Fruit of Misfortune Read Online Free Page B

human, would deny him—the god of love and
lust and who no girl could resist. But she was different, and this
is what drew Eros to her.
    “Not knowing how his gift affected people,
Eros used it to woo her. What Eros didn’t know was that if love
wasn’t meant to be, there was no way to make anyone love another by
force.
    “Day after day, he visited her, using his
gifts, pouring his charms in her heart. Until one day, the side
effects of Eros’ invisible potion changed Veronica.
    “She began to despise Eros and love him all
at once. She was in an emotional limbo that later grew into an
emotional void. She sat and stared into nothingness for months.
Eros was devastated, but he didn’t dare pray for her health. He was
afraid that Deus would punish him for misusing his power.
    “Every afternoon, Eros would visit Veronica
under the willow tree where her parents set her chair—wheelchair.
Eros’ power was the cause of her vegetative state.
    “One day, as Eros approached the tree, he saw
that her chair was empty, and Veronica was nowhere in sight. He sat
under the tree and waited, assuming her parents were late in
bringing her to meet him. As he sat there, he rested his head
against the bark of the enormous tree. Eros noticed an object
swinging in the branches above him—Veronica’s limp body hung from a
twisted rope tied around her neck.”
    “She killed herself?” I gasped.
    “Yes. Unable to love, to laugh, to cry, or to
fear, she felt she had no reason to live.”
    “So he really didn’t know what he was
doing?”
    David shook his head. “And she wasn’t the
only one that suffered that fate. For a moment I thought he was
doing the same to you.”
    “You’re his friend. Why would he do
that?”
    “The nature of his gift makes women downright
senseless. Of course, he loves the attention. He really loves the attention. But then what do you expect? He’s the
embodiment of lust and love.” David parked the car. “Eros isn’t a
bad person. It’s just all beyond his control.”
    I wasn’t convinced about that last statement.
Eros had lived too long, too much, to not understand the power he
possessed. To me, it sounded like Eros was a coldblooded killer.
David’s attempt to justify his friend upset me.
    “Surely, he must have some control
over it by now,” I said. “He’s had too long a life not to have
mastered his gifts. And the fact that he’s Cupid-in-the-flesh
doesn’t excuse him, either. I mean, there are morals and principals
that a person lives by. He should be setting the example.”
    “In his defense, he’s changed. But old habits
die hard.” David faced me as he turned off the engine. “Which leads
to the next subject. You will not go near him if I’m not
present. Do you understand?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Don’t go near him.”
    “Because you don’t trust me?”
    “I do. It’s Eros’ charms I don’t trust, and
for that reason, I want you to keep your distance from him. You’re
not immune to his gifts.”
    “What do you mean?” I knew very well what he
was referring to.
    “I saw the way you looked at him.”
    “David, I didn’t—”
    “Yes, you did, Isis,” David said. “You find
him attractive, and that’s something out of your control. His
presence is overpowering to any female, and that includes you.
That’s the way he was born.”
    I was aware of the intense energy that
ignited my attraction when Eros looked at me for the first time,
but it didn’t mean I would act on what I felt.
    “You know, it takes two to join into an
agreement of any kind, including a relationship. I’m not interested
in Eros. I’m sorry you don’t think better of me.”
    “Please don’t make this a trust issue.”
    “Whatever,” I said. “I find it hurtful that
you would forbid me from speaking to another guy because you think
I’ll jump him as soon as you turn your head.”
    “That’s not what I was trying to say. You’re
misinterpreting my words. I’m asking that you