God of Fury (Legacy of Gods, #5)

by Rina Kent

“If I’m pathetic, then what are you? Delusional?” “If you don’t tell me, I’m walking out right now. Who was it? Who took my fucking place?” “No one.” His eyes widen and his grip loosens around my hair, even as he keeps me in place. “Really?” “Really.” “No one came here?” “No.” “Why?” Because this is our place and no one else is allowed in it.

“You’re mental.” He smiles a little before he shakes his head. “There was no one. I don’t even like sex.” “You obviously do.” “Only with you,” he whispers, his fingers stroking my pulse point beside the bandage. Only with you.

Pride swells inside me and I want to probe about that, but that’s not for now, so I ask the most important question. “Does that mean you’ll stay?” His answer comes in the most beautiful form. My lotus flower sighs with resignation as he crashes his lips to mine.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, kissing around the plaster over and over. “So sorry.” And it’s not only because I couldn’t save him in time. I’m sorry about being a coward who can’t kiss him in public but hungers for him in private. I’m sorry that I retreated after he ended things when I should’ve fought for him. But most of all, I’m sorry that he even wants me.

I’m not secure in my body, my sexuality, or my own fucking head. But he touches me as if he’s blind to all those flaws. He touches me as if I’m normal, and I need that. I fucking crave it.

That thought makes me hum with pleasure against his abs. No one can touch him but me. His noises of desire are mine. His body is mine. He’s all mine. I tug on the drawstring of his shorts with my teeth and look up at him. My breath catches when I find his eyes darkening with unhinged lust as he watches me. “Fucking beautiful.”

my dick thickens against my shorts. “You’re on your knees.” “For you.” “For me. I like the sound of that.”

“Call me baby.” I flick my tongue over his crown, teasing the piercing and licking the precum. “Missed your nickname?”

“Fucking fuck.” He fists the top of my hair and tugs my head back. I follow, lips open and my fingers still squeezing his balls. “You’re the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.” Bloody hell. He means it. Why…?

He takes and takes and gives me the most beautiful view in return. His face. I love that I’m the reason he looks elated, high, even, as if he, like me, is addicted to the mad friction that happens whenever we touch.

“That’s it. Good boy.” “I’m not a boy. I’m older than you.” “Age is a number, and you’re definitely my good boy, baby.”

“Oh fuck. Where did you learn to talk like that?” “From you.”

“S-shut your mouth, Nikolai.” “Make me.” I grab a handful of his hair and tug him down, smashing his lips with mine.

“I did…I missed you… I missed you so fucking much.” I feel a rush of air whooshing out of me with the words. I don’t think I’ve ever said anything that I felt to my core like those words. Because yes, I missed him. I missed him to the point of insanity. I missed him until I couldn’t breathe.

“Wanna know what you look like when you come?” He speaks against my lips, his breath stroking my skin and his intense eyes swallowing me in their depths. “You look like fucking mine.”

Our slick chests press together and I glide my fingers into his half-damp hair, bringing him closer and wrapping my legs around his waist. Then I do what we both love. I kiss him deep and hard, trying to brand myself under his skin so he’ll never leave me again.

“Get on your hands and knees, baby. I’m going to fuck you again. This time, like an animal.”

My heart nearly hits the floor when I find the water flowing out of the Jacuzzi bathtub and Nikolai submerged. No, no, no… A ringing floods my ears as I run toward him, drop to my knees, and thrust my hands into the water to grab his shoulders. I should’ve checked on him earlier. If anything happens to him, I’ll never forgive myself⁠— His eyes pop open and he grins, then speaks in the water, bubbles erupting everywhere before he lifts his head. I fall to my arse, air leaving me in long doses. Jesus Christ. Why does it feel like I just died and was resurrected? “Lotus flower? What are you doing here? Oh! Wanna join me?” “Why the fuck—” I cut myself off and speak in a calmer tone. “Why were you underwater?” “Meditating.”

“Meditating?” “Yeah.” He grins. “I can hold my breath for over four minutes.” “Let me get this straight. You meditate by holding your breath underwater?” “Yup. Want me to teach you?” “You’re seriously fucking mental.” “Is that a good thing?” He shakes his head, sending water flying everywhere. “No, it’s not. And stop that. Are you a dog?” “Woof.” He grabs my cheeks with wet fingers. “Let me lick your face.” “Hard pass.” I push him away and stand up, shoving my hand behind my back to hide how much I’m shaking. “Don’t do that again. It’s dangerous. You could fall asleep and drown.” “I love it when you’re worried about me, baby.”

“Clothes are overrated. People should thank me for wearing them in public.” He tilts his head to the side. “Besides, we’ve already seen each other naked, so maybe you’re the one who should strip.” “No, thanks.”

“I don’t like beds.” He sits on it. “It’s not that I don’t want to sleep in one, I just can’t.” “Is it because of something that happened?” “Hmm.” He shakes his head, sending droplets of water everywhere. “Nikolai!” “What?” “Dry your hair.” “Why? It’ll dry on its own.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and point at the stool in front of the vanity. “Sit down.”

He jumps up and plops down on the seat and grins at me through the mirror as I turn on the hairdryer on the lowest setting, medium heat, and start drying his hair.

AWWWW ANDJJSJNDBSNAJ

“So?” I ask, not meeting his gaze. “You were going to tell me if sleeping in strange positions has to do with a certain incident.” “Oh! Sorry, I got distracted by how fucking hot you look with your hair messy.” “Nikolai, focus.” He releases a sigh. “I started sleeping this way in my teens. It was around the time my episodes began.” My fingers pause in his hair. “What type of episodes?” “High energy. Racing thoughts. Uncontainable need for more, more, and fucking more. I had it that day when I fought Kill and beat him to a pulp while you were flirting with Eva.”

“Hmm?” “Why do you not like sex?” My fingers freeze in his hair and I swallow as I meet his gaze. “What do you mean?” “You said you don’t even like sex, but you do with me. Why didn’t you before?” “Not all of us enjoy the activity.” “Why not? Is it because you only did it with girls?”

“It’s not that. I never looked at a person, of any gender, and felt attracted to them or wanted to have sex with them. I never got hard by external stimuli unless I forced myself into the mood. The concept of being aroused due to seeing erotic images or watching people fucking is foreign to me. I never touched myself unless I needed to get myself hard for sex. Never liked porn or understood other men’s need to shag all the time. If it were up to me, I’d happily go celibate for years.” I stop before I say ‘Or I would’ve in the past.’ I clearly missed his touch while we weren’t together.

“Baby, I don’t want to put a label on you since you hate that shit—I do, too, by the way—but that’s a bit ace. Uh, I mean asexual, if you’ve heard of that term.” “I figured I am. Or I was. I don’t even know what I am anymore.” “But…you did have sex.”

“Because it was expected, not because I wanted to. My releases were always a physical reaction that never affected me mentally. I just never enjoyed the act. It was more of a chore, really… Why are you smiling like a fool?”

“I just can’t help but feel proud that I made you enjoy the glorious act of fucking.” “Shut up...

“You just needed a good fucking by yours truly.” “Nikolai!” He stands up and wraps his arms around my waist, then glides his fingers beneath the shirt to stroke my skin. I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but I missed his clinginess. “Bet if I kissed you a little bit, you’ll get in the mood right away. Want to test it?” “No.” “Baby, please?” He speaks against my lips and presses his chest to mine. I breathe heavily even as I plant both hands on his chest. “We already went three rounds.” “I can do ten. I can’t get enough of you. How about this? Let’s bet how many times I can make you come.” “Don’t.” “Your body and mouth sing a very different tune. Your push-and-pull game is spot on.” He darts out his tongue and licks my bottom lip and it trembles beneath his touch. “Did you play it with others before me?” “No…” I’m surprised my voice comes out steady. “Because you didn’t want them, but you want me?” “Shut up.” “Since when did you start to want me?” he whispers against my ear. “Was it when I pinned you down in the forest? Or was it after you sat on my lap?” “You wish.” “Mmm.” He bites on the shell of my ear and I let out a groan. “I love that I’m the only one who sees you like thi...

“Hypocritical much? You literally shag everyone.” “Not everyone… Well, I’m open, I guess, but that was in the past. I’m no longer a...

I fist his hair tighter. “Who the hell is Kolya?” “Hi, lotus flower.” He rubs his erection against mine. “My name is Kolya and I’m obsessed with your huge cock and beautiful ass.” I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. “You named your dick?” “Everyone does.” “No, they don’t.” “Yes, they do.”

IM IN TEARS WTF

make me a grandpa.’” “How…did he take your sexuality? If you came out to them.” I pause. “If you don’t mind me asking?” “I don’t mind any of your questions, baby. Seriously, stop being annoyingly British. To answer you, I didn’t have to come out. Mom and Dad walked in on me fucking a guy and kissing a girl at fifteen. They were shocked, but not in a judgmental way. Mom already felt I liked guys since I’d wink at them like I did girls. She just wasn’t sure. Dad…well, he was like, ‘Of course you would like the variety. It wouldn’t be you otherwise.’ Then he hugged me and whispered, ‘You better use protection and not make me a grandfather when I’m this young, motherfucker. I mean it.’ He’s effortlessly hilarious, my dad. Oh, he’s also British.”

“Jesus. You have more sex than Zeus.” “Who’s that? A porn star?” “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

BRO DOESNT KNOW ZEUS?!

“Don’t be jealous, baby.” “I am not.” “Well, I am.” “Of who?” “Fucking Clara and everyone who saw you naked.” “You need help.” I suppress a smile. “You’re the one who’s had more sex than me.” “Yeah, but I’ve never had a relationship and I don’t feel fucking murderous about them like I do with you.” My lips part and I clear my throat. “My relationships were a façade. I never…cared about them.” “And you care about me?” “Shut up.” I wiggle free of his hold. “I’m going to sleep.” “Wait for me!”

Nikolai lays his head on my chest, wraps his arm around my middle, and throws his leg over mine. “You’re not going anywhere anymore.” He kisses my Adam’s apple. “Night, baby.” A lump constricts my breathing and I can’t swallow past it as I stare sideways to find his face buried in my neck, his hair falling on the pillow. His breathing soon evens out and I smile to myself. Didn’t he say he doesn’t sleep in a bed? I stroke his arm and kiss the top of his head. “Night, Niko.”

When I wake up, I realize two things. One, somewhere in the middle of the night, our positions changed, and right now, my head is on Nikolai’s chest as he hugs me to him, his tattooed arm thrown over my middle—beneath my shirt—and his leg is between mine. Two, if the clock on the nightstand that shows seven a.m. is correct, then I fucked up. For the first time in eight years, I didn’t wake up at five. I don’t even do alarm clocks anymore. I am the clock. I always wake up at five. I always run at five thirty. Not today. I shattered my holy routine, and now, all the chaos will come rushing in. What the fuck have I done? Panic sobers me up in an instant and all the sleep haze disappears. I start to get up, but Nikolai shoves me back down in his embrace. His fingers spread on my back and he strokes the skin as he murmurs in a husky tone, “Ten more minutes.”

I smile. “Come on. I’ll make us breakfast.” “Ten minutes.” “I already missed my morning run. I don’t want to miss class.” “It’s okay to miss a run. It’s not the end of the world.” It is to me. “I like my life in order.” “Too bad I’m in it.” “Does that mean you admit you’re chaotic?” “Never denied it. I love corrupting you.” “More like I’m leading you to the right path.” He bursts out laughing, the sound husky and rich. “Good fucking luck trying.” “I’m nothing if not up for a little challenge.” “You mean huge.”

“Oh, that. It’s on my heart so I want to wait until I can think of something extra special.” “Does that mean you plan to be covered in ink?” “Fuck yeah. I have a lot of space on my back and thighs. Maybe you can sketch me something.” “You’d want that?” “Why not? You’re an artist, right?” “I do landscapes.” “I’m sure you can think of something as unique as me.” “Your arrogance is astounding.”

“No. I don’t like them on me. I prefer to leave my skin unblemished.” “You’re so prim and proper.” “Not all of us can wear tattoos. They look good on you, though.” “Did you just admit to liking my tattoos?” “I didn’t say I like them.” “Fuck me. You do. You’re blushing, baby.” “You’re dreaming.” I push away, and this time, I manage to disentangle myself. “I’m going to make breakfast.” “Aw, don’t be shy. Come here.” He opens both arms, grinning like an idiot as I stride to the bathroom.

I manage to wash my face and brush my teeth without looking in the mirror, but I have to escape Nikolai again when he tries to grope me on my way out. He’s seriously impossible. Since there are virtually no

“You said you were in love once. Who were you in love with?” “Huh?” I stare at him as if he’s grown two heads. “That day during that never have I ever game. You took the shot when Kill said ‘never have I ever been in love.’ Who stole your heart? I want to know.” Fuck.

He looks so serious and wounded, I want to kiss him. So I do. My lips seal to his and I swipe the crumbs of the disgustingly sweet macarons from his lips. “I lied. I was never in love.” His smile is blinding and he licks his lips as if chasing away mine, then he frowns. “Why did you lie?” “You were looking at me weird.” “How weird?” “Like you wanted to devour me on the spot.” “I always wanted to devour you, baby.” “Oh, really? I must’ve missed that.” “Christ. Was that sarcasm again?” I grab the kettle and pour water into two mugs. “Make yourself useful and help me set up the table.” “Give me another kiss first.”

“If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you go?” “Inside you, baby.” I nearly choke on my tea. “I’m serious.” “I’m also serious. I take Kolya’s demands to heart, thank you very much.”

LMAO

“You said you always top. Did you ever consider bottoming?” “Why?” He raises a brow. “You want to fuck me?”

“That’s not what I meant. I was just asking.” “I don’t like it, but I’d let you if you wanted to try it out.” “But you just said you don’t like it.” “I’d rather let you fuck me than you running off to experiment with someone else.” My lips part. Wow. He’d really go that far for me? I don’t think about it as I stand up, close the distance between us, and stop between his parted thighs. My fingers sneak beneath his jaw and I look down at his beautiful eyes. “I don’t want to fuck you. But thank you for offering. Really.” His hands land on my hips. “Tell me if you feel like it. Don’t suppress it just because you know I’m not a fan.” “You don’t have to worry about that. I really prefer being fucked by you. I like the feeling of…uh, letting go and losing control.” “You sure?” “Positive.” He tugs me forward and I release a startled noise when I land on his lap. My hands grab his shoulders for balance. “What are you doing?” “I lied. I don’t only want a morning kiss.” His lips ghost over mine. “I need a morning fuck as well.” This man will fucking destroy me. I just hope I don’t destroy him in the process.

What are you in the mood for tonight? Me What kind of question is that? I’m always in the mood to do dirty things to you, baby. I meant food. FOOD. You mean aside from your cum? Jesus. Yeah, aside from that.

A larger guy shoves another one against the wall with a tight grip on his T-shirt’s collar, and I hear, “Shut the fuck up.” Any other time, I’d ignore this and change my position to continue stalking my Bran. Something stops me, though. The guy who’s been shoved against the wall is familiar. Wait…is that…? “Gaz?” I ask, walking toward

“What’s your name, motherfucker, and what’s your favorite way to die?” “Niko, it’s not…” Gareth trails off on a wince when the asshole tightens his grip on his shirt. “Step the fuck away from him.” I stride toward them. “Now.”

“Who the fuck are you?” the man asks, his accent distinctively American, his expression entirely murderous. I’m going to break his face for daring to touch my family. “My cousin, Nikolai.” Gareth shoves him away. “Please leave, sir.” “Sir?” I echo. “Why the fuck are you calling him sir?” “He’s my professor. Kayden Lockwood.”

OH SHIIT

“We are not done, Carson. I expect you in my office tomorrow morning.” As he walks away, a wave of tension rolls off Gareth before he puffs out a long exhale. I stand in front of him. “Why the fuck would your professor corner you in an alley?” He glances up, his green eyes large and his blond hair sticking to his temples with sweat. “We…had a slight disagreement.”