Emotion clogged Kiiara’s throat. It was time to say goodbye to Gabriella and her children, and the likelihood of Kiiara seeing her again was slim to none. They had exchanged emails and hopefully would stay in touch.

“Marines don’t say goodbye. It’s see ya later,” Kiiara choked out when Gabriella hugged her tightly.

Gabriella pulled away and met Kiiara’s gaze. “I like that. See ya later, my sistren,” she said and smiled. “And you, Poseidon, better treat this remarkable lady like the rare treasure she is,” Gabriella added and embraced the Greek God.

“Duly noted. Any message for Hain when I see him?” Poseidon asked, and Kiiara watched tears brim in the lovely woman’s light brown eyes.

“No. Our time has ended. I think I’ll sell this property and return to my homeland. My children need to be surrounded by people that love them, not be treated like monsters,” she professed, and Kiiara was once again awed by the woman’s strength and courage.

Poseidon and Kiiara shook hands with Gabriella’s boys and hugged her girls. It was a shame they had been alienated by the locals in Leticia because they were the kindest, most well-mannered kids Kiiara had ever met. She hoped Gabriella was right and that moving would bring acceptance and love into their lives.

It wasn’t long before Kiiara was high above the clouds, Poseidon flying them to their next destination. It was incredibly awkward to be in proximity after the evening they’d spent together, especially since he’d given her the cold shoulder that morning.

She glanced over and tried not to stare, but it was impossible. Poseidon was jaw-dropping gorgeous and being in his arms again felt…right. She longed to kiss him again, and her body ached for deeper intimacy. Their one night together was earth-shattering, and bits and pieces played through her mind as he soared through the sky.

Needing a distraction from her lascivious thoughts, she asked, “So what’s the plan when we get there? Are we getting a room at Atlantis?” She had never been to the luxurious resort but had seen pictures and dreamed of visiting.

“I figure we’ll rent a boat with sleeping quarters. The spot where Hain will try and connect with my trident is out in the ocean, not far from the resort. The element of surprise will be in our favor if we are in position and waiting,” Poseidon explained but didn’t look her way.

Was he upset with her? It didn’t make sense the way he was treating her. She hadn’t put any demands or expectations on him so why the indifference? Surely, he didn’t regret what they did.

“I like your thinking. Hain has to know you are looking for him, but he has no clue we went to Gabriella, so hopefully, you will catch him off guard. Is there anything I can do to help?” Kiiara asked curiously. She wondered if this was going to turn into Battle of the Gods with lightning, tidal waves, and hurricanes.

“Yes, you can help. Keep out of the way. I need to focus on the trident, not worry about your safety,” he declared matter-of-factly.

Apparently, jackass with the condescending remarks was back, she thought. Heat flushed across her face, and her fisted palm itched to punch his perfect nose.

“Roger that. I’ll navigate the boat and let the men handle the hard stuff,” she replied, tone laced with sarcasm.

“My name’s not Roger,” he scoffed, and she rolled her eyes. She had no desire to explain to him the meaning of the slang term, so she ignored him, focusing on something else.

Kiiara realized she wasn’t feeling nauseous this time flying and was grateful, especially given the amount of alcohol she consumed the previous night. Add to that the large breakfast she’d eaten, and that could’ve spelled trouble.

Thinking about the delicious breakfast made her mouth water. Pancakes the size of plates, bacon, and fresh-squeezed passion fruit juice. She was glad she didn’t live with Gabriella, or she would weigh two hundred pounds from eating her gourmet meals.

Her mind wandered from Gabriella to the woman’s lover. “So, you expect Hain to show up tonight?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. Hain won’t miss this chance. Tonight’s full moon will align with the ocean. It will provide the greatest amount of energy and a connection to the trident is possible. It’s my job to see that it doesn’t,” Poseidon growled and Kiiara felt the rage behind his words.

“You’re going to stop him. I feel it,” she predicted and hugged his neck, wanting to calm him. He tensed slightly but then relaxed, causing her to question again why he was so stand-offish with her.

“Thank you, Kiiara. Your optimism is refreshing,” he stated and finally glanced her direction. She smiled, and Poseidon offered one in return, causing ripples of arousal to skate along her skin. Kiiara wished more than anything he didn’t have that effect on her.

“You have to stay positive. I’m a firm believer in that. Hain won’t know what hit him,” Kiiara commented and felt some of the protective barriers against the strong winds lift, telling her Poseidon was preparing for them to land.

“Since it’s daytime, I’ll have to find a safe spot where no one will see us. We might have to walk a good distance to reach the boat dock. You up for some exercise?” Poseidon asked as they dipped lower. She could see the ocean below and land up ahead.

“Absolutely. I need to burn some of the calories from breakfast. So, what type of boat are you renting?” Kiiara knew good and well he was going to manipulate someone’s mind and acquire a craft free of charge. One of the benefits of being a god, she surmised.

“You’ll see,” he murmured. “You’ll see.”

* * *

Poseidon navigated the boat, making his way to the dock where Kiiara was waiting. Upon realizing that it was the God behind the wheel, her mouth dropped.

“Holy shit! This isn’t a boat. It’s a fucking yacht!” Kiiara shouted as he maneuvered the large vessel to a position where she could climb aboard. Her broad smile told him she approved of his selection.

The houseboat had several bedrooms, a large kitchen, and dining area in addition to a massive deck for sunbathing. Poseidon hoped their excursion would be completed before the day was over, but wanted to be prepared in the event they had to stay aboard overnight.

“Take a look around. A stocked kitchen and refrigerator sold me on this one. The guy even made sure there were several bottles of wine,” Poseidon said with a wink.

“Ha, I bet. How convenient,” Kiiara teased as she walked up the metal stairway to stand beside him at the helm. She knew it was his telepathic manipulation that garnered such items.

“I’m happy to pay with drachmas, but no one seems familiar with my form of monies,” he explained as he launched from the dock. It was a hot, sunny day off the coast of the Bahamas, providing a clear shot to where they were headed.

“The nerve of them,” she sassed, then turned and stared in the direction toward the resort.

“Did you bring a swimsuit? We have several hours before nightfall. Relax and enjoy the perfect weather,” he proposed, then wished he hadn’t. Kiiara prancing around in a bikini was the last thing he needed.

It had been excruciatingly painful to fly with a stiff cock. All Poseidon could think about was how Kiiara had felt in his arms the night before. He desperately wanted to kiss, touch, and taste her again but couldn’t. He had to remain distant. He would return home soon, and she would go back to North Carolina and her life.

“I did. That’s not a bad idea. Do you know I haven’t taken a vacation in six years? This boat ride might be the closest I get to one. I’m going to change. Want anything?” she asked as she hefted her backpack over her shoulder.

Just you, naked and straddling me, he thought but shook his head in response. Kiiara’s swaying hips retreated below, and his shaft jerked at the sight. Ignoring his desire for the female was impossible. He could only hope to refrain from acting on it.

Several minutes later she returned, towel and sunscreen in one hand, two water bottles in the other. “Do you know that in all my time spent on the ocean, I’ve never swum with dolphins,” Kiiara confessed and offered him one of the containers of water.

“Thank you.” When their hands touched, electricity zipped between them. He knew she felt it, as well, but he didn’t comment on it.

He was too busy trying not to drool over her lush bosom. Skimpy neon green fabric struggled to cover her curvaceous figure. How he wanted to snag the ties at her hips and take her right there in the small space.

Shaking off his rampant lust, he focused on another topic. “That is surprising, but I don’t understand the excitement of such activities,” he conveyed while at the same time an idea sparked he would address later.

“Yeah, I guess not. You could swim with dolphins, or any creature of the ocean, anytime you want. Unfortunately, we aren’t all gods,” Kiiara teased and knocked her shoulder playfully against Poseidon’s arm, and he couldn’t ignore how her breast rubbed against his skin.

“True. I am quite unique that way,” Poseidon let out on a chuckle, tempted to palm the firm globe.

“Oh, you’re very special, no doubt about it,” she winked. “I’m going to soak up some rays. Holler if you need anything,” Kiiara imparted as she shuffled down the narrow stairway. His straining erection demanded Poseidon follow and offer to rub lotion on every delicious inch of her toned body.

Poseidon remained in place, cursing his predicament. He wished the situation was different and that they could find a way to be together. But that was impossible. He saw the hurt on Gabriella’s face from wanting a life with Hain she could never have. Poseidon refused to do that to Kiiara. Hell, he wasn’t going to do that to himself. Seeing her once a year would drive him insane, and the gods would never permit more time than that.

The ship glided through calm waters for about an hour until it reached the desired location. Poseidon anchored and went below to where Kiiara was lounging on a chair, eyes closed. Her toes wiggled to the beat of the music playing from a nearby speaker.

Poseidon pulled his t-shirt from his torso and tossed it toward her head, then jumped overboard. He soared downward ten feet before splashing into the cool water. He was immediately energized by his power connected with the sea. Nothing else enlivened him like the call of the ocean. Well, nothing else except Kiiara, he thought, as he surged to the surface and was greeted with her body landing beside his, then sinking beneath the water.

Moments later, she popped up and sputtered, her laughter causing her to cough and then her god-awful snort followed. Poseidon’s laugh joined hers, and next thing he knew, Kiiara’s arms entangled with his and they wrestled above and beneath the water.

“I can’t tread for long,” she confessed as she struggled to stay afloat. “It’s my greatest weakness.”

Poseidon’s idea resurfaced, and he mentally reached outward, calling the animals he could sense nearby. In the next breath, a dozen dolphins emerged, ready to play.

“O-M-Geeee!” she screeched as one eager porpoise nudged her with its rostrum. “I can’t believe this. Thank you,” she squealed and reached out to pet it.

“Grab his dorsal and hang on,” Poseidon barked as two more dolphins swam to his side.

Climbing to stand on their backs, one foot on each, he took a spin around the boat on the backs of the mammals.

“What a show-off,” she shouted when he lapped her a couple of times. She was holding tight as the dolphin swam with her in the water. When they stopped, he made his way over to her, smoothly gliding back into the water.

“No, it’s just second nature for me. Want to give it a try?”

“What? Dolphin surfing?” Kiiara asked incredulously.

“Sure, why not?”

“I’d love to. Can you help me up? These suckers are slippery,” she surmised after trying to hoist herself up onto the animal then sliding back into the water.

“You got it,” he answered and swam to her side.

When she lifted again, Poseidon’s hands grasped her bottom and held her in place while she adjusted her feet. Damn, how he loved Kiiara’s firm ass.

When she was in a standing position, he held her hand and helped her balance while another dolphin provided its back for her other foot. Once she had both feet secure, Poseidon released her hand and instructed the porpoises to go very slow.

It didn’t take long for Kiiara to adjust. He had never seen her so excited. Her smile beamed as she looped around the boat. “This is the most incredible day of my life!” she shouted and wiggled her bottom, dancing a little jig. She had no clue how sexy she was on the backs of those dolphins, shaking her ass and moving suggestively.

Poseidon was in complete agreement. Seeing her happy was his most incredible day. How could he ever let this end? Like a tidal wave, it hit him. He couldn’t. He wanted to be with her, no matter what. He loved the mortal. She had brought so much to his life, and he wanted to give her the world in return.

Just as he was about to swim her way and profess his love, a beast erupted from the water, Hain on its back, waving his trident.