Chapter Eleven
The next morning, Cora sat nestled into Hades side, with his arm around her, as they drank coffee.
The entire back wall in the den was made of French doors that opened up to the back patio.
It was too chilly to open them, but she enjoyed looking as the early morning light streamed through the Pagoda slats.
“I admit, you have a very beautiful home,” she murmured.
“I like it.”
“Was this your dream home?”
He was silent for a long moment, and she thought he wasn’t going to respond. He took another sip of his coffee and then answered.
“No and yes.”
“Oh, that clears it up.”
“Brat,” he said with a grin. “How much do you know about me, Cora?”
“Not much. Rumors.”
“I’m thinking they’re probably not rumors.”
“You’re probably right,” Cora said. “Listen, I’m not expecting you to tell me anything. I don’t care.”
He shifted so he could look at her. “You should.”
“Why? That’s not what we are, right?” She sat up straight and placed her mug on the coffee table. “I accept you for who you are with me. I don’t need anything else.”
“Most women would think me bringing them to my personal home meant a commitment.”
“I’m not most women.”
“I know.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “You’re more.”
She took hold of his hand and held it. “Thank you for those pretty words, but they aren’t necessary.”
“You sound like you don’t believe me.”
“You promised me honesty.”
“What makes you think I’m not honest? You don’t think you’re amazing?”
“I think ... that we need breakfast. I’ll cook.”
The last thing she wanted to do was talk about her feelings. Rising, she headed into the kitchen, hunting for everything she needed to make cheesy eggs, bacon, and toast. She wasn’t a great cook, but she was skilled enough for the basics.
He followed, carrying both mugs. “More coffee?”
“Actually, do you have any juice?” she asked as she melted butter in the pan.
“I think so.” He went to refrigerator and looked inside. He pulled out a large, plastic container and poured something red in it. “Here.”
She took it and drank, grimacing at the bitter flavor. “What is that?”
“Pomegranate juice.”
“Interesting,” she said, setting the glass down. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
“What is it?”
“You haven’t been wearing condoms,” she replied, not looking at him. It had hit her in the middle of the night, and she had to admit, it freaked her out a little. She wasn’t ready to be a mother just yet.
“I’m clean.”
“So am I, but that’s not the point. I’m not on the pill. We’ve been lucky so far—”
“I can’t get you pregnant,” he informed her. “I had a vasectomy years ago.”
That shocked her so much she dropped the spatula as she spun around. “What?”
“You heard me,” he said, tilting his head. “Can’t trust condoms to be one hundred percent foolproof. Or unscrupulous women digging semen out of the used condoms.”
“Ew. That’s a thing?” Disgusting, she thought. “So, you never want children?”
“Let’s just say, I’m not good father material,” he responded, not directly answering but it was clear from his tone that was the truth. Or what he believed was the truth.
“That didn’t answer my question.”
“It did.”
“Okay,” she said, and turned back to the stove. Whether he truly believed that or not, he’d just confirmed what she’d feared—they were two very different people, despite what he had said.
Suddenly, his phone rang. He glanced at the face and then connected the call. It was impossible not to hear his side of the conversation.
“Another? Fuck!” he shouted. “Lock everything down. I’ll be there shortly.”
Hades hung up and looked at her. “I have something I need to attend to. Sorry about breakfast.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “Do you think your driver can take me back home?”
He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. “I want you here when I get back.”
“I don’t want to be in your way.”
“You’re not,” he insisted, kissing her gently. “I’ll probably be late. Stay here and we can eat breakfast when I return. Or I can eat you for dinner.”
He grinned and winked, then left to head upstairs and dress. Cora watched him, wishing he didn’t give her heart hope. Whatever this was between them, she knew eventually it would burn out, then she’d be left with just memories.
****
Hades stared at the body of another red-headed woman lying sprawled out, with her eyes staring sightlessly into the abyss of death.
This time at one of his real estate sites that had construction ongoing.
Another statement from Steven Harold. A clear message that Cora wasn’t safe.
When he found the bastard, he planned to take his time eviscerating the man.
“Why hasn’t he been found?” he demanded coldly.
“No family,” Acheron reported. “Very few friends. I’ve placed men at his place, and I also have one of our friends on the force looking through CCTV. He can’t hide forever. We’ll find him.”
“Clean this up. Stage it like an accident.”
“Yes, Boss.”
The air was cold. Christmas was a few days away and since Steven Harold was still out there, he did not want Cora all alone.
“Christmas is in a few days,” he said, changing the subject. “I need you to pick up some gifts.”
Acheron’s jaw dropped. “Boss?”
“I want gifts for Cora. Have a boutique pick out some things a woman would like and have them delivered to the house.”
“Your house. Are you sure? You want her there?”
“Yes, she’ll be joining me for the holiday.” Hades was very aware he was breaking his own code. Then he thought of something. “Wait. Also have the condo fully furnished. I’m giving it to her.”
“Very well.”
“I’ve got a meeting today with Chevalier. Call me if you find the asshole.”