Page 48 of Axios

Once spoken, the words were impossible to take back.

When we were returning to the barracks after the meal, his patience had reached its end. He pulled me off to the side and waited for the others to pass before leading me into an empty courtyard.

The men’s voices from our group faded until they were out of range. Night had descended, and the only sound was that of the insects calling from the tall grass in the meadow at the edge of the yard.

“Ery, we cannot—”

“The only words that need to be leaving your lips are the ones that tell me what is the matter with you,” he spoke, running a hand through his golden hair—clearly agitated. “And do not even think to lie to me. I know you too damned well.”

When I remained silent, he grabbed me by my tunic and pushed me against the pillar, pressing his body into mine and resting his arms on each side of me to prevent me from escaping his hold.

“Answer me, Axios.”

The moon shone bright above us and cast light on his pleading eyes. I lifted my arm and touched his cheek, meeting his stare and unsure of how to start the conversation.

“I visited with Leanna today,” I said, deciding that was the best place to begin.

“Oh?” He was unmoving against me. “How does she fare?”

“She is well.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, but that only succeeded in making the inside of my mouth dry. “She… she informed me that my mother wishes you two to be wed.”

Understanding flashed in his eyes, as did shock. Whatever he’d expected me to say, that hadn’t been it.

“I’m fond of your sister, but I am yours, now and always. You are all I yearn for,” he said in a lighter tone, his previous irritation waned. “Is this what has made you distant?” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across my earlobe. “Every part of me belongs to you. Shall I remind you of this?”

As tempting as it was to give in and allow him to take me in that instant, I fought the spike of my blood pressure and bit down my desire. I hardened against him, as my body had other ideas, but I shook my head.

“That was only a part of what ailed my mind,” I managed to speak, battling the lust coursing through my veins and trying to clear my clouded thoughts.

To no avail.

He continued to kiss my ear before traveling down the side of my neck. His hands moved down my chest and to my hips. I moaned and leaned my head back, exposing more of my throat for him.

His kisses turned wet as he ran his tongue along the base of my neck and to my collarbone.

The battle for my self-control was lost. When Eryx craved my body, I found it impossible to deny him for I desired him with the same intensity. I abandoned my need for discussion and surrendered to my passion.

When my submission became evident, he growled deep in his throat—a sound that would forever thrill me—and he tugged at the clothing separating our naked flesh.

Seeing his bare, muscled chest, I grazed my fingertips across his smooth skin before leaning forward and taking his nipple into my mouth.

He gasped and dug his hands into my hair, egging me on further. I gently nibbled the bud and his gasps turned to drawn-out groans. We moved from the pillar and onto the grass, near a tall shrub that blocked us from view.

His lips found mine once again, and his seeking hands roamed down my torso before finding what they sought down below.

I panted as his touches became more adventurous, stroking sensitive areas that ached with need. And then he sent me to the stars.

***

Days later, King Agesipolis returned home with his army. Sparta had a dual kingship system to balance the power, so two kings ruled simultaneously, divided by their dynasty: theAgiadand theEurypontidhouseholds. King Agesipolis was of the former, and he was young, having just come of age two years ago.

Eryx and I were sitting on a small hill, overlooking the valley, when we saw them approaching. Their shields caught the sun’s glare and created flashes of gold as they marched in unison. It was an impressive sight, and we stood to get a better look.

“How many men do you think there are?” I asked, using my hand to shield my eyes from the brightness of the day.

They seemed to go on for miles.

“Not all are Spartans,” he answered in an informative tone. “Some areperioikoiand some are slaves.”