“Of course we did, witch and Greek god,” I explain, but Marco snorts. “It’s something between us you’d never understand.”
Ares laughs. “She’s right, Marco. You’d never understand, the longest relationship you’ve ever had was with the cigarette you just smoked, and now it’s over.”
We all join in the laughter, and Marco grunts.
“All against me, huh?”
When we get to the bar, I realize that Marco wasn’t exaggerating when he said it was packed. There’s a line of people outside the place, and a sign over the door indicating that it’s already full, and that they can’t guarantee entry even if you wait outside for hours. The guard doesn’t even blink as he lets us in.
The decor is mind-blowing. Everything is black and orange, with fake skulls and bodies hanging from the ceiling, and spider webs and fake blood on the pillars. The bartenders are dressed as pirates, serving disgusting-looking colored drinks. There are several smoke machines, making it look like the room is full of fog. Everyone is in costume, and my eyes roam all over the place, trying to see them all. The atmosphere is perfect, and it’s no wonder so many people want to come in. Artemis knows how to run his business and take advantage of these occasions.
We climb the stairs to the VIP area, where a table awaits us, with Samantha, Gregory, Luis, and Andrea. No Natalie tonight? How lovely.
Gregory’s face lights up when he sees me, and I get excited too. He stands up and gives me a hug.
“Raquel, I knew you’d come.”
“Of course, I couldn’t miss seeing your vampire costume.” I give him my thumbs up. “It looks great on you.”
Luis also stands up.
“Since when did you two get so close? I feel left out.”
“I was wondering the same thing,” Ares says as he joins us. He runs his hand around my waist, pulling me to his side.
Gregory shakes his head.
“Easy, baby.” He makes sexy eyes at Ares. “I only have eyes for you.”
Ares gives him a tired look, and I wiggle out of his grip.
“Relax, vampires aren’t my thing.”
Luis intervenes. “She likes. . . . What are you supposed to be, Ares? God?”
“A Greek god.”
Samantha joins us, greeting everyone with a smile.
“Are you living up to your name?”
Luis finally catches on. “Oh, right, you guys are named after Greek gods. Yours is the one of war or something like that, isn’t it?”
“No wonder he’s a troublemaker.” Gregory sighs, and Ares hits his arm.
“Who you calling a troublemaker?” Ares demands.
Gregory again makes eyes at him.
“Hit me harder, baby.”
We all laugh and sit down. Spending time with Ares’s group of friends has become more bearable and definitely more comfortable. I think it was a matter of giving myself time to get to know them until I could stop feeling outside the group and be part of it. Even Andrea can hold a decent conversation without her friend Natalie. However, I haven’t forgotten what Gregory told me about her being a gold digger who broke his heart.
Apolo sits as far from Dani as possible, forcing Dani to chat with Luis, who is flirting with her, unaware that my best friend has her heart set on the youngest Hidalgo and can’t help glancing at him from time to time.
Feeling more relaxed with this group, I allow myself to have a few drinks. They look disgusting but taste delicious, especially one called Drag Me to Hell, which is a delight. But at this rate, if I keep drinking, I’ll end up in hell with a certain Greek god who’s hanging around. I can feel my cheeks and ears growing warm. Apparently, alcohol makes me hot, which makes me an easy target for Ares, so I cut back. I decide to walk to the candle room to see the dark side. I don’t notice Ares following me until I’m inside, and his voice sounds behind me.
“What are you doing here, Witch?” I turn to him, and his blue eyes are glowing with something dark and dangerous: desire.
I swallow hard for the second time tonight. My eyes notice the small couch to the side, and my heart pounds in desperation. We’re alone in the semidarkness.
“We should go back,” I say.
Ares approaches me with slow steps.
“Yes, we should.”
I lick my lips, watching his body, remembering how he feels naked against me.
“Yes, really, we should go.”
He nods, standing so close to me that I’m forced to look up to meet his eyes.
“I know.”
“Then why are we still here?” I ask. His nose brushes mine. My lips open in anticipation, my breathing already a mess. He grabs my neck.