Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I expect a contract, something to tie me in legal knots to ensure my compliance. I don’t expect the several-page list of preferences. I scan them, my eyebrows inching up. “What is this?”
“This is for your protection and the protection of the person who has the winning bid. Only mark what you’re interested in. There will still be a safe word to stop things if you need to, but this cuts down on the possibility of crossing lines.”
Some of these things, I’ve never even heard of. I can’t take my gaze from the list. “And if I only want sex in the, um, vanilla way?”
Again, that hesitation, like he doesn’t want to answer truthfully. “I’ve only seen one auction in the last year, though it was with several people and set up differently. From that experience, the more interests marked, the higher the starting asking price. If you’re serious about needing money, I’d consider putting as much on the list as you’re comfortable with.”
As much on the list as I’m comfortable with. The very idea is laughable.
But he’s right. If I’m doing this, I have to make it count.
“Okay.” I accept the pen he offers. “This may take a bit.”
Hercules looks like he wants to bundle me into a hug until I feel less shaky. “Take as long as you need.”
I take a deep breath and settle in to read.
Chapter 3
Ursa
“What game are you playing, Ursa?”
I lean against the bar and smile at Hades. “Darling, you’re going soft. It’s not like you to be so protective of strangers who are more than eager to make you money.”
He ignores the drink that Tisiphone set at his elbow and stares at me. It’s a good look, firm and icy. One I’ve seen bring even the most dominant and dangerous people in Carver City to their knees. I’ve been playing in deep waters for nearly as long as he has. I’m old enough to remember when Hades was betrayed by Zeus and driven out of Olympus, though I was less than a year into my position under Poseidon at the time. I lasted another year before being driven out as well. He should really know better than to try to intimidate me.
“You brought her here. It would lead a man to believe you have a vested interest in the girl. I’m not interested in playing pawn in your games, Ursa. I’m neutral territory for a reason.”
He’s also developed a soft spot since he and Megaera took up with their precious golden boy, Hercules. Zurielle needs help, and he’s in a position to give her that help—and make a profit in the process. It’s only my presence that has alarms blaring for him. Ah well. I can throw him a bone. I pick up my drink and swirl it a little, enjoying the way the ice clinks against the glass. “You know the circumstances surrounding my leaving Olympus.”
“I know Triton was behind it.”
Even hearing my old enemy’s name sends fire simmering through me. He was a friend until he wasn’t, until I reached too high and he decided I was a threat to his position as Poseidon’s favorite. It’s his fault I can never go home again, his fault I wasn’t able to see my parents again before their deaths. His fault that I had to come to a strange city and start over with nothing. If I were another woman, that exile would have spelled my death, and Triton still orchestrated it. It doesn’t matter that I’ve climbed higher in Carver City than I ever could have in Olympus. That betrayal still stings despite the years that have passed. I take a slow breath and shove my anger down. It has no place here, and I can’t afford to do anything but put Hades at ease. “Zurielle is Triton’s youngest daughter. His favorite.”
Hades sighs. “And you expect me to believe it’s merely coincidence that she’s here with you, about to agree to something that’s sure to infuriate her father?”
“Of course not.” I laugh a little, keeping my tone light. “But I am only guilty of baiting the hook. She wanted freedom, so she jumped at it. If this auction angers her father, all the better.”
He studies me for a long moment and finally shakes his head. “I’ll agree to this auction on one further condition.”
I already know I won’t like it, just like I know I don’t have a choice but to agree. “I’m listening.”
“We will hold it tomorrow night.” He barely pauses. “And she’ll stay here in the meantime.”
“You really are going soft.” I smooth a hand over my hip and lean in. “Hades, darling, you’re underestimating the girl. She’s already set her course. Whether it happens this morning or in thirty-six hours won’t make a difference.”
“All the same.”
I shrug. She was already committed the second she snuck out of her father’s house and boarded a bus to Carver City. Another day or so won’t make a bit of difference, not when I hold the leash to the one thing she wants. “Whatever you think is best. It’s your show.”