Page 133 of Hell and High Water

For the time being, we’ve taken on the role of the Sinful in our own way.

A group leading from the shadows, moving behind the scenes, using every person willing to step up to further the cause, to get people to safety and raise a defense force that is starting to rival Marco’s forces.

A week blurs by.

We’re back around the table, the four of us exhausted but feeling hopeful, full of purpose.

It’s time to take our city back.

25

HELLENA

“So, how's your new place?”

“Ora, you’re sitting in my new place.” I wave at the room, gesturing vaguely.

“No shit, Hell? I meant, how’re things at your new place?” Her eyebrows wag as she nods toward the bedroom upstairs.

“Fine. Good.” I shrug, refusing to elaborate.

“Ugh! You’re killing me! You’re cohabitating with three hunka-hunka-chunka-burning-loves, and that’s all you can give me?”

“It’s not as sexy as you think, most of the time.” Not that I haven’t taken things where I could get them. Tell in the kitchen after dinner one night, Evan in the office on the desk, Gavin in the laundry room yesterday afternoon.

Ora’s eyes narrow at me like she can read my thoughts. “It's only as sexy as you make it. And you should definitely always make it more sexy. I know you’re holding out on me.”

“Things are the appropriate amount of sexy, I promise.” I laugh, refilling our wine glasses.

“Bullshit. You’re stressed as fuck, I can see it. The best remedy for that would absolutely be to indulge in a little triple-dip. And I am not talking about ice cream.”

“Ora!”

“Play innocent all you like. I saw that bed.”

Maybe she’s on to something, but the opportunity hasn’t come up. And it’s not something that I can just… mention casually to the guys.

Or can I?

Regardless, there’s way too much going on to worry about it, and Ora finally lets it drop.

“You doing alright, though, really, Hell?”

“Yeah. No.” I frown, shrugging.

“I know you’re fist deep in it all, running the show. You ask me, I say you need a break. But I know you won’t take one. Just like Grandaddy.” Ora gives me a flat stare, the reprimand clear in her eyes. “Speaking of which, I need to go check on President Clive and make sure he’s eating, sleeping, and not murdering everyone in sight when he’s hangry. I swear, he’d keel over if I wasn’t there to take care of him.”

“I can relate.”

“Don’t make me come back over here to babysit your ass! I will make those muscle-men of yours hold you down to rest if I have to.” She winks, hopping up from the table and giving me a huge hug.

“I promise to take care of myself.”

“Let them take care of you, too. And I mean in every way. Remember, they need attention, too!”

“Call me!”

“Yes Captain-My-Captain! You’re leading the charge, Hell, and doing a fan-fucking-tastic job!”

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