Sirenz - By Charlotte Bennardo Page 0,38

anymore.

“You’re here, just take him now,” I snapped. “It’s not like he’d notice. Then we all go home and everyone’s happy.”

Hades looked taken aback. “That would violate your contract. You have to do this. Or, are you conceding?” He held out a graceful hand like he wanted me to waltz with him. “Then we shall leave.”

Meg screamed “No!” and slapped his hand away. “We’ll do it! Just go away!”

His eyes narrowed and his mouth thinned.

Angry God plus Big Mouth Roomie equals Dire Consequences.

We were screwed yet again.

Under the Wonder Wheel

“What a night,” Jeremy said. He rubbed his slightly bloodshot eyes and ran his fingers through his hair, making the cowlick in back stand up.

I nodded sympathetically; the night had been dramatic for us too. After Hades left, Shar and I had talked about dragging Arkady to the portal; he couldn’t hear us or see us, and maybe he wouldn’t even know what was happening. But it seemed too complicated, not to mention violent. Shar was now busy relieving stress by arguing with one of the makeup artists over eye shadow.

Jeremy had seen Arkady home and then came back to help pack up the show. “I’m spent, but I’m too wound up to sleep,” he said, smiling at me.

“Me too,” I mouthed. I was glad I hadn’t had to use the Siren power on him tonight, but still, I wondered if his attention was real … or if my power was somehow at work. I knew I’d never used it on him deliberately, but I’d become wary of everything to do with Hades, the gifts, and the contract. Jeremy didn’t act like this with Shar; if anything, he was a little remote with her. So, if I were to actually use my powers on him—and deep down I knew I would have to, eventually—would he still feel the same way about me when I released him? Everyone we’d done that to so far seemed to forget us and move on. I couldn’t help but wonder if that would happen with Jeremy. Since it would amuse Hades, the answer was probably yes.

“I need time away from here. Do you want to go somewhere?” he asked.

I clapped my hands and smiled.

“This is gonna sound crazy, but let’s go to Coney Island.”

I needed breathing space; the apartment had been feeling oppressive lately, as if the walls and furnishings were taunting me. Hades owns you both. He’ll come for you …

I’d only been to Coney Island once. It was summer, and when I emerged from the subway onto Stillwell Avenue, the first thing that hit me was the smell of hot dogs, salt water, and fried foods, steeped by hot days and baked into the subway tiles and sidewalks. Being there would be as far removed from fashion and glamour and Hades and Arkady as I could get at this point.

“Go. Maybe you can find something out,” Shar said when I told her. She’d been pretty quiet most of the night. Jeremy and Reynaldo had kept us moving, but I could tell something was bothering her.

“Can’t I be off duty for five minutes?” I sighed.

“I’m not saying to use the gift or anything, but our time is seriously running out,” Shar reminded me. “Just keep your ears open, okay? And have fun.”

I squeezed her hand. “Happy New Year.”

“Let’s hope so,” she grumped.

The crash of the ocean was audible as Jeremy and I emerged onto the street from the subway station. At 6:30 a.m., the place was a virtual ghost town. We walked along the water toward the amusement area and looked out at the waves.

I watched light creep over the water, thinking, How am I going to get through the next few hours without talking?

“You know, I’m glad you wanted to come here. It’s nice to feel free, even for just a little while.” He jerked his head back in the direction of Manhattan. Its skyline was dimly visible from where we stood.

I nudged him so he would look at me. I nodded a me too at him.

“Yeah? It’s been a heck of a start for you and Shar. First QT, then the dress and Mr. Romanov’s personal interest. And you’ve been sick.”

“Better now,” I whispered cautiously, keeping my hushed tone bland and even.

“Not completely.” He put his finger to my lips. “Hush.” He took my hand and I shivered as a little jolt of excitement ran up my arm. We made our way over to the maze of shut-up concessions, forgotten games, and food