Chapter 18
HADES
Gods alive, I was wound tight.
I had tasted Persephone’s arousal on my tongue, like dark chocolate. My cock throbbed in unison with the beat of my heart. Her beauty still struck me hard, like lightning piercing my chest, and all rational thought became almost impossible as I stared at her.
Seeing her from behind, her rounded hips and pert butt, had almost pushed me to the brink, but when she stepped from the tub facing me…
Gods. Water trailed in glistening rivulets down her full breasts, across her stomach, then down between her thighs—where she was bare, unashamed, utterly divine.
I nearly lost it. That perfect pussy—unhidden, unapologetic—short-circuited my brain.
My cock strained against the seam of my jeans, pulsing with a desperation that clawed at the edges of my control. I wanted—needed—to press my mouth to every drop of water sliding over her skin.
What the fuck was this tiny female doing to me?
I was the King of the Underworld. I commanded death itself, and she had me on my knees… without even touching me.
After about fifteen minutes, and a freezing cold shower, I was calm enough to return to my chambers.
I found Persephone sitting on the sofa, her damp hair cascading over one shoulder.
Her eyes lifted to mine, and she gave me a small smile that tugged at the bond in my chest. I was desperate for her, desperate to fill her in every way, but I’d wait.
I had no choice—not if I wanted her to willingly become my consort.
I poured two glasses of wine, handed her one, and sat in the opposite chair. I needed to keep my distance, or else I was close to removing that robe and devouring every inch of her, whether she accepted me or not.
‘Did you use compulsion on me to make me sleep when—’ She hesitated. ‘I, erm…’
‘Tried to ravish me?’ I sipped my wine and she nearly choked on hers. ‘Yes, I apologise if that upsets you, but I thought it best. I didn’t want you to regret your actions.’
She gave me a slight nod, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink colour. ‘After I saw you in the kitchen—’ She paused, averting her gaze. ‘Did you fuck Minthe?’
I jerked back, my eyes widening. ‘No. Why would you think that?’ She shrugged.
The scent of burned sugar invaded my nostrils again.
She was jealous… jealous of Minthe. ‘Persephone. Minthe is a trusted employee; that’s all.
I promise. She works here as well as in my nightclubs. There is nothing between us.’
‘Okay.’ She met my gaze again, but uncertainty clouded her eyes. ‘So, what happened to me?’
‘You ended up in Tartarus, in the Empousa’s lair.’ I came straight out with it; I’ve always hated pussyfooting around.
Her eyes rounded, and those rosy cheeks blanched. ‘How?’
‘Someone, we don’t know who, teleported you there.’
‘One thing the Empousa said—’ She narrowed her eyes as if in thought. ‘She knew who I was because she told her. Who is she?’
I hesitated, the smoky tendrils of unease coiling in my gut. ‘I will investigate.’ She swiped a shaky hand down her face. ‘Persephone.’ Her gaze returned to mine. ‘You must no longer go outside without Tee, Thanatos, Charon, or me.’
Her spine stiffened, and then she exhaled a jagged breath. ‘Alright. But I need to cross the river. It’s so desolate over there. I think I saw a spirit… of a man.’ My eyebrows raised in surprise. ‘He seemed lost and confused.’
‘Your ability to see and communicate with spirits is normal,’ I assured her. ‘You were able to before…’ I hesitated. ‘The ability has always been within you; being here again has stimulated it. It will develop fully, given time.’
‘Tee told me about that. It’s… weird, but in a nice way.’ Her eyes glistened as if she were about to cry.
Before my arms reached out to touch her, I stood. ‘We could walk and chat if you’d prefer, and we could go now?’
A bright smile illuminated her beautiful face, making the pulse in my chest purr and, unfortunately, my jeans tighten again.
‘I’ll go and get dressed,’ she said, rising to her feet.
‘I have moved you to the adjoining suite.’ I nodded towards the set of double doors.
‘Wait. What?’ Her brow puckered as she eyed me warily.
‘For your safety. All of your belongings are already in there. Come.’ I stood and held out an arm towards the double doors, then swung one open for her. She hesitated momentarily, then strode through the door, closing it behind her.
I grunted and sank back onto the sofa. We had so much to discuss, and I knew it was time to share the entire story about what happened to her all those years ago.