Page 7 of Hades’ Revenge

“I can find my own way back to my hotel.”

“Absolutely not.” He pressed his hand against the small of my back and guided me through the bar and toward the doors that led to an outside bar that overlooked the ocean. I didn’t have time to protest. His determination was too strong. “You sought me out, making you a responsibility I didn’t ask for.”

He took out his phone and texted someone.

“I’m sorry if I hit a nerve,” I said. “I didn’t mean to stir up your past.”

He stared at me as he put his phone back into his pocket.

“Whatever happened between you and my dad is probably old news, right? I didn’t think grown men held grudges.”

“I’m not certain that you think at all.” He grabbed my upper arm and walked me down a staircase that led to a pier. The ocean mist sprayed my face as we hurried down the stairs.

“Can you slow down?” I grasped the railing, trying not to slip. “I’m going to fall.”

“Those shoes aren’t practical.”

“That didn’t stop you from checking me out when you first saw me in them.”

Speaking of checking people out, I couldn’t help but gawk at his toned backside on our way down the steep staircase.

“You came into my club dressed so that I would notice you and told me you were old enough to have sex.” When we got to the bottom of the steps, he faced me. “Was I not supposed to look?”

Did that mean I piqued his interest?

“I didn’t come here to provoke you.”

“You don’t even know why you came.” He swiped the windblown hair from my face, creating another fiery charge to jolt my insides. “You’ve grown into a magnificent woman.”

When he rested his palm on my cheek, my legs weakened. The waves cracked in the distance, but the crisp ocean air did nothing to cool my flesh. My fixation with him startled me. Why am I so drawn to him?

“You knew me as a child?” I asked. “What is our connection?”

“We don’t have a connection.” He released me from his desirable hold. “I know better than to go down this path.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’re too young and far too innocent to be anywhere near me.” He nodded toward the car that drove up to the pier. “All of your actions proved that this evening.”

“Can I at least see the tattoo?” I touched his arm. “I did go through a lot of trouble to get here.”

An irresistible grin spread across his lips, revealing his perfect, white teeth. “You’re quite amusing.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Only because I find you entertaining.” He unbuttoned his sleeve, rolled it up to his elbow, and then straightened his arm so I could get a look at the ink that had brought us together.

I had seen the tattoo many times, because it was an exact replica of my father’s. Why had he never mentioned Sebastian?

“What’s the meaning behind it?” I ran my fingers over the Manhattan buildings with the elaborate dagger plunging into the sky above it. “Why do you and my father have the same tattoo?”

“That’s a story you can ask your father.” He placed his hand over mine and traced my finger along all the other intricate tattoos on his arm.

Sucking in a breath, I imagined feeling his skin against mine. I gazed up at him, focusing on his lips. What would they taste like?

“Atticus is going to take you to your hotel now.” He let go of me. “Enjoy the rest of your stay, and try not to get into any more trouble, detective.”

“What if I want to see you again?”