Ares' Temptation by Aubrie Dionne Page A

her.
    Kaye’s mood suddenly grew serious. “Why are you here?”
    Ares paused. He would not lie to her. He had to find a way to convince her he wanted to stay for the right reasons. “Because you asked me to come.” There. That was the partial truth.
    She glanced down as if she’d wanted a different answer, and he wished he could give her more. She deserved a man who pursued her for her, not because of some ulterior motive. He reminded himself of the threat to the throne. His first duty was to his people and his legion. The only way back to them was through Kaye.
    Ares stood and offered his hand. “Come, let’s return to the hotel. We have some celebrating to do, remember?”

Chapter Twelve
    Tables Turned
    Kaye’s imagination ran wild as she followed Ares back to the hotel. She could think of a few of her own ways to celebrate, and she had even less willpower to resist him than the previous night. He’d helped her win the game of her life and stayed despite his family’s requests. He was doing so much for her; his sacrifices had to be because he wanted to pursue a relationship. What other reason could he possibly have?
    So what was holding her back?
    They went straight to their room. Kaye’s fingers shook as she swiped the security card through the door. Could she go through with this?
    Ares sat on the couch and took off his sandals. He wore the blue Nike t-shirt and orange shorts she’d found at Goodwill. He looked even better in them than she thought he would, his broad biceps pulling against the shirt as though they’d tear the fabric if he flexed.
    So manly. So hot.
    “Come, sit beside me.” He patted the couch.
    Kaye wore her bikini underneath a throw-over beach dress made of fish netting. It was a little skimpier than her normal outfits, but she was feeling more confident and bold than she’d ever felt in her life. She sat beside him, leaving a few inches in between.
    He took both her hands in his, and her pulse quickened. “I want to teach you how we celebrate a victory on Mount Olympus.”
    Kaye nodded, her interest piqued. “I’d like to learn.”
    “Good.” He squeezed her hands. “There’s a song of glory we sing after battles. I’ll sing the first verse, and then we’ll sing it together.”
    Kaye’s stomach went from eager anticipation to disbelief along with a tinge of disappointment. Sing? Really? That was it?
    He took a deep breath.
    “Fortune graces us this night
    As the fires of war burn gold and bright
    We wash the blood from muddied hands
    And celebrate our triumph in these lands.”
    His voice was silky and deep, resonating in her gut. Naked sincerity and piety rang in his tone. This was something sacred to him, and he shared the tradition with her. As much as she thought “celebrating” would entail something a little steamier, she had to give this her full effort. He’d done something important for her today, and now it was time for her to do something for him.
    Kaye memorized the words then began the song, her voice an octave higher than his. She’d never been a great singer, but she could hold the pitch. His voice complemented hers. With his bass providing support, her high voice sounded sweeter than it ever had before.
    She learned the entire song, and they sang it once all together. Singing the words of each verse along with the melancholy cadence in the music summoned a calming tranquility which rolled over her. She thought of all the victories shared by warriors, by soldiers, and even by teammates.
    As they sang, they bonded on a different plane than if they’d done anything physical. This went beyond their bodies, to their souls.
    The song ended, and their voices tapered away.
    “Thank you for teaching me.” Kaye spoke breathlessly, still transported by the music.
    He smiled. “Only a true warrior appreciates the meaning, and you have done so tonight.”
    They sat together in silence. Kaye leaned toward him, wanting him to hold her in his arms and run his hands