Free Goddess of Legend (Demi-God Daughters) by Erin Ashley Tanner Page B

matter how much she liked H, she was still too afraid to get involved with anyone. The fear of having her heart broken again was almost paralyzing. She longed for someone to love her , for someone to be there. But she was too afraid to take
    the next step. Besides, what man was really going to stick around when he discovered she could communicate with the dead? It was better for her to end whatever was going on with her and H before either of them got hurt. She moved out of his arms and sat up. His eyes flew open seeking hers. There was a bemused smile on his face.
    “Good morning, beautiful,” he said lazily.
    “I think we should talk,” she said cutting right to the chase.
    “Okay. I’m all ears.”
    “What happened between us was extraordinary. You made me feel like I was special , and I will always treasure that.”
    “But?” H asked prodding.
    “I’m a mess right now. My sister was killed in an accident yesterday. That’s why I was at the bar last night. It’s also why I brought you home with me. I wanted to forget about my pain.”
    “I can sense your heartache. I would never want to do anything to add to it.”
    “You’re not. You’ve been so sweet. Any other guy would’ve probably run away as fast as he could if he woke up next to a hysterical female.”
    “I’m not like most guys . What is it, Cameryn? Tell me.”
    “I think it’s best if we don’t see each other again.”
    “I see.”
    “I’m not trying to hurt you. It’s just I have a lot to deal with right now , and I can’t devote myself to a relationship. I’m sorry.”
    H looked at her with sadness in his eyes. She could see that she’d hurt him. Now she was feeling like a real bitch. She could be letting a really good man slip away because of her issues. Cameryn felt her breath catch in her throat as his jaw tense , and he looked at her with an unreadable expression on his face.
    “What if I want a relationship with you?” he asked quietly.
    “I can’t, H.”
    “If you weren’t grieving for your sister would you consider giving us a chance?”
    “I’m not sure,” she said honestly.
    “You’d give anything to have your sister back , wouldn’t you?”
    “Of course I would. Anything. But death is final,” Cameryn said climbing out bed and grabbing her robe.
    “No, it isn’t. You can have your sister back.”
    “Are you out of your mind? Deena’s dead, and nothing can bring her back,” Cameryn said as tears started rolling down her face.
    “I can.”
    “You can’t. Nobody can. Just go … please.”
    “Not until you listen to me,” he said getting out of bed and walking over to her.
    Cameryn tried to ignore his nakedness as he stood in front of her.
    “I know this is going to be hard for you to believe, but I’m not really human. I’m Hades, the Lord of the Underworld , and I can give you back your sister,” he said softly touching her face.
    Cameryn laughed. A deep bellyaching laugh. He was out of his mind. Trust her to pick up a crazy one night stand. What a waste.
    “Listen , H, or whoever the hell you are, I’m not sure if you bumped your head or something, but clearly you have some mental issues. I really think you should go now.”
    “Cameryn , I can assure you that I’m in complete control of my mental faculties, and I’m more than willing to prove it you,” he said smiling.
    “Go ahead. Knock yourself out,” Cameryn said now fully convinced her dream lover was certifiable.
    She crossed her arms and watched as he closed his eyes. He seemed to be concentrating hard. Cameryn couldn’t stop the gasp that came from her throat as she watched his naked body become magically swathed in black robes. She blinked rapidly, just to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. Nope. He was still standing in front of her wearing dark black robes. She started to shake when she saw a bright blue light surround him. When he opened his eyes and stared at her, she could see flames dancing in his eyes.
    “Okay.