157 I want you (2/2)

Poseidon nodded. ”There is a lot of history in this room, that is to be sure.” He arched a brow. ”But I'm surprised to find the two of you so... studious... when your sister and brothers have always sought other interests behind these doors.” Poseidon said sending his son and Jos a devilish grin.

Arei pushed up from the floor and held his hand out for Jos. When she took it, he pulled her to her feet. When he was satisfied, he turned his attention back to his father. ”As you can see, we are using it for its intended purpose. So, what brings you here? I hope it wasn't in the hopes of catching us in a compromising state.” He narrowed his eyes at his father.

Poseidon held up his hands in surrender. ”Never son!” A wicked smile curved his handsome face. ”I'd never stoop so low as that to get something I wanted.”

Arei arched a brow, ”Oh really? I'm sure you wouldn't... indeed...” He turned to Jos taking her hand in his. ”What do you say we head back to my room and pack.”

Poseidon called out as they neared the door. ”Oh, I did stop by to see if you would stay for dinner this evening. It won't be anything too extravagant, but I thought Atlantis should show the two of you off properly.”

Arei gritted his teeth before pasting on a fake smile and turning back to his father. ”Sure, father, we'd be delighted. Although, you may need to have something sent up for my date tonight. I don't believe she packed anything that would live up to your NOT extravagant dinner party tastes.”

Poseidon laughed as he waved them off. ”No problem, I'll have something delivered to your room in a few hours.” His eyes burned with mischief as he added, ”That should give the two of you plenty of time to bathe and rest up.” He winked at his son.

Arei shot a concerned glance down at Jos. ”I'm sure it will.” He gritted out. ”Now if you'd excuse us.”

Poseidon gave them a sly smile as he stepped out of the way of the door, his eyes traveling from where Arei's hand rested protectively on the small of her back to where her hands clung to the front of his son's linen shirt. ”Why don't you come see me in my study while the servants are getting this beauty ready this evening.” There was no question, only orders. ”I would like to go over some things with you before your departure... and before the ball begins...”

Arei nodded as he gave his father a suspicious glare. ”I assume you refer to some of your guest list?”

Poseidon only smiled as he held the door open for the two to pass through. Once they had made it into the main library, he called out to Jos. ”Until tonight, my dear.”

Once they were out of the library and going down the now familiar halls to the room they'd been sharing, Jos asked. ”What was that about?”

Arei let out an irritated groan. ”That was my father letting me know, with no subtilty, that he knows we share a bath and do... other... things...”

She tilted her head up at him. ”And?”

He let out another groan, ”I fear he may be threatening to use that information against one or both of us.”

She stopped, tugging his hand until he stopped as well. ”What do you mean? Why would he do that?”

Arei studied her features for a long time before finally answering. ”To force us together whether it's what we want or not. It's not considered proper for unwed individuals to do the things we do, Kitten.”

Her head tilted to the other side, ”But... but why would he do that?” Her brows furrowed, ”Besides... isn't that what you want, too? For us to be together, after my last hearing?” Worry and confusion colored her words.

He brought her hand up to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. ”It is, but I want it to be our choice... not his forcing hand.”

”Oh...” She nodded and turned back toward the hallway. Her brows knitting together as she tried to work out the meaning of what he was saying. A thought occurred to her. ”That doesn't mean you want to stop our baths and...” Her cheeks flushed, ”and... the other stuff... do you?”

Caught off guard by her question, Arei's eyes shot down to hers. He couldn't help the laugh that burst past his lips. ”I'd rather turn myself into an Eunuch than stop either of those activities.” His lips parted in a mischievous smile. ”I am still only a man, after all.”