Warriors of Poseidon 01 - Atlantis Rising

definitely wrong, beyond even the obvious guilt that tore at the priest for the loss of the Trident.
     
    "Which reminds me, we need to get our asses in gear," he muttered, then crossed the hall to knock on Riley's door. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead."
     
    He didn't hear a response and wondered if the shield kept her from hearing his knock.
    Cautiously, he opened the door. "Riley?"
     
    And was treated to the glorious sight of Riley's beautifully bare backside as she stood, stretching, beside the bed.
     
    She let out a little scream and dove into the bed, yanking the covers up over her body.
     
    Atlantis Rising – Warriors of Poseidon 01
    Page 228 of 351
    "Oh, man," he said, looking down at the floor, at his boots, anywhere but at her. He could feel his face heat up in a slow flush.
     
    Not that seeing a woman naked had ever bothered him before but, hell, this was Riley.
    Lady Sunshine. She was as brave as any warrior, and she deserved better than some idiot walking in on her.
     
    Plus, from the scent of sex in the room, Conlan was going to try to kick his ass.
     
    "It's okay, Ven, you can look up now," she said drily. "I'm decent. Thanks for knocking."
     
    He grinned at her. "Hey, don't blame me. I did knock. Alaric put some sort of spell on the room to shield it so we didn't have to put up with… er, I mean, oh, crap."
     
    Her face flamed red all the way down her throat and the enticing part of her chest he could see above the sheet she was clutching. "Oh, God. Oh, I never, we never…
    ohhhhhh."
     
    Naturally, that was the moment Conlan chose to walk out of the bathroom, damp from the shower and wearing nothing but a towel. "What? Ven! What are you doing in here?"
     
    He stepped between Riley and Ven, blocking Ven's view. "What are you doing in here when Riley is undressed?" he repeated, an ominous threat in his voice.
     
    "Oh, chill out, bro. That's exactly why I'm here."
     
    Riley made an interesting squeaking noise from behind Conlan. "What?"
     
    He held up the bag so she could see it over Conlan's shoulder. "I couldn't sleep last night. Thought you might be tired of wearing the same clothes. Stopped by your place to Atlantis Rising – Warriors of Poseidon 01
    Page 229 of 351
    see if anybody unfriendly was hanging out there and brought you some stuff to wear, some of your girly crap, whatever."
     
    Conlan started to smile and took the bag from him. "So I see Riley has the same effect on you that she does on Denal, baby brother."
     
    Ven narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, well, don't forget I can kick your ass twice a day and three times on Fridays, old man."
     
    Riley jumped out of the bed, wrapped in the sheet, and rushed over to them. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was desperate to get my hands on some clean clothes.
    You're the best!"
     
    She slipped between Conlan and Ven and stood on tiptoes to press a quick kiss to Ven's cheek, then snatched the bag out of Conlan's hand. "Thank you so much! Now if you two will excuse me, I'm going to get dressed so we can figure out how to recover the Trident and save the world."
     
    Ven and Conlan both stood there, gaping, as she hurried to the bathroom, wrapped up like a mummy and trailing the end of the sheet behind her.
     
    "A little pillow talk?" Ven asked, grinning at his flustered brother. "By the way, I didn't see any signs of vamps posted at Riley's house. They must have been after us."
     
    "Thanks, Ven. I don't know what I'd do if…" He paused, eyes narrowing, then shook his head. "Riley is the most amazing woman—no, the most amazing human—no, not even that. She's the most amazing person I have ever encountered. She accepts whatever is thrown at her and moves to conquer it."
     
    Atlantis Rising – Warriors of Poseidon 01
    Page 230 of 351
    Ven shoved his hands in his pockets, a tendril of concern snaking through him. "So, she's pretty amazing. And she also seems to have conquered you, brother. Have you told her about your destined queen yet?"
     
    Conlan clenched his jaw. "No. I don't—No. But I need to talk to Alaric, Ven. Things are going to have to change."
     
    Ven said nothing, not sure of what words would accomplish. Things were going to change, that was for damn sure. He just wasn't sure whether or not that was a good thing.
     
    Riley dug into the bag, thrilled to see that Ven had known enough about women to bring an assortment of her toiletries. Now for clothes.
     
    She pulled out a handful of silk and leather.
     
    He had to be