Page 43 of You Can't Fight Lightning
I took my bike out on a drive before going back to my hotel. I wasn’t ready to be inside yet. When I pulled over to the side of the road to admire the view, it was pleasing to see that there was no one else in sight.
“You are more satisfied than I’ve seen you in ages.” The cool voice came from my left.
“Nyx!” I jumped. Damn. No one had gotten the jump in me in a long time. “I was enjoying the peace and silence.”
She laughed. “I can tell. What’s happening?”
“I have a date.” I couldn’t stop my grin. It came out in my voice, my words, and all over my face.
“And you haven’t used your power to bewitch her?”
“No.”
There was a silence, then Nyx spoke again. “I’m glad for you.”
“I can tell.”
“Ah, there he is. The Zeus I know and fight with.”
“Oh, we’re not friends? I just gave up my vendetta with your son.”
“Who did as you asked.” Her response was lightning fast.
“Good.” It might kill me, right here on the spot, but I wasn’t going to ask about Roxy in any way. Nope. I wasn’t. Allow her agency, privacy, and me staying out of her business until invited in.
“Enjoy your evening, Zeus.” Her words were distant as she left.
The silence of late afternoon returned, broken only by wisps of wind and the call of a distant bird.
I could stay here forever, but I had a date to get ready for.
Oh, shit. Reservations.
I called the restaurant and sweet-talked my way into a table for two. Then I drove back to the hotel, and took a long shower, thinking about how to ask Roxy about her past.
When I came out of the shower, Hypnos, of all the gods, was sprawled out in one of the club chairs in front of the window. His wings were tucked into his hair, although I could see the tips of them peeking out.
He was handsome. I’d give him that. Right now, he looked like a kid who had been hauled in front of his teacher, or some other authority figure. Not happy to be here, but he had to—so here he was.
Despite the fact I knew he didn’t want to be here, he looked up at me with a pleasant expression on his face in contrast to the body language he was broadcasting. “So you’re not going to kill me on sight anymore?”
“Did she get good sleep?”
“She did. Not a nightmare to be found. I made sure of it myself.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. This kid. He annoyed the crap out of me. That was never going to change, no matter my agreement with his mother. “You’ve answered your own question. You’re still here, aren’t you?”
“Always so comforting. Back to the matter at hand. In the process of helping your mortal lady love, I found something interesting.” Hypnos was looking down at the small table next to the chair, tracing the grain of the table with one finger. “Very interesting indeed.”
Oh, gods. “In what way?”
“You having problems getting her to go out with you?”
“Perhaps in the past, but we’re having dinner tonight.” For gods’ sake. I didn’t have to explain myself to this man child.
“But it’s been hard for you, for Zeus-y baby, the god with the plan, the man with it all. Am I right?”
“What is your point?” I couldn’t end him. I couldn’t even give him a burn in the ass with a teeny, tiny lightning bolt without upsetting my bargain with Nyx.
