Page 50 of Captive Heart

I walk over to it, running my hand over the smooth surface of the drafting table. Next to it is a huge broad worktable, stacked high with boxes of what I think are the supplies I requested.

My fingers itch to rip into the boxes, to spill all the inks and the pigments out, to examine the quality of the paper. But first…

I really do need that shower.

Finding a set of clothes in my perfect size already hanging on one of the racks, I dump them in the changing room and turn on the water in the shower.

The shower is amazingly hot, and the pressure is strong, despite the fact that I’m in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere. I take my time in there, lathering and soaping every inch of my body until I am glowing bright pink with warmth.

When I get dressed in a loose, flowing black silk dress and an oversized black sweater, I feel like I just may be okay. My life might have been turned upside down by forces beyond my control, but?—

I step out of the bathroom. My gaze sweeps across the room, finding a dark figure lying prone on one of the beds. I stumble, my thoughts snarling.

Drifting across the squeaky-clean floor, I chew on my bottom lip. As I circle around and see Hades lying there, eyes closed, my heart gives a strange kick.

For a second, I let my mind wander, traipsing across all kinds of scenarios.

What would Hades be like if he wasn’t a villain? What if he were the hero to my blushing virginal heroine in a romantic dream state?

I’m such a sucker for the softer side of a bad, bad man.

Without opening his eyes, he mutters. “Are ye okay, lass?”

My heart is in my throat. I nod, even though he can’t hear me.

“I need to sleep.” His voice sounds deeper than gravel.

I take a step toward him. He opens his eyes the barest slit, then heaves himself up with a heavy sigh. He rips back the covers and beckons to me.

“Come here, if ye will. Otherwise?— “

I rush toward him, drawn in like a moth to a newly lit flame. “I want to lie down.”

That isn’t exactly the truth. I’m not tired anymore, not after sleeping for several hours in the car. And my thoughts keep drifting back to work, back to ink and paper and all that comes with it.

But I do want to be near Hades. I can’t help it. I want to be closer to the thing that causes me pain, because it’s so damnedmoving.

Hades looks a little surprised. But he points to the bed, holding the blanket draped over his arm. “In the bed with ye, then.”

I lie down on the pillowy mattress. Hades presses his body up against me, covering us both with the comforter. I shift onto my side, uncertain.

Will Hades think I’m being too forward if I?—

He rolls over on his side, spooning me, tucking me against his big body. In the summer air he’s already like a furnace. I can tell that if I do manage to fall asleep, I will wake up sweaty and clawing at the blankets, trying to get free.

Hades brushes my hair out of the way and lies his head just behind mine. His breath teases my neck; I suck in a breath when I imagine him placing the softest kiss just where my neck and my shoulder meet.

I shiver and Hades puts his arm around me, pulling me flush against the hard wall of his body. I’m trapped, ensnared so wickedly.

My breath seizes in my body.

“Shh,” he whispers. “I can hear yer mind workin. Just settle down now, lass.”

And after a moment? I do.

I listen to his calm breathing even out, growing deeper. Before I know it, I’m pulled into a light doze, aware no more.

Chapter19

---