In a moment of weakness, Nicole let Ty see her vulnerability. She fully intended to rectify the situation and let him know exactly who was in charge around here.
“You are sending me to bed?” he asked as she tried to push Ty through the bedroom door. He turned toward her in the doorway. His brows were pressed so tightly together that they could squeeze a lemon. Actually, he looked like he’d been sucking on one.
“You don’t have to go to sleep. I just need to make a business call.”
“And what business are you in? Espionage?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I’m a wedding planner. I run a bridal shop.”
“So why can’t you talk in front of me?”
“Client confidentiality,” she answered.
Triton shook his head. “Nicole, I’m not an idiot. What kind of confidential information do wedding planners have?”
“Dress size, shoe size, allergies… there are lots of things women would not want the general public to know.”
He gave an exasperated sigh. “Fine. You have ten minutes to make your call, but then we have to talk. We have important things to discuss.”
You should tell him what the doctor said.
She frowned at the voice in her head. It seemed to be especially annoying lately—and it gave her an immediate headache. I’m not talking to you, she told the voice.
“Fine,” she said to Ty. “We’ll talk later.” Pushing him into the room, she shut the door. She could hear him walk across the floor and lay down on the bed. Okay, the coast was clear.
She stepped into the living room and dialed the shop.
“Nicole!” Lea’s voice screeched into the phone. “Are you okay? You’re not still at the hospital, are you?”
“No, no. I’m fine. The bullet just grazed me. It was barely a scratch.”
“It didn’t look like a scratch. The whole side of your skirt was soaked in blood. I can’t believe it. You should sue that idiot cop. They should take away his badge. He should at least lose his gun.”
“I haven’t really thought about it.”
“Liar.”
“No, really. I have a visitor.”
“What kind of visitor would make you forget the fact you’d been shot? Is Sara back?”
“No, but her father is here.”
There was silence on the line. Nicole could almost see Lea’s shocked expression.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Lea finally said.
“Nope. He’s here. In the flesh—the toned, tanned, muscly flesh.”
“Oh no.”
“What?”
“I know that tone. You’re falling for him again. Might I remind you how quickly you fall in and out of love? And the ‘in’ part is never good enough to make up for the crash and burn of the ‘out’ part.”
“I’m not falling for him.”
You’ve never loved anyone but him in the last twenty years.
Shut up! And will you please stop talking in my head while I’m having conversations with other people? It’s hard to concentrate.
“Right,” Lea said. “I know you, and I say you are. Can you honestly tell me you don’t have feelings for him?”
“You don’t understand.”
“Oh, I think I do. Listen, Nicole. He left you pregnant and on the streets.”
“He didn’t leave me on the streets. I didn’t become homeless until after I had Sara.”
“Oh yeah, that makes me feel much better.” Lea’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “He left you.”
“We only dated for a week. It wasn’t like we were in a long-term relationship. And besides, he had no idea I was pregnant.”
“He was your first love, and he left without even looking back.”
“Like I said, you don’t understand.”
Nicole could hear Lea sigh.
Lea does make a good argument.
“Shut up!”
“Nikki Taylor! I don’t have to take this from you.”
“No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t talking to you.”
“Then who were you talking to? Is he there, listening to this conversation?”
“No, of course not.”
Another sigh. “Listen, sweetie. I just don’t want to see you rush into anything,” Lea spoke in a softer voice. “Think hard about things before you jump back into another unhealthy relationship.”
“Okay. I’ll think about it. And believe me, the last thing I want is to be taken advantage of again.”
“Me either. You deserve better than what you’ve gotten. You’re a successful, powerful woman. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than being treated like a princess.”
“I know. Listen, I’ll be coming in early tomorrow to clean up the mess, and then I’ll have to call someone to fix the damage.”
“Too late. I’ve already handled it. Oh, and I sold your Shanae O’Donnell.”
“You’re kidding me! Which one?”
“The one with the Akoya pearls down the back and gold weave in the bodice.”
“Oh… my… heavenly money. You have single-handedly made this the best day of my life.”
“I thought the day Sara was born was the best day of your life.”
“Are you kidding me? That day was a nightmare. But she did turn out to be worth it—even though she never calls anymore.”
“I think I’d prefer that to an adult child who mooches off his mother and won’t get a job.”
“Um, yeah. It’s probably a toss-up. Well, thanks for everything, Lea. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Seriously, I don’t either. Just take care of yourself, and think long and hard before doing anything foolish.”
“I will. See you tomorrow.”
“Aloha, sweetie.”
Sara hung up the phone and turned to see Ty standing there—his face burning in fury. Her heart took off in a sprint as she pushed back her fear.
“Who shot you?” he growled low.
“You were listening in on my conversation?” her voice rose.
“How could I not? You were acting like you had something to hide.”
“Well, I don’t.”
“Then why did you pack me away in a bedroom to make that call? Are you saying you were planning on telling me?”
“About the shooting?”
“Yes, by gods! What under Olympus do you think I was talking about?” Triton’s voice boomed inhumanly loud.
“And this is exactly why I didn’t tell you,” she said. “I knew you’d overreact. Just like you did with those men. You remember? You probably don’t. They got a little drunk and a bit too frisky.”
“They attacked you.”
“They didn’t hurt me.” Much. “But after you were through with them, they each spent days in the hospital and months in physical therapy.”
“I taught them a valuable life lesson.”
“Right.”
He stepped over to her end table and dropped something down. It hit the surface with a “clunk”. It looked to be made of metal, but it was misshapen.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Your doorknob. I’ll pay to replace it.”
“Okay, that’s enough. It’s time for that talk you asked for.”
He opened his mouth to speak.
“Shut up! I’ll be doing most of the talking.”
He stood there, stunned.
“Sit,” she snapped as she pointed to the couch.
When he complied, she said, “I think I left a bad impression about who I’ve become since you’ve left. So I’m going to tell you a little about myself.
“I’ve spent the last twenty years clawing my way out of the streets. I worked, I slaved, I manipulated, I fought, and I did what I needed to do to survive and feed my child. And I’ve done a fine job. I own a successful business and everything you see around us. The girl you knew before doesn’t exist. She was weak, she was naive, she was used and abused, but she still came out on top. I don’t need someone to save me. I don’t need a champion. I need someone who respects me, respects my decisions, and will let me live life the way I know how to live it. If you can’t be that someone, then you can just leave now, promise or no promise.”
He shook his head, stood, and stepped toward her. “You can’t fool me, Nicole. You were never weak. Naive, I’ll admit, but not the least bit weak. And I know you don’t want me to leave. You love me every bit as much as I love you—attitude and all. I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. You, my love, are more powerful than a hurricane. How could I not love someone with a spirit such as yours and an attitude that rivals Zeus himself?”
“You think I have an attitude? Mine’s nothing compared to yours. Is it normal for all gods to be pushy, bossy, and arrogant?”
“It’s not only normal,” he cracked a smile, “it’s a requirement.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “My life has never been normal, but now… you know, if everyone thought I was crazy before, they’d think I’m completely off my rocker if I tried to tell them about you.”
No one can know.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Of course they can’t.”
“They can’t what?” he asked.
“Um, I was about to say ‘Of course they can’t be told.’”
He frowned. “No, you can’t tell anyone.”
“So… you’re a Greek god.” She stepped around, looking him over. “What kind of powers do you have?”
“I can control water, create storms at sea, summon sea creatures—”
“Like Aquaman?” she interrupted, chuckling.
He shook his head with a tortured grin. “I’ve got a lot of pent-up resentment toward you humans.”
“What kind of resentment?”
“Over two thirds of the earth is covered by seas, yet there is a sad lack of interest in it. And then the sea creatures you humans dream up are all so…”
“What?”
“Idiotic!”
“So what kind of fantasy sea creatures should we create?”
“Something closer to real life. The sea is a harsh, unforgiving place. The creatures that rule the seas are the toughest, most unrelenting beings on earth. It’s only because of the mercy of the sea-gods that you have remained safe from the wrath of those hostile beings.”
“How many sea-gods are there?”
“Of the Greeks, there are several dozen full sea-gods, and millions of demigods.”
“Demigods?”
“They have the blood of the gods in their mortal veins. But they are mortal with lesser powers.”
“So what are the Dagonians? What is Xanthus?”
“The Dagonians are demigods. Their blood is less diluted by mortal blood than other demigods. But it is tainted. Dagonians may not want to admit it, but if it weren’t for a few rendezvous with humans, they could have been full gods, completely immortal.”
“So where does that leave my baby? Is she immortal?”
Triton’s face fell, and he shook his head. “No. Sara is half human, a demigod. As long as I protect her, she can live a very long life, but eventually, she will die.”
“Could you give her immortality? Don’t you have the power?”
“No. Only one god has the power to grant immortality to mortals, and that is Hades.”
“So what are your other powers?”
“I am the guardian of the seas. I bring death to all those who threaten the safety of those under my dominion.”
“You can also grow a tail.”
“I normally have a tail. I can grow human legs if need be.”
“If I decided to go with you, could you give me a tail and help me breathe under water? I don’t think me living down there would work if I had to come up for a breath every couple of minutes.”
He cracked a smile. “I’d give you gills and a tail. So are you thinking you might want to join me?”
She shrugged. “Maybe.”
He reached out to touch her face. The tenderness in his eyes nearly broke her. “If you did,” he said, “I would spend every day of your life making you happy. I love you, Nicole. I want nothing more than to be with you.”
Nicole’s heart swelled in her chest. His blue eyes darkened, and his body heat warmed her, surrounded her. She found herself desperate to touch him.
She reached her shaking hands toward him. He seemed to read her mind as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. Fear shot through her as her mind went back to their last kiss. The joy, the passion, and the hope that kiss brought her. The memory of that kiss had tormented her for the last twenty years.
She put a hand up to keep him from getting too close. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I don’t know if my heart can take being kissed by you again.”
He pressed his hand against hers, trapping it against his chest, and lowered his head until their foreheads touched. “I don’t think I can survive another moment not kissing you.”
A tear leaked from the corner of her eye and trailed down her cheek. He hesitated a moment longer before his lips descended on hers.
Her resistance melted at the touch of his mouth. And despite her fear, she opened her heart completely to him. Coherent thoughts flew from her mind as she lost herself in his arms. This was home, this was heaven, and this was what she’d been missing for twenty long years. She knew without a doubt that she belonged with him. That was both elating and terrifying.
His lips pulled away just enough for him to whisper, “Do you feel that?”
Funny, that such a vague question could be understood completely. “Yes.” She couldn’t stop the tears. “This is where I belong.”
He cracked a smile, and then he was kissing her again. His hands wandered over her body, feeling every curve with practiced control. Her body came alive in his arms.
So just like that, you’re going to jump into bed with him? Have you forgotten what he did to you?
At those words, Nicole came to her senses and pushed him away. “Stop.”
“Nicole—?” He didn’t loosen his grip.
“No. I won’t do it again! You slept with me, you told me you loved me, and then you left me without a backward glance.”
“Nicole, calm down. I’m not going to leave you again,” he said, brushing her hair away from her face.
“I… I don’t know if I can believe you,” she said and shook her head. Tears continued to fall.
“Will you believe me if I marry you?”
“Marry you?” She looked up, her heart pounding in her chest. He appeared sincere.
“Yes, please marry me.”
She shook her head. “Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you won’t leave.”
“Nicole. I want you with me forever. If the price of that is marriage, I’ll pay it gladly. But I must warn you, a marriage here will mean nothing in the sea.”
“What do you mean? So if we get married here, your fellow sea-gods and goddesses won’t recognize that marriage?”
He shook his head. “No, they won’t.”
“What if we get married in your world?”
“We’d have to have my father marry us.”
“Poseidon?”
“Yes.”
“But… you can still leave. I know. I’ve been divorced six times.”
“A marriage solemnized by Poseidon is final. There is no divorce among the gods.”
She blinked her narrowed eyes, considering his words. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“But I’m a human. Do you think he’d want you married to me?”
“Actually, he’s more likely to marry us because you’re human.”
“Really? Why?”
He frowned and looked her up and down. It didn’t seem he wanted to answer her.
“What is it?”
“You’re human, Nicole. Human lives are much shorter than a god’s.”
“So… if marrying me to you is a mistake, it wouldn’t matter much. I’ll die soon anyway.”
Triton nodded, his sad eyes not leaving her face.
Nicole thought of what the doctor said. “Why would you want to marry someone who will die soon anyway?”
“Nicole. I’ve lived through the death of everyone I ever loved. Death is a part of life. But I wouldn’t trade a moment of my life with those I loved to escape the pain of death. Every moment together is a moment to treasure.”
“So you think a few short years with me are better than none.”
“Exactly. Now can we stop talking about death? This marriage proposal has become terribly depressing.”
Nicole smiled weakly. She wouldn’t tell him about what the doctor said. Why should she force him to live with that hanging over his head? It was bad enough she had to live with it.
You’re not going to die, Nicole.
What do you know? she snapped at the voice in her head.
I know more than you think, but go ahead and accept his proposal. He’s your best hope.
Hope for what? What are you talking about?
“Nicole, what’s wrong?” Ty asked.
“What?” Great, she’d zoned out again. “Nothing, were you saying something?”
His frown deepened, but he nodded. “Yes. I was telling you that if I do get permission and you are able to marry me, you will not be allowed to return to land.”
“What? Like ever?”
“Yes.”
“Oh boy. Well, I guess I’ll at least get to see my daughter.” She thought about all she’d have to give up. Her shop, her friends, the home she loved, Lea… right, Lea. Her conversation with Lea came back to her. Nicole told her she would think before rushing into things, and here she was—considering marrying Ty. But… truth be told, she spent the last twenty years loving him. If she refused him, and he went back to ruling the sea without her, she’d never forgive herself. Besides, she didn’t know how much time she had. Why waste it?
“Okay, I’ll marry you. But if you hurt me again, I swear I’ll never forgive you. Never!”
A smile lightened his face. “I love you too, sweetheart.”