Page 43 of Hades’ Revenge

The warm summer breeze swept over me as I faced the voice, bringing with it a comforting, woodsy scent. Pine, cedar…

“Sebastian!” I squeaked out. “You’re here.”

I had seen this man wear a suit, but now that he stood in front of me in a black tux and matching shirt with no tie and the first two buttons undone… Well, excuse me while I try not to rip his clothes off.

“Where else would I be?” When he smiled, a swarm of butterflies invaded my stomach.

He leaned in and kissed my cheek, lingering against my face long enough to heat my flesh in all the right places. Focusing his attention on Christopher, he wrapped his arm around my waist and brought me close to him. Staking a claim. I’m cool with that. But my father won’t be.

“Who is your friend?” Sebastian asked.

“Oh, this is Christopher Lazaro,” I said. “He’s an associate of my father’s.”

My dad was going to go crazy when he found out Sebastian crashed the party. I had to get us out of here before that happened.

“Christopher this is, ah…” I gazed up at Sebastian because I wasn’t sure how to introduce him? Sebastian, Hades, or an alias he might be using.

“Hades.” He extended his hand. “I’m a long-time family friend.”

He predates me.

“It’s good to meet you, Hades,” Christopher said. “Capri and I were about to get a drink, so if you’ll excuse us.”

Sebastian tightened his hold on me but his jaw was clenched even tighter.

Oh no! I know who is going to win this pissing contest.

“Actually, I need to speak with Capri, so if you’ll excuse us.” Sebastian looked at me. “Shall we?”

“Sure,” I said. “It was nice meeting you, Christopher.”

Before Christopher had time to respond, Sebastian whisked me away to another section of the terrace where we were shielded by a staircase covered in shadows.

“I can’t leave you alone for a minute, can I?” He took my hand and stepped back, taking me in.

“What are you doing here?”

“Learning that I can’t leave you alone or another shark will circle.” He shook his head as he drew his gaze down my body. I do look pretty hot in the dress so… “I can’t say that I blame Christopher, but I’ll always be the bigger shark.”

“Are you insane?” I threw my arms around his neck. “You can’t be here.”

“I can be here, and I wouldn’t have said I was insane until you walked into my life.” When he grinned, my heart flipped. “I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see you in that dress. You’re as stunning as I imagined you would be in it.”

“You came all this way to see me in a dress?”

“Not exactly.” He draped his arms around my hips. “I came all this way for a kiss.”

He lowered his lips and gently pressed them to mine. It had only been a few days, but now that he was here, it felt like we had been apart for a lifetime. I missed him. I missed us.

“Wait!” I pushed against his chest. “You can’t be seen here. It’s dangerous.”

“For who?”

“You.” I glanced around, making sure no one watched us. “The whole thing with Father Santiago and your feud with my father. Why would you risk being here?”

“I have my reasons.” He gripped my chin between his fingers. “You’re worth the risk.”

“I don’t want anything to happen to you.”