Аполлион

Aiden nodded.

I shuddered.

“You’re so fierce.” He came to stand before me, cocking his head to the side as he placed the tips of his fingers on my chin. “And so brave, but spiders send you into a fit.”

“Those spiders were twice the size of Rottweilers, Aiden. They were not normal spiders.”

“Still, spiders,” he murmured, lowering his head. His lips brushed mine. The gentle sweep was all too quick, but powerful. “But if you take off your clothes, I’m sure I can get them dry.”

My eyes went wide. “Wow. Are you trying to get me naked?”

His silvery gaze met mine. “Do you really need me to answer that?”

A hot, sweet flush stole across my cheeks. When he was like this—open, flirty, and downright sexy—I was at my lamest. I wasn’t used to this side of him. I don’t think I ever would be, and there was something thrilling in that. But I stared at him, caught between the images playing out in my head and the very real manstanding before me.

Aiden chuckled. “You should see yourself right now.”

Snapping out of it, I hoped my expression now looked like Alex the Sex Goddess and not Alex the Spaz. “What do I look like?”

His grin was small and secretive. “Cute.”

“Cute?”

“Mmm hmm.” He prowled toward the edges of the cavern, searching the shadows for gods know what. “But seriously, if you get out of those clothes, I can dry them.”

But I’d be totally naked. There was no need for me to be shy around him, but something about that, here…

He took off the cloak and shrugged off the backpack. As if he read my mind, he raised his brow. “I packed two blankets. They’re not much, but they’re big enough to cover you.”

My lips spread into a smile. Yep, Aiden thought of everything. “You’re awesome.”

The look he cast over his shoulder said he knew. “I know the clothes are bothering you.”

“Are not.” The last thing I wanted was to be whiny and weak in front of Aiden.

His gaze dropped. “They’re not?”

“Yeah…” My gaze followed his to where I was scratching at my hip. I stilled. “Okay. They are bothering me.”

“Delicate skin?” He stalked over, then knelt and unzipped the bag.

I stared at his wet, dark curls as he rummaged through the bag. “Yep, I have sensitive skin. Did you pack any lotion?”

“No,” he laughed. “But we have some trail mix.”

“Yum.”

“Also some mixed nuts…”

“Double yum.”

“And some water.” He tipped his chin up, eyes dancing. “Sorry. I couldn’t pack a McDonald’s for you.”

“Well, no one’s perfect.”

Aiden laughed again. Gods, I loved that deep, husky sound, and I’d never grow tired of hearing it. Not too long ago, Aiden hadn’t laughed enough. So every time he did, I cherished it like a most prized possession.

He placed the blanket on a dry spot and then stood. “I’ll go check the entrance just to make sure we’re okay for the night.”

I nodded, and he turned without a word, disappearing back into the crack in the wall.

Feeling oddly giddy, considering where I was, I turned to the pool. Just thinking about slipping into the warm water had my chilled, dirty skin begging.

But Aiden so wouldn’t approve.

Tugging off the cloak, I kicked off my boots, eyeing the water like it was a slab of filet. If the water was dangerous, it surely would’ve peeled the skin off my finger by now or have me running around, squawking like a chicken. Mind made up, I quickly stripped down and slipped my toes into the water. I sighed as the pool frothed and bubbled, and carefully made my way down the natural steps. Water lapped and fizzled at my hips as I moved further out. Warmth, heady and pleasant, seeped through my skin, into my muscles. It didn’t sting the numerous bruises or cuts—if anything, the water seemed to soothe them. The soft, seductive scent appeared to soothe the dull ache in my temples, too.

In the middle of the spring, the water reached just below my chest, but my presence stirred the water and the white-tipped foam reached my collarbone, bubbling around the talisman.

Closing my eyes, I let out a low breath. The water felt too good. I could stay in here all night, feeling the little bubbles teasing my toes, sliding up my legs.

It was heaven in the Underworld.

I smiled, thinking Hades had the good stuff when it came to spas and relaxation.

“Alex…”

Aiden’s voice pulled me out of my musings. I glanced over my shoulder, smiling sheepishly. “I couldn’t resist. Sorry.”

He didn’t look angry. Surprisingly, he didn’t look exasperated either. I couldn’t say he looked thrilled either, but…

Oh…

Aiden looked hungry.

My breath hitched in my throat, and it took me a few tries to find my voice. “Is everything clear outside the cave?”

Eyes hooded, he nodded.

I bit my lip. Of course it was fine. We were safe for the night, but resting wasn’t on my mind. What waswas wholly inappropriate and I seriously had my priorities mixed up, but we were facing the unknown. This trip was dangerous and both of us could be hurt. Worse yet, Aiden could die.