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Presco looked down at her with his brows raised. “Perhaps the goddess didn’t mean it so literally.”

Layala opened her mouth to speak until Hel stepped through the hole in the property’s surrounding fifty-foot wall and both Layala and Presco straightened. In silence they watched him approach. His eyes were more maroon today, softer somehow, and with the half smile on his face and skin almost glowing, his mood matched his appearance.

He pushed his hand through his shaggy, shiny black hair that curled at the base of his neck. “I get the feeling I’ve been the topic of discussion this morning.” He set one boot on the bottom step and crossed his arms. “All good things I’m sure.”

Presco forced a smile. “I’m going to continue cleaning up the house. There’s years’ worth of dust and cobwebs. I sneezed half the night. Not to mention the hole in the wall that let insects creep in.” He disappeared inside and the door shut behind him.

“You’re in a better mood,” Layala said.

He started off to the left toward a small fruit orchard overtaken by tall grass and weeds. Layala hurried down the steps and caught up to him. He plucked a plump purple round fruit and bit into the soft skin. “I found a pretty farm girl down the road all too happy to tell me about the area.” The purple juices from the fruit ran down his chin, though he quickly wiped it. “I might even go back tonight.”

Irrational anger boiled inside her at the thought of it. “You’re a pig.” He plucked another piece of fruit and threw it. It careened at her face, and she barely snatched it before impact.

“And you’re a little jealous.”

She bit into the sweet, juicy fruit. “Hardly.”

He chuckled. “Oh, I’m well aware of what jealous Valeen looks like.” He leaned back against the tree. “Rosy cheeks, a scowl to rival a troll, and that wild look in your eyes.”

“Maybe I’m annoyed I have to be here with you.”

He tossed the fruit up and down. “I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed your inner demon come out.” He smiled and bit into the fruit. “Remember? We were at that upscale restaurant having dinner. The servant had brought our food. The music was soft, the lights were low, you looked stunning in that silver summer dress.”

Layala could almost hear the music now…

The Past

The savory meat and herb-crusted vegetables smelled divine. In this establishment in Hel’s territory only gods and goddesses were allowed, and the place was packed with beautiful people. They sat at a rounded table inside a horseshoe-shaped booth next to one another. A female sang on stage, a slow melodic song.

“Enjoy your dinner,” the servant said and dipped into a sweeping bow and hurried off to another table.

Heads kept turning their way, eyes darted to her and away as quickly as they came. She tuned out any conversation nearby, afraid of what she might hear. “Why is everyone looking at us?”

Hel glanced around as if he hadn’t noticed. “Because you’re here with me. Away from your House. You know how the gods love something to gossip about.”

“We should have gone to dinner in my land.”

“We can leave if you’d like.”

She picked up her fork and shook her head. “And then put a target on my back for showing weakness? I may have been out of the game for a while, but I know how this works.”

His hand slid around the back of her hips, and he tugged her closer to his side. It was a purposeful move, not simply because he wanted her close. It was to show the others they were there together, and it wasn’t for business.

Hel happily chatted about who of importance was at the place and who to watch out for. He put faces to names she’d heard or read about. So many new people from before she locked herself away. Halfway through their meal a demigoddess with stunning auburn hair and a deep green dress that cut in a low V down to her belly button stopped by their table.

“Hel,” she said with a seductive smile.

“Lily,” he acknowledged, blasé.

She slid into the booth beside him and nudged her shoulder against his. “I’ve missed you. You haven’t been by the club in months.”

“I’ve been busy.”

Her gaze flicked to Valeen then she slipped her hand over his shoulder. “Stop by tonight then when you’re done here.”

He pushed her hand off. “I have plans and in case you haven’t noticed you’re interrupting our dinner.”

Valeen set her fork down and straightened her spine. Lily was testing her.