Page 40 of Hades

"Ugh, do we have to talk about that ass? Yes, he popped into my room, saying he loves me and is going to fight for me. When will he get a clue and realize it's over? I only have eyes for you… and your brothers. Gods, that makes me sound like a slut. Don't you dare tell Zeus he was right. I will never live it down."

Gently, I push back a strand of her blue hair and kiss her on the nose. "You are not a slut, the fates gifted you with four mates. I'd say that it's a little out of your control. As for Seph, the next time he appears unannounced, let's hope it is when we are in the bath."

Her cheeks redden, a light blush tingeing her delectable skin. "Oh,” she says, an eyebrow quirking, “so you enjoyed that did you?"

"Maybe, a little," I tease

"What do you have planned for me now?"

"A little gambling, maybe?" I muse. "Then I was thinking about eating in tonight, a dinner and a movie in our penthouse? May get a little crowded; the guys would want to join us."

"How about this: Gambling, then you help me clean up for dinner," she counters.

"Solid plan."

Pulling her to my side, we stroll out of the bar and onto the casino floor. I watch her face light up as her eyes dart around the space, taking in all the chaos. Hades has me mesmerized. The wonder and excitement that fill her eyes is almost as breathtaking as she is.

"I've only been here once. A gentleman grabbed my attention and I blew on some dice for him, then I went to leave and he wouldn't allow it. It was lucky for me that your brother was on duty and came to my rescue.”

She smiles to herself at the memory before something else catches her eyes.

“What are these things that these lovely old souls are playing?"

I stifle my laugh. "They are slot machines. Not much of a money maker, but the older women love it. They find a machine they think is lucky and will stay rooted on the spot for a day, or until their family or husbands come and get them. Would you like to try one?"

She eyes the machine with caution. “I don’t know, I’m notgreat with technology. Lainie is the one who keeps all that stuff in order.”

I raise an eyebrow at her. “Lainie? I’ve heard you mention her before.”

“Oh yes, she is my best friend and only real company in the Underworld. Probably because she’s the only one that puts up with my temper.”

“Temper? I keep hearing about it, but I have yet to see you lose it.”

“Well, I don’t want to level your hotel. If I did, I wouldn’t get an invitation to come back.” Hades winks.

Is her temper that bad? She reminds me of War a little. Nothing that I can’t handle.

“So, have a seat and I’ll show you how to use one of these. It’s easy and fun. I promise.”

Frank’s grip loosens on my waist as I step toward the high-backed chair, the lights of the machine flashing in a pattern to draw a player to it.

I take a seat and wait for Frank’s instructions. He moves toward the coin slot and inserts a few shiny coins. He’s positioned sideways, and I’m eye level with his package; the outline of what waits for me behind his pants has my mouth watering.

When did I turn into this desperate girl? Though who could blame me with these four around?

A hand cups my jaw and his thumb runs along the bottom of my lip. "Just checking," he says with a wink. "You okay?"

“Yes,” I reply breathlessly.

He chuckles and moves his hand away. “After you insert the coins”—he indicates the slot for the money, before gently taking my hand and moving it with his to a part on the machine—“all you have to do is pull this down.”

Frank’s fingers tighten on mine and he guides me on how to move the lever. He keeps hold of my hand as we let go, and all the images on the machine start to spin.Three different pictures stop on the screen, a pair of cherries, a bell, and a giant seven.

“Oh, we lost.”

“Can we try again?” I eagerly ask. I’m starting to see why the old ladies were loving these.

Frank hands me a few more coins, and I repeat the movements he did the first time and pull the lever myself.

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