Chapter 303 - A Beautiful Web (1/2)
”I wish I could tell you your concerns are unjust, but the simple truth of the matter is your brother has finally gathered the power he needs to see you dethroned.” Selene bit back the rest of her thoughts on the matter as she found herself yet again regretting making a deal with the god of gods in the first place. Her thoughts moved to her dear brother. {My poor Helios... You were set up and punished all because you were loved more... worshipped more...}
Zeus sent her a sharp glare. ”What are you thinking? I know those tears in your eyes are not on my account.”
She swallowed down her thoughts of her beloved brother and the many sorrows that accompanied them. She turned her attention to the setting sun over the horizon in the distance. ”I was only thinking of how disappointed in me you must be...”
He rubbed his thick white beard thoughtfully before a wicked smile curved his lips. He closed the distance between them in four wide steps taking her face in his hands as he neared her. ”Is that so? There are still some things you can do to mend the situation... Don't you think?”
She could feel the color drain from her face as his steely eyes burned into hers. ”W... what would you have me do?”
***
”Alright, kids, have fun!” Peg said as he walked toward the glass double doors of the beautiful Ellyz cafe. A pink drink tray and a pink bag containing his and Andy's breakfast hung from the opposite arm as he waved goodbye.
Jaden shook her head in amazement. ”I still can't believe he is THE Pegasus... or that Andy is actually short for Andromeda AND they're married... I'm not all that familiar with Greek mythology, but I don't believe I've ever heard of any such tales.”
”No, there's really not a lot about any of Poseidon's kids. Even as well known as Ry is, there isn't much you can find out about him online...” Russ said thinking back to all the searches he'd done in the past. He shrugged. ”I'm sure there's a reason... I just don't know what it is.” He rubbed his chin as he stepped closer to her and glanced over her shoulder to the menu she held. ”Decided on something yet?”
”Hum... I believe I have.” She turned her attention to the barista. ”I'll have the eggs benedict with salmon... and a water...” She turned her attention back to Russ.
He sent her a warm smile before turning to the barista. ”I'll have the bacon omelette, hold the toast, the maple and fruit pancakes, an Americano... and a pink cappuccino for my lovely bride-to-be.” He grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on the knuckles of her left hand drawing the barista's attention to the large engagement ring. His smile widened as a blush brightened her cheeks. He guided her to a wall of cushioned seats under a ceiling of hanging Wisteria. Once they'd sat down. ”Peg helped me plan our trip last night. He said to be sure to showcase our upcoming nuptials that the locals eat that kind of thing up and even give out free treats or better seats sometimes.”
”Oh... I see...” She said, a heavy blush still heating her cheeks and ears.
He scooted close to her as he set his phone on the table between them. He pulled up the map Peg had helped him pin. ”Here are the places we'll be going. If you want to stop anywhere in between just say so. The only place that is time-specific will be dinner tonight, but that's not until seven. From here there's no more than a mile between any of the locations, so we should be able to walk it all easily.” He was still clicking on images of the places he'd selected for them when their food was placed on the table. ”Thank you. Oh man, this looks great. I'm beyond hungry!”
She giggled as he began to dig in. ”I had suspected as much when you ordered so much.”
He sent her a crooked smile around a large bite of pancakes. ”What can I say, I'm used to American portions.” He cut off another smaller chunk of the pancakes, stabbing some fruit with it. ”Here, you have to try these.”
Jaden could feel the heat return to her cheeks as she cautiously opened her mouth. Her eyes widened. ”Oh wow, they are good!”
”For sure! Here try this next.” He said as he brought a fork full of the bacon and eggs to her mouth.
She didn't resist the bite but turned away as another thought crossed her mind. ”Do you always share your food?”
He tilted his head as he thought it over. ”I guess I have... Growing up with all females, it was pretty standard practice... Hell, I still have to fight Shelly if I order a different dessert than she does.”
Jaden's ears perked. ”Shelly, your sister?” She lifted the egg and salmon topped bread and took a bite. ”Oh... wow, this is incredible!” She couldn't meet his eyes as she asked. ”Um... would you... like a bite?”
Russ's lips curved up in a playful smile. He caught her wrist gently and brought the food to his mouth. He mȯȧnėd in enjoyment as the gooey egg center filled his mouth, coating the smoked salmon. ”Now I wish I'd gotten one of these, too!” He stroked her palm with his thumb as he took a second bite.
Her timid yet wide eyes met his. ”Y... you can have it if you'd like...”
He chuckled. ”Nah, you ordered it, you eat it... Though I'll not lie, the thoughts of ŀɨċkɨnġ your fingers afterward is tempting...” He sent her a wink before moving his attention back to his own plate. He lifted another fork-full of pancake. ”You want more?”
”Oh... um... no...” Jaden forced her eyes back on her plate. {What is with the way he's acting today? Is he putting on a show for the staff?} ”Um... Where is, um... Ry today?” She asked as she shifted the bread back and forth watching the yoke spread over the salmon.
”Oh, he said he had some things to take care of. Which in Ry language means borderline illegal and/or sėxuȧŀly devious.” Catching himself, he quickly added. ”Not that he's a bad guy! He just tends to... um... use extra means to get what he wants...”
She arched a confused brow. ”What do you mean?”
An awkward smile curved his lips as he ran a hand through his hair. ”Um, remember when I said he taught me illegal interrogation tactics last time we were here? Well, he flirted with the guy in charge of security down in the cells. I had to sit with them through dinner and... I'll just say A LOT more after...” He met her questioning gaze. ”To say it was awkward would be an understatement for sure.”
”Oh...” She muttered.