Page 8 of A Goddess Unraveled (Olympus Rising)

As soon as Luke was sure that Lexi had chosen him, he swept her off her feet and carried her to the estate. He couldn’t decide which he enjoyed more, having Lexi fall into his arms or seeing the stupefied look on Z’s face when she did. But Luke didn’t waste time gloating. Lexi had a lot on her mind, and she used the trip to verbally lambaste the boy who had caused her grief.

“I have never met a more idiotic, arrogant, muscle-headed clod in my life. If you’re going to brag about how competent you are at something, you damn well better prove it.”

“I agree,” he said.

“Why do boys have to be so full of themselves? Don’t answer that. I know why. They have egos the size of Mount Everest. Too bad their brains are the size of walnuts. I swear, if they weren’t so obsessed with outdoing everyone, they might realize that women have more to offer than pouty lips and child-bearing hips.”

“Right again.”

“I may not have a lot of experience with men, but I’m not clueless. I won’t fall for just anyone. The man I choose will respect my mind and take me seriously when I say I’m going to kick his ass.”

“I can’t argue with that.”

Lexi squeezed her eyes shut and breathed heavily through pursed lips. Luke hoped his commentary hadn’t stifled her rant. He was enjoying himself immensely. He’d met too many women who were afraid to let go and show off their intense spirit. And it said a lot about Lexi that her family had not managed to smother hers.

“I apologize for going off like that,” she said. “I’m not usually so whiny.”

“ Whiny is the last word I’d use to describe you. And you don’t need to apologize to me. Your anger is perfectly justified. Will behaved like a clod.”

The others were still trying to catch up when they arrived at the pool, and Luke delighted in Lexi’s closeness, her arm wrapped around his neck and her hand gently resting on his chest. The intimacy made him acutely aware of his pulse, and an unexpected lightheadedness nearly caused him to stumble onto the deck.

“You might want to soak in a hot bath,” he said. “You probably strained a few muscles breaking your fall. A medicinal oil like clary sage makes a soothing rub.”

“I’ll be lucky if they’re just strains. But you’re right. A good soak is just what I need.” Lexi caught him in a gaze that mimicked the sky. Her lips were quite close. Was she aware of him looking at them? “You can drop me off here.”

She pointed to a chaise next to the pool, and he set her down somewhat reluctantly. He watched her take stock of her injuries, and she grimaced when she pressed on her left shoulder. She pulled off her boots and socks, taking a moment to inspect her ankles.

“No broken bones, so that’s a relief.”

She stood and walked to the edge of the swimming pool, offering him a cheeky grin before diving in, clothes and all. Luke laughed despite the seriousness of her recent trauma.

“When I said a hot bath, I wasn’t thinking of the swimming pool,” he said.

“ Au contraire . It was the perfect suggestion. The pool is heated. Care to join me?” She smiled up at him, her lips glistening with moisture.

Luke needed to make some important choices, and fast. He hadn’t intended to become enchanted by her, and the risks of a liaison were potentially disastrous for both of them. He recognized Lexi’s fascination with him. He also noticed that she wasn’t interested in following her family’s directives this weekend. She was establishing her boundaries, and he was part of her battle plan.

And a battle was definitely coming for her. A battle she wasn’t likely to recover from as quickly as she’d done after today’s skirmish. Luke hadn’t come to the party to get recruited. Rather, it was to be entertained by the warped spectacle of it all. He had to credit his insatiable curiosity, and perhaps his loneliness, for how swiftly his intentions had changed.

Lexi swam toward him, her eyelashes laden with water droplets, distracting him once again. “Don’t tell me you’ve never gone swimming in your clothes before.”

“Actually, I have. Not always on purpose.”

“Well, then, what are you waiting for? Your linen shirt shouldn’t need to be dry-cleaned.”

He chuckled, wishing things were as uncomplicated as a ruined shirt. How nice would it be, though, to feel something again? He bent down and pulled off his shoes and socks, feeling a jolt of emotion in the process. But which one? Intrigue? Fear? Infatuation? And Lexi laughed the whole time, joking about his leather shoes being stained by the seawater and how he would have to remain barefoot for the rest of the weekend.

Her amusement continued after he jumped in, although he did catch her grimacing when she swam toward him. They met in the shallows, where their feet could touch the bottom, and, for a moment, her unfiltered smile made him forget the risks.

“Thanks for carrying me home,” she said. “You make a decent hero.”

“If that’s to be my role, I’ll fulfill it to the best of my ability.”

Lexi bit her lip, a seductive maneuver whether she knew it or not. Was she okay with him staring at her? Certainly other men had done it. Had desired her. How many had she desired in return? Did she want to kiss him? Did she want him to kiss her ? Right now? As voices echoed up the path?

He reached for her hand and held it under the water. She used the connection to bring their bodies closer until he was able to count the droplets on her skin. Surely she heard the voices too. How willing was she to take such a risk? She tugged on his hand again, sending the water rippling away as their chests collided and their lips met.

The contact was electrifying but much too brief. Lexi’s mother walked through the cypress trees and the kiss ended before it had even started.

“Lexi, are you okay? Why are you swimming in your clothes? Did you fall in?” She spoke to her daughter but her eyes were narrowed on Luke. Granted, he might have appeared guilty as he splashed away from Lexi.

“I’m okay, Mom. I just wanted to take a swim without the hassle of changing.”

Luke realized Lexi’s face had flushed a stunning pink just moments before she dunked her head under the water. Z arrived and scowled at Luke. It had been a while since they’d sparred, and it felt like old times. But Z was gunning for Lexi as she surfaced.

“How do you feel, young one?” Z asked her. “Did you break anything besides that poor boy’s ego?”

“Nothing is broken. I’ll be fine. Thanks for coming to my rescue, though.”

“Well, it appears you didn’t need my help today. But you can always call on me if anyone else tries to put you on your back.”

Z pivoted on his heel and made for the estate, probably to find a bucket of ice to soak his fat head in. It took a lot of provoking and good reason before Luke entered any kind of battle. And he certainly didn’t wish to do that with Z now. But his motives were changing as fast as thunder followed lightning.

He had discovered Lexi’s spark, and he worried that they would try to snuff it out. He couldn’t leave her to defend herself alone. It wouldn’t be easy. Nothing involving Z ever was. He just hoped she wouldn’t hate him when she finally learned the truth.

~

Will offered a formal apology to Lexi and her family before he and his parents made a run for it, after which the remaining guests embarked on a less dangerous version of horseback riding on the trails that traversed the property.

After her parents forced her out of the pool, her dad started a fire in the fireplace even though it was plenty warm, and she suspected he was exaggerating the seriousness of her trauma for the benefit of Will’s family. After she changed into her fleeciest sweatpants, she snuggled under a blanket on the couch, insisting that Luke stay and keep her company. And nobody dared to give her grief about it.

Sitting at her feet, Luke paged through a book thoughtfully. Now and then he would stop to tug the blanket over her toes when they slipped free. Each time his fingers brushed her skin a fresh wave of chills would ripple up her calves. She only hoped he wouldn’t discover that she was moving the blanket on purpose.

Lexi also hoped he couldn’t read her mind because—holy crap!—that was the best almost kiss she’d ever had. If her family hadn’t shown up she might have swooned. Luke’s lips tasted like freedom, in spite of how tragically brief it was. But she couldn’t help wondering if she’d been too pushy. He seemed hesitant, even though his eyes were beckoning her closer. She still didn’t know about his relationship status. Was it wrong that she didn’t care?

Her experience with men totaled three, which included a pop singer who occasionally made an appearance in her dreams. Were her feelings for Luke purely physical? She didn’t think so. As far as she could tell, he had a brain and he knew how to use it. And he talked to her like she had one too. Was that why she wanted to tackle him right there on the couch and taste his lips again? For his brain?

She stared at him until he looked up from the book, his eyes smoldering and sexy. Did he do that on purpose or was it totally unscripted? What was he thinking? Did he appreciate her outlook on life? Her sense of humor? Did he feel the same rush when their bodies connected? Like two stars colliding?

Lexi tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, switching her attention to the crackling fire so he could get back to the book. He’d discovered their Greek mythology collection, and when he chuckled, she hoped it was triggered by something he’d read.

“Have you read much Greek mythology, Luke?” she asked.

“I’m fairly well-versed. I find the stories fascinating.”

“What do you find fascinating about them? Is it because the gods run around doing whatever the hell they please?”

Luke laughed and closed the book on his lap. “They do, don’t they? I’ve developed my own theories on how the gods might handle things, although some of it conflicts with what’s written in these books.”

“Please, tell me.” Lexi sat up straighter, although she was careful to keep her feet within reach of his hand. As if reading her mind, he tucked the blanket under her heels.

“Take Mnemosyne, for example. This Titan is responsible for the pool of memory in the underworld, a counterpart to the Lethe River. Those who drink from it are granted the ability to retain their memories and stop the transmigration of the soul. This is rarely mentioned anywhere. It seems obvious she spent more time in the underworld than what is written in most texts, and I believe the story and the Titan deserve more credit here.”

Lexi grinned at the cute way Luke jutted his chin after he made his point. That strong, clean-shaven chin. “There’s only one source I know of that references the pool of memory, which tells me you’re more well-versed than you let on. What’s your take on Orpheus and Eurydice?”

“Orpheus was a fool. He was asked to do one simple thing, and he blew it. Their story is the perfect example of what happens when we lack faith and don’t trust others to make good on their promises.”

“Sometimes people don’t make good on their promises.”

“True. And there are consequences to be paid on both sides. The Fates don’t miss a thing.”

“You talk about the gods like they’re alive and well and could be living among us.”

“Who’s to say they aren’t?” He shrugged his indifference but the twinkle in his eyes told a different tale. “Do you have a favorite myth?”

“Probably the story of Persephone. She was wooed by many gods because of her beauty and purity. But Demeter and Zeus kept her isolated because they didn’t think anyone was good enough for her. Hades felt sorry for Persephone, and he fell in love with her after watching her from afar. So he took her to the underworld and made her his mate. I’m sure you already know the story. It’s one of the most popular.”

Luke appraised Lexi with a cocked head. Did he believe a different version of the story? She felt compelled to continue her defense.

“Most people view Hades’s actions as selfish and ruthless, but I think the story is a metaphor for passion taken to the extreme. One version even says that Zeus allowed the kidnapping when he got tired of all the suitors vying for Persephone’s affections.”

Luke slapped the book cover and filled the room with throaty laughter. “If you’ve read anything about Zeus, you would know that version of the story is horseshit. Persephone was in love with Hades. He did her a favor by removing her from the stranglehold of her parents.”

Luke’s cheeks grew flushed as he argued his point, and Lexi didn’t know what to think of his impassioned response. It was something she’d asked herself about her own parents’ preoccupation with the gods. Before she could question him, Luke gave her one of his cure-all smiles.

“You think I’m strange, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

“I don’t think you’re strange. My mom wanted the family to practice Hellenism for a while. She named me Alexandra in honor of the Olympian Hera. And my brother is named after Dionysus.”

“It sounds like your parents believe there are more truths than what the world tells them. Maybe the term myth was invented to hide the truth that the gods really do exist.”

Lexi wanted to humor Luke, but it was difficult. Back when she believed there was more to life, more than status and wealth and following rules, she had considered the prospect of the gods living in the modern world. But it was too far-fetched. Someone would have noticed a bunch of magical beings wandering around.

Her parents walked into the room, with Cherry hurrying to get ahead of them before they made it to the bar. They were talking about the family from Kolkata before they remembered she and Luke were there, and the gossip stopped abruptly.

“How are you feeling, Lexi?” Her dad dropped her mom off at a bar stool and continued toward the couch. “I’m glad we thought to get that fire started.”

Lexi didn’t think it was the fire warming her up, but she kept that to herself. “I may live to see Casablanca.”

“Casablanca?”

Damn . She’d planned to wait until the weekend was over before mentioning that little addition to her travel plans. “Yes. I’m thinking of including it in my itinerary. But we can talk about that later.”

A glance was exchanged between her parents, which was interrupted by Cherry handing a drink off to her mom.

“I hope you’ll feel well enough to spend time with the other guests soon,” said her dad. “Rod and his family are thinking about cutting their visit short too. And I would hate to think it’s because you’ve been snubbing the young man’s interest.”

“Rod’s only interest is property values in Eagle Hill.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. I know he’s a swimmer. He was challenged to swim the English Channel.”

Lexi snorted. “Please. Rod is no different than Will—a self-absorbed peacock. Do we have to talk about this now? I was just starting to enjoy myself.”

Luke stood and carried the book back to the shelf, escaping the awkward moment like any reasonable person would, and Lexi prayed her dad would just leave it.

Fat chance .

“I think you’ve been spending too much time with one guest,” he went on. “There are plenty of people here who would like to enjoy your company. Burt says you haven’t spoken five words to him.”

“Burt’s here all the time adding wine to our collection. I thought this weekend was about me having fun, not about me making sure other people have fun.”

In a not-so-covert maneuver, her father leaned in and spoke against Lexi’s ear. “I don’t want to see you disappointed. Luke may be handsome and well-spoken, but he’s not the type to stick around for the ending credits. If you insist on pursuing him, we’re going to have a problem.”

Apparently, this was happening now.

“Let me get this straight—just yesterday I confronted you about the obvious scheme to set me up with some boastful, entitled gel head, and you said to throw in my line to see what I could reel in. Well, I took your advice, and I’m happy with my catch.”

Her father hovered like an eagle on its perch, all narrowed eyes and laser focus, while her mom was being unusually quiet as she arrived with his drink. Lexi didn’t know whether to feel relieved or neglected.

“Your godfather doesn’t trust this man to have your best interests at heart, and I trust your godfather’s counsel,” her dad said, making no attempt to keep his voice down. “Let’s not drag this out. If you’re feeling better, why don’t you go upstairs and change for lunch.”

Lexi didn’t roll her eyes, but she really wanted to. “None of you have ever trusted me, and I’ve never given you a reason not to. I’ve been busting my ass for excellence, and the shitty thing is, none of it has been for me. Was an all-girl boarding school my choice? No. Was Boston College? No. Have I ever attended a party without a chaperone? No. If I continued to leave you all in charge, which I don’t plan to, I’d be an old maid at thirty!”

Her dad shook his head, as if he was the frustrated one. “Take a breath, baby.”

Ignoring the pain, Lexi threw off the blanket and stood to face her parents. “I am not your baby anymore. I’m an adult who can make her own decisions—and her own mistakes—and learn from them, for better or worse. I’m taking a solo trip this summer and none of you are allowed to interfere, or I might do something extreme.”

“Extreme? How?” her mother asked, looking concerned for the first time in a long time.

“If I told you that, you’d expect it.”

Her dad’s face bloomed, just like the Graham Thomas roses pressing their faces against the window behind him, as if trying to catch all the gossip. “Don’t you threaten us. We work hard to make sure you have a good life. Privilege doesn’t come with a guarantee. It can be revoked.”

“Who’s threatening who?” A rage Lexi had rarely experienced boiled beneath her skin. Or maybe it was fear. What would she do if they cut her off? Had money become her safety net? Had her privileged life made her vulnerable? Her fingers tingled, like sparks were trying to escape, but she didn’t look down to confirm it.

She sensed Luke’s presence behind her, just close enough to make her feel less alone. Then Nora walked in and stopped suddenly, as if the drama in the room had created an invisible wall. Her parents turned, making it clear she’d interrupted them, but Nora simply shrugged and stood her ground. Lexi appreciated that.

But this was her fight, and her freedom was worth more than her stock holdings, so she barreled on.

“Every time I meet an expectation, you add another one to the list. How long did you expect me to live by your rules? Forever? Would you want someone to control the way you lived? Handing out freedom only when it suited them? Try putting yourself in my shoes, for once.”

Her parents did something then that she hadn’t expected. They looked surprised, blinking at each other like they’d been denied sunlight for a week. Were they worried Lexi might disappear off the map until she was ready to be found? Surely, it wasn’t empathy.

Her dad rallied, setting his jaw, and growling his rebuttal. “How much freedom do you think I have? Sometimes honoring commitments is more important than freedom.”

“Those commitments have never been mine to honor. And the last time I checked, slavery had been abolished.”

“Didn’t you hear, Lexi? Privilege is the new slavery.” Her mom put in her two cents before downing half the liquid in her glass.

The other guests were starting to file in, but no one seemed to notice the tension. Cherry hurried to fill drink orders, and there was talk of the extraordinary lunch being served on the patio. Lexi was grateful for the guests, and she allowed herself to get caught up in the party atmosphere. She had said her piece, which was long overdue. Regardless of the outcome, this would be her Gettysburg.