Page 1 of Hades’ Revenge

ONE

Hades (Sebastian)

Revenge— when the desire to inflict pain for an offense becomes stronger than the will to let it go, even when you know releasing the vendetta and building a life with her would be the ultimate retribution on your enemy.

I couldn’t have known that on this particular night, but if I had, I didn’t know if I would have done anything differently. Revenge was a powerful motivator.

On that sizzling night in July on the secluded island of Syros, she walked into my club and our story began…

Both loyal locals and curious tourists flocked to Club Hades. The authentic food and music rivaled the top-shelf liquor. Money circulated through here as smoothly as the blue water flowed through the sea.

As I strolled through the private bar in the club, the one reserved for the highest-spending clients who preferred privacy, I was met with eager handshakes from men who respected me and desperate greetings from women I had once considered, once had, and now had forgotten.

Being the most powerful and influential man on this island had its perks, but the status also came with curses. My past often came back to haunt me. I had to stay one step ahead of my enemies, which had made me more cautious over the years.

“Hades!” a woman screeched from across the room. “Can we get a selfie?”

As she charged toward me, two of my guards intercepted her before she could reach me. I smiled and waved at her as I continued making my way through the club.

No less than six similar instances occurred before I made it to the bar. Thankfully, my attentive bartender, Andrew, knew what I needed.

“Here you are, Mr. Zikos.” He set a bourbon on the rocks in front of me. “Enjoy.

“Thank you.” I raised my glass to him before taking a sip, allowing the sweet notes of caramel and vanilla to coat my throat.

“Tough night?” The tone of a soft voice flowed into my ear.

I rotated in the voice’s direction to find a stunning, young woman wearing a pale pink dress and Jimmy Choo metallic stilettos. She elegantly crossed her long, toned legs as she tapped her perfectly manicured fingernails against the smooth granite bar.

“No more than usual.” I swirled the alcohol in my glass.

“You seem to handle the attention well.” She swiped her thick, blonde hair from her shoulder, causing the curled ends to cascade down her exposed back. “From what I’ve noticed.”

“Some nights I’m more popular than others.”

“I can see why.” She sipped her wine as I admired her flawless, tanned skin. “What’s your name?”

“People around here call me Hades.”

“Like this club?”

“Like the god.” I finished my bourbon. “But yes, this club is mine.”

“It’s amazing.” She gazed around the bar. “I’ve never been here before.”

“How come?”

She knew someone prominent enough to get her into the private section of my club. My undivided attention belonged to her.

“I’m studying abroad,” she said. “I go to NYU.”

“That sounds interesting.” I didn’t particularly like the part of a young woman alone in a foreign country, but that wasn’t my problem.

“My semester just ended, so I finally have a little time to explore this beautiful island before I head back home.”

“Welcome to my island.” I motioned for Andrew to bring us another round. “I’m assuming you are over eighteen since you’ve already been served.”

“Don’t I look like I’m over eighteen?” Her boisterous laugh intrigued me. I would have expected something more dainty coming from such beauty. “I’ll be twenty-one in a few weeks.”