telling him no over the phone, he felt a need to dispatch one of his more accomplished and handsome minions to complete the task.”
“You mean you already know of Lucifer’s demand for my presence?”
“Oh, did we forget to mention it? Yes, we were aware and, of course, answered on your behalf. Thelxy told him no.”
“I’m confused. Didn’t you just say you shouldn’t cross him?”
“Yes, but as I also said, we couldn’t just say yes. It would set a bad precedence. We do have a reputation to maintain. And I think Thelxy was kind of hoping to goad the Dark One to pay us a visit in person. The man is a veritable machine in the bedroom, and his stamina…” Raidne let out a dreamy sigh. “But ever since he hooked up with that goody two shoes, Gaia, he no longer plays the field. He’s now monogamous. Who would have thought we’d ever see the day when the world’s most renowned player would tether his balls.”
When it came to lovers, the sirens held the opinion variety was best. “Can we get back on track instead of discussing your sex life?”
“If you insist , although I personally think my coital pursuits are of more interest than a short phone call. Lucifer called. Asked if he could borrow you. Big sis said no, I said maybe, Lucifer said he’d send a man, end of story.”
“No, not end of story. Why is it no one thought to ask me?”
“Do you want to go?”
Jenny’s first impulse was to say no. The island was all she knew. Her aunts the only ones to not run and scream when she spoke. Or were until Felipe came along. Were there more people like him in the nine circles of Hell? Could she explore past her current boundaries and see what else life had to offer a girl who was neither mermaid nor siren?
“ I wouldn’t be averse to seeing the world a bit.”
“Then it’s settled. You can leave in the morn with the handsome cat.”
Trust her aunt to make it seem so simple. “But what of the Styx monsters? You know they won’t let me leave.”
“The hellcat seems to think he can get past them.”
“And if he’s wrong?”
Raidne shrugged. “Then he’ll get eaten. Really, Jenny , you need to stop with the pessimism. I know your life here isn’t all you could wish. Can you really tell me you’re not tempted to take a chance and go with the young fellow and see what Lucifer wants? What lies beyond our rocky shores?”
Raidne’s observation so closely mirrored her own thoughts that she could almost wonder if she’d read her mind. Or just understands me better than I give her credit for.
Ever since her abandonment, Jenny struggled with trust. While he r adopted aunts had welcomed her with open arms, she feared one day they too would drug her and dump her, no longer willing to deal with her flaws. If my own mother couldn’t love me, then how can I expect anyone else to?
“Hey,” Raidne whispered against her ear. “Don’t turn around, but I do believe the handsome cat is checking out your ass.”
He was what? Despite being told not to, Jenny’s head swiveled , and indeed, she caught Felipe, a few yards behind, staring unabashedly. At least she assumed he felt no shame, given the wide smile and wink he tossed her.
Cheeks flaming, she quickly turned away, but she couldn’t stop her racing pulse. Why did he have such an effect on her? What did it mean? Would it get worse?
I hope not because I am taking him to my cave, and I really don’t want to embarrass myself. By all the sand in the ocean, she hoped she’d not left any underwear on the floor.
Chapter Six
The mission certainly had taken an entertaining twist. It seemed his hostesses were unaware this hellcat possessed excellent auditory senses, which meant he heard every word of their interesting conversation. Enlightening, and hopeful. It seemed Jenny wanted to leave with him. She just harbored a few minor doubts. Doubts he’d work at putting at ease. After all, convincing ladies to give in to his whims was a specialty of