Page 4 of Hades

I smirk at his comment. “All three of them, right? What are the chances Lainey is having another girl?”

He glares at me. “Do not wish that upon me. I’m already outnumbered. I really need another male in the house to help even the playing field.”

“Really? I think you are rocking the girl dad thing.”

A fond smile covers his face. “Yeah, I am.”

I know the truth, though. He doesn’t care if the baby is a boy or girl. He will be happy either way.

“How far along is she now?” I ask.

“Six months.”

“Not long then. You know I can’t tattoo for shit, but if you need someone to handle the business shit for a couple weeks while you stay home, I would be happy to do it,” I offer.

Relief crosses his face. “That would actually be pretty great. I think I’ll take you up on that.”

“I hope you do,” I tell him, hearing footsteps coming down the hall. “Seems my tattoo artist is ready, so I’ll catch you later.”

He nods. “I’ll call you about the shit I need help with.”

I leave his office, meeting Jericho in the hall.

“I’m ready for you,” he says.

“Oh, I’m sure you are. Make sure to take it easy on him, Hades. His asshole barely survived last time.” Elle, one of Midnight’s tattoo artists, smiles wide as she passes us.

“I don’t take it up the ass,” he growls.

“You would if I told you to.” She winks at him, stepping into her room and shutting the door.

“I swear that woman is a test on my patience,” Jericho mutters as we step into his room.

“A sassy woman like that will do that to you. They enjoy getting a rise.”

“Oh, I’m rising to it,” he says under his breath.

I ignore the comment as I pull off my shirt. I don’t have a ton of open space these days, but getting a tattoo is therapeutic for me. I find myself coming in at least once a month for touch-ups or something small. I enjoy the feeling of the needle on my skin.

“What are we doing today?”

I look down at the tattoo that needs to be touched up. I hate that it’s been so long since I’ve even paid attention to it.

“This one.”

It’s nothing special. It was the first tattoo I got with my brother. It’s on my bicep and says “little brother” on top and “family first” on the bottom. In the middle is a dull-looking skull.

It was once dark and full of life. Now it’s a reminder of what I left behind. The sacrifices I have made.

It’s time to clean it up, though. I feel like since I’ve decided to stay in Vegas, little parts of me are starting to heal.

I feel like I have a family again.

“Let’s do it then. Just a touch-up? Do you want me to make any changes?”

I wonder for a moment if I should have him cover it up. What are the chances Remi even kept the damn thing? I know I would have covered it up a decade ago if he betrayed me the way I did him. I don’t regret what I did, but I do regret what it did to our relationship. The only reason I even know he is still alive is because Maverick sends me messages a couple of times a year.

“Touch up. I want it to stay the same.”