Page 66 of Hades’ Revenge

“He is not your friend.”

“Sebastian.” I hurried over to him once he entered the restaurant and threw my arms around him, hugging him as tight as I could. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

He released me when my father cleared his throat but didn’t acknowledge him. “Are you okay?” he asked. “You appear to be upset.”

“She’s fine,” my dad said. “Obviously, you didn’t heed my warning.”

“What warning?” I glanced between the two of them. “You know what? I don’t want to know.”

I didn’t want to be in the middle of their issues. The exhaustion was next level.

“Happy birthday.” Sebastian placed his hand on my back and kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” When he was close, nothing else mattered. “Sebastian will be joining us for dinner,” I said to my father. “It’s my birthday and that’s what I want.”

“Fine,” he said. “Don’t keep us waiting.”

He stormed into the dining room in a whirl of disapproval with a side of anger.

“Sorry.” I forced a smile. “I’m happy you’re here.”

“I’m here for you.” Sebastian took my hand. “I hope you know that.”

“Your life was a lot easier before I showed up.”

“My life was boring before you.” He stroked my cheek. “What did I walk in on? It looked rough.”

“It was nothing.” Telling Sebastian, my possessive older guy, that my father planned to marry me off to another might not be the best topic to bring up right now. “We should go. My dad is waiting.”

“I don’t take orders from your father. I never have.”

“I don’t want you to fight with him.”

“I came here to celebrate you.” He tugged me to his chest. “This is a special day. I don’t want you to be sad.”

“I’m not.” I scratched my fingers along his manicured facial hair. “When I’m with you, I’m never sad.”

“Is this dress a Capri creation?” He ran his hand down my bare back, forcing a hot, violent chill to roll through me. “You’re stunning.”

“I designed it before I left for Greece and haven’t had a chance to debut it yet.”

“I’m in awe of your talent.” He lowered his lips to mine. “I like you in white. Not only does it bring out your eyes, but it reminds me how pure and innocent you are.”

“Hmm…” I brushed my mouth along his. “I’m not so pure anymore. Innocent girls don’t do the things you make me do.”

“You’ll always be innocent to me, because I’m the only man who will ever make you do those things.”

He pushed his tongue inside my mouth and kissed me as if we were alone in his bedroom. Unapologetic and careless as to who would discover us. I craved his touch. Desired his attention. If he wanted to take me out of here right now, I would go.

“Hades.” I set my hands on his muscular chest. “I would let you talk me into anything.”

“I know.” He winked. “But I’m going to follow your lead. If you want to walk into that room with me on your arm, I’ll go.”

“Why would you subject yourself to this?”

“I’ll do anything for you.” He held my face between his hands. “Whatever you need me to do.”

“Let’s get this dinner over with, because once we do, I’m going to Greece with you.” I lost myself in his gorgeous face. “As soon as you’re ready.”