Page 64 of Hades’ Revenge

A few weeks ago Christopher might have been appealing to me, but I had skipped right over the men in my age group when I gave myself to Sebastian. There was no going back.

“I think the woman in this picture looks like a young Sophia Loren,” I said. “She’s so beautiful.”

“Hmm.” He inspected the worn photograph under the glass. “It could actually be her.”

“Have you been to Italy?” I asked.

He nodded. “A few times. You?”

“I’ve joined my parents on their wedding anniversary a couple of times.” I stood next to him and gazed at the pictures. “But I was young and don’t remember many details. My grandparents live there, but they come here to visit us most of the time.”

“Perhaps we could take a trip.”

“Us?” What a bizarre thing to ask someone you hardly knew.

“Why not?” He laughed. “It seems like as good a place as any to get to know one another. It’s a spectacular country with plenty of wineries and delicious food.”

“I’m sure, but why would you want to go there with me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“We don’t know each other.” I laughed, trying to keep this awkward moment light. “This is only the second time we’ve met.”

“You left so abruptly the other night, we didn’t have a chance to get acquainted. I’m hoping tonight will be different. Then we won’t be strangers.”

“Oh.” I searched the street outside the restaurant, hoping Sebastian would arrive and end this conversation. “A few of my friends are in the restaurant. I could introduce you.”

“I’ve spoken to a couple of them, and they seem very nice, but I’m not interested in them.”

“Don’t be so quick to make a decision.” I twisted the ends of my hair before draping it over the back of my shoulder. “You never know when you’ll find someone who will change your life.”

All it took was a video and a glimpse of a tattoo to change my destiny.

“I’ve already met her.”

When he reached for my hand, I stepped back before he could touch me.

“Sorry,” he said. “I shouldn’t be so forward, but hasn’t your father told you why I’m here?”

“Business?”

“I don’t want to refer to our arrangement as business.”

“Our like in me and you?” What’s going on here? This went from awkward to awry in three seconds. “I don’t… What exactly are you doing in the city? What arrangement?”

“I’m here to help bring our families together, and our fathers thought the most appropriate way to do that is to, well… I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”

Hell no! “Wait, you think my father would… Obviously, you’re mistaken. You seem like a really great guy, but I’m not up for auction.”

“Auction?” He laughed. “That isn’t what this is.”

“I’ve been looking for the two of you.” My father stood in the archway that led to the vestibule. “I’m pleased to see you’re getting acquainted with one another.”

“I bet you are.” I hurried into the restaurant. “Christopher was explaining your arranged marriage plans for me.” What the actual fuck!

“That isn’t how I presented it.” Christopher followed me into the restaurant. “Capri misunderstood. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” my father said. “This is my fault. I haven’t had the opportunity to explain to Capri what I need from her, but once I do, she’ll understand.”