The Goddess (14 page)

Tahlia smiled softly. “As long as it’s nothing serious.”

Helene couldn’t reply. It couldn’t get more serious than this.

Tahlia returned to the door. “I’ll leave you to rest.”

“We were discussing just now,” Darius cut in, “whether you might like to join us for
supper.”

Tahlia’s chin rose. “I’ve already made plans.”

With Otis
, Helene presumed.

Understanding, too, Darius angled his head and surrendered to a small smile. “Bring
him along.”

Tahlia’s expression froze in amazement. Then, eyes glistening, her smile grew until
she was beaming. “I’ll go tell him now.”

Halfway out the door, she raced back, threw her arms around her brother’s waist, and
then bounded out of the room. While Darius crossed to shut the door his sister had
left wide open, all Helene could think was that she wanted to hug him, too.

“You’ve made her so happy,” she said.

He crossed over to where she sat and drew her to her feet. His thumbs stroked the
tops of her hands as his gaze roamed her face.

“Guess you can’t fight a rising tide.” His expression sobered. “We have a lot of changes
to get our heads around.”

She sighed. “Just a few.”

He tasted her lips, and then tasted them again. “We need to make one straight away.”

“What’s that?”

“The one about you moving in with me permanently. Tonight we sleep in my bed.”

…

Darius accompanied Helene down the wide hall that led to his private quarters, which
was a larger, grander version of her former accommodation. As soon as the main door
was locked behind them, he gathered her close. His mouth dropping to hers, he claimed
the kiss he’d yearned to take.

The doctor’s verdict had been a confirmation of what he seemed to have already known
somewhere deep inside. As the days had ticked by, he’d come to believe—and then accept—that
their first night together had resulted in something more permanent. A baby. His child.

He’d decided if that were indeed the case, he could only accept his fate. And now,
holding Helene again, recalling the doctor’s words announcing she was healthy and
a mother-to-be, he felt remarkably calm and, in some respects, even lucky. This past
year, since his father’s death, he’d pondered the idea of finding a suitable wife.
Now the choice had been made for him.

He wondered what the public reaction to their news would be. But in his heart he knew
she would be loved. Helene might be worried about taking up such a public role; it
was only natural. But this past week when they’d dined at Alexio’s taverna and had
stopped to speak with people on the street, he saw the approval in their eyes. Helene
was articulate and witty and possessed a caring nature that anyone who met her couldn’t
ignore.

Now he eased down the zip at her back. She lowered her arms from around his neck long
enough to let the dress fall past her hips to the floor. Then she released his buttons.
Once he’d shucked off the shirt, he swept her up off her feet and headed for his private
bedchamber.

With late afternoon sun slanting in through sheer curtains, she would be able to see
the room as he usually kept it. His bed was made up with an array of black and silver-threaded
cushions strewn over the heavy cover. Non-urgent paperwork and several novels lay
spread on a desktop. A cabinet housed sport trophies he’d garnered over the years.

And to the left, in an alcove all her own, the goddess waited.

When Helene’s gaze landed on the figurine, Darius felt her start before she shivered
with, he guessed, excitement.

“I got used to having her around,” he said.

“So she’s out in the open for good?”

“For now.”

He wanted to get back to what they’d been doing, but Helene’s attention was fixed
firmly on figurine now. “How do you hide her from the staff?”

Setting Helene on her feet, he moved across to the alcove and flicked a hidden switch.
A mini velvet curtain closed in front of the alcove and a wooden cabinet automatically
whirred around to shut her in. He flicked the switch again and the curtain and doors
slid back open.

She clasped her hands under her chin. “Genius.”

He’d crossed back and picked up where they’d left off. His mouth took hers again while
his palms sculpted over her curves, and she clung to his shirt and his kiss. When
they came up for air, her gaze was smoky. Her arms were around his neck, and she filed
her fingertips through his hair.

“If we were to believe in her powers, they’d be wasted on us.”

The figurine’s powers?

“Maybe not wasted rather than already worked.”

He unsnapped the clasp at her back and dropped a kiss against her perfumed throat
as the bra loosened, and her bare breasts pressed against him.

“Do you honestly think that she had anything to do with what happened that first night?”

“Don’t know.” Nuzzling her neck, he reached up to cup her breast. “But I sure feel
some kind of magic working on me right now.”

He kissed her again, deeply and slowly, and then they shed the rest of their clothes
before he led her to his bed. He tossed off the cushions, threw the heavy cover aside,
and lay back on the cool sheet before tugging her down. She straddled him, her open
thighs draped over his. For a long drugging moment, he drank in the vision of her—the
pert pink tips of breasts, the slender sweep of her waist and, for the time being,
her flat belly.

He gripped her hips and combed both thumbs lower until they stroked the flesh high
inside of her thighs. When he rubbed that moist soft seam, she sighed, gently shuddered,
and then moved with his every stroke. He liked the way she gave herself over completely
to him. He loved the humming noises she made and the sensations she whipped up inside
of him.

If she weren’t pregnant, he wouldn’t have asked her to marry him. She’d have gone
home, and he’d have focused on trying to always make the wise choices. He’d have taken
the safest route. But now, with this done and all but settled, he couldn’t deny that
he could do worse than spend the rest of his life with this woman.

Without the need for protection, he eased inside of her. The thought of only him filling
her…the feel of his rigid, unsheathed flesh sliding inside left her snatching down
a breath. Then he began to move—long, penetrating, perfect strokes. Her fingers knotted
in his hair as her pelvis tilted toward his, and she rocked along with him. With the
muted sunlight casting a glow over the room, over her, he gave himself over to the
sensations already igniting through his blood. When she arched back, he pushed himself
up until they sat front to front, her legs curled around him.

She draped her arms around his neck and, eyes closed, rotated her hips while his mouth
made love to her breasts. Her head tilted back and her movements grew deeper, more
urgent. He held on to her thighs, grasping her firmly, guiding her, concentrating
on the smell of her skin and the throb in his loins.

When her climax hit, she stiffened and arched back before pitching forward. He fell
against the bed and brought her down on top of him. Her knees dug into his sides as
her contractions and hips continued to roll. His eyes clamping shut, he braced himself
against the sudden push, the urge to let go.

When she began to slow, he clasped her waist and rocked her himself. He waited until
he was mouth-wateringly close before flipping her over.

With her settling into the sheet beneath him, he studied her face and thought of all
the years they had ahead of them, enjoying each other this way as a married couple,
as a husband and wife with one baby and more on the way.

That’s when his orgasm exploded. A sweat broke out down his back and behind his knees.
He’d enjoyed being with Helene before, but never like this.

As the heat jetting through his veins gradually lost its edge, Helene’s eyelids fluttered
opened, and she released a dreamy contented smile. And in that moment, Darius saw
something different in her. Gathering her in, he tenderly kissed her smile, each side,
top and bottom.

“So, what’s your answer?”

She laughed. “That’s not fair.”

He nuzzled one side of her neck. “I won’t let you go until I know.”

She shimmied beneath him. “Who said I wanted you to let me go?”

He shifted to search her eyes. No more games. “Will you marry me, Helene?”

Her face flooded with emotion. “Do you really think you could get used to having me
around?”

He grinned. “I’ll suffer.”

She eased out a breath and slanted her head into the pillow. “Do you think we’ll be
happy, Darius?”

He pressed a lingering kiss to her brow. “I think we’ll be very happy.”

She blinked several times as if working to contain ten different emotions clashing
in all at once. Then, a sheen coming over her eyes, she pressed her lips together
and finally nodded yes.

Chapter Fourteen

“You and Helene are getting
married
?”

As Tahlia glanced between Darius and her, Helene wasn’t sure if the tears rushing
to her future sister-in-law’s eyes were due to happiness or shock. Darius, on the
other hand, was remarkably composed.

They stood in a formal drawing room. Otis was expected to arrive soon. When Darius
had said he wanted to tell Tahlia about their decision to marry tonight, Helene had
said it wasn’t the right time. They certainly had monumental news to share, but this
evening ought to be all about the younger couple, particularly Otis being acknowledged
and, in some ways, invited into the fold.

But Darius had been firm. When Tahlia found out she would soon be an auntie, the rift
between brother and sister would magically mend. Helene wasn’t certain the evening
would play out that way.

“We’ll make the official announcement soon,” Darius said. “In the next week or two.
Three at the outside.”

Tahlia audibly swallowed a sharp breath as if suddenly finding enough air was impossible.

“But this is all so fast. You’ve always been so stubborn about taking your time with
important decisions…” Tahlia blinked, then her dark-blue eyes shone with understanding.
She turned to Helene. “The doctor earlier…”

Darius cleared his throat. “That’s the other thing.”

“Helene, are you going to have a baby?”

With an arm around her waist, Darius brought Helene close. “We thought you should
be the first to know.”

Tahlia’s shock melted. She threw her arms around Darius, then gave Helene an equally
big hug.

“I’m so happy for you both. I’ll have to tell all my friends. Have you thought about
names?”

Darius sent Helene a quick look.
Told you so.

“We haven’t discussed names,” he said. “And keep it under your hat for the time being.
We need to make our other formal announcement first.”

“But I can tell Otis, can’t I? I’ll burst if I don’t.”

Darius pasted on a smile. “You can tell Otis. I’m sure he’ll appreciate we need to
keep this in the family.”

Tahlia’s face lit up even more and she gave him another hug. “This is a perfect night.”

As Tahlia drew away, Darius’s smile appeared benevolent but also tight. “Just so you
know, none that this means I condone you two kids doing anything silly.”

“What would you call silly?”

“I’m merely saying there’s plenty of time for…other things.”

Tahlia’s gaze hardened. “Oh, Darius, why don’t you just say it? You don’t want Otis
and me to have sex.”

Darius’s arm slid out from around Helene’s back. “There’s a lot to consider.”

“I don’t like to point it out,” Tahlia said, “but I’m not the one who needs to get
married.”

Helene cringed while Darius’s jaw tightened. “Then let me point out that I’m a lot
older than you.”

“And Helene? She’s not that much older.”

“We didn’t plan this.” Darius explained, “These things…happen.”

“As long as they don’t happen to me.” Her face stony, Tahlia crossed her arms. “At
least Otis and I love each other.”

Helene remained calm as the debate heated up. She’d been about to step in a couple
of points ago. But how could she argue with Tahlia’s last shot?

She and Darius had good reason to marry. They agreed their child deserved two devoted
parents, and they weren’t incompatible. But he’d never confessed his love. Truth was,
if not for this pregnancy, she would be on her way by now. Given how devoted Tahlia
was to Otis, and how devoted he obviously was to her, why wouldn’t his sister be upset?

Darius was speaking again, telling Tahlia that a lot more than love went into the
recipe to create a solid relationship. Tahlia wasn’t impressed. Helene was left a
little cold, too.

Tahlia finally threw up her hands and strode out onto the balcony.

“She’s right, you know,” Helene said. “If we have a good enough reason to be together,
she and Otis do, too.”

“Surely you’re not talking about marriage?”

“I only know they’re in love. They want to be together. And you just made us sound
like…
ingredients.”

One part imminent parenthood. One part obligation.

His voice was low, his expression concerned. “We’ve been through this. You know how
I feel about you.”

Other than physical compatibility, and the fact she was carrying his child…

She shrugged. “I’m not sure I do.” She glanced at the opened balcony doors. “I’ll
go speak with her. Otis will be here soon. Just try not to say anything to upset him
before we get back.”

“I have no intention of upsetting him. I asked Otis tonight to open up communication.”

“Then, for everyone’s sakes, make sure you have your listening ears on.”

Out in the night air, her mouth set in a grim line, Tahlia kept her steamed gaze on
the view. “You should leave. I’m not the best company right now.”

“I don’t blame you.”

Tahlia grudgingly glanced across and, looking puzzled, slanted her head. “You understand?”

“More than you can imagine.”

“But you’re marrying my brother.” Her slim nostrils flared as she cast her gaze away
again. “You have what you want.”

Helene bristled. She might feel bad for Tahlia’s situation, but she didn’t deserve
that. Still, she kept her words low and calm. She wanted to help.

“I never set out to land Darius and fling him down the nearest aisle. I liked my life
just the way it was. I had things I wanted to do…that I might still do. But we’re
having a baby so it seems I’ll be staying on. I hope you and I can continue to be
friends.”

Tahlia slumped against the rail. “Oh, Helene, I’m not angry with you. But I could
strangle
him
. Darius shoves all these must-do’s down my throat then changes the rules for himself.”

“We haven’t made this decision lightly. And he’s trying to be understanding. He invited
Otis tonight, didn’t he?” She sent over a sympathetic smile. “Give him a chance.”

“I’m a woman with feelings and desires. And options. I feel as if Otis is the only
one who really knows who I am. What’s inside of me,
here
.”

When a small fist tapped the left side of Tahlia’s beaded bodice, an old memory trace
lit and the oddest feeling swept over Helene. Reaching for the railing, she patted
her flushed cheek.

In a heartbeat, Tahlia was beside her, holding her free hand. “Is it the baby? Should
I get Darius?”

“I just had the weirdest flash. Snatches of talks I’ll have with my daughter when
she’s older. They’ll be the same conversations I had with my mother, about how she
didn’t understand me, only in reverse. Like your disagreements now with your brother.”

Nestling a palm over her belly, Helene softly smiled. “Funny. My mom could be so overbearing.
Micromanaging, trying to make her decisions my choices because she thought she knew
best. And, know what? More than a few times she did.”

Tahlia’s brow pinched. “You say that now because you need to be on your fiancé’s side.”

“If we get married and have this child together, yes, Darius and I will need to be
a team. But that doesn’t mean I won’t have opinions of my own. I’m not made that way.”

“Neither am I. I have a mind. I know what I will and will not accept.”

Helene leaned in. “Can you keep a secret?” Eyes growing wide, Tahlia nodded. “I’m
scared about the engagement announcement. About a huge wedding. I didn’t think I’d
be tying the knot for a lot longer yet. And the guy I’m marrying isn’t exactly Joe
Smith from next door.”

“Darius will make a good husband. He’s been a good brother.” Tahlia allowed a grin.
“Not that I want you to tell him that.”

“Can you keep that in mind, at least for tonight? This meeting will be hard enough
on Otis and Darius as it is.”

Tahlia raised herself up and, fences partway mended, they moved back inside just as
Otis was ushered in. He wore a dark suit and tie with black, mirror-polished shoes.
His expression was somber until he saw Tahlia hurry over. Then his green eyes lit
up.

When Tahlia stood beside him, Otis remembered himself, found that mask again and bowed
in greeting.

“Your Highness.”

“There’s no need to be so formal here, Otis.” Tahlia threaded an arm through his.
“You can call my brother by his Christian name.”

Otis looked to Darius for permission. Helene let out her breath when he nodded and
smiled.

A subdued whine drew everyone’s attention. In a far corner, beneath a splendid monster-sized
mural, Ajax sat, dutifully waiting. Helene sometimes saw Ajax walking alongside Otis,
making their way to the stables or, perhaps, to meet Tahlia in a secret place the
younger woman had confided about to Helene. As Ajax asked permission to be included
in the welcome, Darius denied the request with a look then crossed to a carafe positioned
nearby.

Helene heaved out a sigh.
Men and their pride.

“Would anyone care for wine?” Darius asked.

With his shoulders squared, Otis came forward. “Thank you…Darius.”

The men spoke about horses while the ladies threw in a comment or two. It seemed Otis
had a favorite he was grooming for international dressage contests.

“She’s a beauty,” Tahlia said, sticking to Otis’s side, “Dark and gentle and smart.
Bred from one of Father’s champions.”

“She has potential,” Otis added modestly. “She can be fidgety in the ring. At times,
she can be easily spooked. She just needs a gentle hand to remind her she’s doing
well.”

Darius sipped and nodded. “I remember when your father was in charge. His pet hobby
was dressage. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

While interactions between the two males appeared to progress, tension rippled beneath
the surface…Darius’s backhanded compliment about Otis’s “hobby”…Otis standing with
his feet shoulder-width apart as if bracing for a fight. Tahlia felt the vibes, too.
She stroked Otis’s arm in the way she must have seen him sooth and reassure his horses.

Dinner was announced. In an adjoining room, they each took a seat at the table. Darius,
of course, sat at the head.

“Where do you plan to show this horse of ours, Otis?” he asked, reaching for the fresh
crusty bread placed on his side plate.

“Germany has one of the finest circuits.”

“How long does the season run?”

“I’m a ways from confirming anything.”

“I suppose if you were away for any length of time you’d need to find a replacement
here.”

“Every member of my team does an excellent job. But right now I don’t intend leaving
my post,” Otis hesitated, adding “not for any great length of time anyway.”

“I’m only thinking,” Darius went on, “if we get this horse in shape quickly, a stint
in Germany might fit in nicely with Tahlia making some headway with a degree.”

“If Otis goes to Germany,” Tahlia said, “I’ll be going with him.”

Darius’s dark eyes narrowed, the heat in the room spiraled up a few dangerous degrees,
and, wanting to diffuse the situation, Helene chirped in.

“I’ve visited Germany. Gorgeous scenery. The castles are amazing.”

“London has some amazing architecture, too,” Darius replied.

“And one day, I’ll see London again,” Tahlia said. “When I’m ready.”

Helene withered in her seat. She might have her opinions, but now wasn’t the time
to voice them. From the stony look on Otis’s face and the straight set of Darius’s
mouth, any more opening of communication lines would be a mistake.

Obviously thinking the same, Otis put his napkin on the table and pinned his gaze
on his host. “I appreciate this invitation,” he said, “but in the best interests of
everyone here, I should go.”

Tahlia gripped his hand and got to her feet. “If you go, I go.”

Otis spoke softly. “You stay. He’s family.”

“I don’t care,” Tahlia muttered.

Cupping Tahlia’s cheek, Otis gave her an appeasing smile. “We’ll work this out. I
promise.”

When she cupped his cheek, too, Otis slanted his head enough to brush a gentle kiss
on her inside wrist. He said, “Excuse me,” and crossed to the gold-trimmed towering
door with an even but firm gait. He was halfway out the door when Darius shot to his
feet and Helene shrank further more.

God save them all if he came out with something that smacked of authority. The fires
Otis had managed to douse would flare again, and this time Tahlia wouldn’t stay behind.

Darius called Otis’s name. About to close the door behind him, the younger man angled
stiffly around. Darius lifted his chin.

“I’d like you to stay,” he said, and then added, “Please.”

Helene almost laughed; she was so relieved. As Otis relented and returned to the table,
she placed a palm below her belt. Darius might be practical but he was also capable
of compromise and deep devotion.

Otis was right.

Two steps forward, one step back. Eventually, this would all work out.