Page 38 of Hades’ Revenge

“Yes,” I said.

“They’re influential in the industry. They are looking to invest in the hotel or something.” When she went to the sink, I couldn’t see her face, making it difficult to read her. “I’m not really sure, but I know it’s important for you to help him with these people.”

“How can I help him?” I asked. None of this made sense. My father had never asked me to get involved in any of his business dealings. Why now? “I don’t know anything about the hotel industry. Nothing significant.”

“Just follow your father’s lead and do as he says.” She fumbled around in the pantry, still not looking at me. Strange. “These people could change the course of your future. Our family’s future.”

“What does that even mean? Why does our course need to be changed?”

“Go up and get ready,” she said. “We need to get moving if we want to eat before our nail appointments.”

“Fine.” I sighed as I got up from the table and grabbed my phone. “I won’t be long.”

“Baby.” She reached for my hand before I could get up the back staircase. “Don’t stress over anything.”

I wasn’t until she got so weird with this conversation.

“Things have a way of working out,” she said. “Maybe after you help your father with these people and visit the Hamptons in a couple of weeks, we can revisit you going to Greece before school. If you even want to. But right now, do what your father needs.”

“Okay.”

I just had to find a way to keep Sebastian from coming here. No good could come from that, especially with my father so focused on whoever these men were that were coming to the city.

Something told me my dad didn’t need the skeletons of his past tumbling out of his closet.

ELEVEN

Hades

It had only been two days since Capri went back to the states, but not having her in my bed made me irritable. My staff had been tiptoeing around me, and according to Atticus, no one wanted to set me off.

As I walked through the VIP lounge, I glanced at the bar. I visualized her so clearly the night she came into my club and disrupted my life in that pink dress and those silver shoes. I should have ignored her the moment I found out who she was but then I rescued her from being drugged.

She became my responsibility. Did I have any right to demand she come back to me? She was far too young and innocent for a man like me. With her whole life ahead of her, why would she consider being with me? It was her who chose me. I gave her the opportunity to walk, but she kept running back.

Capri had put herself in this position. She had no one to blame but herself. I knew better, but I took what she offered anyway. Revenge may have motivated me, but that was before she had captivated me in ways that I didn’t know were possible.

I still wanted my revenge, but it didn’t look the same as before.

When I entered my office, Atticus and Zeus waited for me. Atticus had called this meeting and requested Zeus, so whatever he had uncovered must be serious enough to warrant the extra help.

“Sorry to keep you,” I said. “I had to sign off on the next alcohol shipment.”

“It’s fine,” Zeus said. “I’m drinking on your tab tonight.” He motioned toward the whiskey bottle on the side table next to the chair he sat in. “Keep me as long as you want.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I took a seat at my desk. “Thanks for meeting with us.”

“I heard your pretty girl from the bar the other night went back home to her daddy.” Zeus smirked. “She might have done you a favor.”

“There’s no reasoning with him when it comes to Ms. Ferrante.” Atticus paced by the window. Never a good sign. “I tried.”

“Are we here to discuss Capri, or do you have actual business that involves me?” I asked. “I do have a club to run.”

The club could survive a few hours without me. I had capable staff, but working helped take my mind off Capri. Somewhat. She consumed most of my waking hours and even invaded my dreams. How did I let this happen?

“This particular meeting involves Capri.” Atticus slipped a file across my desk. “You’ll have to decide what you want to do about it after you hear what I have to say.”

“What about her?” I opened the file and glanced at the pages inside. “Is this about that hotel in the Hamptons?”