Page 10 of The Demigod Complex
“Yes, me. I was married, you know.”
He waited for the sting of memory that always came when he talked of his wife. But, while the dull ache remained, the bite wasn’t harsh anymore. Softer. More bittersweet.
A rare interest lit Leia’s eyes. “That was a long time ago, Castor.”
No judgment filled her voice. More…concern. For him?
“I loved her deeply. We were childhood sweethearts. After she died, I never expected to love like that again, and I haven’t.” Now why had he confessed that? He never talked about Hilaera. Maybe the similarity between his wife and his feelings for Leia now, though the two women had nothing in common, had him thinking more of that time.
Leia was quiet for a long stretch of road. “Do you miss her?” she asked, her tone noticeably gentler.
He could have given a trite answer, but he didn’t want to. “Every day.”
She fiddled with her hands in her lap. “Are you lonely?”
“I’ve managed to keep occupied.” He tightened his grip on the wheel. He didn’t want her pity.
“I just…don’t like the idea of you lonely.”
His eyebrows shot up.
She rushed to explain, stumbling over her words. “It seems wrong. For someone immortal. Someone so strong. You know?”
He grunted a reply, thinking over her words. “I get the feeling you’re just as lonely.”
That wiped every emotion from her face in one fell swoop, automation taking over. “I’ve always been happier on my own.”
Castor hid a sigh.Damn.
Chapter Four
The rest of the drive didn’t take too long. Probably a good thing for his sanity and a raging erection, thanks to the spring rain scent of the woman sitting beside him.
He’d never been turned on by a simple smell before. These days it happened all the damn time.
“Nowthereis a hotel worth staying at. Your friend has good taste in wedding venues.” Leia made the comment as Castor drove them through the town of Estes Park to the Stanley.
The hotel sat up above a shopping center, high enough that you could see all the buildings. The front faced downtown Estes Park. Mountains rose up around them like a cathedral of granite. The hotel itself was stunning—Victorian in style, white with red tile roofs, stark against the darker colors of rock and pine trees.
Rather than valet, they parked and walked their suitcases in. Despite his power, his money, and everything else going for him, Castor still preferred to do most things himself.
“I’ll take that.” He held out his hand for Leia’s luggage.
“No, you won’t.” She pulled out the handle and started rolling it to the building.
Castor shook his head at her independent streak but didn’t argue and followed in silence. They made their way up a set of stairs to a large porch covered with white wicker chairs to enjoy the view. Several double doors leading into the reception area were thrown wide, letting in the brisk May breeze, carrying with it the crisp scent of pine trees.
Once inside, the receptionist at the hotel had a surprise for them both.
“Mr. Banes did what?” Leia squeaked beside Castor.
The woman’s smile wavered. “He placed you in the suite beside theirs.”
“A single room?” Leia asked for clarification.
“It’s a suite, but yes.”
She turned to Castor. “You take the suite. It’s obviously meant for the guest of honor.” No surprise a demigod at the ceremony would have garnered attention. “I’ll get another room.”
