CHAPTER 12- MAKING HIM STAY

Turns out, The Valentinos were a close friend of the Lenshaws. Both Lisa and Hades had only met once or twice before distance separated the two teens. As she walked behind him out of the party room, Lisa couldn't help but marvel at this man. He was just as good looking as she saw in the news only this was real life and now she could say for sure that the cameras didn't do him any justice compared to what she could see now.

Which also made her wish He had joined the modeling industry instead of business, with a height like that, He would have been the undisputed god of the model world, the height of a tree trunk. She thought, suddenly feeling smallish before him, even with her heels on she didn't stand a chance. Even though it was dark and the Manor was dim lit, that didn't stop this Man's beauty from radiating. It was so inhumane, so god-like. He exuded danger so naturally, and this...this was what attracted her to this Man.

Here, let's sit here. She said, gesturing to one of the lounger by the pool.

When did you arrive? I couldn't see you at first.

You Were Looking For Me? He corked a brow.

His question coupled with the facial expression caught her by the throat.

Erm...she let out a nervous laugh. Well it's only ethical I look out for the invitees and ensure they're all present.

I See.

So when did you arrive? Last minute decision I'm guessing?

Indeed It Was.

What kept you locked away from the world for ten years? She wanted to ask but upsetting him was the last thing she wanted to do at that moment so she kept her thoughts to herself for now anyways.

I See Old Valentino Isn't Here?

My grandfather doesn't usually make it anymore.

Age?

No the sucker is as agile as a young stag.

Hades smiled for a split second and she thought nothing could have been more beautiful than the slight curl on his lips.

I made him smile. she thought, breathlessly.

He's just been busy lately. Lisa added.

And How Long Is Lately? Hades asked, noticing the deprivation in her voice.

A couple of years. She let out a sigh. I haven't seen him for awhile now and I can't blame him. I mean we all have our busy days sometimes right?

Right.

It's so shitty honestly, I miss the bastard.

But You're Not Going To Let Him Know.

And risk him blowing up from his own pride? I'd rather be shot in the head.

Hades smiled yet again.

Look at that, he's enjoying my company, oh thank my lucky stars I speak fluent sarcasm.

I'm Sure He Loves You Just As Much.

Yes he does. It's really nice to see you again Hades. She added after a brief silence. You've erm...she hesitated.

I've What?

You've gotten ten timers bigger, it's not fucking fair!

What's Not Fair? He asked, amused.

Standing next to you makes it feel like I'm the only one who hasn't grown up since that time.

You Know That's A Lie Lisa. For Starters, You're No Longer The Scrawny Teenager I Used To Know.

Scrawny?!

You Were In Terrible Shape Back Then Lisa.

And now?

Now You're Better. We All Are.

That's true. She smiled. Not exactly the compliment she was looking for but oh well, one step at a time right? Just then, the party was cover and men could be seen walking out of the party room not far away.

Well it's time to say good night.

Indeed. Hades got to his feet.

I should get going. Lisa said, equally standing up and letting out a pained wince.

Are You Okay? He asked.

Yes yes, just...these darn heels. She took them off, revealing her bruised toes.

Hades looked at her, upset. If They Hurt Then Why Keep Wearing Them?

I'm a model Hades, I always have to look the part.

Bullshit! He plainly said.

It's fine, I can manage a limp. She said, putting the heels back on.

Lisa...He scolded lightly.

She bit her lower lip, embarrassed. She hadn't been called out all her life. Her grandfather loved her too much for that, she should be offended, warn him never to judge her decisions but heaven knows she loved every single thing about this god of a Man and she wouldn't mind being scolded by him again and again.

I said it's fine,

Hades snatched her shoes.

What are you....? Her words hung in the air as He flung them into the pool making a splash.

Those were fucking designers! She gasped.

And I'd Ask For A Refund Of Toes If They Could Do So.

Lisa realized he was referring to her hurt feet.

You're Not To Wear Heels Until They Heal.

I can't just...

I'm Not Having It Lisa

Fine...she couldn't lie, she loved his adamancy. Urgh, my feet hurts! she sighed, finally admitting as she limped back to the lounger.

What Time Is It?

Twenty after twelve.

That's Late Enough, You Should Get To Bed. He said and before she knew what was happening, He scooped her up in his arms, walking her upstairs and honestly, Lisa wondered why she hadn't melted completely by now. For a moment, she forgot how to breathe, oh could this night get any better? She wished He never had to set her down, she felt like a little doll in his arms, those arms, that iron shield he had for a chest, she could nestle there for years and never get enough.

Which Door?

His voice brought her thoughts to a stand still.

That one, she pointed and He set her down much to her disappointment. Was it to hard to ask, He took her all the way in and maybe even tuck her to bed?

Stop being delusional, Lisa.

Thank you.

Goodnight Lisa And Take Care Of Those Toes. He added before turning around she leaving.

He cares, He does care or was he just being nice for old time sake?

Oh Hades...she thought dreamingly.

The party had ended and soon enough everyone went back to their assigned bedrooms inside of the mighty Valentino Manor.

Lisa? Fiona walked into the room, closing the door behind her.

Yes sweetie? She answered, coming out from the bathroom in a robe.

Where were you? Couldn't find you at the party.

Oh yes I'm sorry boo, I was down by the pool with Hades.

Well that was the last place I thought you'd be sta....wait what?! You were with WHO?!

Tadaaa! He came!

Wow! I mean like finally, maybe now you'd stop whining about every single thing.

Trust me darling, you're not gonna hear me whine for a long long time. Lisa said, sitting cross legged in front of the mirror, blow drying her wet hair.

He recognized you?

The Man has the memory of an elephant coupled with the sight of an eagle so where's the surprise there? She shrugged, setting down the blow dryer and reaching for a comb.

You guys caught up?

A few basic things yes.

Not basic enough for a spark though?

Relax Fiona, She chuckled. He's my friend, I may have a tiny crush but...she shrugged. I'm honestly cool with it if He ends up not feeling the same way.

You're kidding right? For someone who's kept you on your toes for fifteen years, this is a very unbelievable thing to say.

Suit your fine ass Fiona but you forget I'm Lisa Valentino and the last thing I'll do is force myself on someone who doesn't want me.

Which is why we need to hope that doesn't happen.

You know me well enough sweetie.

So tell me, how was it? Or he?

He was wonderful Fiona, beats my expectations by a whopping hundred and one. My stupid feet started hurting and He carried me all the way to my room.

No freaking way!!!

Yes Fiona yes!

Mhmm

Indeed Fiona, indeed.

Well he's finally here so what now?

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.

HADES COMPARTMENT.

Meanwhile, Hades was on the phone with one of his Men. It seems that something had gone terribly wrong.

What Do You Mean Broke In And Carted A Box Away?

I'm very sorry boss. None of us expected this. The attack came by surprise.

SURPRISE?! He yelled. I Leave For Just One Day, Just One Fucking Day And This Happens?

Hades ran his fingers over his hair, already feeling stressed out. A box of gold contained ten solid gold bars and that meant loss. Seemed his adversaries whoever they were, sure loved being chopped to pieces.

I Should Be Back My Tomorrow Morning. He said, hanging up. Ah Screw This!

He cussed, frustratedly.

THE NEXT MORNING

Grandpa père tu es là!

(Grandpa, you're here!)

Lisa exclaimed in delight as she walked into her grandfather's study that morning.

tu m'as vraiment manqué!

(I really missed you)

She whined, hugging him.

pardonne-moi chérie. Marcos smiled, patting his precious granddaughter's back.

Your forgiven papa. But...I had no idea you'd come.

Surely there's no harm in giving my favorite granddaughter a surprise is there?

Favorite? You silly thing, I'm your only grandchild. She laughed. But I could have atleast made you a feast. It's been awhile you know.

Indeed and I should say I'm more than proud of you my child.

Thank you papa and oh papa?

Yes, moi-chérie?

Lenshaw came this year.

Who?!

Hades Lenshaw, He's here.

Unbelievable, the young bastard is finally out of hibernation.

Oh papa! Lisa let out a chuckle, finding the use of term funny. Watch your mouth around him. She added, smiling.

And why should I? Marcos stared suspiciously at his granddaughter. Don't tell me Lisa...

Mhmm...she nodded.

You fancy this Man?

What's not to like papa?

Looks aren't everything Lisa. Is He also handsome at heart?

Don't ruin the mood papa, just be happy for me.

Happy for you? Does he even feel the same?

We'll get there papa.

In six days?

Magic happens.

Yes in dreamlands and dumbass fairytales

Knock,Knock

Come in...

Good Morning Mr Valentino,

It was Hades coming through the door.

It's sure been awhile. Marcos smiled as the men shook hands.

It Has. He turned to Lisa. Morning Lisa

Good morning, she smiled, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.

It's good to see you again Hades.

I Could Say The Same.

I hope your stay here remains comfortable

I'm Sorry To Disappoint You, I'm Going To Have To Leave In A Few Minutes.

What?!

Lisa couldn't believe her ears and Marcos noticed she wasn't going to be happy if He leaves now.

Why? Are you not enjoying the Manor?

Well Enough Yes, But Something Came Up.

Maybe I can help you instead, why not stay here and let me handle it.

It's Not Office Related. Hades said.

Something went wrong at the mines?

Hades shot him a surprise glance. How did He know? Only a few people knew and most of them were dead already.

I've worked with your father long enough boy, trust me. Lisa could you be a darling and excuse us?

Ofcourse. She went over to her father she kissed his cheek.

Make him stay papa, please.

She whispered, pleasingly.

Have a seat Hades. Marcos said the moment, Lisa had left.

You Know About The Gold Mine?

He nodded. All the more reason why you should trust me on this. So what exactly is the situation?

A Theft.

How many bars?

Ten!

That's a whole box

Yes.

That's a huge loss right there.

The Exact Reason Why I Wanted To Go Back.

Well I can't have you leave in the middle of the show. I can't let something so meager ruin your vacation not when I can do about it.

I Appreciate It.

It's the least I can do for my granddaughter.

Lisa?

The girl seems to have eyes for you.

Hades was taken aback. I Think You're Wrong.

I knew you'd say that.

How Sure Are You?

Does it matter how sure I am? What matters is I think the two of you are a prefect fit!

Trying To Ship Me Off Old Hound? This Isn't The '80s. He frowned.

You're not getting any younger boyo. How old are you? Thirty one?

Thirty Three.

Aha! He exclaimed. Do the math with me son, if let's say, you were to have a child at forty five, how old would you be when He turns an adult?

Sixty Three.

See? You might not even live long enough to see him get married and all that. You need a successor Hades.

Do I?

Every businessman does. You can't die and let all your wealth fall into the hands of some bloody scavengers. You wouldn't want that would you?

Hades hesitated for awhile. Why was this conversation even taking place?

You Said You Were Going To Help Me With My Stolen Goods?

Indeed.

In Return For?

I was going to do this for free but now that you mention it, there's a new firm I plan on opening, it's still in the building phase ofcourse. I would like you to supervise work there with the builders and engineers just for a few days after the closing of this event. I would have done it myself but I have to leave for France tomorrow evening. That's not too much to ask is it.

Three Days And That's All.

Fine by me. Marcos stretched out his hands over the table and both men shared a handshake.