Page 56 of Hades

I raise an eyebrow at him, “If we are going somewhere, do I have to get naked?”

He barks out a laugh. “I’ll show you first and naked later.”

“Okay, how long’s it gonna take? I’m excitedto go, but I promised Drevi, I’d be here when he got off work,” I tell him, my voice breaking a little.

He palms my chin, “Don’t you fret, we are just going to the courtyard behind the pool. Gimme a sec, and I’ll text him, so if he finishes early, he can meet us there. The downside is you’ll have to get off me so I can grab my phone.”

“Get you off?” I question.

His cheeks flush at my comment, “That’s for later tonight.”

Reluctantly, I stand and he sits up and shoots a text to Drevi.I love that there is no real jealousy between them when it comes to me. I didn’t know this kind of love was possible.

“Are you ready, my love?” Frank asks, rousing me from my thoughts.

“Yes, I’m ready to get this party planning started!”

He leads me into the elevator and the blood rushes to my cheeks as I think back on what War and I did in here a little less than an hour ago.

“That good, huh?”

“What?” I ask.

“War in the elevator?”

“I mean, I’ll never think of them in the same way again. But if you want details . . .”

“That would be a negative. What happens with you and War is for no one but the two of you. I just saw the flush in your cheeks, so I thought I’d tease you,” he replies, bumping his shoulder into mine.

I give him a peck on the cheek as the elevator doors open up to the lobby. Still holding my hand, he leads me through the casino and out into the pool area. We don’t stop until we are in a courtyard off behind the pool. I didn’t notice this the last time I was here.How did I miss this?

The spot is a blank canvas, there are a lot of opportunities for decorations.

“So, I was thinking, leave the gates as-is and add some cobwebs, and I have a fog machine coming. Tomorrow, you can help me with the lighting on them as well. We will have a live band and tables with refreshments. We need a spooky element to add to the party.”

“What if I bring a few souls from the Underworld? They are damned, so this would add to punishment. We can chain them here and there on the gates. They wouldn’t be harmful to the humans,” I offer.

“You can do that?” Frank asks, his eyes light up with stars in them.

“Am I not Hades?” I smirk.

“That would be amazing. That will bring the creep factor. What are you going to dress up as?” Frank asks.

“Hades?” I question. “I can come as myself, and you four can be the horsemen. It will be nice to feel comfortable in my own skin. It’s not like I can walk around here blue. Have you and your brothers dressed as the horsemen?”

“No, we haven’t even thought of it. Most years, we just wear tight shorts and no shirt and call it a costume.” Frank shrugs.

“Oh, I may enjoy that, but not in front of other women,” I tell him. “Maybe the four of you can wear it for me tonight. That would be a sight to see.”

He steps closer and leans in. “I think that can be arranged.”

“I’d like that.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Drevi calls from the gates.

Turning, I smirk at him. “Just planning your costumes for tomorrow. Maybe horsemen, maybe not.”

“Should I be scared?” he asks with a laugh.

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