Page 28 of Hades

“Bullshit,” Natalie and I say in unison.

Everyone knows that Harlee is head over heels for her man Bullet. She might talk a lot of shit, but her loyalty is to her man.

“He has a brother, and from what I’ve gathered, they aren’t exactly on speaking terms,” I hedge.

For some reason I feel protective of Hades and what he’s told me. If he wanted everyone to know his story, he would share it with them himself, and he hasn’t.

God, am I starting to feel something for him? Something other than loathing, I mean? Friendship, maybe? That’s it.

“Hey, are you okay?” Natalie asks, resting her hand on my shoulder.

“Yes, of course. Sorry, I got lost in my head for a moment,” I say, shaking my head.

“You know what we haven’t done in a while? A girls’ night,” Natalie says, changing the subject.

Harlee tosses the apple core into the trash without getting up.

“Score!” she cheers before looking back at us. “I would say we should schedule something, but let’s be real, lockdown is on the way.”

“Why do you say that?” Natalie asks.

“Because the signs are on the wall. We aren’t allowed out by ourselves and have been ordered to travel in groups, and the hits keep coming. The next logical step is for Reaper to lock everyone down. If we don’t leave, they can’t hurt us.” Harlee shrugs.

The worst part is, she’s not wrong. All the signs are there. Reaper just needs to make the call.

“He’s talked about it, but when I asked, he said it’s not time yet,” Natalie says quietly.

Well, shit, I guess it really is going to happen. It’s just a matter of time.

“Well then, I guess we should prepare for it to happen,” I say, my heart racing.

“We’ll be ready, and hopefully this time, we will finally get rid of the monster,” Natalie says.

“Until the next one shows up,” Harlee adds.

God, I don’t even want to think about someone else coming for us. Not yet.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Hades

Ilied to Evelyn. I had no reason to come to the clubhouse, but seeing her so out of sorts, I knew I had to do something for her.

When I signed on to be her bodyguard, I wanted to keep her out of trouble. Save Reaper some headaches by keeping tabs on her.

Watching her work and then seeing how she decompresses? It’s intimate. We are spending so much time together that slowly, I am starting to wonder when the lines started to blur. When did I start seeing her as less of a nuisance and more of something to be coveted?

Sure, I always knew she deserved great things, but never once did I even consider myself in the ballpark. Now I’m wondering if it’s worth throwing out the opening pitch even once.

“If you keep staring, she will start to realize something is up,” Wrath whispers, startling me.

It’s proof that she’s gotten into my head.

“I’m keeping her safe,” I mutter, moving away from the open arch and further into the game room.

“Sure. Tell yourself whatever you want. You know Reaper wouldn’t have a problem with you going for her.”

I frown. “He should. I was exiled.”