Chapter 245 A Nagging Doubt Crept In

Chapter 245 A Nagging Doubt Crept In
Apollo's POV

The door remained shut after my knock. Silence stretched, making my pulse quicken.

Had I come to the wrong place?

"It's me, Apollo," I called out, keeping my voice low. "I've missed you. Can you open up?"

Two minutes crawled by, each second amplifying my anxiety.

I shifted my weight, glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one was clocking me.

Just as I was about to knock again, the door creaked open, and there she was—Thalia her expression guarded before softening into a smile.

I didn't wait.

I rushed in, slamming the door shut behind me, and pulled her into my arms, my face buried in her hair. "I missed you so much, really missed you," I murmured, my voice rough with need.

I pressed my lips to her neck, inhaling deep—God, she smelled like lavender. "You smell so good," I whispered, kissing harder.

Thalia let out a soft laugh, her hands pushing lightly at my chest. "Why are you here? Aren't you afraid Victoria will find out?"

I pulled back just enough to look at her, my hands still gripping her waist. "She and Rachel went shopping. I got word that you were living here. I wanted to see you. So..."

Her lips quirked into a small smile, her gaze softening. "I missed you too."

That was all I needed.

My mouth crashing into hers, kissing her like I'd been starving for it. She kissed back, fierce and needy, her fingers tangling in my hair as we stumbled toward the sagging couch in the corner.

I dropped down first, pulling her on top of me, her thighs straddling my hips. My hands slid down her back, grabbing her ass—firm, perfect—and I gave it a sharp smack.

"I love you so much," I said, my voice thick with want.

I smacked her again, harder, loving the way she gasped, her body pressing closer to mine.

But then she grabbed my hand, her grip firm, and I froze. "You should go back soon today," she said, her tone suddenly serious.

I blinked up at her, confused as hell. "Why?"

Thalia slid off me, standing up, her arms crossed as she glanced toward the window. "Victoria might come back, and it'll be bad if no one's there."

I scoffed, sitting up and reaching for her again. "What's the problem? I'll say I went to handle some business." I pulled her back into my lap, her body warm against mine as I leaned back on the couch, my hands roaming her sides.

She raised an eyebrow. "The war's over. What business?"

I hesitated, my fingers stilling on her hips. Should I tell her?

I studied her face—those eyes, so damn trusting but always searching for more.

Fuck it.

I said, "War's over, yeah, but there's still cleanup. Reconstruction stuff… and we gotta hunt down Kael. You probably don't know him, but he's a loose end we need to tie up."

Thalia's fingers traced lazy circles on my chest, her touch light but distracting. "I don't know him," she said, her voice soft.

I smirked, my hands sliding up her thighs. "He's not as hot as me, that's for sure. Guy's a fucking savage, though." I leaned in, kissing her jaw, my hands still wandering.

She laughed, her breath warm against my skin. "I believe it. I haven't met many guys hotter than you."

I grinned, flexing a little under her touch. "Nathan's close, I guess. We both got the abs, the muscles, all that." I chuckled, winking at her. "Heh, we're built."

Thalia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Nathan and Rachel seem so sweet together. He's gotta be a good guy."

I snorted, a spike of jealousy hitting me hard. "I'm a good guy too, you know. They're… fine, I guess. But Nathan? He's a fucking scumbag." I couldn't keep the edge out of my voice.

She pressed a soft kiss to my chest, her lips lingering. "Why do you say that?"

I replied, "He used Rachel like a damn breeder—more like a slave, if you ask me. Planned to off her right after the kid was born. Guy's got no heart. I'd never do that to a woman I love. I'd only ever take care of her." I squeezed her closer, my hands possessive.

Her hand flying to her mouth, eyes wide. "And Rachel still forgave him? She's got a soft heart."

I nodded, my lip curling. "Yeah, and get this—he almost married another woman."

Her brows shot up, curiosity all over her face. "Another woman? Who?"

I shrugged. "A bad woman. Scumbag moves, that's all. Typical Nathan."

Thalia's gaze locked onto mine, searching. "And you… with Victoria?"

I froze for a second, then laughed, my hand rubbing the back of my neck. "Me? Nah, Victoria's like a sister to me. I care about her, sure, but it's that brotherly love, you know? I thought it was more, but then I met you, and I realized what real love feels like."

I thought to myself, Damn, lies come easy, don't they?

She tilted her head. "So you said after she dies, I can—"

I scratched my head, stammering like an idiot. "I-I-I… uh…"

Thalia cut me off, her hand on my cheek, her smile gentle. "Don't worry, baby," she soothed, stroking my face. "I won't pressure you. I see now that you truly love me, and I truly love you. I don't need Victoria dead. I just want to be with you quietly. You know I have no parents—you're all I have."

Relief washed over me. "You're too good for me, baby. I love you."

"I love you too," she said, gazing into my eyes. "By the way, who was that woman Nathan almost married?"

I laughed. "Madison. The one in prison. Vicious bitch. When she couldn't have Nathan, she tried to destroy him. I'd never date someone so cruel. Thank God you're understanding."

Thalia smiled sweetly. "Of course I am. I only have you. I adore you." Her fingers traced my jawline. "I'm curious about Madison now. I'd like to see what an evil woman like that looks like."

"I'll take you sometime," I promised, then grabbed her hips. "But right now, let's fuck. I need to get back soon."

"Here?" she asked with shyness. "Is that okay?"

"What's not okay about it? Right here on this couch." I tugged at her shirt, then yanked her bra down, exposing her breasts.

I took one nipple into my mouth, sucking hard while my other hand slid into her panties, finding her clit and rubbing in slow circles.

"Baby, you—" she moaned, arching into my touch. Between gasps, I whispered, "Call me... daddy."

She said, ''Daddy.''

I growled, flipping her beneath me. Her legs wrapped around my waist as I stripped us both, our clothes forming a messy pile on the floor. Her skin was feverish under my touch, responsive to every kiss and bite.

"You're so fucking wet," I groaned, sliding two fingers inside her. "You've been thinking about this, haven't you?"

"Yes," she hissed, hips bucking against my hand. "Every night."

When I finally pushed inside her, the tight heat nearly undid me. I set a brutal pace, the cheap couch creaking dangerously beneath us.

Thalia clawed at my back, leaving marks I'd have to explain away later, but I didn't care.

Her moans grew louder, less controlled, as I angled deeper.

"Right there," she gasped, and I felt her tightening around me. "Don't stop."

I didn't.

Not until she shattered beneath me, her release triggering my own. Afterward, as we lay tangled and sweaty, I found myself staring at her face, searching for something I couldn't name.

"What?" she asked, noticing my scrutiny.

"Nothing," I said, kissing her forehead. "Just thinking how fucking lucky I am."

But as I dressed to leave, a nagging doubt crept in. Something about her questions felt... calculated.