Psyche's Heart : CUPID'S MATCH BOOK 3

Chapter 47

"What is it?" Valentine's gruff voice across the booth brings my attention jolting back to the diner.

His eyes are fixed on my face, burning into my skull. There's no point in hiding it from him – we're on the same side until I ultimately betray him. Which I will do – despite the heat that licks the pit of my stomach when his gaze holds mine.

"You might want to ask Charon for a refund," I say – slipping my phone into my pocket.

His eyebrow raises. "Oh, really?"

"I know where Venus is," I say – something hardening inside me. "She's back at the Cupids Matchmaking Service."

He heaps some sugar into his coffee, his forehead creasing.

"Interesting," he says. "But perhaps not unexpected. Without Crystal there to rally the cupids against her I'd expect no less than for them to invite her back into their headquarters. It puts me at a disadvantage, though." He stirs his spoon around his mug absently. "I'd hoped we'd find her at one of her old hangouts – in Athens, or Rome. I know them well. But I haven't set foot in the Cupids Matchmaking Service for centuries. You know the layout?"

I take a sip of coffee, careful to steady the slight tremble in my hand. I'm not afraid – at least I don't think I am; but adrenaline is coursing through my body and I'm struggling to contain it.

I want to get on with this.

"Yeah. I know the layout pretty well," I say.

"Good. Then we should get back to the camp and make our plan of attack."

"Okay, fine. But I need to use the ladies room before we go."

He flashes me a suspicious look as I start to rise. He reaches out and his fingers curl around my wrist before I can slide out of the booth.

"Lila." My name leaves his mouth as a low growl – a note of warning behind it.

I lean closer to him – palms flat on the sticky tablecloth. "You might be fine peeing in the sand, or in the sea, or wherever-" I say "-but I am going to use a bathroom."

I jerk my hand away and he shrugs – amusement glittering in his eyes.

"Very well, your lady-ship. But if the real reason you're heading to the bathroom is to use your phone I suggest you re-think." His face darkens. "Venus doesn't know we're coming for her, yet. It would be unwise to alert her."

"Oh, really? Well I was just about to tweet just got back from the Underworld with the Army of the Dead! Going to attack Venus soon! But I suppose I won't now. Thank god you were there to stop me."

I roll my eyes and he smiles as I head to the bathroom. I let out a long breath as once I've locked myself inside the dingy room – placing my hands flat on either side of the sink.