Cursed (Enchanted Gods #1) - K.K. Allen Page 0,36

Greek mythology madness. “I mean, maybe those people were real, but the stories are obviously embellished.”

She raises a brow. “What makes it so unbelievable to you, Katrina?”

I rack my mind, because while it all feels so outrageous to even be discussing, I’m not sure if I ever stopped to ask myself why. “I guess it’s all the talk of immortality and lightning bolts for weapons and driving chariots across the sky.”

Rose laughs and places a hand on my shoulder. “Well, I suppose I can see where you’re coming from, but you don’t need to believe in what I’m telling you right now. We have time.”

“Time for what?”

She sweeps her hand around the room. “For all of this to be yours.”

Her voice is hushed but filled with a passion that almost makes me feel guilty. “I told you, Rose. I can’t stay in Apollo Beach for long.” I look at her, hoping she can see the apology that comes from deep within. “I’ve already made up my mind.”

Rose takes in a deep breath then releases it slowly. “But you’ll stay at least until your birthday, yes?”

I blink, once again feeling like I’m missing something. “Of course.”

Rose smiles, a satisfied twinkle in her eyes. “Well, then I guess I have a couple of weeks to change your mind.”

Rose, Charlotte, and I are eating dinner the next night when someone knocks on the front door. Rose perks up like she’s expecting someone, but then she turns to me. “Do you mind getting that, dear?”

The way Rose’s eyes light up with a hint of a smirk makes me suspicious. “Um, okay.” I dart a look between her and Charlotte before setting my napkin on the table and leaving the room.

I don’t know why my nerves are all aflutter as I walk from the dining room, through the great room, and into the foyer. By the time I place my hand on the knob to pull open the door, my heart is working triple-time. When the door opens and I see who’s standing outside, I can’t believe my eyes.

“Alec? What are you doing here?”

He grins, and my knees weaken. He looks ridiculously gorgeous in a white shirt and dark jeans that are ripped at one knee. His thick hair is styled back with a classic side part that lifts high off his head. If Rose hadn’t gifted me the pretty pink off-the-shoulder dress I’m wearing now, then I would probably feel underdressed.

“I was heading to Island Grille to meet up with some friends and thought maybe you’d want to come with. I know I invited you to my Fourth of July party, but that’s still a few weeks out. It’s time to make some friends, Summer Girl.” He winks, causing my stomach to flip.

Summer Girl. No one has ever called me that before, but I guarantee I wouldn’t have found it half as flattering coming from anyone else. “I don’t know if I should.” Although my heart is screaming to say yes, my insecurities outweigh it. “Your friends don’t exactly like me. Your girlfriend, Iris, especially.”

He pinches his brows together. “Iris isn’t my girlfriend, and neither of them know you. The rest of my friends haven’t met you.”

His words are few and simple, but I can see the sincerity behind his eyes and hear the honesty in his tone. Alec Stone is a rare gem who just might change things for me if I give him a chance. He knows how his friends feel about me, yet he wants me to hang out anyway.

“True,” I say slowly, a smile creeping onto my face.

“You’re not going to make me beg, are you? Because you should know, I’m not above begging. In fact, I’m one of those guys who loves the chase. The more you turn me down, the more effort I’ll put in. And that’s the honest truth.”

I laugh, a real laugh that comes straight from my gut. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. “Okay, fine.” I hold up my hand. “But you better not be setting me up for some kind of prank or new girl initiation or something.”

“I promise, no pranks, and the only initiation you might have to suffer through is a game of pool with me. I’m pretty good. The humiliation you might face from losing will set the tone for the rest of your life in this town.” He shrugs, a sparkle in his eyes. “No big deal.”

I bite down on my lip and step back from the