Page 16 of Hades

“I have a date.”

Frank nearly chokes on his laugh. “Like that’s new?”

He’s not wrong. We’re not afraid tochoose a quick fling that we have no intention of repeating. But this woman… she feels different.

“It’s with the mystery woman. She was in the casino and needed rescuing from a cowboy.”

“Oh, and that wouldn’t be her in the entrance?” Frank motions behind me, eyes darkening as he studies her.

She never truly needed to freshen up, but somehow the woman looks even more radiant than before. The need to be close to her is so strong I don’t bother trying to resist.. I palm the bar and head to greet her.

Over my shoulder, I hear Frank say, “Easy, Tiger.”

I stalk toward her as if she is my prey. Once I get closer to her, a smile breaks out upon her lips. Fighting back the urge to press mine to hers, I return a smile and offer her my arm.

She steals glances at me as I escort her to my favorite table, that over looks the pool area.

“We didn’t get a proper introduction. I am Drevi. And you are?”

She gives me a little smile that is far sexier than it should be.

“Hayden.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hayden. What made you decide to stay here?”

“My friend said it was a new hot spot, so I booked it and here I am.”

“Oh? Where are you from?” I ask, leaning forward, curious.

“I’m from the south. It’s pretty isolated where I live, but I don’t want to bore you with the details,” she says, waving her hand as her icy blues stare into my very soul. “This is a wonderful place you have here. Have you always wanted to manage a casino?”

Hayden thought that she could change the subject. It was asmooth transition, but I need to know more about this gorgeous woman in front of me. She had no idea just how stubborn I could be.

“My brothers and I have dreamt of it for a while now. What is it that you do?”

Hayden smiles. “I work in HR. That’s one reason I’m not big on people. Tell me, how did you decide who runs which part of this wondrous place?” Her hands gesture wide at the casino but it was never that serious with me and my brothers.

“We drew straws,” I say flaty.

Hayden bites her lip, seeming like she’s trying to suppress laughter.

Gods, does she know how sexy that is?

Drevi, what a smooth talker. If I wasn’t Hades, his charms would have me panting as if I were a dog. That damn smile heats my already simmering core.

I take in the room around me as he led me to his favorite table. The dining room is as lavish as the hotel itself. The large windows give a perfect view of the pool. I can’t help but wonder if what I see outside is why Drevi chose this as his favorite.

Guest watching perhaps?

We had a nice, simple conversation. That’s something that doesn’t happen much with me in the Underworld.

Don’t get me wrong, Lainie keeps me on my toes, but most of our conversations are about the books she’s reading or the souls I reap aren't much for conversation, it can be a lonely life.

We barely sit in the chairs before a bubbly redhead comes up to our table. She gives him a flirty smile and doesn’t bother to look my way. She couldn’t be more obvious.

“Can I interest you in a bottle of wine tonight, sir?” she asks, simpering as she bats hereyelashes.

Drevi is too busy focusing on me to answer her and her eyes narrow into angry slits as she turns to me. This one has a temper, I can tell.

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