Page 16 of Tempted By Hades

“Your realm. I want to see it.”

He appeared taken aback. “But why?”

“I don’t know…call it curiosity.”

Persephone supposed that was true, in a way. At least, it was now. She’d heard of the stories of the Underworld, of course. That it was a dark, scary place where souls wandered around. But, meeting Hades, she had a feeling that might not be the case.

Straightening her shoulders, she continued. “Besides, I need to see where you’re going to plant the asphodel, to ensure they’ll be able to thrive.”

“I see. That part of the Underworld, I can definitely show you.”

“But I want to see all the other parts as well.” She wanted to slap herself on the forehead for such a bold move, but, she had already asked, so why not? “Surely there are many other places to see in such a vast realm?”

“There are.” His eyebrows knitted together. “But none that someone like yourself would want to see.”

“Did you forget, I am no mortal? I’m a goddess, even though I’ve lived on Earth for millennia.” She jutted her chin up at him defiantly. “How do you know what I want?”

He clasped his hands behind his back. “Well, if you insist. But I want something in exchange.”

“And what is that?”

“What can you offer me?”

Persephone couldn’t think of one thing she could offer the God of the Underworld that he couldn’t get anywhere else. Perhaps she could offer him another kind of plant? Something unique. As she searched for an answer, she glanced around her, her gaze landing on a flowering plant—Palicourea elata. Its red bloom had a distinct shape, like scarlet-painted lips. Some call it hot lips—and other rude names pertaining to women—but Persephone herself preferred to just call it by a more common name she heard once before: A lover’s kiss.

“As you wish.”

“Excuse me?” She blinked.

“I accept your proposal for a lover’s kiss.”

“A k-kiss?” Persephone’s throat went dry as a desert. Oh dear, had she said that out loud? Her cheeks turned hot.

“A kiss in exchange for an extensive tour of the Underworld.” His face remained impassive, though the timbre of his voice turned low. “Are we in agreement?”

Excitement, nervousness, and apprehension churned in her stomach. It was a small price, yet…not so small. It had been a few hundred years since any man had been close enough to kiss her. Would she remember what to do? Would he be disappointed in her? Should she tell him she didn’t mean what she had said?

Onyx eyes peered at her. “Have you changed your mind? If so, then all you have to do is say so, and I will not press you,” he said. “I would still be interested in spending time together, regardless.”

Did she want to kiss him?

Just the thought of his lips on hers sent a tingling sensation to her belly, and her chest tightening in anticipation.

Oh heavens, she did want to kiss him.

“Yes. I mean…I’d be willing to pay the price.”

His dark eyes shifted, and he moved closer into her personal space. “Excellent.”

“Here? Now?”

“Yes, but do not worry. No one will see us.” Reaching out, he gently cupped her jaw. The contact of the bare skin of his warm palms sent her heartbeat into a maddening pace. He leaned down, then stopped. “You have done this before, right?”

“Of course.” She forced out a nervous chuckle. “Please, continue.”

As his face drew nearer, her heart only increased its pace. Her body tensed in anticipation, waiting for the touch of his mouth, excitement coursing through her. Then as his lips brushed hers in a gentle caress, the most peculiar sensation overcame her.

A sense of peace. Rightness. As if this was the only thing that made sense in the world.

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