Poseidon entered the luxurious hotel and scanned for staff members. Luckily, it was the early morning hours, and there was only one male behind the desk. That would be an easy manipulation. He didn’t possess necessities such as local currency and would have to implant ideas into the employee’s mind to get a reservation. Poseidon’s wealth exceeded his needs, but drachmas were foreign to most, and this human would not know of his coinage.

“Have a seat right here, and I’ll see about a room and food,” he told Kiiara who looked like she might fall over if she didn’t sit down. She was practically asleep on her feet with her eyes at half-mast and all the yawning. Poor thing was exhausted from the long day, and he wanted to get her to a place where she could rest.

She plopped onto the modern sofa, her head falling against the top of the cushion. “This is the hardest sofa I’ve ever sat on, but I don’t care. It feels divine,” she murmured as her eyes slipped shut.

He needed to get her to a room fast, or he’d be carrying her to bed. That idea didn’t repulse him as it should. Males of his stature didn’t dote on women, but he was growing fonder of Kiiara by the minute.

Poseidon walked to the counter and had a brief discussion with the clerk. Luckily, he was fluent in Bengali, as well as many other languages, and persuaded the human to give them the best available room, one overlooking the ocean, then placed a room-service order.

He had no idea what foods Kiiara preferred, so he requested one of everything, including several bottles of wine. Dhaka was one of the few cities in Bangladesh where alcohol was available for consumption. Poseidon would never understand such religious practices of not drinking. Alcohol dated back to the beginning of time, and he enjoyed it with meals. It was one of his luxuries in life.

He sauntered back to Kiiara, and when he reached her, he saw she was fast asleep. He threw her backpack over his shoulder, then gently picked her up and carried her to the elevator. A few minutes later he was inserting the key card and opening the door to their room.

He went straight to the bed and gently laid her down on the king-sized mattress. She stirred but didn’t wake, so he carefully removed her hiking boots and grabbed a blanket from the foot of the bed to cover her.

The clerk at the desk said their food would take about thirty minutes, so Poseidon figured Kiiara could rest until it arrived. He walked to the spacious bathroom, deciding a shower would revive him.

Poseidon quickly undressed and turned the nozzle to its hottest setting. Steam quickly filled the room as he stepped into the large shower. The scalding spray soothed his tense shoulders, and he stood there several minutes, allowing the water to beat against his muscles. He was stressed as hell.

The clock was ticking, and he hadn’t retrieved his trident. He could only pray the Gods were on his side and Hain hadn’t connected with its power. If he did, then the world as Kiiara knew it was going to end, not to mention he was going to lose a majority of his power. And that he would never allow. Every ounce of his ability was going to stay rooted to every fiber of his being where it belonged.

After washing his body and hair, he stepped out and grabbed a white towel from the hanging bar. He remembered seeing robes on the bed, so he wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out of the foggy bathroom.

Kiiara was awake and sitting up in bed. She was holding the remote and scanning through television channels. When she looked up, her eyes widened, and he heard a small gasp. Yes, she saw what he had to offer, and if he wasn’t mistaken, she found him appealing. All women appreciated a God, but the fact that this woman wasn’t immune was somehow extremely satisfying.

“I hope I didn’t wake you,” he said and rapidly shook his head. Water flew from his hair in every direction, and water beads trickled down his beard and chest. He hadn’t sufficiently dried off, but the cool temperature in the room felt good on his damp skin.

“No, not at all. I can’t believe I fell asleep in the lobby. I’m sorry you had to haul my fat ass to bed,” Kiiara said with a snort. Poseidon wasn’t sure if he’d ever get used to the obnoxious sound, but thankfully, it no longer repulsed him.

“You’re far from fat. In fact, your backpack weighs more than you,” he commented, and she smiled widely. Apparently, that comparison pleased her. He wasn’t sure why but he made a mental note that mortals wanted to be considered puny.

“Are you done with the bathroom?” she asked as she stood and walked over to the panoramic windows. “My God, it’s beautiful here. I can’t wait to see the view in the morning,” Kiiara muttered as she gazed out the window.

Poseidon walked over and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. There was something about this woman he couldn’t resist. He had to touch her supple skin. Breathing deep, her sweet scent teased his cock, and it hardened against her back. He knew he should will it away, but he couldn’t. Holding her felt too fucking good to deny.

“I’ve got the best view right here,” he husked as his eyes roamed down to her breasts. From where he stood, he had a perfect view of her cleavage. Lush globes pushed from the top of her low-cut t-shirt, and his mouth watered at the sight.

“Don’t forget your promise. A complete gentleman,” she croaked. Her voice trembled and he worried he might have frightened her with his advances, which was ridiculous. He was a God worried about a human female’s feelings. First, his Trident was stolen, and now he is concerned about Kiiara. The world must be coming to an end…or he was losing his edge.

“I remember,” he replied and placed a kiss on her shoulder. Stepping away, he turned and picked up a robe from the end of the bed. He slid it on, then let his towel drop to the floor as he tied the sash around his waist. “The shower is all yours. Food should be here soon,” he added and jumped on the bed, landing perfectly on the large assortment of pillows against the upholstered headboard.

“Oh, good. I’m starving. I’ll make it quick,” Kiiara replied and grabbed her backpack before heading towards the bathroom. Apparently, he hadn’t terrified her, after all.

When Poseidon heard the water, he fought the urge to go to her. He imagined her undressing and stepping beneath the hot water. He wanted to run his hands all over her nude body while it was wet and sudsy. He wondered if her nipples were dark like cherries or pale pink like her pouty lips.

He remembered the feel of her lips against his and the taste of her as he explored her hot mouth with his tongue. Sugary sweetness he craved again.

He wasn’t accustomed to rejection or waiting when it came to sex. Typically, if he wanted a female, he just made it known, and they willingly followed him to bed. If he told any female on Olympus he would be a gentleman, clothes would fall at his feet, and they’d ravage him mercilessly.

Shaking off his thoughts, he grabbed the television remote. Maybe there was something on that could take his mind off the naked female in the adjoining room. The first channel was two people having sex, and he quickly mashed the button to change to the next station. The next was a local weather channel, which was of no interest. The third was another couple having sex. His libido didn’t need the added stimulation. Seeing it on so many channels shouldn’t have surprised him, given that mortals were obsessed with every aspect of the intimate act.

Poseidon continued clicking until he found a channel playing music. It was soft and pleasing, filled with flutes, guitars, and drums, and his eyes slipped closed. There were no vocals, but the combination of instruments spoke to him. Music moved him. It didn’t matter the style. If it touched his soul, he liked it.

Lost in the melody, he didn’t hear Kiiara walk out of the bathroom. “I think I’ll follow your lead and wear a robe, too. I didn’t pack many clothes, and this way, the few I have will stay clean longer,” Kiiara said, and his eyes snapped open.

It took a moment for him to focus but when he did, lust slammed home. Kiiara stood at the foot of the bed with a towel wrapped around her torso. Her long brown hair fell in wet ringlets down her back. Her blue eyes hooded as they roamed the length of his body.

Fuck being a gentleman, he thought and reached out. Grabbing her hand, he tugged. Her body draped across him like a wet blanket, and he wrapped an arm around her waist as his free hand cupped her face.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” Poseidon muttered before claiming her lips.

Kiiara’s lips parted, and when he heard her moan, he delved in for the taking. His gentleness flew out the window as their tongues tangled and sugary sweetness filled his mouth. He had never tasted anything so delicious. Sucking her tongue and nibbling her full lips only fueled his need.

Poseidon’s hand traveled over the curve of her ass, and he squeezed the firm flesh. When her leg hooked around his hip, his cock jerked. He was all too aware Kiiara had nothing beneath the towel, and his hand slipped between them to remove it.

Suddenly, rapping at the door had their heads jerking toward the sound. Rapid breathing filled the room, and Poseidon’s chest heaved with each pant. “That must be our food,” he murmured as he tried to calm his erratic heart. He had never felt such arousal over the feel of a woman and one simple kiss.

“Let’s consider that perfect timing,” Kiiara declared as she slid from his body and off the bed, adjusting the towel to cover her body.

Perfect timing, his ass. He wanted to strip the towel from her curvaceous body and feast on her. The last thing on his mind was room service. He sat up and watched her snag the other robe from the bed and dart to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

He spotted a tattoo on her right shoulder blade. It was a symbol he knew well. The astrological sign of Pisces. His strong connection to her made sense. She was a water sign, which meant she was a part of his world. It also meant he could control her in every way should he choose to do so. Sex between them would be explosive, and that had him entertaining the idea of her at his mercy.

Shaking manipulative thoughts from his brain, Poseidon willed away his painful erection. He stood and adjusted his robe, hoping the delivery person didn’t catch sight of his shaft and think it was intended for him or her.

* * *

Kiiara stood with her back against the bathroom door and took several deep breaths. She couldn’t go back out there until she calmed her raging libido. If the doorman hadn’t interrupted them, she was certain she’d be riding Poseidon’s godly staff, and she wasn’t referring to his trident.

It had been far too long since she’d felt a hard length between her thighs. Poseidon’s erection zapped her with electricity and was like nothing she’d felt before. It frightened and intrigued her. She hated to admit her connection to the God was growing with every passing second, and she wanted to throw caution to the wind and march out there naked and skip breakfast.

The rational part of her mind kicked in before she made a huge mistake. Giving in was certain to be a disaster and leave her with a broken heart. She’d had enough misery for one life and didn’t want anymore.

Turning towards the mirror, Kiiara glanced to her flushed face. Her lips were red and swollen, her half-dried hair a hot mess, and she didn’t want to get started on her sensitive nipples that were hard as rocks after his hand roamed her backside. In mere seconds, he had slipped a hand under her towel and was inches from her aching core.

Slamming the door on her raging lust, she quickly threw on a pair of panties and donned the soft robe. She pulled one side over the other and tied the sash, extra snug. When she was done, she could barely see her neck below the restricting garment. Hopefully, a successful deterrent against the skilled octopus in the other room.

She took a few more deep breaths, then exited the bathroom. A delicious aroma filled the room, and her stomach rumbled. “I don’t know what you ordered, but I hope there’s enough. Otherwise, you might not get any. It smells incredible,” she admitted as she walked to the table beside the large windows.

They had the most spectacular view from their suite in the sky. The city lights were off to the side, casting a glow across the ocean below their hotel. She couldn’t wait to see it at sunrise. Glancing at the bedside clock, she noted that was only a few hours away.

“Have a seat, Kiiara mou. There’s plenty. Would you care for a glass of wine?” Poseidon asked and she met his eyes.

“What does mou mean?” she asked curiously.

“It’s a sign of affection. I’m basically saying my Kiiara,” he replied, and stormy sea-green orbs penetrated her soul. And she reinforced every defense.

She couldn’t have sex with this man. Ever.

No doubt it would be the best of her life, and then he would go back to wherever it was he came from, and she’d be ruined for life, pining after a man she couldn’t have. No matter how difficult, she had to resist. It was the only option.

“Wine would be great,” she answered and took a seat at the small square table. Poseidon poured two glasses of white wine and took a seat opposite her.

She checked out the food and recognized a couple of Thai dishes, but the rest was a mystery, but she didn’t care because it smelled delicious. She filled her plate with noodles, rice, chicken, and veggies, then coated it with the creamy sauce.

She noted there was no seafood and wondered if he didn’t eat animals indigenous to the ocean. He had mentioned his connection to all ocean life, and it would make sense if he didn’t.

The first bite exploded across her taste buds, and she groaned her satisfaction. Poseidon lifted an eyebrow as he took a sip of his wine.

“Do not make that sound unless you are prepared for the consequence. My mind automatically imagines you making that same noise while I pleasure you,” he confessed.

His gaze burned straight to her core and she had to squeeze her legs against the painful need. She quickly reminded herself the man was off limits. And, if they were going to spend the night in the same bed, she needed to shift the focus.

“So, tell me why this Hain stole your trident.” Kiiara inquired and watched the lust dissipate from his eyes to be replaced by anger. Poseidon downed his glass of wine then poured another one.

“He wants its power, simple as that.”

“What kind of power?” she asked as she continued eating. It was some of the best food she’d ever eaten, and she was trying her best not to shovel it in.

“He who connects with the trident has power over all seas. It can calm the waters or make them roar. It can call forth tsunamis or invoke earthquakes on the ocean floor or land. It can also create horses,” he explained. The four horse-fish guiding his chariot made more sense after hearing that.

“You said he who connects…does that mean Hain may not connect to its powers?” Kiiara asked and took a sip of wine. It was smooth and dry, and she told herself not to consume too much, or her inhibitions would evaporate, and they would be naked and sweaty by the break of dawn.

Focusing on the information regarding Hain rather than the gorgeous man in front of her, she considered Poseidon’s words. She hated to think of that much power in the wrong hands. Tsunamis were catastrophic and capable of wiping out mankind with one swoop. He could destroy the world with one careless wave of his hand.

“There is always that possibility, but I cannot take the chance,” he growled and tossed his fork onto his plate.

His face reddened with rage. Kiiara imagined it wasn’t pleasant to be on Poseidon’s shit list. The man could crush someone with his bare hands, she thought, as he balled then released his fist on top of the table. No, pissing him off was something to be avoided, if possible.

“I agree. We will find Hain and your trident. I feel confident about that,” Kiiara assured, hoping to calm the storm of the ocean God.

Poseidon sat back in his chair and crossed muscular arms over his chest. She could make out his bulging biceps even covered by the white, fluffy robe. His bronzed flesh looked darker against the stark fabric. She had a weakness for a man with a tan, and right now she wanted to see if he had any tan lines. She presumed he didn’t, and the image of his golden ass had her swigging her glass of wine to quench her dry mouth.

“I like your spirit, Kiiara. I hope you are right,” he acknowledged and refilled her glass of wine when she placed it on the table.

“If there’s one thing I believe with all my heart, it’s that good prevails. Sometimes it seems as though you might be losing the battle, but in the end, you will win the war. If Hain has taken something that belongs to you and intends on doing bad things with it, we will get it back. As long as we don’t fuck it up,” she stated and met his sea-green gaze.

The heat between them was tangible. She wanted this man. Her body yearned for him. And for every reason she had for giving into her desires, she had two reminding her why she had to resist. They were different people from different worlds, literally, and her heart didn’t want the inevitable pain that would come from a one-night liaison with the sexy man in front of her.

Setting her napkin on her plate, she pushed away from the table and stood up then walked towards the bed.

“Aren’t you going to finish your wine?” he asked.

“No, I need a clear head…for tomorrow,” she lied before slipping beneath the covers of the large bed. Additional alcohol was the last thing she needed in the presence of the Greek god.

“You’re right,” he huffed, and she thought she noted disappointment in his voice. “Tomorrow I’ll rent a vehicle to take us as far as the road allows. We will travel on foot from there. It will be a long day, so get some rest.”

Kiiara shifted under the sheets. She hated sleeping in clothes, but there was no way in hell she’d remove her robe, no matter how confining the thick fabric. She needed as many barriers as possible between her and Poseidon.

She heard him get up from the table but didn’t look his way. Seconds later, the room went dark as he turned off the lights one by one. She heard movement by the bed before she felt the mattress slump as he joined her.

Had he removed the robe he was wearing? Was that perfectly sculpted body naked and lying a few feet away? She fought the urge to reach for him. Instead, she inched to the edge, hoping she didn’t fall to the floor. She kept her back to him but could hear him breathing in the silence of the room.

“Sleep well, Kiiara,” he husked, his deep voice calling to her primitive nature. Her body broke out in a sweat from the thick cloth wrapped tightly around her torso.

“Sweet dreams,” she answered automatically.

“I prefer naughty,” came his reply.

Her heart pounded in her chest, and her core clenched with need upon hearing his proclamation. She buried her face in the pillow to suffocate her burning desire. How in the hell was she supposed to get any rest when all she could think about was his definition of naughty and how much she wanted to find out?

Sleep was the furthest thing from her mind.

The next several hours were going to be nothing short of agonizing torture.