Page 75 of Seph

“Distraction.” She smiled and sipped, recalling said distraction, a moment of pure, raw passion like she had never felt. “I’ve got more left. Do another toast.”

“A toast to happily ever afters. Here’s hoping the good guys get theirs.” Simeon drank, draining his glass and making a face. “They weren’t kidding. Burns like hell.”

She didn’t seem to notice any pain. Maybe mortals experience it differently, she thought, or maybe he’d taken enough to feel the burn. Zag said an immortal would need more.

And that toast? The good guys get their happy endings? Would people consider Hades and a vampire good? What about her? A robotic machine for most of her life. She had killed in the name of good. Was that the same thing? “Let’s go out.” Out was easier than in, where her thoughts could get her more easily. “There’s a little time before dawn.”And time is moving so fast. Would Hades give us an extension when we’re this close?

Probably not. To him, a thousand years of mortal time is enough of an extension.

“We’re as ready as we can be. Protected, charmed, embalmed with liquor and lush clothes. Let’s hit the strip for a few hours and hope to God we can find a productive place to hole up once daylight hits.”

“The Lotus Room, here we come.”

“You know... the word ‘room’ is very deceptive in this case,” Simeon tried to act blasé. London was no slouch when it came to glittering lights and big buildings—but Las Vegas seemed to want to drown itself in neon and glitz. The Lotus Room was no exception, nor was it one square little bundle of bricks like he’d been expecting. The building was five stories high and stretched back between its more sprawling, heftier neighbors. Apink and white flower that appeared to open and close thanks to the strategic use of alternating flashing lights adorned the front of the building, sitting like a crown above the grand, glassy entrance.

“I’m lightheaded just from watching that damn flower flicker.” Emily ducked her head into his shoulder.

“I think that’s step one. Look.” Simeon nudged his elbow into her ribs to direct her gaze. A few yards away, a couple was staring at the flashing lotus, their faces becoming increasingly slack.

“Watch it,” Emily hissed and suddenly pulled him into a kiss.

The old kissing as a cover ploy, Simeon thought, keeping his eyes open just a fraction as he forced his attention from the amazing sensation of Emily’s hands on his collar, digging into his neck, teasing the sensitive spot where Lilith had made him long ago.

Up and down the strip, people laughed, shouted, and swayed, coming in and out of their respective venues. The couple beside them remained rooted, staring with their mouths slightly open, until a beautifully dressed woman emerged from the interior of The Lotus Club and welcomed them, leading them inside.

“Ow!” Emily broke off their kiss with a wince.

“Sorry, love. Your lip?”

“My vial.” Emily patted her hip where her evening bag dangled. “Suddenly felt really hot.” Her eyebrows rose, a silent hint.

“Mm. Come here, gorgeous.” Simeon said loudly, kissing her again, pawing her like an impatient, drunken lover, and pushing her into the shadows of the adjoining Caesar’s Magic Parlor. Once hidden, Emily’s hand slid into the shimmering red evening bag that hung from a narrow gold chain.

Simeon instantly threw his jacket open to cloak the blinding light coming from one vial.

“It’s not Seph’s. Here, you’d better hold hers again in case something happens. Not good to have all the eggs in one basket.” Emily brushed the vial with a golden glow emanating from it and immediately winced. “It’s dimming and cooling off, but that thing could have set my purse on fire!”

“Then we must be bloody close to her.” Simeon looked up at the building. Lights were on in various windows of The Lotus Room but off in others. “What did the website say?”

“No website, no reviews, just a generic sort of description on a city tourism site. Something like ‘discreet and upscale dining, entertainment, and accommodations.’ Established in 1959, I think?”

“The heyday of the city. All the gangsters, the Rat Pack, the glitz and glamor...” Simeon nodded. “Wasn’t in the States then, but even in London, they talked about it.”

“I wonder if this ‘temple’ just sort of popped up, or did her priestesses and their followers build it?”

“Maybe we can ask someone when this is all over.” He didn’t dare say the names of Hades or his children this close to their target, just in case.

Emily hissed, closing her bag as the light began to pulse, soft and steady. “That’s what happens once we’ve seen it, right?”

“Think so. The alert, then the pulse. As long as it doesn’t go dark, we’re good.” He looked up at the building, hands in his pockets, head tipped to neon blotting out the sky. “Shall we check in and see what happens next?”

“Welcome, weary travelers. Come to dine?”

Emily didn’t bother trying to hide her frown as a buxom blonde in a skimpy Grecian dress and golden sandals pawed at Simeon’s arm and led him inside.

Apparently, I’m an afterthought.

Hm. That might work.

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