Free Zeus (The God Chronicles) by Kamery Solomon Page B

resting his elbows on his knees. There was silence while I waited for him to continue, and he studied the screen in front of him.
    “What do you think he’ll do?” I asked after a few moments.
    “It’s not what I think he’ll do, it’s what I think he’s done.” He turned towards me, one hand raised to his chin, pulling on the short hairs there. After a minute, he turned back to the pretend window.
    “My friend, Niki, was supposed to come for a visit. She’s like a little sister to me, and I haven’t seen her in a long time.” He ran a hand through his hair and returned to resting his elbow on his knee. “I’d thought she would be here about a week ago, but she hasn’t shown up. No one knows where she is.”
    “You think your uncle kidnapped her?” I gasped. “Zeus, that’s a huge accusation! Are you sure you want to accuse him of that?”
    “It wouldn’t be the first time he’s done something like that,” he grumbled.
    “Then why isn’t he in jail?!” I couldn’t believe he actually thought his uncle would be so nasty and evil over a casino.
    “He has been, for a long time. I guess he got out.” Zeus shrugged his shoulders and then stood up. “Anyway, that’s why you didn’t hear from me. I was trying to find a way to deal with my uncle and figure out what happened to Niki. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I will, though. I do want to go out again; I’ve been busy , that’s all.”
    “Hold on a second,” I said standing up. “What are you going to do about your uncle? How are you going to find out if he has Niki? Don’t you want to talk about this some more? It all sounds like a really, really big deal!” I looked at him in shock. How could he be so calm about this?
    “Zeus,” I began again, softer. “I think you might be in shock. Normally, people have already gone to the cops with stuff like this. I know he’s family, but I really think you need to talk about it some more, with someone who’s not me—someone who can actually do something about it.” He wore a small grin as he met my gaze, so I walked over and placed a hand on the side of his face. His eyes closed and he sighed deeply.
    “This is a big deal,” I said softly. “You need to get someone to help you.” He opened his eyes and stared into mine, taking my breath away. I loved their golden brown color. They were unlike anything I’d ever seen. I felt his hand cover mine and pull it towards his mouth.
    “I’ll call,” he said. He kissed the palm of my hand.
    I tried to clear my head, shooing the butterflies in my stomach and reminding myself to breathe. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    “Just keep your phone on you.” He smiled seductively.
    “You know what I mean,” I said, finally breaking eye contact.
    “I’ll be fine,” he said, releasing my hand.
    “Okay. I guess I’ll go then,” I stammered. “Sorry I burst in yelling and everything,” I added sheepishly.
    “It’s okay,” he laughed. “I deserved it.”
    I reached the door as he finished talking and opened it.
    “Karly?”
    I turned to look at him again.
    “Thank you. For listening.”
    I smiled and nodded my head. I closed the doors behind me as I left. I smiled apologetically to the girl behind the counter as well. I also made sure to tip the valet, even though he hadn’t touched my car.
     
     

     
    Chapter Nine
     
    I was deeply ashamed of how I’d acted. Never before had I decided to call someone out and then actually done it. It was my luck there would be a good reason for him not calling. In fact, I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t call no w. I still kept my phone close, waiting for it to ring.
    I didn’t have to wait long.
    Bright and early the next morning, my alarm was replaced with a ringtone. Groggily, I pulled the buzzing phone out from under my pillow.
    “Hello?” I found the time on the clock across the room. It was five thirty. I groaned.
    “Well, that’s no way to say hello.” Zeus’s voice came through