,hemighthaveoverwhelmedher
sensesandeithersentherflyingoffthemountainordoublingoverwithaheartattack.

“HeisDionysus,”Polsaid.“Donotworry.Hewon’thurtoneofours.”

Fionagavehimaskepticallook.Thegodlaughed,asoundthatfilledthevalley.

“Sheiswiseforheryears.Butthisisagreetingofoldfriends,Fiona.Acupofwine,akiss…”

Cas’armtightenedaroundher.“Wesawherfirst.”

AllysonJames

Dionysuslaughedagain.“Iknow.Ican’thelpit.Sit,Fiona.Drinkwinewithusandtellusyourstory.
Somethinghashappened.”

Fionastartedtoaskhowheknewthendecidednottoworryaboutit.

Cassatontheclothofgoldandpulledherdowntohislap.Itseemedperfectlynaturaltosprawlacross
hislegsanddrinkrich,mellowwinefromagoldcupheheldforher.Aftershedrank,helickedadropof
winefromhermouthandliftedthecuptohisownlips.

Polsatcloseonherotherside,restinghishandever-socasuallyonherthigh.Heunwrappedthe
terracottavesselandsetitonthecloth,andtheyallstudiedthepaintedportraitsofthetwins,mirror
images,standingwitharmsfolded,backstoeachother.

Dionysusdrainedagobletofwineandshookhishead.“Selenaistoofullofherself.

Telluswhathappened,Fiona.”

Fionarelatedtheresearchshe’ddoneinthelibraryandtheencounterwithSelena.

Forsomereason,sheleftoutthepartaboutthecat.Shewantedtotellthemandspeculateonwhothecat
hadbeen,buteverytimeshebegantospeakaboutit,herlipsandtonguefeltheavyandshefellsilent.

Dionysusgaveheranarrowlookbutsaidnothing.Heknewshewasleavingsomethingout,buttoher
reliefsaidnothing.

Whenshefinished,shelayagainstCas’strongshoulder,hisarmssupportingherandhislapcradlingher.

Hesmelledsogood,likethefreshgrassandtheairaroundthemandhisownmasculinescent.

Casgrowled.“I’llnotleaveyoualoneagain.Ididnotknowyourmagicplaceswouldbedangerousfor
you.”

Dionysuslayonhisback,onelegbent,armsbehindhishead,watchingthecloudsdriftby.“I’dkill
Selena,”hemused.“ButPoseidonwouldnotletme.Hehatesher,butsheishis.He’sstrangelikethat.”

“We’llhavetocastratehersomehow,”Polsaid.“Butifshetouchesyouagain,Fiona,I’llriskPoseidon’s
wrathandstrangleher.Itwillbeanuglyfight,butI’lldoit.”

“Becareful,”Fionasaid.“Idon’tthinkshe’squitesane.”

Dionysussnorted.“Anunderstatement.She’sbeencrazyasaloonsincethedayshewashatched.Amore
interestingproblemisthespellonthejar.”Heliftedtheterracottajugandexamineditclosely.“Yousay
youdon’tknowwhatwillhappenifitbreaks?”

Helifteditinhissinewyhandsasthoughpreparedtohurlittowardsomerocksinthemiddleofthe
meadow.

“No!”Fionaleaptforhimandclosedherhandsaroundthevessel.

Shemethisblack-goldgazeandforamomentfeltasthoughhesuckedherrightintohim.Shewasfalling
intovelvetdarknessthatcaressedherbodylikealover.Itwastheheightofsensualityandatthesame
timeabsolutelyterrifying.

“Leaveherbe,”Casrumbledbehindher.

DoubleTrouble

Thegodgrinnedandthedarknessreceded,leavingherlookingatahandsomemanwhoheldoutthejarto
her.

Shetookitcarefullyandsetitonthepillows.“Theymightdieormightbesentbacktooblivion.”

“Thatwouldbeashame,”Dionysussaid.

“I’dsayso,”Polputin.

Cassaidnothing.HiseyesdarkenedashewatchedFiona,andsuddenlyshewantedthateroticdarkness
Dionysushadmadehersee,butshewanteditwithCas.

Theycouldbepressedbodytobody,loungingonsoftvelvetwithhiscockburiedhighinsideher,his
tongueinhermouth.

Shelookedathimandknewhewantedittoo.Hewantedher,Fiona,notbecauseofherexpertiseon
potteryorthefactthatshewasavailabletocrawlarounddigswithscorpionsandrats,hewantedFiona

thewoman.NootherpersoninherlifehadwantedFionathewoman.

Fionatouchedhishand.Hecoveredhersinhis,hisfingertracingherpalm.

ShesawPolstandingbehindhim,hiseyesasintenseonher.Sherememberedtakinghimfarintoher
mouthandthesmoothtasteofhiscome.Polwantedhertoo.

“Selenaisadangeraslongasyouarealive,”Dionysuswassaying.

Fionafeltasurgeofpowerfromhim,onehermindtriedtodampen.Thepowerflaredandbuiltuntilit
crawledunderherskinlikestrangeelectricity.

“ButI’mgoingtogiveyouagift,”thegodwenton.“Areprievebeforeyouhavetofindherandfaceher,
becausefaceheryoumust.”

Hesteppedbesidethetwinsandputonehandoneachman’sshoulder.“Iwillgiveyouthegift—oftime.”

Themountainswirledawaywithincrediblespeed,butbeforeFionacouldcryouttheywerestandingin
softdarkness,insidethetworoomsshe’drentedatthetinyinn.

AllysonJames

ChapterNine

Casheardmusiccomingfromsomewheredownthestreet,alonemansingingabouthisbelovedandthe
beautifulcountryside.Inhisarms,Fionastarted.Shelookedtired,herwhitefacelinedwithexhaustion
andworry.

HefumedthatSelenahadconfrontedherandtriedtohurther.Fionawasinnocent—shehadnoideawhat
vindictivewrathademigoddesscouldhavefornoreasonatall.Selenawouldbepunishedforfrightening
her.

Heranhishandthroughherwarmhair.HisbraveFiona,standinguptoademigoddessandstealingthejar
tokeepitsafe.

Shewaslookingaroundinconfusion,herprettyeyesshininginthedark.“ThisiswhereIspentthenight
lastnight.AndIrememberthatmansingingdownthestreet.Itsoothedmetosleep.Whathappened?”

“Agiftoftime,”Polsaid.Heleanedagainstthedoor,hist-shirtapalesmudgeinthedark.“Dionysusis
lettingushavethenightagain,freefromdanger.”

“Hecandothat?Dowehavetobecarefulnottoseeourotherselvesordisruptthetimestreamor
something?”

Polchuckled.“Itisn’ttimetravel.Welivethenightoveragain.Asthoughwedidn’tdoitthefirsttime.
We’resafehere,andhe’slettingusenjoyit.”

“Oh.”

CassmiledatFiona’sbafflement.Dionysusbeingwhohewas,Cashadaprettygoodideahowthegod
expectedthemtoenjoythemselves.HeranhisfingerslightlydownFiona’sarm.

“Fionawillneedtorest.Inbed.”

Pollaughedoutloud.CascouldseeFiona’sblusheveninthedarkness,butherhandtightenedaroundhis.

“Ileaveyoutoyourdelights,”Polsaid,pushinghimselffromthedoorframe.“Igoinsearchofwineand
song.”

Hedidaslowdancestep,onehandonhisabdomenasheswiveledhiships.Thenhelaughedsoftlyand
saunteredoutthedoor,closingitbehindhim.

FionaturnedtoCas,eyeswideandquestioning.Ittookefforttonotthrowherdownandravishheronthe
spot.

“YouaresurprisedPolleftus?”heasked.

Shelaidherheadonhischest,awarmarmfulofwoman.“Alittle.”

“HeknowswhatIwant.Hetooisgivingmeagift.”

DoubleTrouble

Fionasmiledsuddenlyandraisedontiptoetokissthesideofhismouth.“Weshouldnotwasteitthen.”

“No,weshouldnot.”

Hekissedherdeeply,thenhetookbothherhandsandledherintothebedroom.

*****

Polwalkeddownthestreetsmiling,imaginingsteamrollingfromtheinnheleftbehind.He’dneverseen
Cassofargoneonawomanbefore.

Butthen,whatawoman.Redhairlikefire-coloredsilk,eyesswimmingwithsensuality,evenhergrubby
fingerswerecute.Aladywholikedtoplayinthedirt.

Hestopped,enjoyingasuddenvisionofdirtalloverhernudebodyassherolledinthedust,laughing.He
wassurprisedtheotherarchaeologistsweren’talloverher.Buttheshortsightedpeoplewere,likeHans,
soenamoredofdiggingupthepastthattheycouldn’tseewhatwasrightinfrontoftheminthepresent.

Ifanything,Polshouldbeobsessedbythepast,wantingtoknowwhathe’dmissedwhiletrappedinthe
painting.Buthe’dlivedforthousandsofyearsbeforeSelenaandhersorcery,andhe’dlearnedthatthe
presentwasalwaysthemostimportanttimetobein.Neverforgetthepast,washismotto,butliveforthe
hereandnow.

Polwalkedontowardthelightsandnoiseofthetaverna.TheyweresafefromSelenatonight,thanksto
Dionysus,andhecouldenjoydrinkanddanceandawomanifhewantedher.

No,heknewwhichwomanhewanted.Wantedtotoucheverypartofherwitheverypartofhimself.

Fiona.

TheverywomanhisbrotherwasabouttofuckinafrenzyofpassionwhilePolsatinacornerinataverna
anddrankwine.

Hmm.Well,he’dgivethemsometime.Howmuchtime?Anhour?No,longer.Caswouldwanttosavorit.

Polwouldgivehisbrotherlongenoughtosatehimselfthenhe’dwouldreturnandseewhathecould
convincethembothtodo.

Thetwinshadsharedeverythingintheirentireexistence,andPolsawnoreasontostopnow.

*****

“Doyoulikethat?”

CasstrokedhishandsdownFiona’snakedabdomen,hispalmscallousedandwarm.Shemovedherhips,

bothwantinghimtohurryandfinishstrippingherandwantinghimtotakehistime.

AllysonJames

“Doyoulikeit?”heaskedagain.

“Ido.Can’tyoutell?”

“Youreyesgivenothingaway.”

Casleanedoverher,stilldressed,untilhisfacewasaninchfromhers.Hisbreathheatedherskin,thenhe
soothedhereyelidsclosedwithhislips.

AfterPolhaddeparted,Cashadsaidnotaword.Nocrude,“Hey,baby,wanttodoit?”ormoreromantic
offersoflovemaking.He’dsimplyliftedherintohisarms,carriedherintothebedroomandlaidheron
thebed.

Thewhitewashedroomcontainedasimplebedsteadofwhitewoodandanighttableanddresserto
match.TwoByzantineiconswereframedoverthedresser,andthatwasitfordecoration.

Fionalovedtheroom’ssimplicity,whichsoothedandrelaxedher.Shehadthefeelingshe’dloveiteven
moreaftertonight.

Cashadproceededtounbuttonhershirtandpullitopenthenhe’dbeganmassagingherstomachand
breasts,histoucharousingandcomfortingatthesametime.

“Ihaven’tbeen—with—anyoneforalongtime,”shesaid.

“Ihaven’tbeenwithanyonefortwenty-fivehundredyears.IbelieveIhave,asyouAmericanssay,broken
yourrecord.”

Shetouchedhisface,lovingthesandpaperfeelofhisdarkwhiskers.“Hopeyouhaven’tforgotten
anything.”

“Ibelieveitcomesnaturallyandtimebetweendoesnotmatter.”

“Likeridingabicycle,”shesuggested.

Casfrowned.“Bicycle?”

“Likethemotorcycle.Onlywithoutamotor.”

“Ah,Isawthose.Howfoolishtoforceyourselftopedalwhenyourmagicmotorscanpropelyouvery
fast.”

FionarememberedthedescriptionsvillagershadgivenherofCasdrivingthemotorcyclethroughsmall
villages.They’dnotsaidhe’ddrivenfast.Thetermmaniachadcroppedupmostoften.

Shethoughtsheprobablyshouldexplainafewtrafficrulestohim,butatthatmomentheunhookedherbra
andsliditgentlyfromherbody,andshelosthertrainofthought.

Casranhisthumbsacrossherbreasts,strokinghernipplesintotightpeaksbeforeleaningdownand
takingoneinhismouth.

“Youdon’thavetoaskwhetherIlikethat,”shegasped.“Ido.”

“Iknow.”Hekissedherskinthendrewthetipofhistongueslowlybetweenherbreasts.

“Mybodytellsyoumorethanmyeyes,then.”

DoubleTrouble

Casfocusedflatteringlyonhertorso,lettinghisgazedrifttoherthroat.“Ittellsmemuch.Ittellsmeyou
wantmetotouchit.”

“Please.”

Theonlylightintheroomcamefromalonecandleonthedresserandthemoonlightwithout.Beyondthe
window,overtherooftopsofthetinyvillage,thedarkbulkofMountOlympushovered.

Thedomainofthegods.Shebelievedthatnow.

ShehadmanyquestionsaboutDionysusandwhathereallylookedlikeandhowhe’dgottenherfromthe
lowerslopestonearlythetopwithouthernoticing.Butquestionscouldwait,shedecided,driftinginto
hazypleasureasCasunzippedherverypracticalcottonshorts.

Heeasedtheshortsoverherlegsandfeet,thenheunlacedhersneakersandstrippedoffhersocks.He
strokedhishandsdownherthighsandbehindhercalvesbeforewarmingthesolesofherfeet.

Thenheleaneddownandnibbledhertoes.Fionarolledherhips,diggingintothebed.Hismouthwas
warmandwetandveryerotic.

Hepressedalongkisstotheinstepofherrightfoot,thenskimmedhishandsbackupherlegstoher
underwear,whichheproceededtostripfromher.

“Sonowyouhavemenaked,”Fionasaid,herskinpricklingunderhisappreciativegaze.“Whyareyou
stilldressed?”

“Iamenjoyingwatchingyouandmakingyouwantme.Iwantyoutowantmesomuchyouscreamfor
me.”

Warmthpooledinherbellyandshefelttheslideofcreamonherthighs.“I’mthinkingitwon’ttakemuch
beforeI’mscreaming.”

Hesmiledandstrokedhispalmacrossherquim.Shejumped,bitingbackasharpcry.

“Ilikethisidea.”Hestrokedheragain,andagainherhipsrose,needinghishandtopressthere.

Fiona’slegsopenedoftheirownaccord,herquimwetandwantinghim.Sheputherhandtoit,likehe’d
daredhertolastnight,andstirredthefoldswithherfingers.

“Iwillfuckyou,myFiona.ButwhenIamready.”

Shepressedherhandtotherigidbulgeinhisjeans.“Youmeanyou’renotreadynow?”

Helaughedsoftly.“Yes,butitisamusingtoteaseyou.”

Fionahookedherfingeroverhisbeltbuckle.“Getthosepantsoffandgetdownhere,mister.”

“Whatisthismister?Isitanameforalover?”

“ThenameofmyloverisCas.”

Hegaveheraslowsmileasthoughhe’dbeenwaitingalldayforhertosayso.

AllysonJames

Wherethissexy,banteringwomanhadcomefrom,Fionahadnoidea.Shecertainlydidn’trecognizeher.
MaybeDionysushadgivenheragiftofboldnessalongwiththegiftoftime.

OrmaybeCaswasjusttoodamnsexytoresist.Hekeptslantingherglancesofpuresinasheslippedhis
beltthroughthebuckleandsliditfromhisjeans.

Hestrippedoffhist-shirtandletitfall,givingherafantasticviewofhistightabdomenencasedinbronze
skin.Shelikedhisnavel,asmoothindentationabovehispelvis.

Heshouldn’thaveanavel,itsuddenlystruckher,becauseCastorandPolluxhadbeenhatchedfromeggs,
afterZeus—intheformofaswan—hadseducedLeda.Butthen,mythologydidn’thavetomakesense.

ThepointwasthatZeusandLedahadcreatedthisbeautifulmancalledCasandhisbrotherPol.Helenof
Troyhadbeentheirsister.IfCasandPolwereanythingtogoby,nowonderthewoman’sbeautyhad
causedthedestructionofanation.

Casunbuttonedandunzippedhisjeansandletthemdrop.LikePolthenightbefore,Casworenothing
underneath.

“Whydoestheno-underwearthingturnmeonsomuch?”shewondered.

“Doesit?”Helookedpleased.“IdidnotknowIwassupposedtowearit.”

“Oh.”Thatmadesense—CasandPolhadliftedthingsfromHans’wardrobetocovertheirlegsand
torsos.WhywouldtheythinktogorootinginHans’underweardrawer?

ShewasgladCaswasademigodanddidn’thaveacluewhatunderwearwas.Allthefastertogethim
naked.Sherolledontohersideanddidwhatshe’dbeenlongingtodosinceshemethim—sheclosedher
mouthoverhiscock.

“Mmm.”Caslacedhisfingersthroughherhair,butgently,unlikePol,who’ddraggedheragainsthim.

HetasteddifferentfromPol.Polhadbeenspicy,alittlelikepepper.Caswassmoothandmellow,a
strong,headydelight.Sheranhertonguearoundhisflange,tastingeveryinchofhimwhilehethreadedhis
fingersthroughherhair.

Shedrewbackslowly,holdingtheweightofhimonhertongueuntiltheverylastminute.

“Canwe?”shewhispered.“Please?”

Hiseyeswerepoolsofmidnight.“Yes.”Hepressedherbacktothebedandclimbedoverher,kneeson
eithersideofher.“Ineedyou.”

Fionaliftedherhips,firerunningtoeveryfingertip.Hiswarmweightwassosatisfying,hislimbsstrong
andfine,fittingagainstherinperfectaccord.Henudgedherthighsapartandrestedhisfirmtipagainsther
opening.

Shecuppedhisbuttocks,wantinghimin,buthehoveredthere,lettingherquimgrowmoreandmoreopen
andwetandneedy.Shedugherfingersintohisskin.

“Please,Cas.”

DoubleTrouble

Hebracedhimself,holdingback.“Haveyoueverbeenwithademigod,Fiona?”

Shegasped,tryingnottolaugh.“IcansafelysayIhaven’t.”

“Itisn’tthesameasbeingwithahuman.Youwillhaveallofme,andIallofyou.”

“Soundsgoodtome.”

“Youdonotunderstand.”

“No,butIwantto.”

HegaveheralookthatsaidIwarnedyouandslidhiscockhalfwayintoher.

Fiona’seyeswidened.Caswasright,shedidn’tunderstand,andmyriadsensationshitheratonce.First
wasthefeelofhisenormouscockstretchingherwidetoadmithim,herwallsclosingaroundhimand
squeezinghim.

Nextwasthefeelofhissatin-warmskinonhers,hisweightpressingherintotheyieldingmattress,his

heatcoveringherentirebody.Shefelthislegsstretchedthelengthofhers,hiswiryblackhairrough
againstherthighs.

Shealsofeltheraroundhim.Hisbodyseemedtoblur,likeDionysus’had,thegodhalfofCas
shimmeringintofocusandoutofit.Tendrilsoffeelinglacedhermind,hotexcitement,thesensationof
squeezing.

Sherealizedthatthefeelingswerenothers,buthis.Hismindandherswerelocked,andshesawwhathe
saw,feltwhathefelt.Shecouldseeherselfbeneathhim,herfacetwistinginpassion,andexperiencethe
sensationofherquimpulsingaroundhiscock.

Shealsofelthiminsideher,slidingandrubbinganddrivinghercrazy.Shecouldn’tshakehimoutofher,
andsherealizedthathefelteverythingshedid.Youwillhaveallofme,andIallofyou.

Afterherfirstpanickedmoment,anecstasyunlikeanythingshe’dfeltinherlifepouredoverher.She
screamedandhekissedher,smotheringhercries.Shedugherfingersintohisbacksideandtriedtopull
himfartherintoher.

Hehesitatedforamaddeningmomentthenheslidallthewayin.Hegroanedagainstherlipsandshe
experiencedhissuddenelationatfeelinghersurroundingeveryinchofhim.

Everyinchofhimwasright.Caswashuge,andhewasinallthewaytohisballs.

“Fiona,”hewhispered,voicehoarse.“Youaresotight,youfeelsogood.”

Sheexperiencedthetightnesswithhim.Shefeltboththepressureofherselfonhimandthepressureof
himstretchingherwide,impossiblywide.

Doubleecstasy,doublepleasure,ohgods,shecouldn’tstandit.

Hemovedoutagain,almosttohistipandslidbackin,hard,hiseyeswideninginthedark.

Moonlightplayedonhismusclesasheheldhimselfinher,notmoving,givingherachancetogetusedto
him.Herlegswerestretchedopen,kneesoneithersideofthenarrowbed,herhipsliftedtolethimfill
her.

AllysonJames

Shefelttheirheartsracingwhiletheywaited.Hiseyesheldsomethingrawanddark,aneedbeyondsex.

Hewasamanoutoftimeandheneededtobelongsomewhere.Hethoughtthatmaybe,justmaybe,he
belongedwithher.

Yes,Fionathought,wonderingifshewerereadinghismind.Stayherewithme.

Hegrowleddeepinhisthroat,hiscontrolvanishing.Hisbrowsdrawingintoafearsomescowl,hethrust
hardintoher,quicklyandremorselessly.Hebegantopumpher,wideningherlegswitheachthrust.

Fionarealizedwhathemeantwhenhe’dsaidsheneededtobereadyforhim.Hewasbigandhewas
strongandhewasnotgoingtobegentle.

Hecouldn’t,notnow.Later,maybe,he’dshowhergood,slowloving,butrightnowhewasdesperateand
lonely—twenty-fivehundredyearsworthoflonely.

Shefeltthatlonelinesspourthroughhim,hismusclestightbeneathherfingers,hisbloodthrumming.She
felttheintensepressureofherselfsqueezinghimandhisneedtodrivefartherandfartherintoher.He
neededher,neededtobehome,andhomewasinherarms.

Atleast,that’swhathisbodytoldher.Shefelteverythinghedid,andfelthimslidinginsideher,hiscock
hugeandhardandunmerciful.

Sheforgotallaboutcontaininghercriesandworryingaboutwhomighthear.Shelolledherheadbackon
thepillowandgroaned,raisingherhipstotakemoreofhim.

Histhrustscrushedherbuttocksintothethinmattress,herthighsachingwheretheyspread.Hehurther
andhemadeherfeelfieryhotandsodamngoodshehadtoscream.

She’dneverhadafuckinglikethis.Whatevershe’ddonebeforehadn’treallybeenfucking,notinthis
raw,aching,beautifulsense.Afewthrustsinandoutbeforeshecouldreallyfeelthem,thathadbeenit.

ShefeltallofCas,sawtheintensityofhiseyeswhenhecaughthergazeandrefusedtoreleaseit.The
rawsoundsinhisthroatonlymadethehotfeelofhimbetweenherlegsbetter.

Hewasfeelingitandlovingitandwasn’tabouttostop.

Theirjoinedsensesmadethepressureinherquimevenmorepowerful.Shefeltherselfpulsearoundhis
cock,feltthejoyofthatburning.Shescreamedwithit,wonderinghowthehellhecontainedhimself.

Anorgasmrockedher,thefirstoneshe’deverhadwhilepenetrated.Cas’darkgazegrewevenmoreferal
andhereachedonefingerbetweentheirbodiestorubherclit.

Shegotlostinmindlessdarkness.Shehadnoideawhereshewas.Sheonlyknewshelayonahardslab
ofbedandthatCasdroveinandoutofhersohardshethoughtshe’ddie.

DoubleTrouble

She’dgowithasmileonherface,thatwasforcertain.FionaMcCarty,promisingyoungarchaeologist,
passingawaywhilebeingfuckedbyamuscular,beautifulmanshe’drescuedfromapaintingonajar.

Shelaughedwithjoy.Casgrowled,pressingherintothebeduntilshecameagain.

Stillhewenton,hiscocksohardhecouldhavepoundednailswithit.Shefeltthebuildupinsidehim,the
pulsingbehindhisballsthatmeanthewantedtocome,theincrediblewillwithwhichheheldhimself
backuntilthelastpossibleminute.

Whenheexplodedinsideher,shethoughtshesawtheceilingripawayandthestarsofthenightcascade
downonthem.Shewrithedherhipsagainsthis,cryingwiththepurejoyofit.Hershoutsmingledwithhis
astheycametogether,theirvoicestwiningintothesilenceofthenight.

AllysonJames

ChapterTen

FionalayquietlywithCasforalongtime.Herbodystillhummedwithheatandtheirfiercelovemaking,
butshewasalsocontenttoliewithhimastheytouchedandkissed.

Hiskissesweresogentle,shecouldn’tbelievehewasthesamedemigodwhohadgivenhersexsoraw
shewasn’tsureshecouldwalkagain.

Heplayedwithheralittle,bringinghertoreadiness,thenenteredheragain,slow,quietandstrong,his
darkgazelockinghers.Itwentonforalong,longtime,slowlybuildinghertoafrenzy,takingherdown
beforesheclimaxedandbuildingherupagain.

Atlasthelethercome.Shescreamedandwrithedandhekissedherhard,dragginghercriesintohis
mouth.Heslowedafterthat,thenwithdrewfromherandclosedhiseyes.

Afterthathefellintoaprofoundsleep,withFionawatchinghim,relaxedandhappybutnottired.

Shestartedtofeelrestless,sosheleftthebedroomforthedarknessofthefrontroom.Sheruffledherhair
tosoakupthecoolbreezefromthewindowandglancedbackatCas.

Helaysprawledacrossthebed,nakedandsnoring,cradlinghisheadononearm.

Moonlightbrushedhisskinandglistenedonhisveryblackhairandtouchedthecurlsathiscock,which
layhalfdeflated,butnolesslarge.

Fionasmiledassheclosedthedoorandlethimsleep.Inhersexualencountersofthepast,she’dusually
collapsedwithtirednessanddisappointment.Thistimeshefeltblissfullyhappyandenergizedenoughto
jogaroundtheblock.

Shecouldtakeawalk,shesupposed.AswitheverywhereelseinGreece,peopleinthisvillagestayedup
farintothenight,andherwalkingaroundwouldnotbeunusual.

Shepulledashirtoverhernakednessbutwasinnohurry.Shewenttotheopenwindowandrestedher
armsonthesill,lookingdownatthewhitewashedvillageunderthestars.Themusicatthetavernastill
played,stringednotesvibratingintothenight.

Afteramoment,sherealizedPolwasdownonthestreetlookingupather.Howlonghe’dbeenstanding
there,shecouldn’ttell,buttherewasaknowingsmileonhisface.

Whenhecaughthergaze,hegaveheraslownodandsaunteredtotheinn’sdoorandcameinside.

DoubleTrouble

Fionaremainedatthewindow,absorbingthestarsandthebreezeandthemusic,reflectingthatforthe
firsttimeinherlife,shewashappy.Orashappyasshecouldbewonderingwhichofapairoftwinsshe
wasfallinginlovewith,andwhether,becausetheyweredemigodsandprettymuchimmortal,theycould

everpossiblyloveherback.

ThenshehadtofigureouthowtomakesureSelenadidn’ttrapthemagainandhowtobreakthespellthat
boundthemtothejar.Allinaday’sworkforIndianaJones,butnotforplainFionaMcCarty,pottery
specialistfromtheUniversityofChicago.

SheheardPol’sfootstepsonthenarrowstaircaseandthenheopenedthedoor.Forsomereason,shestill
didnotturnasheshutthedoorandwalkedsoftlytoher.Shecloselyhereyesbrieflyashestoppedbehind
herandleanedhishandsonthewindowsill,enclosingherwithhiswarmbody.

“Haveagoodsleep?”Hekissedherhair.“Ordidmybrothermanagetokeepyouawake?”

Fionashivered,rememberingherlastwildorgasmandthedualexperienceofCas’

orgasmastheycametogether.

“Thatgood,eh?”Polkissedherhairagain,lipsdriftingtotheskinathertemple.

“Heoutdidhimself.”

“ItwasthebestIeverhad,”Fionasaidsoftly.

Poldrewhistonguealongtheshellofherear,andevensatedasshewas,thejuicesbetweenherthighs
begantoflow.

“Achallenge,”Polmurmured.“Areyouupforit?”

Shereallyshouldn’t.Cas,themansheloved,layinbed,nakedandsexy.Sheshouldreturnandsnuggleup
withhimandtellPoltofindsomeoneelseatthetaverna.

ButthenPol,theothermansheloved,wasclosebehindher,dressedandsexy,hiswarmthswallowing
her.

“IthinkI’mupforit,”shefoundherselfsaying.

“Gooood.”Hedrewouttheword.Shefeltfingerseaseunderhershirttoherbuttocks.“Bare,justhowI
likeyou.”

Shestartedtoturnaround,buthenippedherear.“Staywhereyouare.”

Thelittlegrowlinhisvoicemadeherpulsespeed.Sherememberedhowhe’dorderedhertostripinthe
potteryroomandhowshe’dsoeagerlydoneit.Shewonderedifhe’dsenthisfeelingsintoherheadas
Cashaddone,makingherbehavelikeatartbecausehewantedherto.

Itdidn’treallymatter,becauseshe’ddoitagaininaheartbeat.

Hiswarmfingerdippedbetweenherbuttocks,massagingandrubbing.“Haveyoueverhadamanhere?”

Fionarockedforwardonthewindowsill,excitementbuildinginsideheruntilherlegsshook.“No.And

notademigod,either.”

AllysonJames

Pollaughedoutloud,thensoftenedthelaugh.“SoCasdidn’texploreyet.ItoldhimI’dlethimfuckyou
first,butIdidn’tsaywhereIwantedtofuckyou.”

“Wheredoyou?”

“WheredoIwhat?”

Fionaswallowed,feelinghisbreathonherneck,hisblackhairslidingonthecollarofhershirt,the
warmthofhisbodyagainsthers,andtheexcitingpointofhisfingertipfindingandstrokingheranalstar.

“WheredoIwhat?”herepeated,voicestronger.“Sayit,sweetheart.”

“Wheredoyouwanttofuckme?”shewhispered.

“Icouldnothearyou,love.Sayitoutloud.”

Fionagroaned,excitementmountingashisfingerdippedtheslightestbitintoherass.“Wheredoyouwant
tofuckme?”

“Ithinkyoucanguess.”

Hedrewhistongueupthesideofherneckasheslowlybutfirmlypressedhisfingerfartherintoher.She
wassodamnwet,creamslickingherskinandpoolinginsideherpussy,wantinghimsomuch.

“Ican’ttakeit,”shegasped.

“Yes,youcan.”

Polslowlyeasedhisbodyawayfromherthenwithdrewhisfingerfromherassafractionofaninchata
time.

Whenhefinallyreleasedher,Fionaturnedaroundandleanedagainstthewindowsill,huggingherchest.
Shebreathedhard,herthroatdryandtight.“Idon’tknowifIcan.”

Pol’seyesweredarkassin,hissmilenearlytakinghertothepointoforgasmwithouthimeventouching
her.“Youcan.Ihavethepatiencetoteachyou.Allyouhavetodoissurrenderyourselfabsolutelytome.”

Shegaveashakylaugh.“That’sall,isit?”

Polcameclosetoherandbrushedalockofhairfromherforehead.“Ifyoudon’tsurrenderyourself,I
mighthurtyou.Youhavetoberelaxedandopentotakeme,andyoucanonlydothatifyouletmehave
fullcontroloveryou.”

“Fullcontrol.Ohmy.”

Shethoughtshe’dadorebeingunderhisfullcontrol,doinganythinghesaidandreapingtheincredible
feelingshewouldgiveher.IfhemadeloveanythinglikeCasdid,shewasinforararetreat.

Heryearsoftrainingasascholar,ofnotacceptingeverythingatfacevalueandnotgettingexciteduntil
somethingwasverified,madeherhesitatealittle.GivingupcontrolwassomethingFionawasverybad
at.

DoubleTrouble

ButPolwasright.She’dreadaboutwhathewantedtodo,althoughshe’dneverdoneitherselfor
dreamedanymanwouldoffer.Ifthewomanwasn’tcompletelyrelaxedandtrusting,itcouldbepainful.

Ontheotherhand,ifthewomansurrenderedherbodytoherlover,theresultscouldbeastonishing.

Beforeherhesitantselfcouldinterfere,Fionasaid,“I’lldoit.”

Hegrinnedinthedark,foldinghisarmsoverhisbroadchest.“Thenturnaroundandbendyourselfacross
thattable.”

Henoddedtowardthebarewoodentabletoonesideoftheroom,surroundedbygailypaintedwooden
chairs.Fionastudiedit,asimplepieceoffurnitureabouttobetransformedintoaneroticjunglegym.

Slowlysheapproachedit,movedachairoutofthewayandleanedover,stretchinghertorsoandarms
acrossthecool,hardsurface.

“Willitbetoohigh?”sheasked.Herlegsandbodymadeaperfectrightangle,andshehadtheideathat
herbutthadtobeelevated.

“‘Twillbefine.”

Sheheardhimapproachthenfeltsomethingatherfeet.“Standonthis,”hesaid.

Shelookeddownandsawapaintedwoodenstepstool,longerthanitwaswide,restingwherePolhadset
it.Obediently,shesteppeduponitandbentoveragain.

Polrestedhishandsonherhips.“Perfect.”Heslidhershirtupward,baringherass,rubbingherhipsand
buttocksbrisklyuntiltheywarmed.“Areyouready,love?”

Fionagulped,herunfetteredbreastspressingintothetable.“Won’tCaswakeup?”

“CascouldsleepthroughaBacchanalia.Iknowthisforafact,I’vewatchedhimdoit.Hemissedallthe
funthatnight.”Heleanedoverher,theridgeofhisjeans-encasedcockpressingthelengthofhercrease.
“Areyouready?”

Fionagulped.“Sure.Whynot?”

Tohercompletedisappointment,hebackedaway.Sheturnedherheadtowatchhimmovetoashadowon
thefloornearthedoor.“IhappenedtopurchaseabottleoffineoilwhileIwasout.Lavender,Ithinkit
is.”

“Youhappenedtopurchaseit?”Fionaasked.

“IwonderwhyIdecidedtodothat?”

Hisvoicewasfullofsmiles.Hecamebacktoherandsetaglassbottlenexttoherwhereshecouldseeit.
Polworkedouttheglassstopperwithsinewyfingersandlaiditonthetable.Thesweetscentoflavender
floatedtoher.

Polliftedthebottleandpouredastreamofglisteningoiloverhisfingers.HeleanedclosetoFionaashe
setdownthebottleandstopperedit.“Now,Fiona.Giveyourselftome.”

Herestedthehandhehadn’toiledonherhead,theweightwarm.Fionadrewabreathandslowlyletit
out,willingherbodytorelax.

AllysonJames

Awarmthshotthroughher,followedbythesensationoffire.Shegaspedandtensed,thenletouther
breathagainassherealizedthatPolhadconnectedwithher,justasCashaddone.

ShecouldfeelherhairagainstPol’spalm,couldfeelthesleekoilthatcoatedhisfingerswiththesame
intensitythatshefeltthetablebeneathherandherbarefeetonthestool.Thehammeringofherheart
matchedhis.

Whenhepartedherbuttocksagain,shefelthisfingersonheraswellasthefirmtightnessofheranalstar.
Shegroanedasheslidoneslickfingerinsideher.

Itwasasthoughshepleasuredherselfatthesametimehepleasuredher.Shefelteveryinchofherself
aroundhisfinger,everyflexofhisfingerinsideher.Shesqueezedandrelaxed,notevenawareshedidit.

“Thatisgood,”Polsaidsoftly.“Exactlylikethat.Doitagain.”

Shetriedtogetherbodytoobey,butonlywhensheletgoofthecontroldidshesqueezehardandrelease,
openingmoreeachtime.

“Perfect.”Pol’svoicesoothedher.“Youneedtobereadyforme.I’mbig,sweetheart.”

Fionaknewthatalready.She’dheldhislovelycockinherhandandtakenitinhermouth,andthethought
thatshe’dsoonhaveitinherasssentherspiralingtowardclimax.

Pollaughed,feelingherexcitement.“You’removingtoofast.Waitforme.”

Fionaopenedhermouthtolaughwithhim,thensheletoutatinyscreamasasecondfingerjoinedhis
first.“Ohgods.”

“Howdoyoufeel,love?”Heleanedover,carefulnottomovehisfingerstoofast,andbrushedakissto
hercheek.

“Full,”shesaid.“Fullandtight…andopen.”

“Good.That’showIwantyoutofeel.Keeptakingme,love.”Hemovedhisfingersinandout,slowly,in
perfectrhythm.Fionafeltherselfrelax,wantinghisfingersdeeperwitheverypush,wantedtoopenand
acceptmoreofhim.

“Oh,sweetheart,youaregoodatthis.”

Pol’sapprovalmadehershiverindelight.Shefeltsowantonandsoexcitedatthesametime,bentover
thetable,thecoolwoodagainsthercheek,withherassintheairandagorgeousman’sfingersslidingin
andoutofher.Shewaswickedandsexy,andshelovedit.

Polwithdrewandreplenishedtheoilonhisfingers.Thebottleclunkedbacktothetable,thenshe
squealedindelightwhenheslidthreefingersintoher.

“Ooohhhh,”shemoaned,movingquicklytowardincoherence.Herhipsmovedoftheirownaccord,she
babbledmeaninglesssounds,andaboveallshelovedwhathedidtoher.

Thebeautifulthingwas,ifhelikedit,shecoulddothesametohim,givehimthissamepleasureshewas
enjoyingtheheckoutof.

DoubleTrouble

Buttherewasonepleasureshecouldn’tgivehim.Afteranicetenminutesofhimplayingwithherwith
histhreefingershewithdrewhishandandreachedforthebottleofoil.

Thenatheropeningshefeltthefirmbluntnessofhiscock,slickwithoil.

“Oh,Pol,”shebegged.“Please.”

Hepositionedhimselfatheranalstar,whichhadrelaxedandwideneduntilFionawasweakintheknees.
Onlythetablekeptherfromfallingovercompletely,andherhipsroseinanticipation.

“Slowly.I’lldoitslowly.Idon’twanttohurtyou.”

“Please,Pol,makeithurtgood.”

Hechuckled.“Darling,youareademigod’sdreamcometrue.”

Carefully,almostunbearablyso,Polpushedthetipofhiscockinsideher.

“It’sgood,”shepanted.“It’sgood,it’ssogood.”

“Itis.”Pol’svoicewasagroan.“Fiona,youaresofuckingtight.”

“More.Iwantmore.”

“Whenyou’reready,sweetheart.Ohgods.”

Hisvoicebrokeasmoreofhisoiledcockslippedinsideher.Hegrippedtheedgesofthetable—she
sensedhishandsbitingintothewoodasthefeelingofhersqueezinghimrampagedhim.

Slowly,justasslowlyasCashadpushedhimselfintoherpussy,Polslidhimselfintoherass.

Hetookhistime.Shefeltthepulsethatracedthroughhiscockagainstherwalls,spreadingher,relaxing
her,transferringhisexcitementtoher.

She’dneverfeltanythinglikeitinherlife.Itburnedandhurtandatthesametimeshewassoopenand
accepting.

Shegroanedintothetabletop,hervoiceechoingfromthewood.Polpressedhimselfdeepinside,theferal
soundshemadeexcitingher.

“Iknowwhymybrotherlovesyou,”hewhispered,voiceragged.“Iknowwhyhethinksyou’resweet.”

“Ilovehim,”shemoaned.

“Iknow,baby.Iknow.Youfeelsogood.”

Hiscockmoved.Hebegantoslowlywithdrawthenhepressedbackin,hishandshardonthetabletop.

AswithCas,shefeltwhathefelt,thesilkenendsofhisownhairbrushinghisshouldersashethrewback
hishead,thefirmpressofheronthelengthofhiscock,thebuildupinsidehim.

Herfirstorgasmhitherswiftly,beforesheevenknewitwascoming.Shewrithedagainstthetable,the
edgerubbingherpussyinasatisfyingway.“Fuckme,”shecried.

AllysonJames

“Mostdefinitely.”

Polmovedsmoothlyinandout,holdinghimselfhardtokeepthepainatbay,tomakesureshefeltonly
pleasure.

Fiona’sheartpumpedwithjoyandgratitude.Polwasademigod.Hecouldplaywithherandhurtherand
discardher—mythologywasfilledwithgods,demigodsandheroeswhoweren’texactlykindtothe
womentheyseduced.

ButlikeCas,hewastakingitslowwhenhedidn’thaveto,givingherpleasurewhenhedidn’thaveto.

Hecouldtakewhathewantedandnotcarewhatshefelt.Hewasfarmorepowerfulthansheandheknew
it.

Butshetrustedhim.IfhehadbeenDionysus,thegodwhoseterriblepowershe’dglimpsedearlierthat
day,she’dbeterrified.ButthiswasPolofthewickedsmilesanddarkeyesandhandsthatcaressedand
soothedher.

BothPolandCashadmadesureshewasreadytotakeademigod.

Shefeltmorethanready.“Please,Pol,”shegasped.“More,please.”

Pollaughed,hisvoicehoarse.“Ifyouinsist.”

Themomentherorgasmdiedoff,anotherswelledinitsplace.Shefelthisimpendingorgasmatthesame
time,hisexcitementatbeingpushedintoherasfarashecouldgo.

“Thankyou,”hegroaned.“Fiona,you’resofuckinggood.”

“Ican’tstandit.”

“Yesyoucan,baby.Justalittlelonger.”

Shesquealedandmoanedagainstthetable,thewoodcoolonherface.Herentirebodywashot,herlimbs
heavy,butatthesametimeshewaswoundtightwithexcitement.

Howmanytimescouldsheorgasmtonight?ThewayPollaughedbehindherheintendedhertodoit
severaltimesmore.

Andthen—”No,”hegasped.“Notyet.”

Fionawriggledagainsthim,wantinghimtocomeasmuchasshewantedthisincrediblefeelingtogoon
forever.

Hisseedshotinsideherashecrushedherhipsagainsthim.Thespinningdarknessinhismindcrashed
overheralongwithherownemotions,adoubleorgasm—fillingthemboth.

TheybothbreathedhardandrawasPolslidoutofherandleanedoverheronthetable.Shefeltevery
inchofhishard-muscledbodymeldingintoherbackandthighs,hislimbsheavywithrelease.

Asurgeofsatisfactionwelledthroughher.He’dstretchedhersowide,andyetshecoulddoit,shecould
takehim.

DoubleTrouble

Theystayedlikethatforalongtime,bothknowingtheyneededtowinddown,neitherwantingto.

Polpressedkissestoherhair,nuzzlingher.“Youaregoodatthat,sweetheart.

You’veneverdoneitbefore?”

“No.I’msureI’drememberthat.”

“Thankyouforlettingmebethefirst.”

Shegrinnedagainstthetabletop.“Mypleasure.”

Polstraightened,takingawayhiswarmweight.Fiona’sheartsqueezedindisappointment.Shewanted
him,likeCas,totakeherintohisarmsandtouchheralittlelonger.

Polpattedherbackside.Sheheardhimsliponhisjeansandzipthemupthenslidethesandalsbackonhis
feet.

“IthinkIneedawalkafterthat.Comewithmetothetaverna?”

Fionagroaned.Ifshewenttoatavernaanddrankwinerightnow,she’dslitherrightunderthetable.Pol
wouldhavetocarryherhomeoverhisshoulder,andthentheymightgetuptomorefun.

Shegroanedagain.“No,Ineedtosleep.”

Helaughedsoftlyasthoughknowingexactlywhyshecouldn’tmove.“GoandsnugglewithCas.He’ll
likethat.”

Hegaveherassanotherpatthenwalkedoutthedoor.

Shestayedbentoverthetable,unabletomakeherlimbsmoveassheheardhimmovedownthestairsand
backtothestreet.Shecouldfallasleephere,herbuttintheair,hercheekpressedagainstthecoolwood.
Wouldn’tthatlookridiculouswhenthemaidcameintomorrow?

Butitwasanicetable,verycomfortable.Herlegswerenearlynumb,butthatwasfine.Ifshefellshe
doubtedshe’dfeelathing.

Whoknewshecouldstandsomuchsex,andwhoknewshe’dloveitlikethis?

She’dneverrealizedtherewasawild,wicked,funFionainsideherwhothoughtnothingofhaving
missionary-positionsexwithonemanandthenhavinganalsexwithhisbrotherinthenextroom.

Andthemissionary-positionsex—theusualwayamanandwomanmadeloveinthedark—hadbeen
nothingshortofmind-blowing.She’dhaveplainoldsexlikethatanydayoftheweek.Andonweekends
andholidaystoo.

SheheardPolwalkbyoutside,hissteplight,whistling.Howhecouldbesoenergeticafterfuckingher
likethat,shedidn’tknow.Shethoughtshe’dsleepforaweek.

Speakingofwhich,shereallycouldn’tfallasleeponthetable.Herbodythoughtaboutthesoftnestinthe
bedroomwithCasalreadyinitandwantedtogothere.

AllysonJames

Shefinallystraightenedup,movinggingerly,andsteppedoffthestool.Sheyawnedandstretchedthen
turnedtothebedroomdoor.

Shefroze,heartinherthroat.Caswasleaningonthedoorframeoftheopendoortothebedroom,hisarms
foldedacrosshisbarechest,hisbrowsdrawnintoafearsomescowl.

DoubleTrouble

ChapterEleven

Heworenothingbuthisjeans,thewaistbandridinglowonhiships,moonlightplayingonhisbaretorso.
Hisintensegazeheldhers,eyesglitteringinthedark.

Fionagulped.“Cas.”

Heremainedfixed,hisbodyshadowed.Hewasthebeautifullywroughtstatueofademigod,onlyhishair
stirringinthefaintbreezefromthewindow.

Fiona’sshirthadsliddowntocoverherbareass,butshefeltmoreexposedthansheeverhadinherlife.
“Yousaw,”shewhispered.

Casdidn’tanswer.Hewatchedher,hisfaceset,hisbodyutterlystill.

Fiona’sheartraced.ShelovedCas.Shewantedhimtoloveher,andthethoughtofhurtinghimbrokeher
heart.AndyetPol…

“Getonthetable,”Cassaid.“Onyourback.”

Sheblinkedathim.“What?”

“Now.”

Thewordwasharshanddidn’twanttotakenoforananswer.Fionaretreatedtothetable,andunderhis
unwaveringgaze,steppeduponthestepstoolandsatherbuttontheedgeofthetable.

“Liedown,”hecommanded.

Fionaslowlylayback,thetabletophardagainstherspine.Shebreathedrapidlyandwonderedhowmuch
moreofCasandPolshecouldtaketonight.

Casremainedbythedoor.“Pullupyourshirt.Showmeyourpussy.”

Well,maybeshecouldtakealittlemore.Sheliftedthehemofthelongshirtandspreadherthighsalittle.

“Showittome,”Cassaid.Hepushedhimselffromthedoorframeandmovedtowardherslowly,likea
pantherstalkingitsprey.“Showmehowwetitis.”

Fionatentativelymovedherfingersthroughherfolds,drawingafingertipacrosstheopeningofherquim.
Creamobliginglyflowedouttocoverherfingers.

Casmadeanoiseinhisthroat.Hestoppedattheendofthetable,standingasmotionlesslyasabigcat,
hiseyesasglitteringasapredator’s.HeslidthestooloutofthewayandstoodbetweenFiona’slegs,his
darkgazetakinginherrumpledshirt,herbodyspreadbeforehim,herfingersplayinginherquim.

Hewatchedforamomentlonger,thenswiftlyunzippedhisjeansandletthemrestonhisthighs,not
botheringtokickthemoff.Hegraspedherankleswithfirmhandsandjerkedthemtohisshoulders,lifting
herhipsfromthetable.

Hisfaceset,hepositionedhiscockonheropeningandshoveditinside.

AllysonJames

Therewasnowaitinguntilshegotusedtohimoruntiltheirfeelingsmelded.Hebegantotakeherwith
hardthrusts,one,two,three…Movingfasterandfaster.Herbackbangedagainstthetable,whichrocked
andcreakedundertheonslaught.

Heheldherlegsfirmlyandfuckedherhardasthetablelegsgroanedagainstthefloor.Fuckingwasthe
rightword.Thiswasnolovemaking.He’dseenwhatPolhaddonetoherandhewaspunishingher.

Punishingherbydrivinghiscockintoher.Sheliftedherhips,meetinghisthrusts,squirmingandeager.
Shefelthimandherselfatthesametime,smelledthescentofhercreamandhiscockandPol’scome,a
finecocktailforhernose.

Hepoundedintoher,hipscrashingagainsthers.Hemadenonoisesaveforafewsoftgrunts.

“Fuck,”Fionagroaned.“Fuckme,Cas.Damn,Iloveyousomuch.”

Hegrowledsomethingunintelligible,thenheclosedhiseyesandcame.Hissleekhairtickledherfeetas
hemovedhisheadfromsidetoside,hipspulsingwithhisclimax.Sherodeitwithhim,herclimax
squeezingherentirebodyuntilsheheardsomeonescreaming.

Thescreamsmusthavecomefromher,becauseherthroatwentrawandthenoisesbecamehoarseand
broken.

Casslammedintoheronemoretime,holdinghimselfagainstherhardwhileshesqueezedhim.Thenhe
withdrewinaswiftmoveandliftedheragainsthim.

Hisarmscrushedthebreathoutofher.Hewasshakingallover,hisbodyshiningwithsweat,hishair
dampwithit.Hiscocklayheavyagainstherthigh,halfrigid,indicatingitcouldflaretolifeinnotimeat
all.

Fionatwinedherarmssoftlyaroundhisshouldersandkissedhischeek.“Cas?Areyouallright?I’m
sorryaboutPol.Icouldn’thelpmyself.I’veneverdonethatbefore.”

Cashauledherupright,theirfaceseven.

“Ilovedit,”hesaidfiercely.“Ilovedwatchinghimfuckyou.Ilovedwatchinghimmakeyouscream.”

Hereyeswidenedandhopeflaredinherheart.“Youdid?”

“Ilovedeverysecondofit.Icame,watchingyou.Gods,whenthethreeofusfucktogether,we’llmove
theworld.”

Pol’svoicecamefromthedoorway.“Good.”

Hestoodtherewithhisarmsfolded,hisstancesimilartowhatCas’hadbeen,excepthewasfully
dressedandsmelledofasmokytaverna.“I’mgladtohearthat’sallsettled.Canwegotobednow?”

*****

DoubleTrouble

Theydidn’tactuallyhavesexinthebedroom.Bytacitagreement,CasandPollayoneithersideofFiona,
astheyhadthefirstnightthey’dseenher,enclosingherwiththeirprotectivebodies,andlethersleep.

Casinhaledherscentasheranhishandoverherbarehip.Thishadbeenthebestnightofhisdemigodlife
—takingFionacompletelyonthebed,watchingPolplaywithherandfuckherasswhilehestood
noiselesslyinthebedroomdoorway,andthenfuckingherhardandfastonthetable,hisneedprimal.

PollayonFiona’sotherside,eyesclosed,ahappysmileonhisface.CaswonderedifPolhadthesame
depthoffeelingforFionathathehad,orwhetherhisbrotherwassimplyenjoyinghimself.

HehopedPollovedFionaasmuchashedid.Theirlifeinthisnewworldwouldbesomuchbetterifthey
werealltogether,athreesomeboundbylove.

Nottomentionexcellentsex.

CaswantedtohaveFionaineverywaypossible,andhewantedPoltotrythingswithherwhilehe
watched.Endlesspossibilitiesdancedthroughhismind.

Fionawasamortalwoman,however,andtheyneededtogocarefully.Shewastiredandneededherrest.

He’drealizedaftermakinglovetoherthatshewasnotagoddessordemigoddessashe’dassumed,buta
humanwomanfortifiedonlywiththemagicofherarchaeology.

Hehadlittledoubtshe’dcomeupwithawaytofreethemofSelenaandherspellscompletely,andthen
they’dhavesomefun.

Polwasalreadyasleep,softlysnoring,andFionahadslidintosleepassoonasCaspulledthesheetover
her.Caslayawakeforalongtime,touchingFionaandbreathinginherscent,enjoyingherwarmthandhis
newfeelingsoflove.

Inthemorning,Fionaannouncedthattheyneededtoreturntothedig.She’dtakenthejarwithout
permission,Dionysus’giftofanextranightwasoverandtheywouldbesaferbackatthesite.

CasknewFionadidn’treallybelievethey’dbesafer.Sheworeaworriedpuckerbetweenherbrowsas
shedressed,packedhertoothbrushandmadereadytoleave.

Fionadrovehercarwiththejarontheseatnexttoher,andCasandPolfollowedonthebike.Fiona
drovemoreslowlythanCasliked,buthedidnotwanttoventuretoofaraheadandleaveherunprotected.

TheytooksevenhourstoreachAthens,stoppingalongthewaytoseethefriendsCasandPolhadmade

onthewaytothemountain.ThefamilieswelcomedFionawithenthusiasmandpliedherwithfoodand
drink.

Whentheyreachedthesitelaterthatevening,Dr.Wheelanemergedandclimbedtowardthemonthepath.

Hewavedcheerfullyasthoughthey’donlybeengoneafewminutesinsteadoftwoentiredays.“Isthatthe
jar,Fiona?Good,Iwaslookingforit.IhaveawomanherefromtheGreekantiquitiesdepartmentwho
wantstotakeitfortheircollection.”

AllysonJames

*****

“Here?”Fionahadthesuddenurgetoclaspthejartoherchestandnotletanyoneseeit.“Whoisshe?”

Dr.Wheelanshrugged.“ASelenasomething-or-other.Sheseemstoknowwhatshe’stalkingabout.She’s
waitinginthepotteryroomnow.”

Coldfeartouchedher.Sheglancednervouslyatthepathtothepotteryroomandthenatthetwins,who’d
movedofftofindHans.

EvenDr.Wheelanwouldnotbelievethatawomandressedinblackleathercarryingawhipwasfromthe
antiquitiesdepartment,wouldhe?NotthatDr.Wheelanwasgoodatnoticinganythingdatedmorerecently
thanRomantimes.

“Whatdoesshelooklike?”

“Idon’tremember.Greek.Whydon’tyougochatwithher,Fiona,Ihavesome…”

Dr.Wheelan’swordstrailedoffashewanderedaway,hismindfirmlyonhisnextproblem.

Fionahuggedthejarwrappedinitsprotectivesheet,wantingtohideitinherroomandatthesametime
notletitoutofhersight.Ifshestasheditinherbedroom,whatwouldkeepSelenafromsneakinginand
takingit?

Butthen,Fionacouldn’tcarryitaroundfortherestofherlife.

Exasperated,Fionawentafterthetwins.WhenshecaughtuptothemCaswascomplimentingHansonhis
motorcycleandtalkingabouthowithandled.HeandHansandPolstartedinonwaystorideittomakeit
runbetter,addinghandgesturestoillustrate.

Men.FionarolledhereyesandwaiteduntilCaslookedoverandsawher.

“Fiona.Love.”Heslidhisarmaroundherwaistandsuddenlyallherproblemswentaway.Atleast,she
wishedtheywould.Shecouldspenddaysaloneinbedwiththisman.

BehindhimPolsentherawink.Shecouldspenddaysinbedwithhimaswell.Orperhapsaweekwith

bothofthem?

I’minathreesome,shethought,wantingtolaughhysterically.Thewomanwhoneverbelievedanyman
wouldeverwantherisinathreesomewithtwohotdemigods.

Hans,likeDr.Wheelan,didn’tseemtonoticethesuddenriseinpheromonesaroundhim.

“Ah,Fiona,”hesaid.“Weareuncoveringsomeinterestingpotteryfragments.

Somethingniceforyou,Ithink?”

“Terrific,”sheanswered,tryingtosoundenthusiastic.

Fionawouldnormallybeecstaticatthethoughtofporingovertotallynewpotteryfragmentsfromwho-
knew-when.Shelivedforpottery.Today,however,shecouldbarelynodandaskHanstoletherknow
whenhehadpiecesready.

AssoonastheyleftHanstohisstoaCasandPolclosedinoneithersideofher.

DoubleTrouble

“IthinkFionashouldrest,”Polsuggested,surreptitiouslymovinghisfingerstoherbackside.

“Agoodidea,”Casagreed.HesentFionaasmilethatheatedherblood.

“IhavethefeelingthatifIliedownwithyoutwoIwon’tgetmuchrest.”

“Wemightletyou,”Polsaid.“Butnotatfirst.”

Herexcitementgrew,distractingherfromtheproblemofSelenaasshevisualizedwhattheymightdo.Pol
wouldbenakedononesideofher,Casontheother,whiletheytouchedherandlickedherandtoldher
whattheywoulddotoher.

Sheblewoutherbreath,herholdnearlyslippingonthejar.“Selenaishere,”sheannounced.

Bothmenstopped,theirsmilesdisappearing.

“Here?”Cas’voicewenthard.

“Ithinkso.Dr.WheelansaidsomeonenamedSelenawasinthepotteryroom.”

CasandPolexchangedalongglance.Asone,theyturnedandstartedoffinthedirectionofthepottery
room.Fionascuttledalongbehindthem.“Wait!Ifitisher,youshouldn’tjustrunin.Let’scomeupwitha
planfordealingwithher.”

“Ihaveaplan,”Polsaidoverhisshoulder.

“What,throttleher?”

“Peelherskinfromherinchbyinch.Thenthrottleher.”

Fionagroundherteeth.“She’sverystrong.Ifeltherpower.Sheputthespellonyouinthefirstplace,
didn’tshe?”

Casfacedher.“Shetrickedus.SheusedahydratocapturePolandthreatenedtomurderhim.Sheknew
damnwellIwouldnotstandbyandwatchmybrotherbekilled.”

“Youshouldhave,”Polsaid.

Casglaredathimasthoughthiswasanoldargument.“ShesaidifIfuckedhershe’dletPolgo.Iloathed
her,butitseemedaneasyprice.Icouldholdmynoseanddoit.WhatIdidn’tknowisthatshecouldtrap
aman’scockinherquim.”

“SheparalyzedCas,”Polfilledin.“Andthengavemethesamechoice.IfIfuckedher,completingthe
threesome,she’dlethimgo.Butitwasaritualperformedtotrapusbothforever.”

Fionalookedfromonetotheother,herangerboilinguptotakeoverreason.“Polisright.Youshould
throttleher.”

“Damnstraight,”Polanswered.

Theyturnedandstrodeforthepotteryroom.

“Carefully!”Fionashoutedafterthem.

Sherantocatchup,heartinherthroat,justastheypassedintothebuildingandcrossedthethresholdof
thepotteryroom.

AllysonJames

Noonewasinit.Theshelvesandshelvesofpotterypieceswereundisturbed,andtheyfoundnodemon
demigoddesshidingbehindthedoororintheshadows.IfSelenahadbeenthere,shewaslonggone.

“Itwasher,”Casgrowled.“Icansmellher.”

Polnodded,hisexpressiongrim.

Fionaloosenedherholdonthejarandgentlyresteditonthetable.“GoodthingIbroughtthiswithme.”

Thegraytabbyjumpeduptothetable,orangeeyesbright.Itsatdownandyawned,itsgumsdrawingback
toreveallong,sharpteeth.Thenittwineditselfaroundthejar,buttingitandpurringsoftly.

Fionareachedherhandouttopetit.

CasandPoldidnotseemtonotice.“Bringthejar,Fiona,”Cassaidinhisquietvoice.“Wewillreturn
withittoyourbedchamber.”

Fionalookedatthecat,whoreturnedthelooksteadily.Thentoherastonishment,thecatwinked.

“IthinkIcanleaveithere.Itwillbesafefornow.”

CasandPollookeddubious.Theyexchangedaglancebutdidn’targue.Thecatcurleditsbodyaroundthe
jarandproceededtofallasleep.

*****

CasknewitwouldbeuselesstoarguewithFionaaboutthejar.HealsoknewthatheandPolwouldtake
careofitlater.Fornow,Fionatrulyneededtorest.She’ddriventhelittlevehicleforalongtime,and
she’dcursedatitalot.Sleepwoulddohergood.

Heknew,however,whentheyreachedhersmallbedroom,thatFionawouldnotsleep,atleastnotright
away.Pheromonespouredfromher,hecouldtastethem.

Still,shecalmlylaidherselfonthebed,promisingtogetsomerest.CasandPolmeanttoleavebutboth
ofthemstoodatthefootofthebed,lookingdownattheirlovelylady.

Perhapsheshouldteaseher,Casthought,drivingheranticipationtothebreakingpointbeforehelether
sleep.HeandPolcouldmassageherorsimplytouchherandthenwhenshewasreadytobebroughtto
climax,leaveher.Theycouldmakeherbegforthemtoreturnandgiveherrelease.

Ofcourse,bythenitmightbehimselfbeggingforrelease.

Hedrewhishandacrossthesoftskinofherankle.“Whichofusdoyouwantfirst?”

Sheliftedherhead,eyeswidening,pupilsspreadingtoswallowthebrown.“First?”

“Yourchoice,love.WouldyouwantmetomakelovetoyouslowlyordoyouwantPoltotieyoutothe
bedandfuckyourass?”

Hereyesgrewenormous.“Idon’tthinkIcanmakeachoicelikethat,”shesaidbreathlessly.

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DoubleTrouble

Polstoodwithhishandsonhiships,hiscockalreadypressingouttheseamofhisjeans.“Whydon’twe
blindfoldherandmakehertakethefirstoneofusshefinds?”

Cas’alreadyhardcockliftedanotherinch.“Ithinkthatisagoodidea.”

“She’llstripfirst,ofcourse.”

CascouldseethepulsepoundinginFiona’sthroat,beckoninghistongue.“WhataboutSelena?Shemight
stillbelurking.”

Polshookhishead.“Wecouldsenseherifshewas.Andsmellherfoulscent.Shewashere,butshehas

gone.Somethingfrightenedheroff,butIdon’tknowwhat.”

“Thecat.”

Casfrowned.Fionalookedatapointinmid-air,likeshesawsomethinghecouldn’t.“Cat?”

“Thecatdroveheraway,likeinthelibrary.”

Casexchangedaglancewithhisbrother.Fionamustbemoretiredthantheythought.

“Whatcat?”Polasked.

Shelookedsurprised.“Inthepotteryroom.Thegrayone.”

HeandPollookedateachotheragain.“Wesawnocat.”

Fionagapedatthemthenherlookbecamethoughtful.“Oh.”

“Itwasalongdrive,”Polsaid,hissmilereturning.“Sheshouldtakeoffherclothesnowandputonthe
blindfold.”

“Lockthedoor,”Fionasaidhastily.“I’djustdieifanyonecamein.”

*****

Casthoughthe’dseennothingsexierintheworldthanFiona,completelybare,hertoessplayedonthe
boardfloor,herarmsoutstretchedwhileshetriedtofindtheelusivetwins.Awhiteclothboundhereyes
andliftedherredhair,andshesmiledasshegropedherwayaroundtheroom.

Herbreastswereroundandtautandmoistureglistenedonthetwistofredhairatherquim.Herhipswere
shapely,andherememberedthesmoothnessofherskinthere.

Damn,thiswouldtaketoolong.

Thetwinshaddecidedthatnotonlydidshehavetofindoneofthem,shehadtoidentifyhimwithout
removingtheblindfold.Cashadpulledoffhisclothes,skintinglinginanticipationofbeingtouchedby
hersweet,questinghands.

Nowshereachedtowardhimasthoughfeelinghiswarmthandhesidestepped,suppressinghislaughter
soshewouldn’thearhim.

Polcircledherfrombehind.Everysooften,he’ddartinclose,slapheronherbacksideandretreat
beforeshecouldswingaroundandtouchhim.

101

AllysonJames

“Oh,comeon,that’snotfair,”shesaidwhenhediditagain.“AtleastmakesomenoisesoIhavesome

chance.”

Polletoutasnicker.Fionalungedathim,comingupwithherhandsagainsthistorso.Hestoodthere
silentlygrinningwhileFionarovedherfingersalloverhisbody.

Cassawherbrowsfurrowundertheblindfoldwhileshetriedtodecidewhichtwinshe’dcaught.

HiscockliftedhighassheskimmedherhandsdownPol’swaistandhipsandmovedoverhiserection.
ShedeliberatelytestedoutitssizeandshapewhilePolclosedhiseyesandsuppressedagroan.

Casslidhisfingersoverhisowncock,pressingitinsympathy.HeneededthatbottleofoilPolhad
obtainedinLitohoro,thekindthatsmelledlikelavenderandcomplimentedFiona’sownscent.

HebitbackarawsoundasFionasanktoherknees,herhandsonPol’ships,anddrewPol’scockintoher
mouth.

Caswatchedherredlipsstretchoverit,watchedPolsnakehishandthroughherhair,stillholdinghimself
back.

FionawithdrewandlickedPol’scockallover,pausingnowandthenasthoughassessinghistaste.

“Pol,”sheannounced.

“Youhaveit.”Polliftedtheblindfoldandguidedhiscockbackinhermouth.Casstrokedhisowninthe
samerhythm.

“Howdidyouknow?”Casasked,walkingtowardthem,handstillonhiscock.

Fionasenthimatriumphantsmile.“Youtastedifferent.”

“Dowe?”

Shenodded.“You’resmooth,likewine,”shetoldCas.“Polismorelike—

schnapps.”

Casblinked.“Whatisschnapps?”

“Liquorwithabite,bestdrunkchilled.”

Polpretendedtolookhorrified.“Ihopeyoudon’tplantochillme.”

“No.”Sheslantedhimawickedsmile.“Ilikeyouwarm.”

TheirshyFionawaslearninghowsexyshewas.

CasmovedtoPol’sside.“Drinkbothofus,”hesuggested.

Fionagazedupathim,lipsparted,asthoughhe’djustofferedherthechaliceofambrosiafromZeus’
table.“CanI?”

“Idon’tknow,canyou?”Polgrinned.

HemovedclosertoCas,restinghisarmonCas’shoulder.Doubletrouble,that’swhatthegodsofthe
Pantheoncalledthem.HumansspunstoriesofCas’andPol’sloyaltytoeachother,butthegodsknewthe
truth.

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DoubleTrouble

Hellonwheels,Fionahadcalledthemwhenshe’dscoldedthemforridingHans’

biketoofast.CasshouldexplaintoherthattheyhadnothingtodowithhellorevenHades.Theywere
demigodsoftheheavens,oftheparadiseofOlympus.

Fionawassmilingasthoughshe’dfoundparadise.SheclosedhermouthoverPol’scock,alookof
raptureonherface.Thenshebackedawayfromhim,turnedherhead,andtookCas’.

Cas’headrockedback.Ohyes,thiswasheaven.HisfingerstightenedonPol’sarm,andPolheldhim
upright,laughingsoftly.

“She’sgood,isn’tshe?”

“Sheisperfection,”Cascorrectedhim.

Fionawentbackandforth—PolandCas,CasandPol.HermouthwashotandwetandmadeCascrazy.
Everytimeshedrewaway,hewantedtograbheranddragherback,andheknewPolwantedthesame.
Hewantedtohaulhertothebedandfuckher,himalone,totellherwhoshebelongedtofirst.

Atthesametime,hewantedPoltoenjoyhimselfaswell.Hisbrotherdid,gruntingassheslidhermouth
overhim,movinghishipstofuckhermouth.

Casfeltthebuildupbehindhisballsthatmeanthewasgoingtocome.Fionaturnedhermouthtohimbut
hesteppedoutoftheway.

Pollookedathimlikehe’dgonecrazy.Casshookhishead.“Notyet.Iwanttodosomethingelse.Pol,let
herdrinkfromyouonthebed.”

Polgrinnedslowly,knowingwhatCashadinmind,andmovedawayfromFiona’squestingmouth.She
lookeddisappointedbuttheninterestedasPolseatedhimselfonthenarrowbedandspreadhislegs,his
feetdanglingoneithersideofit.

Fionabrightened.SheenjoyedgazingatPolspreadoutlikeafeast,ifthelookonherfacewasanythingto
goby.WhenPolbeckonedtoherwithbothhands,shewentreadily,smiling.

“Onyourhandsandknees,”Cassaid.“Takehimwithyourmouth.”

Fionaobeyed.ShecrawledontothebedandloweredherlipstocoverPol’scock,herassraised.

That’swhathewanted.Casfoundthebottleofoil,smootheditoverhisreadyandhotcock,thenclimbed
behindher.

Hewouldn’ttakeherass,thatwasforPol.Fiona’spussy,ontheotherhand,hadbeenmadeforCas.

Casplacedhishandsonherhips,positionedhimselfatheropeningandslidhimselfinsideinonefirm
stroke.

Gods,yes.Asbefore,theirsensesconnected.Heexperiencedherwonderandheart-poundingexcitement
tofeelhiscockinher,andheexperiencedhisownexcitementofhersqueezingdownonhim.

103

AllysonJames

Atthesametime,throughher,heconnectedwithwhatshewasdoingwithPol.HefeltPol’sbuilding
urgencyandtheheatofhertongueasitbrushedoverPol’sflange.Itwaslikefuckingherandbeingsucked
onatthesametime.

Heknewthreewouldbebetterthanone-on-one.HeknewPolfeltwhathedid,theintensestimulationof
hermouthonhimandthefeelofbeinginsideherpussy.

AndFionafeltallofit.Shebegantowritheandsqueal,tryingtokeepsuckingonPolwhilewantingto
screamherecstasyatwhatCaswasdoingtoher.

“That’sit,baby,”Polsaid,swirlinghishandthroughherfire-redhair.“Keeponit.

Makemecome.”

Shewriggledandmoanedinherthroat.Cashearddeepermoansandrealizedtheycamefromhim.

Gods,havingherwasbetterthananythingeverhadbeeninhisentireexistence.

SweetFiona,youweremadeforloving.

Shelovedbeingfuckedbythem,plussheworriedaboutthemandtriedtoprotectthem.Shewastheir
champion,thewomanwhorescuedthemandfaceddownSelenaforthem.

Loveyou,baby.Loveyou.

Hegroanedandcame.Polcameatthesametime,andsodidFiona.Thethreeofthemspiraledto
excitementtogether,Cas’bloodpoundingwithit.

Hefeltherpussysqueezehimhard,felthertonguealloverPol’scock,feltherecstasypumpingthrough
herbody.He’dneverhadthisconnectionbeforewithanywoman,andheknewthatthismeantshehad
beenmadeforhim.

AndPol.

MaybeDionysuswaslookingoutforthemafterall.

*****

Theysleptafterthat,thethreelaidoutonFiona’sbed,CasholdingherbackagainsthimwhilePolsnored
onherotherside.Hebreathedherfragranceasheslidintosleep,thenhedreamedofmakinglovetoher.

Theywereonanislandofgoldensandwhiletheblue,blueMediterraneanspreadoutbeforethem,andhe
madelovetoFionaonabeach.Polloungednearby,watchingthemwhilehesunnedhisnakedbody,his
feetwashedbythemildsea.

Heseemedtohearthevoiceofhishalfsister,Artemis,daughterofZeusandtwinofApollo.“Finallygot
itright,didyou,Cas?”

Thevoicewassoclearthatheawoke.Nothingstirredintheroom,saveforthefaintbreezeatthe
window.

CassoftlykissedFiona’scheek,andhereyelidsfluttered.“Ah,youareawake,”hewhispered.

Shesmiledandturnedherheadforakiss.

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DoubleTrouble

Casmadelovetoherthenandthere,enteringfrombehindher,barelymovingonthebed.Itwasslow,
warmsexratherthanthefranticfrenzythey’dsharedbefore.

Onherotherside,Polawoke,smiledwhenhesawwhattheyweredoing,andjoinedin,playingwith
Fiona’sbreastsandquimuntilshewasmoaningandsquirmingbetweenthem.

OnceCashadclimaxed,shetookPolinhermouthandfinishedhim,allwithoutthemmovingfromthe
bed.

Thefullmoon,Artemis’symbol,pouredoverthebedastheydriftedtosleepagain,andCassworehe
heardhishalfsisterlaugh.

*****

WhenFionawalkedontothesitethenextmorning,everythingseemedtobeasnormal.Archaeologists
roseearlybecausemorningshadowswerebestforfindingartifacts,andasusual,thedigwasteemingat
sunrise.

Thesmellofhotcoffeebeckonedhertoanurnandshepouredherselfacup.Hanswasalreadyhovering
overhisnewstoawithDr.Wheelanlookingoverhisshoulder.

JoanandBobWhittingtonstoodoveradrawingspreadacrossabench,arguingwitheachother.Allwas
normal.

Whenanyoneglancedupandsawherinherworkshortsandt-shirt,theyeithernoddedgoodmorningor
waved,butotherthanthatignoredher.Again,allasusual.

Everyonewasburiedintheirowntasks.

IftheyknewthatFionahadspentthenightalternativelymakinglovetotwomenandhavingCas’cockin
herwhileshesuckedonPolspreadbeforeher,theymadenosign.Digsweresuchfontsofgossip—
archaeologywasasmallworldinmanyways—

thatshewasamazednooneseemedtoknowanything.

Whenthegraycatrubbedherankles,shesuddenlyunderstood.Orthoughtshedid.Hadthecatstood
guardoutsidethedoorandmadesurenonedisturbedthemallnight?

Fionastilldidn’tknowwhothegraycatreallywasandifthecreaturewastrulyontheirside.Butshewas
keepingSelenaawayfromthem,andforthatFionafoundthecatastripofbaconandfedittoher.

FionahadleftPolandCassleeping,onefaceupandonefacedown,lookingdamnenticingwiththesheet
tangledaroundtheirbrownlegs,torsosbaretothemorningsun.

She’dstudiedthemamomentbeforesheleft,Pol’sblackhairfallingoverhisoutstretchedarm,Cas’lips
curvedashesmiledinhissleep.

FionatriedtobanishthesmilefromherownlipsasshewalkedacrossthedigtoHansandDr.Wheelan.

“Fiona.”Dr.Wheelangesturedtoherabsently.“AnotherrepresentativeoftheGreekantiquities
departmentcameaboutthejar.Theywanttoseeit.Iofferedthem105

AllysonJames

coffee.”Hepeeredatthesite,whichwasemptyofanyofficial-lookingAthenian.“Isupposethey’reabout
somewhere.Areyouallright,mydear?Youlookpale.”

“Justneedmycoffee,”Fionasaidbreathlessly.Sheturnedaway,scoopedupthegraycatandheadedfor
thepotteryroom.Thecatdidn’tseemtomind.ItrelaxedagainstFiona’sshoulderandpurred.

Fionareachedthepotteryroomandtentativelypushedopenthedoor.Shewasn’tcertainwhatshewas
goingtodoifSelenawasthere—throwthecatather?

Sheopenedthedoor.Amiddle-agedmaninabrownsuitstraightenedupfromstudyingarowofshards.
“Hello,”hesaid.

“Hello.”Fionaclutchedthecat,wonderingifthemanwouldsuddenlymorphintoablack-leatherclad
Selena.

Hedidn’tlookasthoughhemeantto.“Ihavebeenhearingaboutthisvesselyouhaveputtogetherfrom
thetimeofPericles,”hesaidinaccentedEnglish.“Ihearthatithasamarvelouslyclear,intactpainting.
MayIseeit?”

Heseemedgenuineenough—infact,shethoughtsherecognizedhimfromoneofthemanyfunctionsshe’d
gonetoattheuniversitywhenthey’dfirstarrived.

Fionaheldthecatalittlemorefirmlyandpointedtowardthetable.“Sure.It’soverthere.”

Herhandfroze,fingerrigid.Thegentlemanlookedinthedirectionsheindicatedandwaited,puzzled.
“Where?”

WordsdiedonFiona’slips.Thetablewasempty,thejargone.Sheglaredaccusinglyatthecat,who
lookedbackatherwithunblinkingorangeeyesandkeptonpurring.

106

DoubleTrouble

ChapterTwelve

“Thisisacompletedisaster!Whyaren’tyouworried?”

Fionastoodwithhandsonhipsandglareddownatthetwinswhostillloungedinherbed.Theycertainly
lookedlikegodsnow,reclininghalfcoveredwithhersheet,regardingherwithlazyeyes.

“Thereisnothingtoworryabout,Fiona,”Casbegan.

“Yes,thereis.Someonestolethejar!Selenamostlikely.”Shepointedanaccusingfingeratthecat,who’d
followedherin.“Youweresupposedtoguardit.”

Polpushedhairoutofhiseyesandlookedaroundsleepily.“Whoareyoutalkingto?”

“Thecat.Don’tyouseeit?It’srightthere.”

Fionakeptherfingertrainedonthecatwhowatchedherwithoutexpression.Casliftedhisbrows.“No.
Butifyousaythereisacat,webelieveyou.”

HeandPolexchangedaglancethatmaddenedher.

“IknowyouthinkI’mcrazyandthat’sjustfine.”Shesaiditinatonethatletthemknowitwasnotfine.
“ThereisacatIcanseeandyoucan’t,I’mhavingaménageatroiswithtwodemigods,andamagicjar
hasjustbeenstolenbyademondemigoddessindominatrixattire.WhyshouldanyonethinkI’mcrazy?”

“Fiona,”Casbegan.

“Don’tstartwithme.ThepairofyouseducingmeandmakingmeplayBlindMan’sBluffinthebuffand
thenmakingmefeellikethat—andthenyoulaytherecalmlywhenallhellhasbrokenloose.Ifshebreaks
thatjar,you’redead.AndI’llloseyou.”

Shesaidthelastwithtearsinhereyes.Shelovedthem.Bothofthem.Shelovedthemfiercelyandifshe
lostthem,thegriefwouldhurtlikenobody’sbusiness.

“Fiona,”Cassaid.“Hush,sweetheart.Selenadidn’tstealthejar.”

Fionatransferredherglaretohim.“Howthehelldocanyoubesosure?”

Polproppedhimselfonhiselbowsandthesheetslidfromhisbody,revealinghisbrownbarelimbsand
flatpelvis.“Becausewestoleit.”

Fionahaddraggedinalongbreathtoshoutsomemore,andshechoked.“What?”

Cassaid,“Selenaistricky,butwearetrickier.Weputitinaplaceshe’llneverfindit.”

“Noonewilleverfindit,”Poladded.

Theylookedsosmugandsohotlyingtherewiththesheetexposingtheirbodies,darkeyesgleaming,
smilessinful.

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AllysonJames

Fionamoaned,sanktothefootofthebedandburiedherfaceinherhands.

“Love?”Cassatupputhisarmaroundher.“Wethoughtyou’dbehappy.Youdon’thavetoworryaboutit
now.We’lltakecareofitandSelena.”

Polremainedonhisbackandbrushedthebaseofherspinewithhistoes.“Yougobacktodiggingupthe
Agoraandfindingyourbitsofpots.Wecaneventellyouwhattheyare.”

Casrubbedhershouldersasthoughtryingtosootheher.Hepressedakisstothetopofherhead.

“Youcan’tstealanartifact,”Fionamoaned.“It’sillegal.Peopleareverytouchyaboutartifacts
disappearingfromthecountryinwhichitwasfound—andwithgoodreason.”

“Buttherearesomanypots,”Polargued.“We’llfindyouanotherone.”

“Thatisn’tthepoint.GreeceandEnglandhavebeenarguingaboutthereturnoftheElginMarblesfortwo
hundredyears.Ifevenafragmentofanartifactgoesmissing,it’sacrime.I’llbearrested.”

Casactuallychuckled.“Youwillnot,Fiona,wewillseetoit.”

“Thisisn’tfunny.Iknowyoudon’tunderstandalotofthingsbecausethisisn’tyourcentury,butIknow
yousawprisonsforpeoplewhobrokethelaw.They’llkeepmeinjailhereasanexampleofwhat
happenstoartifactstealers,andI’llneverseethelightofdayagain.Eveniftheydoletmego,itwill
destroymycareer.”

“Baby.”Polsatupbehindherandsmoothedhisfingersthroughherhair.“Theywon’tarrestyou.”

“Itwassuchagoodcareer.DoingwhatIlovedwithpeopleIlikeandrespect…”

“Wedohavesomepowers,Fiona,”Cassaid.Hecradledheragainsthischest.

“We’redemigods.Wecanmakeitsothatnoonebutusnoticesthejarisgoneatall.

Theywillseewhattheywanttosee,hearwhattheywanttohear.”

Fionalookedupathim.Hishandsomefacewasdarkwithunshavedwhiskers,hisbrowneyesliquid.She
suddenlywantedtodonothingmorethansitonthisbedandkisshim,damnthejar,damnhercareer.

“Wecan’thideitforever,”shesaidweakly.

“ButlongenoughtodealwithSelena,”Polrumbled.“Thenyoucanhaveyourpotback.”

“HowdoyouplantodealwithSelena?”

“Findherandkillher,”Polanswered.“Sheispowerful,butsoarewe.”

Fionabitherlip.“Ihavethefeelingitwon’tbethateasy.”

“Youleaveittous.”

Herangerrose.“Don’tworrymyprettylittleheadaboutit,youmean?Ihavetoworry—youtwoare
involved.”Shemadeanexasperatednoise.“Besides,sheputa108

DoubleTrouble

bindingspellonyou.Ifyoukillher,willthatreleasethespell?Orjustenforceit?Ihavethefeelingshe’s
putalotofboobytrapsonit.”

Cas’browsskimmedupward.“Boobytraps?”

“Tricksandthingssothatifyoutrytoreleaseitorhurtherorwhatever,thespellbackfiresandtrapsyou
evenfarther.Likeifthepotbreaks,youdieorreturntooblivion.”

Poltracedhercheek.“You’resweettobeworriedforus.”

“I’mnotsweet.Iloveyou.”

Theystaredather.

“Whichoneofusdidyousaythatto?”Casasked,hisvoicequiet.

“Bothofyou.”Fionaputherhandstoherface.“Idon’tknowwhyIsaidthat.Ihavenoideawhat’swrong
withme.”

Casrosefromthebed,discardingthesheet.Hewasalwayssocasualinhisnakedness,asthoughclothes
didn’tmatter.Shesupposedtheydidn’t,nottoademigod.

“Youlovebothofus?”Herestedhishandsonhershouldersandlookeddownather.“Inthesameway?”

“Iloveyoufordifferentreasons.You,Cas,becauseyou’refeelthingsdeeplyandyousoothemeandare
sodamnstrong.Pol,becauseyouarewildandwickedandmakemedothingsI’dneverdreamof.But
bothofyoujustasintimately.”Shebrokeoff.“IneverthoughtI’dbesayingthis.”

“Hey.”Polsteppedbehindher,alsominushissheet,hishandsonherhips.“We’redoubletrouble,
sweetheart,oppositebutequal.ThetwinsofGeminiwatchoverthosewhoaretornbetweenopposites,
thecreativeandthepractical.Wearecompletelydifferentfromoneanother,yetexactlythesame.”

“Iknow,”Fionasaid.“Itdrivesmecrazy.”

“Sotakebothofus,”Casbreathedashekissedher.“Weliketoshare.”

Helickedthesideofherneck,andatthesametime,Polleaneddownanddrewhistongueuptheother
side.

“Youaretryingtodistractme.”

“Isitworking?”Polasked.

Itwas.Shefeltherjuicespoolinherpussyandlongedtothrowoneofthemonthebedandimpaleherself
onhim.

Thatwastheonlythingthatwouldsatisfyherrightnow,oneoftheircocksdeepinsideher.

Performtheritual.

Fionajumped.Thevoicehadbeenfemaleandhadsoundedloudandclearintheroom.CasandPol
seemednottohaveheard.Theycontinuedtokissherneck,oneoneitherside,satinhairbrushingher,Pol
reachingaroundandcuppingherbreast.

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Noonewasintheroombutthem.And…

Fionalookeddownandsawthecatatherfeet.Itsatonitshaunchesandstaredupatherwithunblinking
eyes.

“What?”

Casdrewaway,frowningslightly.Polpaidnoattention.

Performtheritual,thewoman’svoicecameagain.

Whydon’tyoutalkoutloud?Fionademandedmentally.TheythinkI’mnuts.

Iamacat.Icanonlymeowinmypresentformandmakevariouskindsofrumblingnoises.

Wouldyouprefermeyowlingandyoupretendingyouunderstood?

Whoareyou?Fionaasked,frustrated.

Nooneimportantrightnow.Youaretheimportantwomaninthisroom,FionaMcCarty.

Youcansavethemifyouperformtheritual.

Whatritual?Fionabegan,butsuddenlysheknew.“Theritualonthejar?”sheaskedoutloud.

Precisely.

“Whywillthatsavethem?”

Catscouldnotsmile,butFionasworethisonedid.Trustme,shesaidandthenvanished.

“Fiona.”Polwasregardingherwithapatientexpression.“Whoareyoutalkingtothistime?”

“Nooneatall,”Fionasaid.ShetookPol’shandandplaceditwhereithadbeenonherbreast,thentook
Cas’inhers,andwhileheslantedherawickedsmile,placeditbetweenherlegs.

*****

Casthoughtparadisecouldnotbebetterthanthis.FionastoodnakedinfrontofthemwhileheandPol
rubbedherdownwithoil.Pol’scockstoodoutachinglyhardandCasfeltthesameachefromhisown.

SheseemedadamanttoperformtheritualheandPolhaddonewithSelenaallthosethousandsofyears
ago.ThedifferencebetweenthenandnowwasthatneitherCasnorPolhadwantedtotouchSelena,but
theyleaptatthechancetosharethisintimacywithFiona.

Hershynessremained,butshehadalsolearnedherpower.Shestoodstill,herfeetalittleapart,adreamy
smileonherfaceasPoloiledherthighsandCasrubbedfragrantoilalloverherbreasts,pausingtopinch
hernipplesintopointed,tightnubs.

Whentheywerealltogether,threeasone,shewouldfeelthemfeelingher,andCaswouldfeelwhatshe
andPolfelt.Thejoiningwouldbenothinglikehe’deverexperienced,becausethiswasFiona,awoman
hedeeplyloved.

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Becausehelovedher,hehadnotroublesharingherwithPol.Polmadeherfeelgoodinadifferentway
fromCas,andCaswouldneverdepriveFionaofthepleasurehisbrothercouldgiveher.

Noothermanwouldtouchher,butPolwashistwin,likeanextensionofhimself.

Hegrinnedashethoughtthis,knowingthatPolwouldloudlyrefutethedescription.

TheytiedFiona’swristsinfrontofherwithascarf.Polliftedher,hisarmsaroundherwaist,andCas
hookedhishandsunderherkneesandpartedherthighs.Standingagainstthecoolwall,heeasedFiona
ontohim.

Shemoanedsoftlyashepenetratedher.SheleanedbackandPolheldher,allowingCastoenterher
deeply.

Shewashotandtightandwelcoming.Hefeltloveandexcitementpouringfromher,feltherwallsclosing
onhim,andsensedherownfeelingsofbeingpenetrated.Shewrithed,lovingit,andshelovediteven
betterwhenPolslidhishandaroundherandstrokedherclit.

“Youlikethat,sweetheart?”Polasked.

Shegaveanincoherentreply.Caspumpedgently,needingtoeaseheropen,whilePolbegantomassage
andsootheherforwhatwastocome.

Theoriginalritualhadbeenfastandharsh.Selenahadlaughedandgloatedinherpower,whileCashad
feltnothingbutdisgust.Whatshe’ddonehadbeennolessthanrape.

WithFionatheexcitementwasnearlyunbearable.Casneededtogoslowly,toreadyherandnotcome
untilitwastime.Butshewassodamntightandfeltsogoodthathebegantopulsequickly,readytospill
hisseed.

Heforcedhimselftotakedeepbreaths,toholdhimselfback.Polstillneededtoloosenher,thoughshe
wasalreadyrelaxing,herbodywantingit.

Shewassobeautifulwhencaughtinsexualpleasure.Herbreastswereswollen,areolasdarkandtight.
Herskinthrummedwithwarmth,herpulsespeeding,hereyeshalf-closed.Herredhairspilledoverher
shouldersandfannedoverPol’sbrownskin.

“Fiona,”Polbreathed,hisbodytightandready.

“It’sgood,shefeelssogood.”

Polsmiled,knowingfullwellwhatCaswasexperiencing.“Areyouready,Fiona?”

Fionahesitated,lookingbackathim,herfaceflushed.“Idon’tknow.”

“You’reniceandwideforme,”Polreassuredher.“Doyourememberhowwediditattheinn?”

“Yes.”

“Thiswillbemuchthesame.”

Cashuggedhertohim,stillburiedinsideher.Polmovedbehindher,strokingherback,soothingher.Her
legswerealreadyaroundCas’hips,holdinghimtight.

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AllysonJames

Polpartedherbuttockswithhishands,rubbingandmassaging,openingherwider.

CasfeltwhatFionafelt,thehardfirmnessofPol’stipslowlyworkingitswayinside.

Hefelttheburningfire,theslightpain,thentherelaxationandthewonderfulsensationofbeingfilled.Pol
pressedin,andin,andin.Fiona’smindcloudedwiththedoublefeelingofCasinherquim,Polinherass.
Theystretchedandwidenedher,butsheremainedstill,notfightingit.

“That’sit,love,”Casmurmured.“You’retakingbothofus.”

“You’redoingitbeautifully,”Poladded.

Fionacouldnotanswer.Casfelthermindswirlwithdarkpleasure,thefeelingsunimaginable.Hefelt
Pol’sgrowingexcitementasshesqueezedhimhard,likeamirrorofwhatshewasdoingtoCas’cock.

“Fuck,”Polgroaned.

“Yes,”Casresponded.

Thetwinsfeltherasone.CasfeltbothherquimandherassaroundhiscockandPol’s.Heroiledbreasts
rubbedhischestandhefeltherleaningbackagainstPol.Hetastedherlipsonhis,andhetastedherhair
asPollickedandnibbledherneck.

HecouldnolongertellwherehissensationsleftoffandPol’sbegan.Theywereonenow,nolonger
separate.

CasalsoexperiencedFiona’spleasure.Thetwowereburieddeep,rubbingeachotherthroughthewalls
ofher.Herpussypulsedaroundhiscock,andshescreamedherpleasure.

Sheraisedherboundhandsoverhead,justlikeinthepaintingofthemandSelena,openingherselftobeing
fuckedfullyanddeeplybybothofthem.

Thewallsoftheplainroomwhirledaroundanddissolvedintonothing.Darknesstookitsplace,with
thousandsofstarsoverhead.Cashadnoideawheretheywere.

MountOlympus?Intheheavens?

Pol’seyesweretightlyclosed,hishandsfirmlygrippingFiona’ships.Theyfloatedinmid-air,thethreeof
themjoinedforever.ThisiswhatSelenahadwanted,theendless,mindlessjoyofthetwinssealed
together,feelingeverythingasone.Butithadn’tworked.

Fionawrithedandpulsedbetweenthem,herorgasmsbeginning.“You’rebothsodeep,”shemoaned.
“Gods,you’lltearmeapart.”

“No,”Cassaid,kissingherface.“Never.”

“You’retearingmeapart,sweetheart,”Polsaid,hisfaceshiningwithsweat.“She’ssosweet.I’mgoing
tocome.”

“Withme,”Casurged.“Withme.”

“Hurry.”

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“Almost.”Caswasgoingcrazy.Fiona’sorgasmsblottedoutherthoughts,leavingnothingbutsensation.
He’dneverfeltpleasurelikethisinhisexistence,andhe’dexistedaverylongtime.

Polopenedhiseyes.Cassawhimnoticethedarknessandthestarsstretchingtoeternity.“Whatthefuck?”

“Now,”Cassaid.HegrippedPol’sshouldersandcounteddown.“Three,two,one.”

Hisorgasmslammedintohimlikeapowerfulfist.Hethrewbackhisheadashotdarknesstookhimand
squeezedhimhard.No,thatwasFiona,takinghiscome.Shescreamed,andhefeltthehotseedstreaming

intoherbothfromhimselfandPol.

Hecouldn’ttakeit,itwaskillinghim—itwasthebestthingthateverhappenedtohim.

Caspumpeduntilhecouldpumpnomore.Hegatheredherclose,hisarmshalfaroundher,halfaround
Pol’shardbody.Polmoanedandpressedstraightupinsideher,hiseyesshuttight.

Fiona’sscreamingwounddowntowordlesssounds,andshecollapsedagainsthischest,herwarmhair
streamingoverhim.

TheblackofspaceandbrightstarsspunagainandsuddenlytheywerebackinFiona’sbedroom,standing
onthecoolboardfloorwheretheyhadstarted.

PolgentlybackedoutofFiona,hiscockstillpartlystiff,andheldher.Fromthejumbleofhandsandarms
andbodies,heraisedhisheadandlookedatCas,browneyesfull.“Thankyou,”hesaid.

Casdidn’tanswerandknewhedidn’tneedto.

Fionaopenedhereyesandlookedupsleepily.“Thatwas…”Sheletoutherbreathinahappysigh.“Now
whathappens?”

Cassmoothedherhair.“Nowwerest.”

“Mmm,thatsoundsnice.”

Pollaughed.“Andthenwedoitagain.”

*****

Threemoretimesthatday,CasandPolmadelovetoFiona.Shewassurprisedshecouldstandsomuch,
butshewasn’targuing.

Thesecondtime,CasheldherandpenetratedherwhilePoldidnothingbuttouchher,thenPoltookher
whileCasheldherandstrokedher.

Theydidathreesomeagain,thistimeonthebed,Casononeside,Polontheother.

Inthatposition,theyfellasleepandwokeagainwhenitwasdark.Theysharedsomefoodandabottleof
wineCashadsaved,departedtotheseparatebathroomstoshower,thenreturned,refreshed,and
performedtheritualstandingagain.

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ThefeelingofthethreeofthemtogetheramazedFiona.She’dalwayswonderedwhatmenfeltwhenthey
madelovetoawoman.She’dbeenunpreparedforthesharpstabofexcitement,thesurgingbuilduptoone
incredibleclimax.

She’dscreamedwhentheyhad,feltwhattheyfelt,overandaroundherownexquisiteclimax.

Whentheyfellasleepafterthethirdtime,she’dbarelyhadenoughenergytokissthemgoodnight.She’d
havetotakethedayoffandsleeptorecover.

Inthemorning,however,theresilienttwinshadgone,andFionadraggedherself,blearyeyed,tothe
showers.Sheshouldreallyputsometimeinatthedig,regardlessofherneedtohelpthetwinsandavoid
Selena.

Whythecathadthoughttheritualwouldhelp,shehadnoidea,butsheadmittedthewonderfulloveand
sexthathadsurroundedherallnighthadbeenworthit.

Onlyonewomanwasintheshowersthismorning,behindadanglingcurtain,probablyJoan.

“Goodmorning,”Fionamurmured,thenbrushedherteeth,strippedoffhernightshirt,andsteppedunder
thewelcominghotwater.

ThewomaninthenextshowerzippedbackhercurtainandcamechargingintoFiona’sstall.

ItwasSelena.Shewasnakedandwetfromtheshower,herblackhairsleekagainstherhead.Herlong,
clawedfingersclosedaroundFiona’sneckandpinnedhertothewall.

“Youshouldhavestayedinbed,”Selenahissed,andthentheshowerroomdisappeared.

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ChapterThirteen

Fionaquicklylearnedthedifferencebetweenhavingherwriststiedbyasoftscarfforaroundof
pleasurablesexandhavingthemtiedincruelty.

Leatherbondsbitintoherskin,herarmstwistedbehindherinatapainfulangle.

Shelayonhersideonacoldstoneslab,exposedtoaleadensky.Shehadnoideawhereshewas,butit
lookedlikearuinedsiteofsomeancientGreektemple.

Mostsitestodayhadtouristsporingoverthemorarchaeologistsandhistorianspickingoverthembitby
bit.Fewlaydesertedandempty,butthisonedid.

Selenaleanedoverher,whipinhand,blackhairfallinglikeashimmeringcurtain.

ShedraggedherfingersoverFiona’ssmoothhip.“Iunderstandwhytheylikeyou,Fiona.You’re
beautiful.”

SelenahadrunherhandsalloverFiona’snakedbody,dippingintointimateplaceswhileFionastruggled
againstherbonds.Selena’spalmmovednowonherhipandFionabitbacknausea.

“Stoptouchingme,”shegrowled.

Selenasmirked.“Onlylikedemigods,doyou?”ShegaveFiona’sbacksideatinyslapwiththewhip.
“Weneedtodosomethingtokeepusbusyuntiltheygethere.”

AngerwelledupinsideFiona,hotandintense.“Isaid,stoptouchingme.”

AfierysparkjumpedfromFiona’sbodytoSelena,knockingthedemigoddessafewfeetback.Selena
scrambledtoherfeet,blinking,surprised.

Thenaslowsmilecurvedonherface.“Theygaveyousomeoftheirpowers,didthey?Howsweet.”

Fionatriedtocatchherbreath.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

Thesurgeofpowerhadbeenunexpectedandfrightening,butatthesametimeshetastedtriumph.Shewas
notthehelplessninnySelenathoughther.

“Whentheysharedyou.Whenthethreeofyoubecameone,youabsorbedsomeoftheirpower.”

Fionalaystill,notwantingthedemigoddesstoknowtheextentofherbewilderment.Wasthatwhythecat,
whoevershewas,toldFionatoperformtheritual?

Soshewouldacquiresomeofthetwins’power?

Thatdidn’tfeelright.Thetwinsweremagical,butsubtlyso.Theysimplywantedpeopletodothingsfor
themandpeopledid.Theirpowerwastheextensionoftheircharm.

Thispowerfeltrawandsparkling.Wasitthetwinswhohadgivenittoherortheritualitself?

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“Itwillbefuntotesthowstrongyouare,”Selenasaid,foldingherarmsoverheramplebosom.“Itwill
passthetimeuntiltheygethere.”

“HowdoyouknowCasandPolwilldowhatyouwant?”

Selenasmirked.“Ohplease.Isentthemamessagethey’llunderstand.TheybringmethejarorIkillyou.
Simple.”

“Theywillnevergiveyoubackthemeanstoholdthemprisoner.”

“Yes,theywill.I’vebeenwatchingthem,Fiona.Theylikeyou.Infactthey’vegottenallsappyand
sentimentaloveryou.They’llbringthejar.”Selenasatdowncross-leggednexttoFionaandraisedher
whip.“Inthemeantime,let’sseewhatmakesFionaspark.”

*****

“Ifwegiveherthejar,it’sbacktooblivionforus,”Polsaid.

Casheldtheterracottapotinhishands,rescuedfromwherethey’dhiddenitinHans’stoaintheAgora.
They’dconcealeditamongotherpotteryreservedforFionaandmadetheotherssimplynotnoticeit.

HestudiedtheblackpaintedpictureofhimselfandPol,theirarmsfolded,facingawayfromeachother.
Hesaidquietly,“Ifwedon’ttakeittoher,Fionawilldie.”

“Iknow.”

Thetwomenstaredatoneanother.CassawinPol’seyesthatthey’dalreadymadetheirchoice.They
couldnotletanythinghappentoFiona.

“Iwillmissher,”Cassaid.

“YouthinkIwon’t?”

CaswrappedthejarcarefullyinthesheetsFionahadusedtocushionit.Heplaceditinthecarryallon
Hans’motorcyclethenliftedhishelmetoverhishead.“IdonotsuggestwegotamelybacktoSelena.We
fighther.”

“I’mnotdoingtwenty-fivehundredyearsinthedarkwithyouagain.”

Casgrinnedtightly.Polwouldfighttothedeath.

Theymountedthebike,CascrankedittolifeandtheyshotoutintoAtheniantraffic.

Somehowheknewexactlywheretogo.Heheadedthroughthecrowdedstreets,Polclutchinghimand
startingtocurseagain,andborenorth,towardDelphi.

HeandPolhadlefttheAgorathatmorningandreturnedtowakeupFiona.They’denjoyedthemselves
discussingwaystheycouldrouseherfromsleepastheywalked,eachideamorecock-hardeningthanthe
last.

Whentheyreachedhercorridorofthedorm,they’dfoundagraycatwithorangeeyespacinginan
agitatedmanneroutsidethebathroom.

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She’stakenher,awoman’svoicehadprojectedintotheirminds.Shegotpastme,andIdiscoveredher
toolate.I’msorry.

Casstaredatthecat,feelingitsterribleangeranddistress.

“Whothehellareyou?”Polasked.

Ican’trevealmyselfuntilit’sallover.Ipromised,damnDionysusanyway.ButifshekillsFiona,itwill
bealloverforyou,myfriends.AndIwon’tbeabletostopit.

Cas’ownangerbuiltintoamurderousrage.Selenawouldnotlasttheday.IfsheharmedFionahewould
riskPoseidon’swrathandkillher.Slowly.

They’dleftthecatbehindandgonedowntotheAgoratofetchthejar.NowCasspedintothecountryside
ofGreece,overtakingbussesandcarsspeedingalongtowardthetouristMeccaofDelphi.

SelenawouldnothavegonetoDelphiitself,Casreasoned,becauseshewouldnotriskfacingApollo.
TheentireareawasdedicatedtotheworshipofApollo,andCasknewthattwenty-fivehundredyears
wouldnothavediminishedthegod’sfiercepossessiveness.Anymortalorhalf-mortalwhochallenged
Apollohadalwayscometoanastyend,andCasdoubtedthegodhadchanged.

HeinstinctivelyknewtoturnwestbeforetheyreachedDelphi.SelenahadtakenFionadeepintothe
mountainswheremosttravelersdidnotgo.Heleftthemainroadsanddrovethemotorcycleacrossdirt
tracksandthroughruttedgullies,theairgrowingevercoolerastheyclimbed.

Polnudgedhimfrombehindandpointedalongarmtowardabowl-likedepressionjustnorthofthem.
Cascouldn’thearhimovertheroarofthebikebutheunderstood.

Theyleftthenarrowtrackhe’dbeenusingandshotoffacrossthefields,scaringahandfulofgoatsand
earningtheglareofanelderlygoatherd.Polclungharderasthemotorcycleslippedandsliddownthe
inclineandthroughastandoftrees.

Thebikeslidoutfromunderhimwhenithitahiddenslabofstone.Cashadbeengoingfairlyslowover
theslipperyterrain,soheandPoldidn’tfallveryhard.Theyrolledawayfromthebike,greenerytearing
astheyslidtorevealanancientmarblefloor.

Themotorcyclesputteredanddied.Casyankedoffhishelmetbutheardnothingbuttheemptysilenceof
theruin.Afewstonesstoodontheperipheryofthemarblefloorandthatwasall.

“Atemple.”Polwipedgravelfromhishairandtossedhishelmetaside.“Recognizeit?”

“No.”Casscannedthearea,butthisGreecewasdifferentfromtheonehe’droamedthousandsofyears
ago,bentonmischiefandfun.Nowthebeautifulmarbleandstonebuildingslayruinedandabandoned,
andmetalandthenewsubstancecalledplasticruledtheday.

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Hemadehiswaybacktothemotorcycleandliftedthejaroutofthemetalsaddlebag.Thejarwasunhurt,
asheassumed,sinceheandPolwerestillintact.

“She’shere,”Polstated.“Icanfeelit.”

“Yes.”

Cascockedhishead,tryingtolisten,tryingtosenseFiona’swhereabouts.Hewasconnectedwithheras
he’dbeenconnectedwithnootherwoman,humanorgoddess,inhislonglife.

Butheheardnothing.Thesilenceoftheplace,forgottenandneglected,boredownonhim.Thecallof
birdssoundedfaintlyamongthetrees,drownedoutbythewindmoaningacrosstheruin.

Then,faintlybehindthewind,cameasharpscream.

AsonePolandCassprintedacrosstheslipperyivy-coveredmarbletowardthecorneroftheruin.They
heardasecondscream,followedbyahigh-pitchedlaugh.Thenthelaughendedinayelp.

“Oh,thatwasagoodone,”Selena’samusedvoicesaid.

Attheendoftheslabofmarblewasasquareholeandastaircaseleadingdown.

Thestaircasewasdeepandnarrowandwornsmoothbytime.Poldescendedfirst,Cascomingbehind,
carefullycarryingthejar.

Thestaircaseopenedintoahigh-ceilingedstoneroom,nowburied,butonceitmusthavebeen
aboveground.Marblepillarsmarchedalongeachwall,justholdingbackcrumblingrockanddirt.

Agraylightfilledtheroomandshowedcarvingsonthemarbleceiling,scenesofsexualexcess,
grotesquerenditionsofwhatshouldbepleasurable.Bondageheremeantcruelty,notthejoyofsurrender.

Fionafloatedhighononepillar,herhandspinnedbehindher,hernakedbodysurroundedbyagreenish
glow.Selenastoodbeneathher,herhandssplayed,holdingFionaabouttwentyfeetabovethefloorwith
herpower.

Selenaspoketothetwinswithoutturning.“Aren’tyougoingtosaylethergo?”

“Wehavethejar,”Casanswered.

Selenalaughed.ShemovedherhandandFionashothigher,herredheadstoppingjustshyoftheceiling.

AsCasballedhisfistsabrightgoldsparkjumpedfromFiona’sbodyandarceddowntostrikeSelena.

Selenascreamed,andFionabegantodrop.Polsprintedforward,butbeforeFionahitthefloorthenimbus
caughther,andshefloatedupwardagain.

PolgothishandsaroundSelena’sneck.Selenarecoveredfromthejoltandlashedoutwithpower,
sendingPolhurtlingbackwardacrosstheroom.

CassetthejarcarefullyinacornerandhelpedPoltohisfeet.“Ifwegoathertogether,wecandothis.”

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DoubleTrouble

Pol’sdarkeyesblazedfury.Hewipedhismouthwiththebackofhishandandgavehisbrotheranod.

Selenaputherhandsonherhips.“Givemethejar,orshedies.”

“Don’tdoit,”Fionashouted.

Casheardrageinhervoiceratherthanfear.Bravelady.

“Yourchoicesreallyareallbad,”Selenasaid.“Ifyousucceedinkillingmeyou’llbeboundtothejar
forever.Whoknowswhatthatmeans?Willyoubecomemortalanddie?Orwillyougobackintothe
painting,trappedforeveronapieceofclay?Andifyoudestroythejar…”Shemadeaslittingmotion
acrossherthroat.“Backtooblivionforyou.”

“Oh,justkillher.”Fionaglareddownatthedemondemigoddess.“She’stoofullofherself.”

Pollaughedoutloud.TogetherheandCasrushedher,closinginoneithersideofher.Selenascreamedas
theyboreherbackward,andfoughtthemlikeacat.

CassensedthesurgesofpowerinFionabutknewshedidn’tknowhowtocontrolthem.Anotherspark
arcedoutfromherbody,butitcaughtPolonitswaytoSelena.

Polrolledaway,andSelenacriedout,butshedidnotreceiveenoughofajolttoslowherdown.

“Stupidbitch,”Selenasnarled.“Can’tevenaim.”

ThedemondemigoddessbrokeawayfromthemandusedherpowertoslamFionaagainsttheceiling.
Fiona’sbodypressedhardagainstthemarble,rightnexttotheportrayalofasatyrravishingascreaming
maiden.

“I’llkillher.”Selena’svoicewashardbutcalm.“I’vebeentoyingwithherupuntilnow,butI’llkillher
andsummondemonstoeatherfleshifyoudon’tbringthatjartome.”

“Getityourself,”Polgrowled.

“No.”Selena’svoicerangout,makingCaswonderwhyshewassoadamant.

Wouldthespellnotworkifshehadtofetchthejar?Whatwassheafraidof?“Giveittomeanddarling
Fionagoesfree.”

Casremainedstill.HerlettingFionago“free”mightmeandroppingherfromtheceiling,whichwasthirty
feetabovethem.TheywouldbetrappedandFionawouldbedeadordying.

HecouldnotletSelenawin.Fiona’spowerwasstrong,cracklinglikelightning,butshedidnotknow
howtouseit,howeverthehellshehadacquiredit.

HesharedaglancewithPol.TogethertheyranatSelenaagainandboreheragainstthewall.Sheeasily
threwthemoff,slammingFionabackagainsttheceilingwithawaveofherhand,butastrangething
happened.

Selena—chipped.Asmallpieceofhercheekfellfromherandshatteredonthefloor,becomingdust.
Selenaslappedherhandtoherface,andwhenitcameawayhercheekhadreshapeditself.

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AllysonJames

Casfrowned,thoughtsspinninginhishead.Selenahaddisappearedfromthejar.

Fiona’snewfoundpowerhurther.Partofherskinhadchippedlikeapieceofoldclay.

Heranatheragain,grabbingherarmandslammingheragainstthewall.Hegrinnedsavagelyasshe
shrieked,anotherpieceofherskincrumblingandfallingtothefloor.

Itrepaireditselfimmediately,butheknewnowwhathehadtodo,nomatterwhatthecost,tokeepFiona
safefromher.Iftheydidnotdestroyhershe’dgrowstrongerandstrongeruntilnothingtheycoulddo
wouldaffecther.

CassharedanotherglancewithPol.Polhadseeneverything,andtheydidn’tneedtoexchangewordsor
eventhoughtstounderstandeachother.

Caswalkedtotheshadowycornerandpickeduptheterracottajar.InthepaintingheandPollookedgrim,
whichreflectedhowCasfeltnow.

Polmethiminthecenterofthefloor.Theytookupastance,backtoback,justasinthepainting.The
Geminitwins,CastorandPollux,theequalandtheopposite,forevertogether.

Abovethem,Fionacaughtonwhattheymeanttodo.“No,”shescreamed.“Cas,no,please.”

Pollookedupatherandgaveherasadsmile.“Loveyou,sweetheart.”

Casalsosentherasmile,wishinghecouldtouchherfaceandkissherlipsonelasttime.“Iloveyou,
Fiona,”hesaidsoftly.

“No!”SparksflewfromFiona’sbodyandsuddenlyherhandswerefree.Shepointedherfingersat
Selena,butthepowerstilleludedher,shootingpastSelenaandleavingascorchmarkonarandom
column.

Casliftedthejaroverhisheadandflungithardagainstthefloor.Itconnectedwiththemarbleand
shatteredintoathousandmuteterracottafragments.“Loveyou,”hewhispered.

HeheardFionascreambeforedarknessblottedouthisworld.

*****

“No,”Fionasobbedasthetwinsvanished.

Selenaturnedherfaceupward.“Youstupidbitch,youtoldthem.”

TearsstreameddownFiona’sface,smearingthedirtalreadythere.ShehadnoideawhatSelenawas
talkingabout,sheonlyknewthatthetwinsweregoneandtherewasanunbearablevoidinherheart.

Shereachedout,tryingtobringthepowerwithinhertobear,tryingtofocusitonSelenatodestroyher.
Sparksfizzledatherfingertips,gutteringlikealightbulbattemptingtostayon.Selenalaughedather.

“Itdidn’twork,andyoucandonothing.”

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Fionaknewthetruthofherwords,thoughshewasnotcertainwhatdidn’twork.

ShewishedCascouldhavetoldherwhathemeanttohappeninsteadofsimplyvanishing.Shehadseen
piecesofSelenacrumble,butshedidnotknowhowtousethattoheradvantage.Wherewasthegraycat
whenFionaneededher?

AssoonastheimageofthecatanditsorangeeyesformedinFiona’smindSelena’slaughtercutoff
abruptly.

Thedemondemigoddessletoutalongkeeningwail,thecryofabeinginunbearablepain,andherhands
wenttoherface.FionawatchedinamazementasSelena’sentirebodysplitintotinycracks,justlikethe
jar.Crazedlinesflowedalloverheruntilsheresembledapaintedstatue,poorlyputtogether.

Fionasuddenlyunderstood,orthoughtshedid.CasandPolhadriskedthatbreakingthejarwouldshatter
Selena,thatsomuchofhermagichadbeenputintothevesselthatshecouldnotsurvivewithoutthejar.
Theyhadsacrificedthemselvesinordertodestroyher.

AngerandpowersurgedwithinFiona,certainandstrong,andshepointeditatthewomanbelow.

“Break,”shesaidquietly.

Thistime,shehadnotroubledirectingthepower.Sparksarcedfromherspreadfingersandencased

Selena.

Thedemigoddessexploded.Shardsofpotteryflewlikebulletsthroughouttheroom,smashingintothe
wallsandbecomingnothingbutdust.AfewsmackedFiona’sfleshbutbouncedharmlesslyoffherto
grindtopowderonthefloor.

Fionashieldedherfaceastheshardsdancedaroundher,becomingsmallerandsmalleruntiltheyfellto
thefloorinarainoffinedust.

Selena’smagicvanishedandFionaplummeteddownward.Shescreamedandscreamed,pressingher
handsoutinfrontofher,desperatelywillingherbodytostop.

Shedidstopaboutthreefeetfromthefloor.Shehoveredinmidairasthoughacushionhadcaughther,and
shelaythere,gasping.

Whenshecaughtherbreathsheswiveledherlegstopressherfeettothefloor,herheartstillpounding.

Thedankairwascoldonherbareskin,butshescarcelynoticedit.TheshardsthathadbeenSelenahad
disintegratedtonothing,butthepaintedjarhadbrokenintopotsherdsthatremainedscatteredthroughout
theroom.Hans’clothing,notmagical,layintwoheaps,withtwopairsofwornsandalsnexttothem.

Fionafelltoherkneesandgatheredthepotterypiecestoher,tearsrainingdownherface.

ShefoundafragmentofCas’faceonone,andshekissedandpressedittohercheek.

Theyweretrulygone.

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AllysonJames

Shecoveredherfacewithherhandsandgaveherselfovertogrief.She’dlovedthem,CasandPolboth.
They’dgrantedherthegiftoflife,somethingshe’ddeniedherselfthroughherlongyearsofstudy.

They’dmadehercomeoutofhershellandlive.They’dmadeherbedaringandboldandriskherheart.
They’dtaughtheraboutwildandwickedsex,butthey’dalsomadeherseesomuchmore.They’dlooked
onaworldthatwasasstrangetothemaslandingonMarswouldbetoher,andthey’dembracedevery
aspectofit.

Shesobbedintoherhands,wettingthepotteryfragmentwithhertears.“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.“I
loveyou.”

Somethingbrushedherfootandshejumped.Butitwasonlythegraycat,staringupatherwithorange
eyes.Itwasbreathinghard.

Fiona’sangersurged.“Idefinitelydonotwanttoseeyourightnow.Youcouldhavestoppedthis.”

Notreally.Youhadtodoit.

“They’redeadandgone,consignedtooblivion.Youtoldmetoperformtheritualsoitwouldgiveme
power.Youmadethemunderstandthattosavemetheyhadtodestroythemselves.”

Ididallthat?Goodness,Iwasprepared.

“Idon’tunderstandaboutSelena,though.Whydidshecrumbletodust?Ithoughtthatshewasfreeofthe
jar.”

No,shewasstupid.Sheputsomuchofherpowerintothejarwhenshecreatedit,thatsheessentially
becamethevessel.Herpicturedidn’tdisappearbecauseshewasoutofit.Itdisappearedbecauseher
essencebecameit.Thecatnudgedapaintedshard.Withoutthejar,shecouldn’tholdherselftogether
anymore.

Fionaliftedtheshardunderthecat’spaw.ItwasafragmentofPol’spaintedshoulder,whichmadeher
tearsflowagain.

“Whydidthetwinshavetodietoo?Whycouldn’tyousavethem?Whycouldn’tthispowerIgainedsave
them?”

Thepowercansavethem.Thepoweristhemagicalpartofthemthatinfusedyouduringtheritual.

Fionarubbedtearsfromhereyes.“HowdoIknowhowtouseit?Anddon’ttellmeIhavetosearchfor
theanswerwithinmyself,becauseImighthavetothrowyouacrosstheroom.”

Thecatgaveherapatientlook.Fiona,youareanarchaeologist.Apotteryspecialist.Doyouknow
whatthatmeans?

Shesniffled.“ItmeansI’munderpaid,getmyfingersdirtyandhaveapermanentcrickinmyback.”

Howamusing.Itmeansyouknowhowtofindobscurefragmentsofpotteryandfigureouthowtoput
themtogether.

Fionastaredattheshardsinherhands,thenatthecat.“Ohgoddess.”

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Thecatintonedslowly,likeshewasteachingachild.Putthejartogetheragain,Fiona.

“But…won’tthatreviveSelena?”

Whatwasonthejarwhenitbroke?

“PolandCas.”

Whatwillbeonitwhenyouputittogether?

“PolandCas.Ihope.”

Thecatsaidnothing.Itwaited,tailcurledarounditsfeet,eyesstill.

Fionascrambledforfragments.“Helpmefindthem.Hurry!”

Thecatwasn’tmuchhelpatall.ShedidbatafewofthepiecestoFionathengrimacedincatdaintiness
andwashedherfeet.

FionaputononeofthediscardedshirtsthenalmostcriedagainwhensherealizedthatCas’scentlingered
onit.Pushingtearsfirmlyasideshepulledthefragmentsintoapileandthenbeganfiguringoutwhere
eachwouldfit.

Sheworkedwellintothenight.Shehadtoleaveoncetofindthemotorcycleandaflashlightstashedinits
saddlebag.Shefoundaforgottencandybarintheretoo,stillwrapped,andateitforthesugarrush.

Fionaknewherjob.Shehadtobepainstakingandpatient,fittingeachpieceintoitsplace,calmlysetting
asidewhatdidn’tfituntilshecouldreasonoutwhatwentwhere.

Itwastediouswork,andherhandswereshakingwithfear.Whatifshediditwrongoritdidn’tworkor
shecouldn’tfindallthepieces?

Thatkindofthinkingdidn’tsolveproblems,shetoldherself.

Shelinedupthepiecesbyshapeanddesign,justasshedidwhenputtingtogetherasimpleamphoraor
perfumejar.Shebentoverherwork,herbackaching,hereyesstrainingtoseeinthegloom.Shedidn’t
darecarryeverythingoutintotheopen,fearingshe’ddropitorleaveavitalpiecebehind.

Thenightgrewcold.Shecoveredherselfwiththeclothesandkeptonworking.Thecatcurleduponher
lap,warmingitselfandheratthesametime.

Morningcame,Junesunlightpenetratingthestaircaseopeningandslidingacrossthemarblefloor.Thecat
woke,stretchedandboundedoffafteralizard.TheslitheringofthelizardmadeFionathinkofsnakesand
thefactthatvipersexistedinGreece.Butshehadn’ttimetoworryaboutthingslikethat,either.

Bymidmorning,shehadthejarassembledexceptforonepiece.Herheartbeatfasterasshebeheldthe
paintingofCasandPol,standingbacktoback.Therewasaslightdifferenceinthepainting,andshehad
toleanclosetodetectit.

Whereasbeforethetwohadbeenscowling,nowtheyworelooksofsmugsatisfaction.

“Hangon,”shetoldthem.

Shesteadiedthejarasshegropedaroundforthelastmissingpiece,fearingtheunstablejarwould
crumpleinonitself.Shehadnogluehandy,justdampnessmixed123

AllysonJames

withdustandthefactthatthepiecesfittogethertighterthanajigsawpuzzle.Thejarstayedtogether,to
hersurprise—perhapsthepowerthatinfusedherfromCasandPolwashelping.

Butshecouldnotfindthemissingpiece.Shehuntedalloverforit,feelingherwayacrosstheslimyfloor
andpointingtheflashlightintoeverycorner.Shehadnowayofknowingifitwasjustmissingorhad
shatteredtopowderasthefragmentsofSelenahaddone.

Tearswereflowingfromhereyesagainwhenthecatsatdowninfrontofher.

Don’tpanic,it’srighthere.

Thecatdroppedashardfromitsmouth.Itwrinkleditsnosethenbusilybegantocleanitsface.

Fionacaredlessthattheshardwascoveredwithdirt.Shekisseditandsetitintoplaceandthensatback.

Nothinghappened.Fionaclenchedherhands,willingherselftobepatient,butshewaitedandwaitedand
waited.Thestripofsunshinecrawledacrossthefloor.Thecatyawned,tuckeditsfeetunderitselfand
closeditseyes.

JustwhenFionahaddecidedthecatwaswrongandputtingthejartogetherdidnothing,thevesselbegan
toshake.

Afaintglowsurroundedit,thensuddenlysomethingreachedintoFionaandyankedtheelectricpowerout
ofherbodyandintothejar.Shescreamedthenclappedherhandoverhermouthincasesheupsetthe
processbymakingnoise.

Thecrackssealedthemselves,renderingthejarcompleteandwhole,thepaintingglowingasbrightlyasit
didwhenthepotterhadfirstpaintedittwenty-fivehundredyearsago.

Abrilliantlightburstfromthejar,knockingFionaflatonherback,andthen—

darkness.

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ChapterFourteen

Fionawoketowhispers.

“She’ssobeautiful.”

“Andsosexyinat-shirtandnothingelse.”

Thefirstvoicesoftenedtoachuckle.“Isawherfirst.”

“Thefuckyoudid,”Polanswered.

Fiona’seyesflewopen.Theylaynudeoneithersideofher,stretchedoutinlazycontemplation.Cashad
proppedhimselfonhiselbowandtrailedhishanddownthecurveofherwaist,whilePollayonhisback,
onekneebent,runninghisfootsensuallyoverherleg.

Shegaspedandsatup.“Itworked.”

“Toldyouitwould.”

Fionastaredacrosstheroomatatallyoungwomanwithringletsofblondhairheldbackbyabandeau.
Sheworeashortbluetunicandsandalsthatlacedupherslimlegsandhadabowslungacrossherback.
Sheloungedonaslabofstone,onefootdanglingnegligently,watchingFionaandthetwins.

Fionarecognizedhervoice.“Youwerethecat.”

“Yes,andI’mgladyoufinallyfiguredeverythingout,becauseIwastiredofallthatfur.Itneededconstant
attention.”

Caslaughedsoftly.“Ishouldhaveknownahuntresswouldchoosetobeacat.”

“Whoisshe?”Fionaasked.

“Artemis,”Polansweredforhim.“Goddessofthehuntandthemoon.Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Lookingaftermyfavoritehalfbrothers.WhenFionabegantounearthyouafewyearsago,Iknewthere
wasachancetofinallysetyoufree.”

Fionasatup,angersurging.“Yousatbackwhiletheyweretrappedandneverhelpedthem?”

Shemadeaface.“Ididhelp.Iwasthrilledwhensomeoneactuallyhadenoughinteresttofinishthejar,no
matterhowlongittook.Onceyoubroughtthemback,IkeptSelenaatbayandpointedyoutowardthe
rightwaytofreethemcompletely.Ofcourse,Ihadtotellyoupointblanktoperformtheritual.Humans
canbesodense.”

“That’swhatsetthemfreeofthejar,themagicIgotfromdoingtheritual?”

“Almost.”Artemishoppedtoherfeet,adjustingthebow.Shewasverytallforawoman,probablyastall
asthetwins,andmovedwithaleggygrace.“Selenawasahalf-demon,anddemonsareextremelyself-

centered.WhensheforcedCasandPolto125

AllysonJames

performtheritualallthoseyearsago,itwasperformedinangerontheirpart,gloatingonhers.That’swhy
theritualbackfiredandtrappedtheminthepaintingonthejar.Notinecstasy,butinoblivion.”

“Butwhenweperformedit…”Fionabegan.

“Youperformeditinlove.ThemagicoftheirlovefilledyouandhelpedyoufightSelena.Thenwhenyou
putthejartogether,itreturnedtothemtosetthemfree.

Selena’spurposewastotrapthem,butyouwantedtofreethem,evenifitmeantyoulostthem.Andyou
two.”ArtemispointedalongfingeratCasandPol.“Youwerereadytoconsignyourselvestooblivionto
saveFiona’slife.”

“Worthit,”Cassaid.

“Well,goodthingFiona’sageniusandoryou’dstillbepotteryfragments.”

PolnuzzledFiona’sear.“Shehasthemagicofarchaeology.Verypowerful.”

“It’sscience,notmagic,”Fionaprotested.

Artemisscowled.“Humph,Ialwaysthoughtitwaslooting.ThatrudeHeinrichSchliemanndiggingupthe
placeandstealingeverythingnotnaileddownandthinkinghefoundAgamemnon—hewasn’tevenclose.
Thebronzeageprinceshedidfindwerequiteunhappytohavetheirburialgoodsstolen.Humanshave
suchshortmemories—

theybelieveifaculturehasdisappeareditsspiritualityisgone,too.Itmustbehandicappingtoseeonly
onespectrum.”

“Shelikestolecture,”PolconfidedtoFiona.

“Whydidyouremainincatshape?”Fionaaskedher.“Selenawouldhavebeenmuchmorefrightenedif
youhadappearedinyourtrueform.”

Artemisrestedonehiponthestoneledgebehindher.Thetwinsseemedunembarrassedtobenakedinthe
goddess’spresence,perfectlycontenttostrokeFiona’sskinandpresskissestoherinfrontoftheirsister.

“Thisisn’tmytrueform,either,”Artemissaid.“Iappeartoyouthiswaybecauseyouwouldnotbeable
tohandlelookingatmytrueform.Itmightshockyoutodeath,andCasandPolwouldbeveryupsetwith
me.IwasthecatbecauseIcouldn’tinterfere,notdirectly.Therearerules.”

Fionaraisedherbrows.“Rememberingmythology,I’dsaythegodsinterferedallthetime.”

“Thestoriesaretheexceptionsaboutusfightingamongstourselves.Weguide,weadvise,weprotect.We
don’tdothingsforyou.Butnowthatyouhavefiguredthingsout,Icanappeartoyouinamore
understandableformandsaygoodbye.”

Polleisurelysatup.“You’releaving?Toobad.Wefoundthistaverna—youcoulddancethenightaway
andslaythemenwhotrytotouchyou.”

Shesmirked.“Nice.Someofushaveworktodo.”

Fionaclimbedtoherfeet,hatingtoslideoutfrombetweenthetwinsbutwantingtobestandingup,
relativelyclothed,infrontofagoddess.“Thismightsoundrude,but126

DoubleTrouble

whydidyoucome?Whythegoddessofthemoon?WhynotAphrodite,thegoddessoflove?”

Artemisbarkedalaughthatrangthroughthesmalltemple.“Ohplease.Shewouldn’tliftafingerifshe
thoughtitmightruinhermanicure.”

Ontheceilinghighabovethem,oneoftheoverlylush,cavortingwomensuddenlyturnedherheadand
lookeddown.“Iheardthat.”

“Nottomentionshe’salwayseavesdropping.Let’sjustsayIwantedmybrotherstobehappy,andIhad
thefeelingyou’dmakethemhappy.”Artemis’facesoftenedintoasmile,whichgaveFionaaglimpseof
theincrediblebeautyshe’dhaveinhertruegoddessform.“Iliketoseethemhappy.They’resocranky,
otherwise.”

“That’strue,”Polagreed.

Artemisbrushedoffthebackofhertunic.“Youthreegoonnow.IthinkI’llcompletelydestroythis
temple.”Sheglancedatthevulgarpaintingsontheceiling.“Atempletoademondemigoddess.Whata
waste.Humansneedmoretodo.”

Cashadalreadyrisen.Casually,heleanedoverandpulledonhisjeans,histhighsmovinginvitingly.“I’m
happytoleavethisplacebehind.”HeslantedasmileatFiona.

“IknowthisnicelittleinnnearMountOlympus.”

Fionablushed,rememberingwhathadhappenedatthenicelittleinnnearMountOlympus.

Polgrinned.“Isaywego.”

Caszippedandbuttonedhisjeans.Heleftoffthet-shirt,becauseFionawaswearingit.“Idon’tknowif
wecanfitthreeonthebike.”

“Orifitwillevenworkafteryoudumpeditintheditch,”Polsaid.

“ThatwasSelena’sdoing.”

“Sure,blameadeaddemon.YouandIride,Fiona.We’llmakeCaswalk.”

Cas’darkeyeswerewarmashesmiledatFiona.“We’llallgetthere.Ipromise.”

FionadraggedhergazefromtheenticingCasstandingwithhandsonslimhips,wearingnothingbutapair
ofjeans,andnoticedthatArtemishaddisappeared.

Polhurriedlypulledonhisclothes.“Timetogo.IfArtemissaysshe’lldestroythistemple,shewill,andit
won’tbepretty.”

Theywentquicklyupthestairs,Polleading,CasbehindFionatohelpheruptheslipperysteps.Fiona
hadnothingtowearonherfeetandsheviewedtherock-strewnslopesindismay,wishingArtemiscould
haveconjuredhersomehikingboots.

Cassolvedtheproblembyliftingherinhisarmsandcarryingheracrosstheslabofslipperymarbleand
downtotheditchwherethey’dleftthemotorcycle.

Behindthem,asmallearthquakebegan.Thethreeofthemhunchedbehindanoutcropofrockwhilethe
templecollapsedonitselfwitharumble,cloudsofdustshootingskyward.

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Fionacoughedasthedustcamedown.Shepeepedaroundtherockandsawnothingbutamoundof
crushedrockanddirt,groundtoofineforananyonetopiecetogetheragain.

Thearchaeologistinhermournedthelossoftheartifactswithinthetemple,butanotherpartofherknew
thatsomethingswerebestleftundisturbed.

Themotorcyclewastoosmallforthree.OnceCasrighteditanduntangledivyfromit,PolboostedFiona
ontoitandhandedherhishelmet.“Youtwogo,”hesaid.“I’llmeetyouthere.”

Fionasnakedherarmaroundhisneckandkissedhim.“Thankyou.”

Heslantedhismouthacrosshers,lettingthekissturninteresting,andfinishedbyrubbinghispalmacross
herbreast.“I’llbethere,”hesaid.“Soon.”

“Takeyourtime,”Casanswered.

PollaughedasCasstartedthebike.Fionasettledherselfbehindhimandpulledonherhelmet.She
wrappedherarmsaroundCas’warmbody,veryhappytobegoinganywherehetookher.

AndwhenPolgotthere,hewouldbewelcometoo.

*****

TheyspenttwodaysattheinnwithMountOlympusrearinginthebackground.

Fionainsistedshebuyherselfclothes,overCas’andPol’sproteststhatshelookedfinenaked.She
indulgedherselfinanembroideredcottonblouseandcolorfulskirtandapairofnewsandals.Theoutfit
wasveryunlikeherworkclothes,andshefeltprettyinthem.

Besides,shecouldhardlygotocafésandtavernasinnothingbutHans’t-shirt.CasandPolinsistedthat
theycouldstayinthebedroomconstantly—noneedtogoout,butFionaremindedthemthathumansgot
hungry.

TheonlyslightworryintheorgyofdelightsthatCasandPolgaveherwaswhatwouldhappennext.Cas
andPolwereimmortal.Shewasnot.TheslightpowersthattheritualhadborrowedfromCasandPol
andputinFionaweregone,andshereasonedthatbrieflysharingtheirpowerwouldnotmakeher
immortalaswell.

Shewouldhavetoreturntoherjobandherlifeandtheymightnotwanttocomewithher,letalonewatch
herageanddie.

CasandPolseemeduntroubledbythisdilemma.Theylivedfortheday,nevermindingabouttomorrow.
Theytaughthersomuchinthosetwodays,howtoarousethemandherselfandhowdrawoutthepleasure
untiltheydrownedinit.

Fionaneverdreamedshe’dbegtwomentotieherhandsbehindherbackandletherbringthemto
readinesswithhermouthalone.Sheneverdreamedshe’dletamanbendheroverawindowsillandfuck
herfrombehind.Thankfullythestreethadremaineddeserted,butthepossibilitythatsomeonecouldwalk
aroundthecornerandseeherandCasatanytimehadexcitedherquicklyintoclimax.

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Afterbreakfastonthethirdday,CasannouncedthathewasgoingtojourneyupMountOlympusagain.

“Comewithme,Fiona?”

Polsnortedandsetdownhiscoffee.“Whatdoyouwanttogoallthewayuptherefor?”

“Tofindanswerstoafewquestions.”Casdrankhiscoffee,histhroatmovingwithhisswallow.

Pollosthissmile.“Iwasavoidingthequestions.”

“Wecannotavoidthemforever.Fiona?”

Fionanodded,thinkingsheknewwhatCaswasgoingtodo.

Later,sheandCasrodethemotorcycleupthemainroadstothemountainthenleftitbehindinaparking
lotandproceededonfoot.Polmetthematthetrailhead.Thesecretofhimgettingaroundsofastwasn’t
muchofasecret—hecharmedhiswayintohitchingrideswithpeople.

Theybeganthetrekwithotherhikers,walkingslowly.Fionaheldbothtwins’

hands,notwantingtoleteithergo.

Asbeforewhenshewalkedthismountain,shebegantofeeldizzy,thenafogdescendedoverherandshe
closedhereyes.

Whensheopenedthemagain,thethreeofthemstoodinthemeadowhighonthemountainside,andastag
wasjustcomingtoastreamtodrink.Theywaited,stillhandinhand,whilethestagfinishedsatisfyingits
thirst.

Itraiseditsheadandbegantowalktowardthem,morphingashedidsointotheman-shapeinwhich
DionysushadpresentedhimselftoFionabefore.

“Immortalsinlovewithamortalwoman,”hesaid.“It’salwaysaproblem.”

CasslidhisarmaroundFiona’swaist.Itfeltsonaturaltohavehimtherebesideher,warmandstrong,a
manwholovedher.

Cassaid,“Ifyou’reabouttooffermeabigchoice—ifyou’reabouttosayCas,wouldyougiveupyour
immortalityforher?myanswerisyes.It’saneasyquestion.”

“Prettyeasyformeaswell,”Polsaid.“IfCasandFionaaremortal,Iwillbetoo.”

“Waitaminute,”Fionabrokein.“Youcan’tgiveupimmortality.It’snotthesamethingasgivingup—I
don’tknow,themotorcycle.”

“Oh,I’mkeepingthemotorcycle,”Cassaid.“I’mbuyingitfromHans.”

Fionafacedhim,exasperated.“Screwthemotorcycle.Givingupimmortalitymeansgrowingoldand
dying.Nomorepartyingwiththegodsorfloatingaroundtheconstellations.Itmeansworkingandhurting
andhavingyourstrengthfade.Itmeansnomoremagic.”

“Italsomeansloneliness,”Polsaid.

129

AllysonJames

Castouchedherface.“Iwouldratherbemortalwithyouanddomundanethingslikeworkandeatand
sleepthanliveforeverwithoutyou.Iwanttobepartofyourlife,notwatchyourlifegoby.AndI
wouldn’twanttogoonwithoutyou.”

FionaglancedatPol,whonodded.“WhatCassaid.”

“Fine,”Dionysusinterrupted.

Fionaraisedherhands.“Wait.Youcan’ttakeawaytheirimmortality.Notforme.

Thesacrificeistoomuch.”

Dionysusgaveherapatientlook.“Isthatwhatyoutrulywish?”

“Ofcourseitis.Idon’twantthemdyingbecauseofme.”

“Butwearealivebecauseofyou,”Cassaid.“Youbroughtusbackfromthejar.”

“IknowIdid.AndIwantyoutogoonbeingthedemigodsofgoodtimes.

Always.”

“Whatasweetheart,”Dionysuschuckled.“Nomorearguing.I’vemademydecision.”

“Whatdecision?”Fionaaskedinsuspicion.

“Mydecision.Itwouldbreakmybiggodhearttoseeanyofyoupiningforeachother.Thethreeofyou
willliveoutamortallifespanandwhenyoudie,youwillallreturntoMountOlympustorejointhe
Pantheon.Allright?”

“We’llbemortal?”Polasked.

“Forawhile.Startingrightnow.”

Caswaitedthenfrowned.“Thatisall?Idonotfeelanydifferent.”

“Youwill.Butinaboutfiftyyears,you’llreturntomeandbedemigodsagain.

CastorandPolluxandtheirsexydemigoddessFiona.”

PolcuppedFiona’sbackside.“Sexydemigoddess.Ilikeit.”

“I’llevenfixitsoyoucanbothliveasherlifemateswithoutthehumansthinkingthere’sanythingodd,”
Dionysussaid.

“Thankyou,”Fionabreathed.ShetwinedherhandwithCas’,herheartlightening.

Shewouldnothavetolosethemormakethemchoosebetweenherandtheirownworld.

“Hey,thisisthefunpartaboutbeingagod.”Dionysus’eyestookonawickedtwinkle.“Theotherfunpart
istheorgies.”

*****

BackattheAgoraafewdayslater,HansJorgensenpointedhappilytoamostlyintactjarhe’dunearthed.
“Ithoughtyou’dwanttoseethis,Fiona.”

Thepaintingonthejardepictedaportionofawomaninashorttunic,herblondehairwildlycurling,
runningwithherhuntingbow.Sheseemedtobechasinganoverly130

DoubleTrouble

voluptuousfemaledemondressedallinblack.Thefragmentofinscriptionthatthepotterhadpaintedsaid,
“Artemispursues…”

Fionachuckled.Hansglancedatherinsurprise.“Whatisfunny?”

“Nothing.Thankyou,Hans.Whenit’sready,I’llmoveittothepotteryroom.”

Shewalkedawayfromthestoawithalightheart.SomewhereArtemiswasenjoyingherself.

Whenshewalkedintoherbedroom,shefeltslightlyuneasy,thoughshesawnoonethere.

Thenthedoorslammedbehindher.Beforeshecouldturnaround,stronghandspinnedherarmsanda
blindfoldslidoverhereyes.

“No,”sheprotested.“Ihavetogobacktowork.”

Handsunbuttonedhershortsandpushedthemdown.“Notwithoutclothes,youdon’t,”Polwhisperedin
herear.

Shestartedtolaughwithdismay.ShefeltPol’sfingersatthewaistbandofherunderwear,tuggingitfrom
herhips.“Ithinktheseshouldstayoff.”

“Iagree,”Cassaidbehindher.Shefelthiswarmth,thelengthofhistall,unclothedbodyatherback,the
rigidpressofhiscock.

“Weplayedablindfoldgamebefore,”Polbreathedinherear.“Remember?Youhadtotelluswhoyou
touched.Thistime,yougettotelluswhoistouchingyou.”

“Oh.”Fionashiveredinexcitement,creampoolinginherquim,andthegamebegan.

131

AbouttheAuthor

AllysonJamesisyetonemorenameforawomanwhohasrackedupfourpseudonymsinthefirsttwo
yearsofhercareer.Sheoftencannotrememberwhatherrealnameisandhastobetappedontheshoulder
whenspokento.

Allysonbeganwritingatageeight(afive-pagestorythatactuallycontainedgoal,motivation,and
conflict).Shelearnedthetrickofstandinghermathbookuponherdesksoshecouldwritestoriesbehind
it.Shewrotelovestoriesbeforesheknewwhatromanceswere,dreamingofthedaywhenherbooks
wouldappearatlibrariesandbookstores.Atagethirty,shedecidedtostopdreaminganddoitforreal.
Shepublishedthefirstshortstorysheeversubmittedinanationalprintmagazine,whichgaveherthe
falseillusionthatgettingpublishedwaseasy.

Afteralongstruggleandinevitablerejections,sheatlastsoldaromancenovel,then,tohersurprise,sold
severalmysterynovels,moreromances,andthenRomantica™toEllora’sCave.Shehasbeennominated
fortwoRomanticTimesReviewer’sChoiceawardsandhashadstarredreviewsinBooklistandTop
PickreviewsinRomanticTimes.

Allysonmethersoulmateinfencingclass(thekindwithswords,notposts-and-rails).Shelookeddown
thelengthofhislong,throbbingrapierandfellmadlyinlove.

Allysonwelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemailaddressonherauthorbio
pageatwww.ellorascave.com.

AlsobyAllysonJames

ChristmasCowboy

Ellora’sCavemen:DreamsoftheOasisIanthology

TalesoftheShareem:MaiaandRylan

TalesoftheShareem:Rees

TalesoftheShareem:Rio

Discoverforyourselfwhyreaderscan’tgetenoughofthemultipleaward-winningpublisherEllora’s
Cave.Whetheryouprefere-booksorpaperbacks,besuretovisitEC

onthewebatwww.ellorascave.comforaneroticreadingexperiencethatwillleaveyoubreathless.

www.ellorascave.com

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen

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