Hades

part 9

After the nanny came and took Ethan away did I finally openly accept the water bottle that Dania offered me, it came to the fun part and the reception started, did the fun finally start.

                “Did I mention how many hot guys are here?” Dania asked again as we sat down in one of the secluded corners and we watched the band play. Some people were dancing classily and others looked like they belonged in clubs.

                “Once or twice,” I said quietly and sipped at the wine I had in my glass.

                “I’ve never actually seen you drink before.” Dania said softly and I let my eyes wander back to her. I realized that she had been studying me intently and I saw some of that other worldly oldness that was never there before.

                “Yeah,” I left my eyes drop down to the wine that was left in discomfort. “Want to hang out on Monday? I hear there having another clearing party.” I asked in hopes of derailing her scrutinizing eyes.

                “You have practice on Mondays though.” Dania muttered and silently cursed. “Since when do you want to go to a clearing party? How the hell do you even know that their having one so far in advance?” Dania shot questions faster than I could handle.

                “I’ll skip. I just want to have some fun. Is that such a crime?” I asked with a glare.

                “You never skip.” She glared back and her hand flashed out to grab my wrist. “What’s wrong?” She asked and her green eyes drilling holes in me.

                “Do you want to dance?” A deep voice asked and turned to look at a drool worthy guy. I didn’t really want to but I didn’t want to be in Dania’s line of questions any longer.

                “I think I will.” I smiled politely at him and tweaked my wrist out of her hold and I realized I bruise at the tight hold she had had on arm. Draining the rest of the glass and I sent a glare at D.D and took the strangers hand who led me to the dance floor.

                “Thought you might need an escape, by the looks of it.” The man grinned easily and showed straight white teeth and drop dead gorgeous smile.  I let my eyes wander across his tanned skin and brown hair that was slightly long and in need of cut. My eyes met his and I felt a spark or recognition and it grew the longer I stared into their warmth. His eyes fleeted away from mine as he held me at the waist and we began to do the dance steps.

                “Thank you.” I said and I was glad I took the offer. “I’m Gabrielle.” I said quietly.

                “I’m Phoenix.” He smiled gain and my breath caught at the familiarity of it. “It is very nice to meet you, Gabrielle.”   He said with an accent that my name was supposed to have but I always dropped it in fear of being known as too posh.

                 “This doesn’t look like your crowd. What could you possibly be doing at an event like this?” I asked and tipped my head inquiringly so but it was lost seeing that he was a foot taller than me.

                “I didn’t really have a choice, my friend dragged me here.” He smiled and looked over my shoulder as he met eyes with someone. “There he is now. I think you should meet him actually.” He kept an arm around me a dragged over to the bar were the man that I had seen come in late.

                 “Phoenix,” I began but it was too late and the man turned around. I saw felt my skin flush with irritation at this man with godly looks and gray eyes, “You.” I sneered just as he did the same. Of course this was the jackass that had dumped coffee on me and was late to someone’s big day. Why was I not surprised?

                “You,” He growled back and glared at me.

                “What are you doing here?” I snarled and glared at his perfection.

                “What am I doing here? What are you doing here?” He snarled back and Phoenix sent us confused looks before looking completely shocked.

                “I’m here for the wedding reception you idiot.” I sneered.

                “Yeah? Then why didn’t I see you at the actual wedding?” He challenged and I bristled.

                “I had to take my kid brother inside because it was too hot for him outside.” I raised an eyebrow and kept the little cool I had left.  He had the decency to look slightly ashamed. “What was your excuse for being late?” I narrowed my eyes chillingly.

                “I don’t have to answer to you.” He growled his eyes blazing.

                “Where did you get that necklace?” Phoenix broke through our star down but his eyes were unwavering.

                “Family heirloom,” I muttered but my necklace seemed to also catch his attention and they widened in disbelief. His eyes rose to mine with sudden clarity.           

                “It’s you.” He muttered but I ignored him before I reached past him to grab the glass of what I assumed was scotch. I took a step back away from their intruding stares before I raised the glass in a mock toast.

                “This should cover the dry cleaning.” And with that I knocked back the glass of amber liquor before I slammed I tossed it back onto the counter. “Goodbye.” And with that I turned on my expensive heels and left to find Dania. Grabbing a shot glass off of the passing tray as I went because all I wanted to do was have fun and forget that my body was dying.