Page 41 of Hades’ Revenge

Eighteen years was a long time to have stayed away. I had planned on never going back. The last person I wanted to see was Leo.

But the universe had other plans when it dropped his daughter in my lap.

TWELVE

Capri

As we walked through the terrace that led to the reception, I gazed out at the beautifully lit Manhattan skyline that would always remind me of Sebastian. It was his tattoo that led me to him in the first place. With him being so many miles away from me, it seemed like that view was all I had of him.

“Capri.” My dad tapped my shoulder. “What has you so lost in thought?”

I turned to face my parents who looked like the king and queen of the ball. My mother in her most expensive dress, dripping in diamonds, and my father in his impeccable black tuxedo and shiny silver watch. They were the envy of many of their friends. Most of the couples they knew were getting divorces or taking on side-pieces, but my parents’ relationship stood the test of time.

My father wasn’t the easiest man to deal with. He was demanding, controlling, and expected my mother to be by his side whenever he requested. But he treated her well and gave her everything she could dream of. I wasn’t sure they had a love story I wanted for myself, but I did admire their loyalty to one another.

“What?” I asked.

“What are you thinking about?” My father stared out at the beautiful summer sky. “It is a stunning view.”

“It looks like your tattoo.” I motioned toward his arm. “I never asked you what the inspiration for it was.”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Impulse, I suppose. I was young and stupid.”

“It’s a pretty elaborate piece of art to have done it on a whim.” Why was I traveling down this particular road? Because the detective in me wanted to figure out what had happened between Sebastian and my dad all those years ago. Maybe if I knew their history, I could bridge the gap between them. “I was wondering what motivated you to get it.”

“That’s a story for another day.” He smiled. “Tonight, we have guests to entertain.”

“Maria.” My mother called to my godmother and Sebastian’s ex. “I’m going to say hello to her.” She kissed my father’s cheek. “I’ll see you inside.”

“I’ll go with you,” I said.

“No.” My father hooked his arm in mine. “You’ll stay with me.”

“Why?”

“I’ll see you two later.” My mom scurried off to meet her best friend, leaving me to fend for myself.

“Because you have been avoiding me since you returned from Greece.”

“No.” I shook my head, worried that he knew about Sebastian. How could he? “I haven’t. You’ve been busy, and I’ve been adjusting to the time change.”

“Your mother tells me you met someone.” He raised a brow. “That’s why you didn’t want to come home.”

“It isn’t that I didn’t want to, it was just…” Maybe I should tell him the truth, endure that wrath, and then figure out where Sebastian and I stood.

“You look beautiful tonight.” He tilted my chin. “All grown up.”

“Thank you.”

“So, tell me,” he said, “what kind of man buys my twenty-year-old daughter a dress and shoes that are worth ten grand?”

“Um, I’m sure it wasn’t that much.” I rocked back on my heels, trying not to give anything away.

“Sweetheart, I’m married to your mother. I know how much these things cost.” He straightened his cufflinks. “I’m concerned about what you had to do to get such elaborate gifts.”

“Dad!” I didn’t know if I was embarrassed or disgusted that he thought I would have sex with someone so they would buy me designer clothes. “Seriously? I can buy my own clothes. I don’t have to…” This is awkward.

“We can finish this conversation later,” he said. “Right now, there are people I would like you to meet.”