*Song- Only angel, Harry Styles

'Whatever we did, wherever we were- nothing could tear us apart...'

Ultramarine

"So Thane," My father said as he took a big helping of the crisp veggies; "Forgive me, but you look a bit older than my daughter. Are you a freshman at the university too?"

I was seated across from Thanatos, next to my father. My mother sat at the other end and passed the salad bowl to me. Thanatos smiled self-assuredly; "No, sir. I'm actually busy with my master's degree in law. Aurora and I just so happen to share one of the primary subjects, which is where we met."

"Oh, which one is that, dear?" My father looked over to me with interest.

Think!

My smile froze on my face. When it came to lying to other people I was fine, but when it came to lying to my father- well...

Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke up inside my head; Law of delict, and relax your shoulders, you look like you're about to pop a tendon.

Thanatos.

I'd removed the 'Mens Murum' Spell and now all my thoughts were readily available to him, but something was different. I could hear him think too; like a muscle I'd never known I had.

"Law of delict." I quickly said as my father passed on the roast to Thanatos. The Greek god took the tray with eagerness. I could tell he was hungry, it was written on his face, and-

Gods, why am I so hungry?

His thoughts were loud in my head.

"I used to love that subject when I was still at university;" My father said as he began to eat. We all followed suit. "What are you majoring in Thane?"

"Contract law, sir. I find it ever-developing and very interesting."

"Oh?" my father's eyes widened. Thanatos was a master in lying; "I myself have a master's in contract law, you should let me give you my module guides. They're really quite extensive."

I was impressed- how Thanatos knew my father specialised in contracts was beyond me. I've learned not to question it; he would just smirk and wink at my interrogation anyway.

Thanatos grinned and I could detect the smugness in his eyes; "Thank you, sir. That would be extremely helpful."

"Alright," My mother said; "Enough talking about work. Tell me you two, are you fetching Sonya and Trita tomorrow at the airport?"

We are?- Thanatos asked in my head.

I ignored him and turned my attention to my mother; "No, they're driving down from Ashbridge, but they promised that they'd come over here as soon as they were ready."

No alone time with Aurora...

I caught the sentence before it had the chance to slip away. I looked up at Thanatos who suddenly looked very annoyed with a piece of broccoli on his plate. I couldn't help but feel my heart race.

We'll have plenty of time in the holiday to be alone, I promise...

Thanatos looked up from his plate and into my eyes. It was so strange not seeing red; instead, all I saw was gold.

I caught myself staring.

So did my mother; "So..." She broke my loving gaze, "Thane, where are you from?"

Thanatos' intense eyes ripped from mine and he quickly reattached his charming smile; "I'm from Greece, or I am Greek originally, but my parents sent me to an academy in England when I was younger."

I was wondering how you were going to explain your accent...

Thanatos grinned up at me- I always have a plan, angel.

"And now you study in Italy? You must love to travel." My father said with a dry smile.

Thanatos laughed; "That I do; I'm very lucky to have that opportunity."

"What do your parents do?"

"They're historians." Thanatos turned his smile to my mother and she nodded, impressed.

"Thane's brother might come visit some time during the holiday." I said as I propped a piece of meat into my mouth.

He will? - Thanatos sounded surprised.

My mother grinned and clapped her hands; "Wonderful! Just let me know and I'll prepare the other guest-room."

"Do you do any sport, Thane?" My father took control of the conversation again. It was clear he wanted to know everything he could about this new friend of mine, probably because he was a very handsome young man.

"I used to play rugby at school and I did swimming for some time."

Listened on with interest...

He was a natural- not only was my mother dazed by his charisma, but my father as well; and that was quite the feat. My father didn't like either of my previous boyfriends. I felt slightly giddy at the thought of Thanatos being my... boyfriend.

Wasn't he already?

I don't know...

They were all talking about something or other, but my mind was elsewhere. Thanatos noticed it immediately and tried to pull me back; "Aurora, you never mentioned you did kickboxing?"

I looked to my father who sat smiling- dammit!

"I, uh... did it for a few years. It was just for fun."

Hmm... Thanatos moaned in my head with approval; do you think I could watch you practice?

I stifled my grin.

Only if you agree to be the punching bag...

Both my parents were talking now, but neither Thanatos nor I were paying much attention.

I caught Thanatos staring at my breasts with desire and nearly flung a carrot at his face.

Stop staring at my boobs!

I can't help it; stop wearing low-cut tops.

I rolled my eyes, but a small grin was making its way up the corners of my lips. Thanatos tried to focus back on the conversation.

Lunch was amazing! I hadn't had my mother's cooking for so long and I didn't even realise how much I'd missed it. Thanatos seemed to have enjoyed it just as much.

He helped me clear the plates from the table. We carried them to the kitchen as my parents spoke about some or other dinner function they had to attend for my father's work.

I took the plates from Thanatos and placed them on the side of the basin, but as I walked past him towards the dining room, I felt a hand grab my waist. Thanatos pulled me into his chest and I felt my insides light up with lust.

"What are you doing? They're right around the corner!" I whispered fiercely as he bent down to capture my lips, but I quickly evaded his advances.

"I want my dessert..." His voice should not have been legal; it was dripping with sex.

"Later." I promised. Thanatos raised a brow and smirked down at me; "I'm holding you to that."

We quickly made out way back to the table and my mother shot me a sly smile. I felt my cheeks grow hot under her gaze, but my father didn't seem to notice as he and Thanatos began to discuss some or other new development in the law.

I listened with interest as they spoke. I felt my thighs clench with desire while I watched Thanatos talk; he sounded so professional, like he'd been studying law for most of his life.

Damn, he looks good...

Thanatos heard that one. While my father was talking, he sneakily shot me a wink. I blushed and fixed my eyes back on my father.

"And what do you think of it, dear?"

I froze. Oh, shit- he wanted me to comment on this new improvement in some or other international law journal. What in the world had they said a few minutes ago?

Fuck.

I like it when you swear...

I growled in my head- Help me!

Thanatos held down a snicker; just tell him you're still a freshman and you haven't really heard much about it.

I ran with his suggestion; "I'm only a freshman, daddy. I haven't learnt much about it yet, but from what I hear it doesn't sound too bad?"

"You're right, dear..." My father nodded and turned his attention back to Thanatos; "At least I have you to teach Aurora a thing or two."

"Absolutely, sir."

I've already taught her quite a lot of things...

I blushed.

Shut up!

Thanatos ignored my irritated scowl- Why don't you call me daddy?

That's gross, Thanatos... I replied with a dry tone in my head.

I stood up from the table; "That was really good, mom, thank you. I think Thane and I are going to relax a bit."

Thanatos followed my lead and stood up from his chair; "Thank you so much, Denise. Lunch was amazing; reminds me of my mother's."

Your mother is the goddess of the night.

Thanatos ignored my snarky comment and didn't hesitate to shoot my mom the most dazzling smile he could muster just to annoy me.

"Pleasure, darlings! Maybe you two should go swim? It's a lovely, sunny day."

"That sounds like fun..." Thanatos said with a glint in his eyes. I gulped.

We dismissed ourselves from the lunch table and quickly jogged upstairs. I opened my bedroom door and walked in, ready for whatever little, devious move Thanatos was going to try and make next; but instead, I was shocked to find him just standing at the door, looking slightly in a trance.

So white... His words were edgy.

I laughed softly; "Scared of a colour?"

Thanatos shot me an annoyed glare; "Shush you... Get your bikini and let's go swim."

I smiled with amusement and turned to my cupboard. I opened the door and started to rummage through my selection of bikinis. Perhaps one that's not too revealing...

"This one." Thanatos said as he picked up a turquoise coloured bra. I looked over my shoulder at him- "Yes, my lord."

Thanatos bit his lip and tugged my back up against him. I suppressed the groan travelling up my throat as he ran his hand down the front of my shirt and cupped my breast. His mouth trailed a sensual pattern down the side of my ear; "Fuck, you know what that does to me..."

I moaned softly at his words. Thanatos bit down onto my neck; "Again."

"Harder, my lord..."

He gladly obliged and I felt his fangs plunge into my skin, leaving me breathless and extremely frustrated. I rubbed myself against him; feeling his arousal through my jeans.

Thanatos was breathing heavily, his hands moving down the front of my shirt to the button of my pants. "Why are you doing this to me? You know we can't do anything with your parents home..."

I bit my lip and grinned naughtily. Before his hand could reach down my underwear, I quickly stepped away from him and grabbed my bikini from the closet. I swept past him and Thanatos shot me a dark glare with a hint of desperation.

"Oh, I'm sorry; it's not like you cared last time you were in my house."

Thanatos didn't reply, he just grumbled and tried to discreetly push down his bulge. I let my eyes linger on his hardness, feeling my need grow, but my parents' voices from downstairs quickly shook me out of my stupor.

After we got our swimming clothes on, grabbed some towels and some ice-cold water and we made our way to the pool. My mom was right; the weather was perfect! Not a cloud in the sky and the sun was hot and inviting.

I spread my towel on the lounge chair and watched as Thanatos did the same. It was so strange seeing him without at least one thick layer of black armour or his cloak; and now he stood next to me with a pair of dark grey swimming trunks. They were quite a bit above the knee and showed off the hard muscles in his upper legs. I stared down at his toned calves in appreciation; his legs were darkly tanned and covered with rough, dark hair.

Gods, he certainly wasn't anywhere near a boy; he was a man...

And then he did something that made me want to cannon-ball straight into the cool water- he took off his shirt.

I had to take a moment to sit down.

It was all muscle- cut, toned and tanned to perfection. I know I'd seen it many times before, but tell that to my wobbling knees.

Thanatos threw his shirt on the chair and adjusted the hem of his trunks; the 'V' of his hips taking my breath away. My eyes lingered on his tattoo- the scorpion. It wasn't big, but the claws stuck out from the border of his trunks; and I was lucky enough to know exactly where the stinger led.

"Watch out, I think you're drooling a little bit..." Thanatos said with a smirk and tapped his index finger against the side of his mouth.

I dropped my eyes and pretended not to let the embarrassment of being caught affect me. When I felt my legs could function again, I stood up from the deck chair and kicked off my sandals. Thanatos had gotten the sunscreen from my chair and was now rubbing his arms and legs with a familiar-smelling cream.

He was staring at me and I felt suddenly very self-conscious.

I turned my back to him and took off my shirt. I threw it on the chair and moved to do the same with my shorts, but as I bowed down, Thanatos' soft voice spoke up with lust; "I love it when you bend down in front of me."

"My mom is right there, she can see everything!" I whispered and indicated my head to where my mother sat on the patio with her client's guest book. She was making some calls and doing some filing for her next big event. As an events manager, my mother always had a phone in her hand, much to her own disdain.

"Calm down, she can't hear me..." Thanatos said as he put some more cream onto his palm and stepped closer. I raised my brows and quickly stepped back.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Helping you put some sunscreen on your back." He said it as if it were the most common and logical thing in the world.

I shot a look to my mother; she was engrossed in her phone call, scribbling onto a piece of paper. "Fine, but do it quickly."

"Yes, ma'am." I smiled in amusement at this Southern-drawl.

Thanatos turned me around and quickly covered my back with his large hands. I bit my inner cheek as his fingers moved into every nook and cranny that felt stiff and tense, leaving me loose and my heat wild with yearning.

Too soon his hands left my hot skin and I tried to compose myself. I took in a big breath and turned to get the sunscreen from him for the rest of my body.

Thanatos lifted it up out of my reach; a crafty grin on his face. "My turn."

I tried to be annoyed with him, but I couldn't stop the smile from forming on my lips. I beckoned with my fingers for him to hand over the sunscreen lotion; Thanatos dropped it onto my open palms and turned around.

I squirted some of the cream onto my palm and prayed to the heavens that my father was in his study busy with work and not still lounging around the house.

My hands found his skin with ease and I skilfully massaged the lotion into his back. Thanatos let loose a content sigh and dropped his head down for me to rub the back of his neck. I stood on my toes to level my shoulders slightly with his.

Suddenly, a little devious planned formed in my head.

As soon as I was done with his back, I shot a look over to where my mom sat. She had her back to us, flipping through a big folder. I quickly took my chance.

I stepped closer to Thanatos and pressed my chest against his bare back and leaned in to whisper into his ear; "Will that be all, my lord?"

Thanatos sucked in a stunned breath, but as he turned around to grab me, I jumped for the pool. With one big splash, I dove into the deep end.

Thanatos' hot and bothered expression was the first thing I saw, and then he dove. I giggled as the water splashed around me and then suddenly, a hand clasped around my ankle and pulled.

I was tugged to the side and my head went plunging down into the clear water. I opened my eyes and found two bright, red ones staring at me in amusement. Thanatos had changed the gold back to his real eye-colour and I felt like drowning in that familiar shade of ruby red.

Thanatos pulled me against him and our lips met with an explosion of bubbles. I laughed and had to swim up to the surface to catch my breath. I broke through the water with a loud laugh. Thanatos' head shot up right after me and I belly laughed as his thick black hair made a long curtain in front of his face, leaving only his smirking lips visible.

"I love the hair, darling!" I said with high-pitched voice, mimicking a typical posh accent. Thanatos laughed; "Shut up, woman..." and dove down again to push his hair back. I watched as he came emerged, the epitome of a Greek god.

He smirked at me and splashed a big wave of cool water onto my face. I ducked a little too late and giggled; "Ass!"

"What did you just call me?" Thanatos asked with fake shock and shot towards me. He grabbed my arms and I tried to struggle free. We wrestled- well, I tried to wrestle, but we both know who was winning.

I smacked the water and a wave shot onto his face. Thanatos laughed and grabbed hold of my middle, and then he began to tickle me. I had no way of escaping- all I could do was kick my feet and scream as he swung me around the pool with ease.

"Stop! I give up!"

Thanatos let go, and as soon as I felt his hands release me, I shot round and climbed onto his back. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist and shouted; "To the shallow end, peasant!"

He laughed loudly and tucked his hands under my legs to secure them. He made his voice deep and saluted with his left hand; "Aye aye, captain."

My mother laughed as she caught us trying to dunk each other under water- Thanatos winning by a milestone. The afternoon flew by in a flash- we got out to tan, and then soon enough, we were back in the refreshing pool.

Thanatos floated on his back and stared up at the sky, watching some clouds roll in from the horizon. I had my arms up on the edge of the infinity pool, looking over the cliff at the ocean. How I'd missed this smell...

The sound of soft waves, seagulls and laughter floated in from the beach. This was a perfect day indeed.

I turned to stare at Thanatos- he made every day perfect.

I splashed some water over him; "What are you thinking about?"

Thanatos smiled and closed his eyes as he drifted; "Nothing. Absolutely nothing; and it's so good..."

I smiled. I was so happy to see him relax; these past few weeks had been rough on both of us, we needed this break and we needed some time alone together, without everyone trying to interfere all the time.

"Will we still have some time alone after your friends get here tomorrow?" His voice was soft, unsure.

I moved towards him and ran a hand over his toned arms; "Of course, I mean the first week I'll have to obviously catch up with them, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to pay any attention to you. I would never do that."

Thanatos stopped floating and levelled his face with mine. My mother had run out about an hour ago to see a client and my father was in his study. I nuzzled my forehead against his. Thanatos smiled; "I know, but you know I don't like sharing..."

I chucked; "You're going to have to learn- and neither do they."

His smile widened and the sun got caught on his white teeth; "I'll fight them for you..." I laughed at his fake, overly-serious expression.

I leaned in and planted a soft, sensual kiss onto his inviting lips. I could taste chlorine, sunscreen and mint- home.

"So what do you want to do tonight?"

Thanatos shrugged and stared down at my lips; "Anything; I'm easy-going."

"How about we watch a movie? I'll make popcorn."

Thanatos pressed his lips against the bridge of my nose and I felt his arms embrace me under the water. My feet moved up onto his, pushing me up slightly to get better access to his mouth; "Anything you want, angel..."

"Samaria told me about this new horror movie that's apparently really scary."

"So long as it's not that vile movie you watched with your friends... What was it called? Hounds of hell? Gods, that was awful."

I laughed remembering the night Thanatos had snuck himself into Sonya's house and pestered me with kisses and silly antics the whole movie through. I blushed just thinking of what happened later that night, when we got home. That was the first night we'd really gotten intimate- well, not as intimate as we were now...

"To be honest," I said with a grin, "I can't remember much about that movie..."

Thanatos wiggled his eyebrows; "Oh, I know. I didn't want your attention anywhere but on me..." He pulled me into him and whispered; "I still don't."

I kissed him, not caring if my father happened to walk past the deck. I needed to taste him again- I needed him to know I couldn't handle being away from him.

Thanatos responded with even more enthusiasm. His kiss was desperate; almost like I was the only thing he'd ever wanted to taste in his entire existence.

We broke apart slowly and our eyes met with a silent understanding.

Whatever we did, wherever we were- nothing could tear us apart.

My tongue ached to say those three words I knew would change our relationship completely, but I couldn't will myself to force it out. Thanatos was silent as he stared at my lips. He was thinking, it was clear.

I couldn't peer into his mind; I'd put up the 'Mens Murum' spell again and now his thoughts were just as blocked as mine. I didn't want him to find those three words in my head before I had the chance to say them, but now all I wanted was to see if he was thinking something similar.

I tried to bring us back to our previous care-free mood; "So I definitely think I won today's wrestling match..."

Thanatos laughed loudly and I swam back to the edge of the pool to smirk at him. Thanatos shook his head; "No way in hell! You do remember that I had you pinned on the pool floor earlier, right?"

"You fight dirty!"

"Well, I can't help if you're a sore loser, Venerelli."

I scoffed and snickered; "Maybe you'll be able to beat me some time during the holiday. I understand that you're a little rusty, old man."

Thanatos raised a bushy eyebrow at me and the corners of his lips moved up. I giggled and looked up to the sky- the clouds were coming in, blocking the setting sun. I heard Thanatos come closer.

I looked down at him and moved away quickly from his approaching figure, ready for whatever trick he had up his sleeve. Instead of his usual smirk, I was greeted with a serious expression.

"Aurora," My heart stilled; "I... I have to tell you something."

Oh. My. Fuck.

This is it.

He's stuttering.

No! Don't be an idiot! Why would he do it now, in the pool?

"W-what is it?" I asked, my feet stopped moving away from him. I took a step closer and Thanatos did the same.

He sighed softly and looked down; "I've been wanting to tell you this for a while now."

Oh, good lord, he looks so serious!

Calm down, girl!

"Yes?" My heart hammered.

"I just wanted to say..." It felt like my heart was going to sprint out of my chest.

He's going to say it! No, he's going to break my heart and say he doesn't love me-NO!
Ugh!

Why is he taking so long to speak?

Suddenly, Thanatos red eyes looked up into mine, but they were filled with a familiar glint.

Oh, shit.

His smirk shook me from my thoughts, but before I had the chance to move even a muscle- his hand shot out and grabbed me. He flung me over his shoulder, dunking my head under the water and with a loud laugh he exclaimed; "Who's the loser now, baby!"

I grumbled cusses under the water; bubbles shot up around me.

Well done, Aurora, you idiot. You let your heart do the thinking again and see- this is what happens!

I struggled against his strong grip, but it was a feeble attempt.

Thanatos picked me up like a ball and threw me across the length of the pool. I dropped down to the pool-floor like a rock and crossed my arms over my chest in annoyance.

I could hear him laugh even under the water.

Ass.

I shot back up and wiped the water from my eyes; "You might've won today, but I'll get you back soon enough!"

Thanatos chuckled like a king and leaned back with his arms over the edge; he looked completely unfazed by my threat; "I look forward to seeing you try."

I wasn't going to let him have the last laugh. I turned to climb out of the pool, taking the steps one by one, slowly, letting him savour the curve of my rear. I turned my head slightly and smirked seductively; "Come, my lord, let's go take a shower..."

I could hear him groan and the water splashed as he chased after me. My grin was wide and knowing.

He might've won this round, but I knew I had him wrapped around my little finger...

NEXT UPDATE- 6th of July

Anyone else getting major flashbacks from the first book?

Damn, things have changed...