Page 44 of Tempted By Hades

Scooting closer, she said, “Is there anything else I can do around here? Any way I can say thank you for your help?”

Hades froze in his seat as Persephone inched toward him. Unable to move a muscle, he could only stare at her mesmerizing mahogany eyes.

“Hades, I was thinking about what you said this morning.”

“What I said?” Alarm bells rang in his head. “When? Where?”

“In your office.” She emphasized the last word.

His mind swiftly pieced together what she was trying to tell him. “What?” He shot to his feet. “Oh no.”

Persephone planted her palms on the couch and pushed herself up. “Hades?”

He shook his head. “I’m being called away, I’m afraid. Emergency situation in the south…quadrant.” Damn it, he sounded like an idiot. He could only pray she believed him.

She gasped. “Is there trouble with the souls? Is anyone hurt?”

“Yes.” Her face crumpled. “I mean, no! Er, not too bad. But I must attend to my people.”

“I’m coming with you,” she said.

“Oh, no, there’s no need.”

“But—”

“This is Underworld business, and I know you might want help, but there’s not much you can do.”

“I can?—”

“Please, help yourself to anything in the bar.” He turned away from her, unable to look at her as he continued to lie.

“But, Hades, what about the garden?—”

“Tomorrow, I’ll show it to you first thing. I promise. But for now, I really must go.”

In a flash, he was back in his room. Taking in a deep, calming breath, he sank down on top of the mattress and buried his face his hands.

At first, he thought he was imagining things, but it seemed Persephone had the impression they would be sleeping together tonight.

Well, I wonder where she got that from? the voice inside his head taunted.

True, he did fully participate in that passionate session in his office this morning. It was his fault, too, and he had let it get out of hand. No, it should never have happened in the first place. Shouldn’t have let his lust and desire take over.

No more.

He could not allow his desire for her to lead him away from what was important. Revenge against Zeus, and claiming what was his. He needed to marry her, not sleep with her.

I still have time.

Having her here in the Underworld made things easier. Except he didn’t exactly have a plan on how he was going to get her to marry him.

Perhaps, he could take a day or two away from her to uncloud his thoughts and put a plan of action together.

Yes, that sounded like a prudent next step. He would purge her from his thoughts, He would not think of her or even see her. That way, he could have a clear mind and proceed with a logical and methodical strategy.

The following day, Hades immersed himself in his work. He had already spent too much time away from the Underworld and his duties in the last few days, so a few items on his to-do list had piled up.

The door to Hades’s office swung open, and the distinct click-clack of heels echoed through the room. He glanced up and saw Minthe, one of his trusted lieutenants,entering, her steps purposeful, and the sound of her shoes punctuating the silence.

---