‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Psy. I didn’t forget about it. I haven’t forgotten about it. It’s all I’ve been able to think about for six months. It’s killing me that you think it was nothing to me, because it was everything to me. Venus found out about us and said that, if I pursued anything with you, she’d fire you. She sent me away. I didn’t talk to you for a month because I didn’t think there was any way I could talk to you without letting you know how I feel about you. I just felt like it was easier if I just pretended that it didn’t happen. But even saying that out loud sounds stupid. And selfish. And I’m sorry for making you feel like it didn’t matter. I think deep down I was . . . Kind of relieved, because it meant that I didn’t have a chance to mess this up or let you down or give you a chance to see something in me that you didn’t like. I was insecure and an idiot. Anyway, I quit. It was actually before your meeting. I went straight to HR. I realised that Venus had power over me because I let her believe that she did. But, mainly, I realised that there was no real way she was actually going to fire you. You’re powerful and she fears that. Keeping you under her control benefitted her. Besides, I talked to my mate Ares in the legal department – the big guy I play basketball with on Thursdays – and he said that—’
Psy stared at Eros incredulously, and inched closer to him. ‘Wait, I’m . . . I’m still digesting. She blackmailed you? Also, you quit? For me? That’s insane. You know she’s gonna blackball you, right? Why would you do that?’
Eros shrugged. ‘I’m in love with you, Psy. Also, my sister is a witch. But, yeah, it’s mostly the first part. I’m pretty sure you’re the love of my life. I, uh, like your face and I like when words come out of your face. Sorry, that didn’t sound romantic at all. I just . . . is it hot out here?’
Psy’s eyes were prickling and she bit into her smile. ‘No. But I guess this is a very intense conversation and it isn’t even 12 yet, so—’
Eros forced nonchalance into his voice. ‘You know what? Enough about me and my undying love for you and the fact that I am now unemployed. Let’s change the subject. Tell me more about Venus’s reaction in your meeting-’
Psy grinned. ‘She was spitting blood when Hera announced she wants me to run Muse as a new social media-based platform. It was incredible. Um, what else is new with me? Oh right, the guy that I’ve been in love with for two years just told me he loves me back. But he also just told me he’s unemployed, so . . . I may need to rethink some things. I’m a boss bitch now.’
Eros felt his heart push out a smile that spread across his face and pushed a light so bright through his eyes that it made Psy giggle, grab the front of his T-shirt and tug him closer to her. His arms slid around her waist and pulled her till their chests touched. ‘Damn. Is he at least good-looking?’
Psy shook her head. ‘Not at all, no. Very bad dresser too. He’s sweet, though. Great taste in jewellery.’
Psy’s hands were sliding up his chest to hook themselves around his neck and she smiled against his lips. ‘You know what, though? You can be my assistant. It will be a significant pay cut, but at least the benefits are basic. How does that sound?’
‘It would be my honour. What do you need me to do first?’
‘I mean, the list is long. Coffee. Dry cleaning. Feeding my guinea pig – and you know Nymph’s a biter. Making out with me—’
Eros nodded thoughtfully. ‘Uh huh. So how do you like your coffee, because I can go do that right now—’
Psy laughed into his mouth. ‘I’ve had enough coffee for one day.’
Eros pulled Psy so close to him there was no real demarcation between her heartbeat and his, and when they kissed, with Olympus beneath their feet and the sky surrounding them, Eros felt as if what they had was not just above the world as they knew it, but beyond it, out of its touch, its scope, itself a propelling energy that catapulted and vacuumed them into their own universe.
Attem
Ituen knew the scent of wealth. The corner of his mouth curled up in tandem with its aroma. It was delicious, earthy and tart as it swirled up, into and around the curve of his nostrils, before settling sweet inside him. It was undetectable to the untrained nose, mingling with the cacophony of heady scents that saturated the bustling marketplace. He was able to expertly distil it from the other scents: corn, roasted by one of the wiry village boys, sweat seasoning the snack with salt as he turned and twisted the cob till its yellow burnished into gold. He could separate this particular aroma from the spiced meat, speared through a stick and barbequed till its juices ran clear.