“That’s mistake number one, female. Want to try for another?” snapped Tavi, and Poseidon’s heart dropped to his feet.

Why in the hell did Kiiara think she could challenge Tavi? Yes, he had momentarily been under the Fury’s control, but he would’ve regained the upper hand eventually. He always did where Tavi was concerned. She had tried dozens of times to seduce him and failed.

Kiiara rolled on the ground, holding her head as she screamed out in pain.

“Tell me how much you love this God that will never return your feelings. He will leave you and return to his world, and you will have nothing. It’s pathetic,” Tavi goaded as she crouched on all fours beside Kiiara.

“I don’t love him! Fuck off, you disgusting whore,” Kiiara shouted and rolled to her side, clutching her head.

“Tavi, stop, or else,” Poseidon growled. He had to be careful, or Tavi would detect his feelings for Kiiara, and that would be all the ammunition she’d need to force his surrender.

“Or else, what?” Tavi asked, turning her attention his way.

“Or else I’ll make sure you die in this hellhole that’s been your home for two centuries. You think the curse is ending soon? Try me and find out,” Poseidon roared.

His connections with the Gods reached further than hers, and she knew it. If he were lying, she’d have sensed it.

“I came here looking for answers. I hoped you were an ally, but if you can’t point me in the direction of Hain, I’ll assume we are enemies. It’s up to you,” he professed and placed hands on his hips, standing his ground.

He wanted more than anything to go to Kiiara, but he couldn’t allow Tavi to see his weakness. His mind reeled over the accusation from Tavi regarding Kiiara’s feelings for him. Tavi implied Kiiara loved him. Was Tavi telling the truth or messing with Kiiara’s mind? Did Kiiara love him?

Tavi stood and walked towards him. “I’m not looking to make an enemy of you, Poseidon. I was just having a little fun with your pet. Don’t get your leathers in a twist,” Tavi commented and looked down at his groin. Kiiara finally stopped screaming, and the knot in Poseidon’s chest loosened.

“I’m glad we’re still on the same team. What can you tell me about Hain?” he pressed. He wanted to get the hell out of the Fury’s cave before she changed her mind.

“It’s a rumor more than anything. A few weeks ago, a couple of lost hikers wound up in my lovely home, and I overheard them mentioning a newly discovered race in South America, somewhere along the Amazon river. They said the people had pale skin and hair of seaweed,” Tavi described as Poseidon looked at Kiiara. Kiiara seemed okay, but he would feel better when he could inspect her.

“What else did they say?” Poseidon asked, but his gaze remained on Kiiara.

“Nothing. My stymphalians and I were hungry,” Tavi replied matter-of-factly. Poseidon turned to see the Fury shrug off her admission of murder. For a brief second, Poseidon wondered what Kiiara would think of the Fury’s blasé attitude toward taking a human life.

“We need to go. I’ve got to find Hain before it’s too late,” Poseidon declared and walked over to help Kiiara to her feet.

“If you find the vile merman, tell him we have unfinished business as soon as I’m free,” Tavi called to Poseidon’s back as he led Kiiara to the exit.

As soon as they walked out of the cavern, Kiiara blurted, “What the hell was that all about? You better start talking fast, or my ass is out of here,” Kiiara shouted as she grabbed his arm, spinning him to face her.

Reaching out, he pulled her hard against his flesh. “Right after this,” Poseidon informed her before his lips crashed against hers.

Arousal rushed through his system when their mouths met, and an electrical current sparked between them. His tongue forced its way past her lips, tasting her sugary sweetness. He would never get enough of Kiiara. Tongues tangled and teeth clashed as their heated fervor took control. His hands fumbled underneath her backpack until they found her firm ass and he latched on, pulling her off the ground.

She wrapped legs around his waist and held tight. “This doesn’t let you off the hook,” she murmured between kisses. “I need to know what happened back there.”

“I’ll tell you anything,” Poseidon panted against her mouth, “but first, tell me why Tavi was able to crawl inside your mind.” He broke their kiss and began sucking on the soft flesh of her neck.

“I’m not sure,” Kiiara moaned and wrapped both arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He felt her breasts mash against his chest and his cock jumped, wanting more.

“She implied you’re in love with me,” Poseidon whispered in Kiiara’s ear and felt her shudder in response.

“Well, she’s wrong, Trident-Man,” she replied and groaned when he nibbled her earlobe.

“She’s never wrong, Kiiara. Admit it,” he coaxed and made his way to her lips again.

Pulling away, she shoved against his hold. “God, you’re cocky. Do you honestly think I’d be in love with a man that I met a day ago? Get over yourself and put me down,” she blurted and unlatched her legs from his waist. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she turned and stomped away, adjusting her backpack on her shoulders.

Poseidon chuckled at her obvious irritation. He had hit a nerve. He jogged until he caught up with her. “There’s no reason to be embarrassed. Many women find me irresistible,” he teased and wrapped an arm around her waist and walked beside her.

Kiiara shoved him and increased her pace. “You’re delusional. And, trust me, you’re not irresistible. By the way, thanks for nothing back there. You didn’t even try to help when I was on the ground screaming in agony,” Kiiara spat, and her sky-blue eyes blazed with hatred when she looked his way.

It was a blade to his heart to see her so furious. Reaching out, he grabbed her and stopped her movement. “I couldn’t help you,” he bit out through clenched teeth.

“Why not?” she shouted, and he watched her eyes become glassy from banked emotion. She turned away from his stare, and he gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“Because I couldn’t afford for her to see how much you mean to me,” he declared. The words spilled from his mouth before he could stop them.

Kiiara relaxed in his hold and her mouth opened as if she was going to say something, but then it closed.

They stood for several moments in silence, each waiting for the other to speak. Finally, Poseidon gave in. “Kiiara, I won’t deny my feelings for you. I want you more than I should. But, you’re not a part of my world and never will be. It’s that simple,” he explained and let go of her waist.

He saw the hurt flash in her eyes before she masked it. “I agree. We would never work out. There is an attraction, yes, but we can’t act on it. Ever,” she spat, and the blade sliced deeper into his heart.

A part of him had wished she had said they would find a way. That she had to have him and wanted him as much as he wanted her. But the words never came. Instead, she turned and started walking back to where they’d parked the Jeep.

He followed her in silence until they reached the vehicle. As soon as they were both in their seats, Poseidon turned and met her gaze. She was so incredibly beautiful, and the thought of losing her made his insides twist and knot.

“Do you want to go home? I’d like you to accompany me to South America. I’m still racing against time, but I will take you back first if you wish. It’s up to you,” he said with a shaky voice and held his breath, praying she didn’t accept the offer to go home.

* * *

Kiiara stared at the Greek god. She was torn. Her head knew the best thing for her would be to go back to her life and forget about the past thirty-six hours. Poseidon was nothing but heartache, and she needed to put distance between them. But her heart throbbed at the thought of never seeing him again. Could she walk away?

His sea-green eyes sent a wave of arousal through her body. He had such a hold on her, penetrating something deep in her soul, and, right away, she knew the answer. Walking away was a no, even if staying meant more pain down the road.

“I’ll go with you,” she croaked, and he smiled. God help her, she was in too deep with no life vest to save her from drowning.

Poseidon cranked the Jeep and headed back toward the city. The music on the radio played softly, and Kiiara was lost in thought. He had confirmed his attraction but made it clear it was nothing more. She supposed she should be grateful he didn’t profess love to get her into bed and then leave her high and dry. He was a man of integrity if nothing else.

Hopefully, they could find his trident and part ways on good terms. Poseidon had helped her with Kevin, and she was eternally grateful. Accompanying him was saving valuable time, and that was helpful, albeit a small gesture.

Curious about travel plans, Kiiara turned to ask Poseidon and noticed he looked like he was coming down with something. His tan skin was tinged gray, and she knew that wasn’t a good sign. “Are you okay? You don’t look so good,” she acknowledged and touched his forearm. His skin was blazing hot.

“Remember, the further I get from water, the weaker I become. As soon as we reach the ocean, my body will rejuvenate,” he stated as he kept his eyes on the road.

“That’s right. You did mention that. I didn’t realize it was physically debilitating for you. Will you have the strength to teleport or fly?” Kiiara asked.

“We’ll teleport again, and my strength will come back once I get to the water. Thank you for staying,” Poseidon said and grabbed her hand. His large palm swallowed hers as he twined their fingers.

Her heart melted, but she couldn’t let him know. “I owe you. You saved Kevin, so this is the least I can do,” she clarified and released his hand. Even a simple touch had her wanting him. A lump in her throat threatened to suffocate her if she didn’t get ahold of her emotions.

Swallowing, she half-croaked, “So, what’s the story on Tavi? You two talked about a curse. What did she do to be punished for such a long time?”

“Tavi had an affair with a powerful god. When he wouldn’t leave his wife to be with her, Tavi went to the wife and told her of the affair. Tavi’s lucky she wasn’t beheaded for her actions,” Poseidon explained in a hoarse voice. He wasn’t kidding about needing to get back to water. He looked like he had the flu.

“Oh, I see. And, where does Hain come in?”

“I’m not sure. I’d heard Hain was spending time with Tavi, that’s all. I didn’t know he’d stolen her dagger. Hain is nothing but a common thief, and I’m going to enjoy choking the life from his body when I find him,” Poseidon snarled, and Kiiara saw his hands tighten around the steering wheel.

Kiiara could feel his rage and was compelled to offer comfort. Unable to resist, she reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. His tight muscle relaxed under her palm, and she moved to the base of his neck, massaging the area. Poseidon moved his head to the side, allowing her more access to the area.

Kiiara continued rubbing, and it seemed to calm him. Her thoughts skipped down the sensual path, and she imagined him naked on a bed while she massaged every inch of his muscular body before she straddled his waist, every glorious inch filling her. How incredible it would be to have him satisfy her cravings.

Shaking off her fantasy, she pulled her hand away when she realized Poseidon was half-asleep behind the wheel. As soon as she removed her hand, his eyes popped open, and he swerved to straighten the Jeep.

“Sorry about that. Your touch is nothing short of magical,” Poseidon admitted and looked Kiiara’s way. Sea-green orbs she had come to love, and hate, twinkled with mirth.

Kiiara smiled at the comment. “You haven’t seen half of what these babies can do,” she joked and held up her hands, wiggling her fingers at him.

Poseidon barked a laugh. “Such a tease,” he said and grabbed one of her hands. Bringing it to his lips, he tenderly kissed her fingers while staring seductively at her.

“Oh, who’s the tease now, Flirty-Boy,” she razzed, but didn’t pull her hand from his this time. When he twined their fingers, she allowed it.

There was an undeniable bond between them that deepened as they spent more time together. The pull to Poseidon was like nothing Kiiara’d felt before and feared she’d never feel again. He rubbed a thumb across her hand, and it sparked electricity that shot to her core.

Kiiara knew time was critical for Poseidon to retrieve his trident but she also knew that when he did, their time together would end.

As much as she wanted him to retrieve his weapon, part of her hoped the sand continued to fall through the hourglass so she could be with him long as possible.