Page 23 of Hades’ Revenge

“Did Ferrante send her?” he asked.

“I considered the possibility, but there would be no reason for him to seek me out now, and if he did want to rehash the past, I don’t believe he would send his daughter to me.”

“You have the best instincts of anyone I’ve ever worked with, so if you think she’s legit, then I’m not going to argue.”

“Believe me, Atticus is still digging, but as I said, I need to be prepared for what Leo does once he finds out Capri is staying in my house.”

“Oh, well…hmm.” He laughed. “That’s one way to get revenge.”

“I’m not particularly sure that’s what I want with her, but I’m not going to show all my cards.” I winked at Capri when she smiled at me from the bar. “For now, I need you to be available. I’m not certain if your services will be required here or if I’ll need to bring the fight to New York, but I wanted to make sure you were in.”

“Hades, I’m always in when it comes to you.” He nodded. “This one will be interesting.”

“I’ll be in touch.” I stood. “Order dinner. The filet is exceptional tonight.”

“I will, thanks.”

I took my time strolling across the room, smiling and waving at my guests. No one took out a phone to take a picture, which meant that Atticus had made it clear to anyone who came in tonight that photos of me were not permitted. We wouldn’t be able to hide from Leo forever, but if I prolonged our picture from hitting social media long enough for me to see where Capri and I were headed, that would be for the best.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, little minnow.” I sat down next to her. “Business.”

“That’s okay.” When she swiveled her barstool so she could face me, I took in her long, tanned legs from her upper thighs all the way down to those sexy, red shoes. The ones she bought to commemorate losing her virginity. “Andrew kept my glass full, and I’ve been texting with my mother.”

“I take it your parents know you’re not coming home today?”

“My mother managed to convince my father to let me stay.”

After she sipped her prosecco, she licked her top lip. I leaned forward and kissed her, because I couldn’t resist.

“What was that for?” she asked.

The blush in her cheeks intrigued me. She had been so bold the first night I met her, I wasn’t aware that a quick public display of affection would embarrass her.

“I don’t need a reason.” I glided my hand under her short skirt and rested it between her legs. “Do I need your permission?”

She glanced between her legs, and then met my gaze. “No.”

“That’s the only answer I would have accepted.” I circled my fingers along her inner thigh. “I like the dress.”

“Thank you.”

“All of the dresses I’ve seen you in have a unique flair to them. It’s almost as if they were made for you.”

“I love that you said that.” Her whole face beamed with pride. “They are all made for me. Well, by me actually.”

“What?”

“I design dresses and I work with a seamstress to create them.” She ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “It’s a hobby.”

“It seems that it’s more than a hobby, or at least it should be.”

“Too bad you weren’t in my life when I started college. I could have used your input.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to major in fashion design. I mean, I’m at NYU and I live in Manhattan. It seemed like a no-brainer.”

“What happened?” I continued to touch her soft skin underneath her skirt. “Why did you change your mind?”