Page 211 of Soul Mates: Hercules Valentine and I

I turn my back on him, knowing he’s coming. Max isn’t done needing me yet.

“I want the rest of that code, Paisley,” he calls after me.

I raise my hand, showing him the back of it before I step out into the day.

When I’m back in the SUV, I tell James that I’m ready to go to the bank.

“Also, we’re being followed. Maybe you can figure out how to shake them.”

“Put your seatbelt on.”

I sit back and do just that.

“Herc is probably going to kill me, but…”

In a flash, James zooms across two lanes, whips his vehicle into oncoming speeding traffic, and flies through an intersection just before the light turns red. Up and down streets he goes until he’s one hundred percent sure nobody’s following us.

I’ve had my hand over my heart the entire time.

“I think I’m dead,” I finally say.

He laughs. “But there’s nobody following us to heaven, darling.”

8:00 p.m. Hyacinth

Dramatic symphony music plays in the background.

“Look. The gang’s arrived at the same time,” I say, standing next to Hercules.

He snorts. “Look how they’re inspecting each other”—he turns to me—“partner.”

I smile at his gorgeous face, one that I get to look for as long as I want to and whenever I like. It takes everything within me to not make out with him in front of our family members as they file into the restaurant.

One long family-style table set for a five-star meal is the only table in the establishment. Posh hostesses in little red dresses escort each guest to their seat. My parents do not look happy. Hercules’s mother’s face is red, and she has a tiny dog with her.

“That’s Fifi,” he whispers.

“Ah,” I say.

Achilles has his hands shoved in his pockets, shaking his head at us as if he can’t wait to ruin our plans.

Orion’s at his seat, and Rain is in hers.

“Why am I here?” Rain grouses.

Orion pretends he doesn’t notice her at all. I wonder what’s going to happen if my family chooses the option I’m hoping they’ll select.

Then finally, in walks Uncle Leo and Londyn. The only two who aren’t present are my cousins Lynx and Treasure.

“Enough of this shit,” Max says, slouching in his seat. Then he jabs his finger at Hercules. “And your driver could’ve killed my sister today.”

“This is obviously not about dinner,” Marigold says, petting Fifi. Her focus is trained on Hercules as if she’s refusing to acknowledge my presence.

Actually, most of my family and Hercules’s family are avoiding eye contact. Orion can’t stop gazing at Londyn and Leo. If he’s still in love with Treasure, he sure has a funny way of showing it.

“You’re ready, babe?” Hercules asks loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I am.” I grin because his face does nothing but make me happy. He smells so delicious too.