“You’re right again,” he says. “And he’s also my father’s father.”
“Ah, okay so, why are you hiding from them?”
“Because I can raise people from the dead.”
“I know, but you’re making it sound like a bad thing.”
“According to Hades, Zeus’s brother it is. You see, I possess the kind of power only a true god has, not a demigod,” he scratches the back of his neck. “So now, they want me dead.”
Holy shit.
“Wait, why are you hiding from your own father?”
Ascot’s lips twist. “Because, even though he’s trying to help, the second he steps foot anywhere near me, Zeus will know where I am.”
“And Apollo doesn’t know that?”
“Oh, he knows it, but he’s also trying to set a truce between his father and me. He’s been trying for centuries and it always ends in my having to escape.”
“I’m still not following. Why would Zeus or Hades care about your abilities?”
He laughs, but not in a funny way. “Greek gods are a very jealous breed, Elise,” he sighs. “They will stop at nothing to keep themselves top dog,” he locks eyes with me. “Even if it means killing a family member.”
“Holy shit,” I whisper, covering my mouth. “So, keeping a low profile…”
“Now you’re getting it,” he cuts in. “It’s bad enough I have a newly formed portal in my bedroom,” he glances through the curtains again. “So, I can’t have Mr. Logan bringing any more attention to me,” his eyes come back to mine. “And if by some miracle my father hasn’t pinpointed my exact whereabouts…” he trails off, stepping closer. “Elise, I’m going to need your help closing the portal.”
“Yeah, about that,” I whisper, pressing my lips together. “The portal might be my fault.”
His brows push together. “Your fault, how?”
I swallow hard. “It started when I was a little girl,” I clear my throat.
“Go on,” he whispers, clenching his jaw.
“I first noticed Liv and Becca when I was eight years old. They seemed nice, appeared to be my age and just wanted to play,” I blow out a breath. “So that’s what we did.”
“But they weren’t little girls, where they?” he whispers, eyes starting to narrow.
I shake my head, warm tears already stinging my lids. “No, not even close and I did everything I could to keep myself protected when I moved here,” I shake my head, but somehow they found me.”
“Dammit,” Ascot whispers under his breath, “now it makes total sense,” he blinks rubbing the scruff along his jaw. “The portal, it wasn’t caused by just you or me,” he sighs slowly, a small vein bulging at his temple, “it was created because of us both,” his expression gets serious. “The perfect storm, if you will. You are their beacon of light and I am their way out.”
“Oh my God,” my breath hitches, “you’re right,” I blow out a breath, a single tear escaping down my cheek. “So, what do we do next?”
He sits down and reaches out, gently thumbing the wetness from my face. “Good question,” he admits, tilting his head. “I was so focused on following Marcus, I hadn’t gotten that far,” he runs a hand through his hair. “You have to go back,” his deep green eyes focus on mine. “Do you think you could also sense the presence of a…”
“Greek god?” I interrupt, giving him a half smile. “I don’t know, but I can try,” I bite my lip. “Sylvia can also help.”
His brows push together, confused. “Who’s Sylvia?”
“Oh,” I blink, realizing I forgot to mention her. “She’s my spirit guide and knows all about you.”
He gives me a smirk. “Well, that’s comforting, I think.”
“Trust me, it’s a very good thing. Sylvia is the only consistent, true and good thing in my life.”
“That’s a relief,” he whispers, “because, we’re going to need all the help we can get to close that portal.”
“I’ve never closed a portal, I’m not even sure…”
“Here,” Ascot interrupts reaching in the pocket of his jeans. “Take my car,” he tosses the keys on the table.
“What? No, I can’t take your…”
“Elise,” his voice low and deep. “It’s fine, just take it.”
“Are you sure? I look past him through the window at parking lot below. “I mean, seriously, I can call an Uber.”
“Jesus,” he whispers, “that’s the last thing I want you to do.”
I grimace up at him. “Why, what do you have against…”
“Nothing,” he frowns, “well, not usually. But a young, attractive brunette getting into a complete stranger’s car,” he shakes his head. “It’s not my first choice of transportation for you.”
“I can handle myself, Ascot.”
“Oh, I have no doubt,” his palms go up. “Please, Elise, don’t fight me on this. Just take my car.”
“Fine,” I say, grabbing the black key fob from his hand and look down, noticing two extra keys attached.
“The gold one unlocks the front door to the building,” Ascot explains, “the silver one is the master to all three apartments,” he admits, leaning closer. “You have my permission to enter Mr. Logan’s apartment if need be,” he clears his throat. “And mine of course.”
“Oh,” I glance back up at him as his green eyes drop down to my lips.
Without words he leans in, tilts his head and gives me a soft kiss. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I got you in my car.”
I open my eyes and he hasn’t moved; our mouths remain inches apart. “You hardly had time,” I whisper, watching his lips curl up.
Dear God he smells so good.
“You better go before I lose all inhibitions,” he gives me a small peck and pulls away before I’m ready.
I blink, pushing the hair from my face. “Yeah, okay,” I reach for my purse and stand, placing the strap over my shoulder. “I don’t want to give you any false hope.”
He cocks his head, confused.
“I mean about the portal,” I clarify. “I’m not sure how or even if we actually can close it.”
“Ah, well,” he looks away for a moment, the wisdom in his eyes nearly tangible. “I have no doubt in you or your abilities,” he whispers, pulling me close, lids growing heavy. “And for the first time in a very long while,” he softly kisses my lips again, this time, pressing against them with a slight tease of his tongue, “you have me completely and utterly bewitched.”
Chapter Nine
Ascot’s BMW is just about the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen, let alone, about to drive. I push the button on the console and the engine instantly starts, a subtle hum vibrating below my feet. I reach for the gear, pushing it to reverse and gently back up before pulling it into drive. I lightly tap the petal and the car slowly takes off.