Page 42 of The Prince of Hidden Shadows
Well, it was up until...
I cough, set down my cappuccino, lick my lips, and stare at what remains of my dessert.
A crooked smile pulls at my mouth as flashes ofthatresurface. Squirming on the wooden chair, my dirty mind veers straight to the mind-blowing sex Zagreus and I have been having for weeks now. Relentless. Inventive. Addictive. We’ve been learning each other’s triggers by pushing limits… and ending up sore.
My covered dick twitches.
Down, boy.
I dig my phone out of my pants pocket and reread Zagreus’s text—again and again.
Zagreus
Stay safe. I know you got this.
Be back soon. Will miss you, babe.
Closing my eyes for a beat, I sigh. As ridiculous as it sounds, I miss him. He entertains my grouchy self better than anyone, though he claims that my attitude is a front. According to him, beneath—I quote—"my rough edges,” I’m a selfless, softie under all that gruff.Riiight… spend enough time around people, and even a—reformed?—loner like me starts to mellow.
Warmth rushes to my cheeks, snapping my eyes open. But even with my head full of raunchy thoughts, one nagging question slips in—and I wince.
What if he gets trapped and never comes back?
Shivering under the weight of someone’s stare, I put my phone down, pause the music, and look up wide-eyed. “Is this seat taken?” The gentle yet commanding feminine voice uselessly asks.
I pull out my earbuds, holding them in one hand while the other rubs the back of my neck.
My face softens with a surprised grin. “Be my guest, Hecate.” I watch the tall, willowy goddess delicately put her tray on the table. There’s acrème renverséeand a large teapot and ceramic cup because, of course, she wouldn’t use a paper cup.
Still, I didn’t expect to see her here—especially not on her own. I can’t help but wonder if she thinks she’s needed here more than where she came from.
Storing my earbuds case in my pants pocket, I wait for her to comply.
Once she’s pulled up a chair, her pale gray gaze captures mine, and she offers a small smile. Despite our mundane surroundings, her regal posture reminds me of who she is.
My heart skips a beat. I catch Daryl’s stunned expression as he busies himself behind the counter.
I’m sitting across from the goddess of sorcery, ghosts, magic, and night. Hold on! Why is she here? What’s going on? Is Zagreus in trouble?
The dark-haired goddess takes a bite of the dessert, moaning unabashedly. Daryl’s lips part in response to the otherworldly sound, and I pretend to ignore the flush creeping across his dark ochre skin.
Yup, she moaned!
So maybe there’s no impending somber news… I wait, and she addresses me in perfect French. Funny that my exchanges with her friend are strictly in English, as if Oregon dictates it. “I’m glad Zagreus talked you into working here. It’s delicious. I love your Frenchpâtisseries. You should persevere in this field.”
Unsure where this is going, I reply, “Merci,” nod, and scrape the last spoonful of my hummingbird cake—a dessert with no claim to French origin.
I sigh, letting the pause stretch. Her posture is unnervingly still, like a statue. I trace her every movement while she picksat the dessert, and finally she breaks the silence. “Zagreus’s been playing along, hasn’t he?” Her words seem to confirm my assumption. She leans forward and whispers, “I guess I got carried away by thecrème renverséeand forgot my human manners.” She pours a cup and takes a few sips of tea. “Anyway, I came here to thank you for making my friend happy. I’m thrilled that he found you again.” Again? My gaze narrows. “I can tell that he missed you.”
Huh?
Then, it clicks. I bet she’s referring to the soulmate thing Zagreus has hinted at. She thinks I’mhim, too, doesn’t she?
I can’t deny it flatters me, but the idea gnaws at me. I should be on my mission, not untangling whatever Zagreus has told his friends. I clear my throat, but it won’t obey me.
I want him to like me for me, not because of an ancient memory he clings to. Not because of Eros meddling in our lives. Not because of some curse Hecate might have woven.
Speechless, I cast my eyes down and bring my attention to the lukewarm cappuccino and finish it.
