17. Frank

I suck in a deep breath when Hades walks up to the bar. She's in a hot little red number that nearly brings me to my knees. Thank the gods I'm standing behind the bar. My cock strains against my pants.

"What'll it be?" I ask, voice low and sultry.

"I was told that the bartender was not only the best in town but hot to boot. I had to come see for myself, where can I find him?" She winks.

"He must have the night off. I'm the only option you've got," I tease, leaning over the bar top.

"Dang, must not be my night," she jokes, her laughter coming easier than it did the first time we met. "First, that bitch comes to my room complaining about Ares and Drevi, and now the hot bartender isn't on duty."

Out of the corner of my eye I notice a new patron has taken a seat. I give her a little wave and return to Hades. "Duty calls."

Staying pressed close to the bar, I take the woman's order and make the drinks.

She gives me a wink and slides over a tip. "Keep the change, just because you're cute."

Normally I would watch her walk away but I have no desire when this gorgeous woman is mere feet away. Instead, I check on the other customers quickly so I can return to her.

Then I freeze. "Fuck."

In the seat next to Hades, is none other than Ashley, my spitfire of an ex.

In all the centuries we've been alive, she was the first woman I truly loved. Our breakup was mutual and we are still great friends, but that doesn't mean I want her to meet Hades.

Not yet, at least.

"Ash, I'm surprised to see you here. Everything okay?"

"Yes, just a long day in the office. Those bitches need to get their shit together. I'm not picking up their slack anymore. I think half of them only wanted the job to get with you or your brothers. You should see them fall all over themselves when War stops in. Pathetic, really." Her mouth twists in disgust.

As I listen to her tale, I make her favorite drink, hoping it will help make her night a little better.

"One Apocalypse Sunrise," I say, sliding it in front of her. I thought the names were fun and my own little inside joke.

"Thanks," she says, her eyes rolling back as she drinks half down in one go. "These are so good."

Hades shifted in her seat, unintentionally drawing attention to herself.

"So tell me about your friend here," Ashley says as she takes a sip and points a finger at Hades.

"Ashley, this is Hayden. This is her first visit to the 4 Horse."

"I hope you're enjoying your stay. Watch out for Pyro, he is a horny devil. The other two are okay but Frankie here is the sweetest," Ashley remarks as she downs her drink and slams the glass on the bar. "Thanks, Frankie. Put it on my tab."

"Sure, let me call you a cab."

Ashley makes small talk with Hades as I phone the cab company. As I hang up, a roar of laughter bursts from Hades.

Shit, what is Ashley telling her?

Making my way through the customers, I return once more to Hades and Ashley. They are chatting as if they are old friends.

"Your cab will be here in five," I tell Ashley. "Hayden, I'll be off in ten. Your hot bartender will be here then." I wink.

My replacement arrived on time, and I didn't waste a moment to get back to Hades. She's still at the end of the bar, but now a group of men are encasing her.

Jealousy wells up inside at the sight, my face set in a grimace as I stalk over to her. Just before I reach her, the men stumble apart and grab their stomachs.

"I'm starving," one whines. A few others agreed, and they nod to Hades and leave, faces a bit more green than before.

Hades has a sour look on her face as I step closer. She knows damn well what I did.

"What?" I shrug, palms up.

"It's not their fault, souls are attracted to me. The same thing happens when I'm in the Underworld, though they look a bit different then. Even in human form, I'm able to tell the good souls from the bad. Men are drawn to me, women as well, but they either love me or hate me.That's one reason Cerberus is never too far from my side, unless I'm topside. He would turn heads with all three of his. "

Hades pulls me close and points discreetly to a man in the middle of the bar. He seems to have a nervous tick, scratching the back of his hand furiously.

If the scratching didn't stop soon he would break through the skin.

"That's a tell-tale sign of a bad soul. Give me a second."

Hades moves away from me and over to the man with the tick. She stops just behind him but not close enough that she's touching him. She whispers something in his ear and his body stills, his hand a bright red from where he can't soothe the itch.

Hades's icy blues eyes twinkle as her mouth tilts up into a smirk and she returns to my side. "Oh, here's the sexy bartender I was waiting for."

"How did you stop him?" I asked as I can't hide the smile that she brings to my lips.

"I can sometimes direct a soul to help the body stop something they can't control," she explained.

"That is interesting and helpful," I said and I pull her in close, but my stomach drops when that sickly sweet smell hits my nose.

Hades frowns, noticing the shift in mood. "What is it?"

"Did your ex corner you again?"

"Ugh, do we have to talk about that ass? Yes, he popped into my room, saying he loves me and is going to fight for me. When will he get a clue and realize it's over? I only have eyes for you… and your brothers. Gods, that makes me sound like a slut. Don't you dare tell Zeus he was right. I will never live it down."

Gently, I push back a strand of her blue hair and kiss her on the nose. "You are not a slut, the fates gifted you with four mates. I'd say that it's a little out of your control. As for Seph, the next time he appears unannounced, let's hope it is when we are in the bath. "

Her cheeks redden, a light blush tingeing her delectable skin. "Oh," she says, an eyebrow quirking, "so you enjoyed that did you?"

"Maybe, a little," I tease

"What do you have planned for me now?"

"A little gambling, maybe?" I muse. "Then I was thinking about eating in tonight, a dinner and a movie in our penthouse? May get a little crowded; the guys would want to join us."

"How about this: Gambling, then you help me clean up for dinner," she counters.

"Solid plan."

Pulling her to my side, we stroll out of the bar and onto the casino floor. I watch her face light up as her eyes dart around the space, taking in all the chaos. Hades has me mesmerized. The wonder and excitement that fill her eyes is almost as breathtaking as she is.

"I've only been here once. A gentleman grabbed my attention and I blew on some dice for him, then I went to leave and he wouldn't allow it. It was lucky for me that your brother was on duty and came to my rescue."

She smiles to herself at the memory before something else catches her eyes.

"What are these things that these lovely old souls are playing?"

I stifle my laugh. "They are slot machines. Not much of a money maker, but the older women love it. They find a machine they think is lucky and will stay rooted on the spot for a day, or until their family or husbands come and get them. Would you like to try one?"

She eyes the machine with caution. "I don't know, I'm not great with technology. Lainie is the one who keeps all that stuff in order."

I raise an eyebrow at her. "Lainie? I've heard you mention her before."

"Oh yes, she is my best friend and only real company in the Underworld. Probably because she's the only one that puts up with my temper."

"Temper? I keep hearing about it, but I have yet to see you lose it."

"Well, I don't want to level your hotel. If I did, I wouldn't get an invitation to come back." Hades winks.

Is her temper that bad? She reminds me of War a little. Nothing that I can't handle.

"So, have a seat and I'll show you how to use one of these. It's easy and fun. I promise."