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I could command armies.

Summon storms.

Break mountains beneath my fists.

Yet tonight, the greatest power I possess is the ability to remain still while the woman I desire sleeps peacefully in my arms.

I press a kiss to her hair.

And discover that restraint, freely chosen, can be its own form of devotion.

Chapter 7

Vidar

There are few things in this world more dangerous than a god’s wrath.

I have discovered one of them.

A mortal woman asking questions I do not wish to answer.

“You’re avoiding the subject.”

“I am eating.”

“You’re moving food around your plate.”

“I am considering my options.”

Wren narrows her green eyes at me from across the little table on her balcony.

“Vidar.”

I lift my gaze.

She sits barefoot in a pink dress, her auburn hair piled carelessly atop her head. A candle flickers between us, illuminating the stubborn expression I’ve come to recognize as a warning.

I have faced armies with less determination.

“You told me Nemesis cursed you,” she continues. “But you never told me exactly how.”

“She was displeased with my behavior.”

“That’s a very diplomatic way of saying she turned you into a giant lawn ornament.”

“I was an impressive lawn ornament.”

“You were a very naked lawn ornament.”

“Your favorite kind, apparently.”

She laughs.

I smile.

It has become a dangerous habit, making this woman laugh. I find myself saying outrageous things simply to see her eyes brighten.

But tonight, she doesn’t let me distract her.