Page 30 of The Prince of Hidden Shadows
“Yeah,” he murmurs. “Me too. A bunch of my closest friends are knee-deep in this, especially my best friend, who’s Rose’s boyfriend, by the way. That’s why I owe it to them to do my share.”
The line goes quiet, and I stare at the sidewalk, wondering if the balance he’s so afraid of tipping has shifted.
Moments later, he redirects the conversation to a lighter topic. “Before I go, tell me about that favor you mentioned earlier.”
A wicked grin stretches across my face as I see the pieces of the puzzle come together. I want Théo to break free from the deal that brought him here so that his soul won’t be soiled. I want Théo to find a safer, righteous path for his future. I want Théo…
So, I explain the contours of my plan to the one person who’s gifted enough to fulfill it. Once I’m done, I heave a sigh of relief when he confirms,
“I’m in.”
Chapter Thirteen
LET’S GET LOST
Théo
My heart jackhammers when I stand in front of Zagreus’s door and knock. I haven’t been back here since I ended up in his bed over a month ago, and we kissed the next morning. He’s never been to my room either—one more unspoken barrier.
What was the point of putting our palpable attraction on hold again? Oh, right—actually getting to know each other instead of giving in to our basic instincts.
I’m so out of my element!
The lack of local acquaintances lets me compartmentalize my life in Oregon. Needless to say, I don’t forget why I’m here in the first place—observing the museum, studying the blueprints and security systems, and strategizing how to prevent myself from getting caught. This kind of operation requires impeccable precision and flawless timing. Hence, my taking residence at theRenversé Hotel for the next six months, courtesy of Stanislas Volkoff.
As much as teaching Simon French on occasion slides into my well-oiled schedule, I hadn’t planned on a Greek god hijacking most of my downtime.
Of course, I mocked my client’s belief in the urban legend surrounding the Renversé Hotel sheltering runaway otherworldly princes, but I did spot a few guests who didn’t seem quite human—such as the one with purple skin, white hair, and bright cerulean eyes.
But why would I do a double take when my sole curiosity lies in an actual Greek god these days? A god who resides on the hidden and restricted 13th floor—access granted by him, no less.
Yes, Zagreus is something else!
I hadn’t expected him to push me to accept a job at the café either.
What’s in it for him?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m having a blast, and the part-time gig allows plenty of freedom. It’s a win-win situation. I get the perks of learning the ropes in a real-life situation while imparting some French recipes that fit the menu.
My pulse races as my knuckles rap on the door again, and I sigh. I can’t help but wonder why he would suggest we meet here. I am a loner by nature, and not understanding my chemistry with Zagreus irritates me. I don’t do proximity; it’s too risky.
All in all, I doubt it’s his subtle attempt to give us a chance to rethink our “off-limits” designation. Yet, I’m aware of the lustful glances we share, especially during our early evening laps in theindoor pool, where I force myself not to stare at his questionable choice of Speedos. But he’s been acting strange. His curiosity about my assignment has grown, and I can’t pinpoint the reason.
A strangled noise escapes my stomach—it’s in knots.
Refusing Zagreus’s invitation would have been rude, right?
I swallow the lump in my throat when a bare-chested Zagreus in baby blue PJ bottoms welcomes me.
O-kay… What does he have in mind?
He’s sexy as fuck.
My chest heaves, demanding release from its confinement, and so does my twitching cock. Passing him sends shivers down my spine, and my heart skips a beat at the appetizing sight. I ignore my traitorous body, hoping he won’t notice.
“Good evening, Théodore. I’m glad you could make it.” His deep voice wrenches me from my reverie. His perfect face, adorned with growing stubble, breaks into a huge smile, and he steps aside, inviting me in.
It’s been two days since we last saw each other. He’s been away on one of his frequent short trips. His recent evasiveness is atypical and betrays that what’s happening isn’t related to his “classic Underworld duty.” His place of work enables a one-way trip to the final destination for some hotel guests. Therefore, he guides their souls to the Underworld, when their fate calls. Far be it from me to check on his whereabouts. Trying to solve the enigma that is Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld, is complicated, so I store the meager pieces of information he reveals.
