it like he’s Jafar.” She chuckles. “But if you’re not going to change your mind, let’s get this over with.”
“You like Jasmine.”
“Of course I like Jasmine.” She gives me a wicked grin. “I also like pulling on Jafar’s tail. I just wanted to make sure you were ready for it.”
It shouldn’t rankle that Meg underestimates me, even after all this time. I spent years cultivating a persona that inspires those around me to protect, because I wasn’t strong enough to protect myself. It’s my own fault that the skin doesn’t fit well anymore. I’m making changes, but it stands to reason that it will take longer for others to recognize the difference in me. “I’m ready.”
“Then, by all means.” She motions an elegant hand to the booth tucked in the corner. It’s become Jasmine and Jafar’s customary spot when they spend time in the Underworld. Sometimes Meg joins them, but they tend to stick to themselves. Hence us inviting her along for girl’s night.
I have to lengthen my stride to keep up with Meg. It feels weird to be wearing shoes in the lounge—not to mention actual clothes—but I push the feelings aside. I’m on a mission.
Jasmine looks up as we come to a stop by the table. She’s really, really pretty. Long black hair, flawless medium-brown skin, and big brown eyes. She smiles at Meg. “It’s been a long time.”
Meg shrugs a single shoulder. “You two should get out more. It’s been long enough. Your power base is solidified. Live a little.”
Jasmine raises her brows. “I really like you, Meg, but keep your nose out of our territory’s business.” There it is, the sliver of coldness that all the powerful people in Carver City exhibit. When Jasmine took over her father’s territory, it raised a few questions about if she’d be able to hold it. But it’s been over a year now and she’s showing no signs of buckling.
I bounce on my toes a little. “What Meg is trying to say is that we’re going out for a lady’s night with Allecto and Tink tonight, and we’d like you to come with us.” I hold up a hand before either she or Jafar can speak. “Both Hades and Hook have people at the bar we’re going to—which is in neutral territory—but we’re more than happy to have a few of your security people join. We’re not being reckless.”
Jasmine glances at Jafar. He doesn’t look particularly happy about this offer, but he manages to dredge up a smile. “It’s your choice.”
She considers me. “I don’t know you outside of reputation.”
Meg starts to speak, but I nudge her with my shoulder. “Look, all the territory business in Carver City can be really isolating. We thought it’d be nice to spend some time getting to know each other, and maybe be friends.”
“Friends.”
“Sure, friends.” I give her a sunny smile.
She gives me a look like she’s not sure if I’m joking or not, but finally shrugs. “Yes, I’ll come.” She leans over and presses a quick kiss to Jafar’s lips. “I’ll make it up to you.”
He leans back, amusement lingering in his dark eyes. “I’m sure you will. Give me a few moments.” He slides out of the booth and walks toward the hallway leading to Hades’s public office.
Jasmine motions for us to slide into the booth. She looks a bit like a queen with her subjects, and I glance at Meg to see if that will irritate her. If there’s a queen of the Underworld, it’s her. Meg seems just as amused as Jafar. “How have you been?”
“Good. Tired, but good.” Jasmine smiles. “Things are going well.”
“You and Jafar seem to have figured a few things out.” She nods, and I follow her gaze to the ring on Jasmine’s finger. I hadn’t even noticed it. It’s delicate and reasonably sized, but even I can tell that it’s custom made for her. I try to imagine what it would be like to have someone love you enough—know you enough—to create a custom engagement ring. It boggles the mind.
Jasmine holds up her hand and looks at the ring. “I proposed.”
“Good for you.”
“There you are!”
We turn and look as Allecto and Tink walk up. Tink is, as always, too fucking cute. She’s styled her blond hair into something resembling a crown and she is wearing a pair of cut-off shorts and a graphic T-shirt that looks faded and soft. Her shoes are strappy and the heels appear sharp enough to stab someone in the heart.