Ares: (Gods of Old Book 1) Read Free Page B

the beautifully made gown in the box and frowned at the bellboy. “I’m sorry, who did you say sent this to me? I can’t accept this.” Oh, she wanted to. Dear God in Heaven she wanted to. The gown was sinfully perfect, it was outstanding and looked as if it were handcrafted just for her. It also looked like it cost a small fortune, or rather a very large one from the details and the crystals that looked like they were a hell of a lot more than crystals.
    She put the pink box top back on and shoved it back to the bellboy. “I’m so sorry. Please tell whoever sent it that it’s a truly remarkable work of art, but I simply can’t wear it. I would love to, I really would, but I can’t accept such a generous gift.”
    He held up his hands and stepped back. “It is a loan, madame. For the hotel’s grand opening party the owner has picked the theme A Time Gone By . He realized though that most people wouldn’t have such clothing items in their possession, so he has been ensuring that, as everyone checks in, he has the clothier eyeing them up. He is sending the recommendations to each guest. If you won’t take it as a gift, you may borrow it for the event, but it is mandatory tomorrow night, and you do not want to miss it.”
    Ava touched the gown and sighed. “Only to borrow. Please make sure that you come back for it right after the whatever tomorrow night,” she requested softly. “And please, please tell the owner I said thank you. So very much thank you for allowing me to wear this perfect creation.”
    She was going to regret it. That little voice in the back of her head was screaming at her to get the hell out of Dodge. The owner, whom she was assured wanted to meet her, never showed up, and now this? Something, seriously something, was going on here. Like whoa.
    “I will pass along your thanks. We will be picking up all the returns the following morning, so you needn’t rush back after the event.” He smiled and gave her a bow, “The dining room is open if you’d like to go down for dinner. Or if you’d prefer, room service will be available until two in the morning. There is a breakfast buffet that is open to all guests, free of charge, from six until ten. As well, there will be a tour of the countryside and a couple of old castles going out just after lunch tomorrow if you’d like to join in. Everyone will return by five to prepare. Hairdressers are on standby if you require any assistance, free of charge once more.” He paused to look up at the ceiling, obviously going through a list in his head. “Oh,” he blinked at her. “Cocktails will begin to be served in the main ballroom at seven-fifteen until eight. Dinner will be at eight exactly and then the show and dancing from nine onward.”
    “Wonderful. Thank you,” she said with a grin. “I think I will just take room service.” So she could do some internet searching on the owner of the hotel. No one was this generous or this kind without wanting something from someone. And his name. Something about his name made her brain itch; made her think things that she shouldn’t think. It made her think of another Greek God, but for some reason, she couldn’t place the name. Yet.
    “The menu is by the phone. Just dial zero and then the number at the top of the menu.” He stepped back and gave her another little bow. “Have a good evening, Madame. And if you require anything at all, please feel free to contact the front desk. That would be zero and then one-one on the phone.” He gave her a big smile before backing out of the door and shutting it.
    “Thank you for that,” she said to his retreating back. Shaking her head she took the gown to the bed and pulled it out. It was breathtakingly stunning. Inside there was a jewel encrusted mask as well. “Interesting; so it’s a masked ball?” Stranger and stranger. Her inner radar was screaming for her to get her ass up and gone, but honestly, the girl part of her couldn’t because she