4. Douche Brothers Dating Advice

S tepping outside into the Nevada heat, I feel right at home.

Well, almost.

The brightness of the sun is something I'm not used to. The underworld is all the doom and gloom just like it is in the books. It's an overcast sky, humid from all the lava flowing that keeps us sweating for days.

Casually, I snap my fingers, and the sunglasses I need appear in my bag on my shoulder. I reach for them and I place them on my face.

Searching for a prime location in the sun, I spot a lounging chair on the left side of the round pool. I make a beeline straight to it, securing it with my ass, just as the bitch from the elevator huffs in annoyance.

She makes a show of pouting out her bottom lip and fluttering her eyelashes at the man she's latched onto.

"Darling, this slut took the chair I had my eye on. Make her move," she whines to the older gentleman she has her arm linked with. Her voice grates on my nerves but I don't let it show. You don't become the queen of hell and not learn a thing or two about keeping your face unreadable.

"Anything for you," he says in a placating voice as he removes his arm from hers and gives me a glare before walking away.

"You better move your ass, slut. That is my chair now."

If she wasn't being such a bitch I might admire her acting skills. Her cutesy voice was gone and venom was in her eyes.

I point a finger at my chest innocently and gaze up at her from under my glasses. "Me?"

"You heard me. When Edward comes back, he will have the staff remove you not only from the chair but the hotel as well. Trash, as you are, should have never been allowed to enter somewhere as prestigious as the 4 Horses."

I nod as if I'm agreeing with her, though her words are laughable.

"Oh, and what is it that makes me trash? The fact that I'm here on my own, not with a sugar daddy twice my age? Can't I relax without a gold-digging twat trying to ruin my first vacation in centuries? I worked hard and invested my money wisely, unlike you." I let my eyes trail over her showing every ounce of disapproval I can manage.

My insult hit its mark. Her mouth falls open as she loses her fake smile and anger slowly colors her cheeks. She takes a few steps back toward the pool, and with a subtle wave of my hand, a gust of wind knocks her ass into the water.

Trying my hardest not to laugh, I lean back into my lounger and get comfortable. I pull the book Lainie picked out from my bag, turning a deaf ear to her cries and splashes.

I'm quickly lost in the romance that fills the pages in front of me—speed reading relaxes me—when a deep cough interrupts my reading .

"Miss, this gentleman has a complaint against you," a smooth but husky voice informs me. A shiver runs through me at the deep gravel that laces the words.

Leisurely, I glance up from my book.

Fuck me, it's the suit from the elevator. My cheeks heat, as does my core with him near me like this, but I do my best to reply with a straight face.

"Is there a problem, sir?"

He flexes his hands at my words, the only sign that there's anything behind the pleasant mask on his face.

"Yes. As I said, this man said first you were disrespectful to him and his wife in an elevator and now you have taken his wife's chair. We will not accept rudeness here."

Part of me wanted to know what lies they made up about me. It was almost comical how bothered they were by my presence alone.

"Oh, they want my spot here?" I offered, feigning surprise at the accusation. "I didn't realize that riding in an elevator with the couple that insults you without reason was an issue. Actually, not only in the elevator. They then followed me here to the pool and complained because I'm sitting here in this chair they suddenly want. That makes me rude? I know that I'm not much of a people person, but I've been nothing but polite to them. They seemed to detest me from first glance."

With his steely gaze on me it takes everything in me to not just jump him right here and now.

My self-control is fraying, and I am confused at this draw to him, this desire to strip off his clothes and admire and then maybe lick and devour what they are hiding.

He turns toward the older gentleman, his fake expression now full of accusation. It was refreshing for him to listen to me and not just follow the couple's lies .

"Sir, is this true? Have you and your wife insulted this woman for no other reason than you feel you have the right?"

The man's face turned an angry shade of purple. It might have been funny if not for the situation.

As the man in the suit spoke, I couldn't help but study him. The suit melds to his muscles as if made just for him, while still concealing his body underneath. His icy blue eyes glance at me from time to time, jaw tight as he speaks, but the strong square lines have my core heating.

And who knew that a slight dimple in the chin would be so sexy?

The drowned rat wife chose then to stomp back up with a towel wrapped around her, a perfect manicured finger pointing directly at me. Mascara is running down her cheeks, makeup now ruined.

Who wears makeup to the pool?

"This slut pushed me into the water," she shrieks at a pitch that shouldn't be possible. "I want her thrown out. I have never been so embarrassed in my life."

The suit's mouth is wide open as he takes in the woman walking our way. "Ma'am are you all right? Do you need help to your room?"

"No, I want her out! First this trash insults me in the elevator, then takes my chair here at the pool before pushing me into the water. I have never been treated so poorly in my life. I want her out of here."

He flashes her a placating smile that she eats up. "I assure you, I will get to the bottom of this. Why don't you go to the bar and get a drink on the house? I want to have a word with this guest."

He motions for them to start ahead of him, watching and waiting for them to be out of earshot .

Knowing this is going to be a pain in the ass, I sit up, crossing my legs as he takes a seat on the edge of the lounger. His smile fades a little as his gaze slowly devours me. I swear there's heat in those icy blue eyes.

"Miss," he starts.

"Hayden," I interrupt before he can ask for my name. The corner of his mouth tips up in a ghost of a smile. He even makes that look sexy.

"Hayden, am I gonna have a problem with you? I love a good fight, but it's not something I can condone in my hotel."

My stomach sinks. Does he believe this bullshit?

"Sir, I promise you that I've been minding my own business. They seem to just have a problem with my existence. First, I entered the elevator and she called me a slut. Instead of engaging, I just ignored her words and continued to my room. After that ordeal, I decided that a little rest by the pool with a good book was just what I needed. I found this chair, and just as I sat down, they walked up. Nothing was taken but she complained that I took her chair. She insulted me yet again and sent her man to find a manager. It's not my fault she tripped and fell into the pool, but I never once got out of this seat. I am on vacation, drama is the last thing I want right now. Check your cameras if you want proof. I assume you have them."

He leans in a little closer, his scent carried on the wind toward me. It's an odd mix of copper, sweat, and cologne. Each scent calls to me as they meld together into an intoxicating blend. Without thought, I find myself inching a little bit closer to him.

"I'll review the tapes," he says as he stands. "If indeed they started all of this, I will ask them to leave. If I notice it was you, then you will have to leave. Understood?"

"Yes. I'll be right here, soaking up the sun and reading if you need me." To keep up the unbothered appearance, I recline in my seat, opening my book and stretching my feet out to where he was seated.

My eyes follow him while he walks to the bar. His ass is a fantastic sight in those pants.

He stops near the couple for a moment before continuing toward the hotel.

Once I make sure he's out of sight, I dig for my phone and send a text, hoping my loyal companion receives it.

LAINIE!!!

I'm here, Lady Hades. Is everything okay?

Yes, but I think I've found him. My mate is here.

Already? Wow, maybe you should have taken a vacation sooner!

Ha ha, yes, I should have listened to you. No need to remind me.

I blow out a breath and roll my eyes. Now isn't the time to reprimand me, I'm in crisis!

Tell me about him and why you think he's your mate. I want all the details, hold nothing back.

From one glance, I wanted him. My thoughts have been filled with his face. Now as I talked to him—long story, tell you later—I had to stop myself from jumping him here and now. That is not how I react to mortals. I am not my brothers.

I agree, that is not normal for you. He could be the one. What does he look like?

He is taller than me, perfectly cut blond hair and just a little shadow on his face, a cute yet slight dimple in his chin with a strong square jaw.

Ok, now I need a picture of this hottie.

Her request makes me smirk.

I'll do my best. You know that technology and I aren't friends, I don't want to get caught taking a picture. Also, there's a couple here trying to get me kicked out of the hotel. So I'll see if I can sneak one in for you when he comes back.

Do I need to send Cerberus to take care of the couple for you?

Snickering, I shake my head and type out a reply. Though the idea does have merit. I can already picture her screeching as she runs from the three-headed pup.

No, thank you. I have a feeling that they will be the ones to leave. I'm going to enjoy my book and this warm sun. Talk to you later.

Throwing my phone back into my bag, I resume my reading, but have to stop again when two large shadows appear over me. A low growl rumbles in the air before one of the men speaks.

"Hades, you're not wearing enough clothes. Do you need me to summon you a dress?" a familiar voice asks.

Great, this is exactly what I need.

Annoyed, I look up to see my big brothers. They both came to earth in chiseled human bodies. Shirtless and in shorts two sizes too small I have to hold back the gag in my throat.

"Call me Hayden here. And no, this is called a bikini. It's what mortals wear, and I have to blend in. Speaking of not enough clothes, please return your shirts to their rightful places." I wrinkle my nose in disgust to prove my point.

Zeus and Poseidon laugh. Zeus's long white blond hair blows in the breeze, the stench of burning plastic feels my nose.

"Oh, sister, how I miss these chats. You never visit, yet we find you here on vacation," Poseidon muses, rifling his hand through his short red hair. "Should we be hurt?"

Glaring at him, I spit out, "This is the first time I have been out of the Underworld in centuries. I cannot just up and leave my post like some of the other gods. Leave me to enjoy this in peace, please."

Zeus gives me a hearty laugh as he crosses his arms. "Oh, Hayden, we know why you're here. Lainie told us.

I gasp at his words. That little traitor !

He notices my annoyance and holds up a hand to silence me before continuing.

"Only because I came to check up on you and the Underworld after Hermes returned with the gift I sent. Poseidon and I are only here to give you some dating advice, little sister."

"Zeus and I have a way with mortals. Well, one of us more than the other, but we're here for you, baby sister," Poseidon agrees with amusement coloring his expression. "Where have you started your search? Strip Clubs? Titty Bars?"

I glare up at Poseidon. Of course he would ask that. The notorious playboys of all of Olympus here in the flesh, itching to get naked with the mortals.

"Why would I look there for a mate? Have you forgotten I'm a female? Those are the last places I would search. I mean, to each their own, but those are not places I intend to visit."

"What about a club or a sports bar? Surely those aren't too beneath you," Zeus suggests, barely hiding his frustration. They have always teased me for being too closed off. We are truly opposites in every way. "Just say no to a golden shower, trust me on this one, sister."

Zeus shudders but Poseidon isn't done. He waves him off and leans in, his eyes twinkling with his teasing.

"If he is hung like a bull," he adds, "he's probably a descendant of the Minotaur."

"I am grateful for your concern, but I really do not need any advice from god-whores like you two."

Zeus's face fills with outrage. "Bite your tongue. What if Hera heard you?"

No longer able to control my laughter, I let it out a reply, "If you think she doesn't know after all these years, brother, you are sadly mistaken. "

Poseidon can't even look our brother in the eye. It's common knowledge, whether Zeus wants to admit it or not.

"What do you mean? How could she know?" Zeus demands.

"She's Hera. She sees all and knows all. Trust me, you're lucky she loves you and puts up with your shit."

Even Poseidon is silent as our brother calms down.

Zeus finally regains his bearings. "We're not here to talk about me. Stop deflecting, sister. Do you have a plan or not? Have you tried one of those apps on your phone? I've been told those are all the rage."

I shrug. "I'm going to relax and enjoy this beautiful hotel and casino. Then I'll start the search. I plan to make the most of this vacation from my daily duties."

A low yet raspy voice speaks up. "Miss, are these two bothering you?"

I try not to gawk as I take in the man that's speaking. He's tall, muscular, and shirtless.

Intricate ink covers his chest and arms but doesn't take away from his cut figure.

His red hair is cut short but he has it styled to stick up. His emerald green eyes are almost hypnotic as they lock on mine.

"No, I'm fine, thank you," I manage. "Just my overprotective brothers checking up on me."

"I'm Pyro, the pool manager. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me." His tone is calming and smooth. It makes me want to hang onto every word.

He winks at me and gives my brothers a stern glare before walking away.

Once he's out of ear shot, Zeus wiggles his eyebrows at me. "Sister, I think you may have caught the interest of the pool manager. "

Poseidon scoffs. "Pyro, a pool manager? Fire over the water, that is the stupidest name," he complains.

"I swear, if you two don't leave me in peace, I'll call Hera myself. If I need your assistance, I'll call you. Thanks for checking up on me, now please let me relax and warm back up. You two are blocking my sun. I don't need my big brothers' protection, stop being nosy asses, I'm not a child."

"Come, Poseidon. Since we're here, let's go gamble a bit before we return home."

As the words leave Zeus's lips, there's a rumble of thunder overhead.

Poseidon chuckles. "Brother, I think that's your warning to return home."

I settle back into the lounger. "You better grab some chocolate and flowers before you see your beautiful wife."

My eyes return to the pages of my book and my brothers finally take the hint. I'm once more in the sun. After a chapter, I decide to roll onto my stomach and sun my back. I stand, glancing around to make sure no one is watching, and wave my hand. The chair bends to my will and lies flat. Taking my seat once more, I get comfortable and untie my top so I don't get any tan lines. I return to reading my book with one hand as my head is propped on my palm of the other.

I'm only a few pages into this new chapter when, once again, I'm shaded by two shadows.

Can't my brothers take a hint.

This time the raspy and husky voices speak at the same time. "Miss."

I roll over, forgetting that my top is untied, and it dips down a little more than it should. It halts their speech, as I hold it in place. My heart beats faster as I take in the tasty men before me .

I'm turning into my brothers. Next step: goddes-whore.

Pyro maneuvers himself behind me, kneeling to my level. "Allow me, Miss."

His warm breath fans over my ear as he speaks and a shiver runs down my spine. My heart beats faster as his fingers skim my bare back while he takes the strings from my grasp.

"What does a girl have to do to get some alone time in the sun?" I sigh.

Pyro rumbles with laughter, whispering in my ear. "Can't blame us, you look good enough to eat."

The suit coughs as my cheeks redden. "My brother and I came to assure you that the couple with no manners has been asked to leave the hotel. We apologize for their behavior and hope that the rest of your stay at the 4 Horses is enjoyable."

Pyro steps back in place beside his brother. "If there is anything you need, as I said before, I am Pyro, and this is my brother, Warrick. I run the pool area, and he oversees the hotel."

My throat is dry, so all I can do is nod. Heat bubbles deep inside of me, threatening to surface. These two brothers are testing the limits of my self-control with a conversation.

"Enjoy your stay at the 4 Horses," Warrick concludes, giving me a nod and one last look at his gorgeous eyes.

Pyro doesn't say anything as he follows his brother.

I think it is time for a drink, so I gather up my belongings and stow them in my purse. The summer dress is pulled on over my suit and I make my way to the bar, which I am grateful is in the opposite direction than where the brothers headed.

It's definitely been an interesting start to my vacation, but if I get to stare at those two, then it makes the run in with the rude couple worth it.

I lick my lips as I stare after them.

What I need is a plan and a whole lot of luck.