Marked by Hades Read Online Free Page A

The sooner you get that through your thick skull, the better.”
    “Just because your pants were busting at the zipper for nine centuries until you found your Mate, doesn’t mean I’m going to give in to the notion.”
    Theo laughed. “We’re heading out in a few hours.”
    “Be careful and stay in touch.” Justin ended the call and dropped the phone into his pocket as he reached for the bar door.
    Damn Theo for bringing up the Mate thing again.
    Justin trudged into the tiny establishment and scanned the room. It took all of ten seconds to check out the patrons and notice that none were his mystery woman.
    But what he did notice was a woman at the bar regarding him with an intense stare. Her full breasts tested the limits of a low-cut red shirt, teasing him—and every man in the place—with a peek of what lay beneath the thin fabric.
    Dipping his head toward her, he sat at the first open table, pulling out his chair and the one next to it, hoping she’d take his invite.
    He’d show Theo what he thought of the Mate thing. There wasn’t one woman enough for Justin. Hadn’t been in over nine centuries of trying, either. Just because Theo had found his Mate didn’t mean he was next. No way.
    The waitress sashayed by. “Usual?”
    “And whatever she’s drinking.” He pointed to the woman who was now making her way toward him.
    The waitress smiled and hurried away.
    “Hi.” The woman pointed to the chair. “This for me?”
    Standing, he reached for her free hand. “Please.” He guided her down and inched his chair closer. Above the stale-beer stench hanging heavy in the air, a subtle scent of jasmine wrapped around him as she crossed her legs.
    “I was hoping.” A light blush dusted her high cheekbones as she smiled.
    Blond hair, brown eyes, and perfect cocoa skin—exactly what he needed to get lost in right now. Sexual prowess rolled off the woman, promising she’d be intense in bed, and hopefully he’d get to find out.
    “You were in here the other night.” She sipped her martini.
    Strange that he’d missed this stunner; then again, he’d been focused on the other— No , he would not think about her right now.
    “Glad you noticed me tonight, though.” She slid her hand onto his knee.
    The waitress returned with Justin’s beer and his new friend’s martini. She gripped his thigh as a half smile curved her full lips.
    His pulse jumped a few notches as his spine tightened.
    “The name’s Anna.” Her gaze shifted down, and Justin noticed her chest heaving more than before.
    Another wave of jasmine wound its way through his senses as she leaned forward. “Want to get out of here?”
    Nothing like a forward woman. He could handle that. Standing, he tossed a couple of twenties on the table and led Anna out the front door.
    “My car’s around the corner.” She pointed. “Hotel just down the street.”
    Seemed she knew her way around just fine. He’d gotten the sense she’d done this once or twice. A wave of desire pulsed through him. Delicate fingers wove through his and tugged him around the corner to a shiny red Mercedes parked in one of the three stalls behind the bar. She clicked the doors unlocked, and he reached for the driver’s side to let her in.
    Spinning him around, she pinned him to the car with her soft body. “Need a little taste to tide me over.”
    Soft lips met his, and she let out a moan. “Yum,” she whispered into his mouth, her tongue flicking his bottom lip. “I knew you’d taste good.”
    Justin wove his arms around her waist and pulled her tight, seeking some pressure to help alleviate this want, this deep need roaring for fulfillment after three days of nothing.
    Her tongue swept into his mouth, claiming it with an expertise that nearly matched his own. Oh yes, she’d be a wildcat in bed. The mere thought kicked his heart rate up to record pace.
    “I might not be able to wait for it all. God, you’re sexy.” She sucked his bottom lip, and that tripped a