Page 69 of Hades’ Revenge

“Capri,” Gia said. “Don’t go.”

“Mom, I tried to be who you wanted me to be, but I can’t do it anymore. I want to be with Sebastian.”

When Capri pleaded at me with her trusting eyes, I answered her silent call.

“You should let your daughter go now,” I said. “Before it’s too late.”

I recognized Leo’s quiet intention in his stare. We could often communicate without words because we were so in tune to one another. He issued me the challenge to keep pursuing his daughter, and I accepted. Not because this was part of a plan to get back at him. This had become so much bigger now. I had to protect Capri from the danger he put her in.

I guided her toward the exit, well aware of the curiosity of the people around us. I was never one to care what other people thought about me.

“I’m sorry,” Capri said as we made our way to the vestibule. “I shouldn’t have asked you to come.”

“Did you want me here?” I opened the front door and stopped once we were on the street.

“Of course I did.”

“Then there isn’t anywhere else for me to be.” I caressed her cheek. “I’ll always be where you need me.”

“There is so much mayhem that surrounds us.” Her eyes filled with tears. “My father has made such a mess of things. He wants me to⁠—”

“We finally meet.” Benny Lazaro shoved his phone in his pocket as he came toward us from the corner of the street. “Hades the Assassin. Do they still call you that?”

“It depends on who you ask.” I nudged Capri to stand behind me, because I didn’t want her anywhere near him. “Mr. Lazaro, is there something I can help you with?”

“You could ask the birthday girl to go back inside so you and I can talk.” Lazaro smiled at Capri. “It’s been an eventful party, hasn't it?”

“Don’t answer him.” I hoped Capri had learned her lesson after what had happened with the amateur photographer at the club.

“Such an interesting dynamic the two of you have,” Lazaro said. “I’ve been observing the both of you.”

“Don’t concern yourself with us.” I placed my hand on Capri’s back. “We were just leaving.”

“I’ll respect the topic of the stunning Capri as being off-limits, but I am interested in another of your relationships.”

“Which one would that be?”

“Romero Bilotti.”

“Why would you involve yourself with that?” I checked the street, searching for Lazaro’s backup. “Nothing in this city should be of interest to you.”

“Hmm.” He gazed at Capri before returning his attention to me. “It would be easier for you if that were true. You’d have a clear path to Leo’s daughter. Talk about revenge.”

“This conversation is over.”

“Capri,” Lazaro said. “While you’re celebrating your birthday tonight don’t forget to ask Hades who Romero wants him to eliminate while he’s in New York.”

I ushered Capri down the street, being mindful not to go too fast. As usual, her shoes were too high for the uneven pavements. “Do you have what you need to travel to Greece?”

“Umm, I have my license and my passport in here in case I needed them.” She held up a small clutch that barely fit her phone. “My clothes though…”

“Don’t worry about that,” I said. “I had a few items delivered for you to the hotel this afternoon. We can get whatever else you need once we’re home.”

“Home?”

“Greece, that’s my home.” I smiled at her. “I’d like for it to be yours too.”

We were moving way too fast, but Lazaro was more of a threat than I would have liked. If he and Leo were as determined as I thought they were to form a powerful alliance, I didn’t have much time to get Capri out of New York and under my protection in Greece. I had more resources there. I could keep a better eye on her once we were far away from Leo and his ridiculous plan.