Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
There.
She had slipped something in his drink, and when Zeus turned to her, she murmured something to him that made the thunder god laugh heartily. He kissed her full on the mouth just before reaching for his glass and taking a swig.
Cast it.
I had just seen a woman successfully attempt to poison or brainwash the head of the Olympian pantheon, and I could only shudder in fear as I thought of what that person hoped to achieve.
PAUL ALREADY HAD HIS car running by the time I snuck out of the casino. I hurried to it as fast as I could, but I still ended up wet and shivering like a drowned little mouse when I finally got into the passenger seat. Zeus’ so-called mood swings had gotten worse in the past hour, and the sound of every raindrop striking the ground reminded me of a ticking bomb.
“Sorry for getting your car wet.” I glanced down at my wet clothes and almost gasped – my blouse was completely soaked and see-through, revealing the cotton cups of my bra. My head shot up, and my embarrassed gaze flew to Paul.
I saw his hazel eyes dip down, and my throat tightened.
Oh, Gaea bewitched.
That look could only be interpreted in one way.
Paul Theodore...was interested in me.
Chapter Five
“WHAT DID YOU FIND OUT?”
Paul’s voice was gentle and calm, and his hold on the steering wheel was relaxed. Both went a long way in helping me pretend that the embarrassing little episode ten minutes ago didn’t actually happen. I was completely dry now, thanks to Paul’s magic, and although I had to clear my throat a few times, I was able to answer him in a voice almost as steady as his.
“Lana’s already running an ID check on the woman’s photo,” I told him. “She’s promised to call me as soon as she gets results, and I also forwarded you a copy of the video in case your agency finds something first.”
“Thank you, Blair.”
The warm, approving glow in his hazel eyes me made feel breathless excited strange, and I muttered awkwardly, “I’m sure any other detective at INTERPOL could have done the same thing.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Most other INTERPOL officers wouldn’t even have made it past the entrance.”
“I don’t think so.” I was genuinely skeptical. “I’m just a Level 1 agent –”
“Exactly,” Paul said simply. “All of Midas’ casinos are for humans, and his security’s trained to keep high-level sups out of his hair. He doesn’t want any non-human interfering in the way he runs his business.”
“But you managed to get in,” I pointed out.
“I’m better at disguising my powers than most are.” Paul turned the radio on after speaking and I mentally dissected his words while keeping one ear out for the news. Was he able to disguise his powers by using a shield (which was a terribly expensive spell) or had he simply drawn everyone under his thrall (a natural-born ability that only immortals possessed)?
“And now, for this hour’s breaking news...”
The familiar sound of the messenger goddess’ voice had me sitting up while Paul tapped on his radio’s digital display to increase the volume.
No definite timetable for how long the mood swings would last...
Heavy flooding has now struck certain parts of New England...
Hurricane level may be upgraded to Category 4 if this continues...
Paul and I exchanged somber looks at the last piece of news. Category 4 meant that the wind gods were nearing at the end of their tether. We had to find out who that woman was – before Zeus ended up commanding his immortal liegemen to tear the world apart.
PAUL PICKED ME UP AT my place at exactly eight the next morning, dressed impeccably in another dark suit, and with a black umbrella in hand. He had insisted on this last night, telling me with one of his rare wicked smiles that he wasn’t the type to take no for an answer.
A good number of curtains on neighboring properties twitched tellingly at his arrival, and I was pretty sure I caught sight of Mrs. Murray taking a quick photo of Paul’s SUV from her second-floor bedroom window.
“Good morning.” Paul’s lips curved into a smile of unabashed appreciation as his gaze took in my unbound hair, long wet strands curling against my back. “You look beautiful.”
“It’s the clothes,” I felt obliged to emphasize even as my cheeks turned pink. I was secretly (and foolishly) glad that I had taken extra effort with today’s outfit: a sleeveless lilac sweater worn over a collared lace blouse, a plaid skirt that conservatively fell well below my knees, and black, low-heeled Mary Janes to complete the look.
Paul laid a hand at the small of my back as soon as I finished locking the door and pulled me close under his umbrella while walking us to his car.
A little too close if you ask me, and I nearly fell into the passenger seat in my haste to put a bit of distance between us.