Page 118 of Queen of the Underworld

When they appeared in the orchard, she shoved out of his embrace, knocking him back, and hurried to the nearest tree. He followed her, his concern growing now, spreading confusion through him.

“Persephone?” He chased her through the trees as she raced through them, her gaze darting over their dark canopies, her behaviour verging on frantic. “What is this about?”

She came to a dead halt, her breath leaving her in a relieved sigh, and tiptoed, straining to reach something.

He looked up in time to see her pluck a pomegranate from the tree and his eyes widened as she wrenched it open, tipped her head back and shook the fruit, scattering seeds into her mouth. She cast the pomegranate aside as she lowered her wild gaze to meet his.

And swallowed.

Hades stood there, shock rolling through him as he fought to comprehend what she had done, and why she had done it.

She had chosen him.

It hit him hard.

She had bound herself to his realm—to him in a way—ensuring he could always call her back to him.

He couldn’t believe it.

Hades swept her into his arms and kissed her, tasting the pomegranate on her lips, shaken by what she had done. Her kiss was fevered and demanding as she wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him down to her, tugging a growl from him as she fought for control of it. He clutched her bottom and lifted her into his arms, pinning her to him as he teleported again.

Landing in their chambers this time.

She had chosen him.

Accepted him.

She might not have spoken the words, but her actions had screamed them loud and clear for him to hear. She wanted him. Needed him.

Loved him.

He was sure of it.

She loved him as deeply as he loved her.

He wanted to show her the depth of that love.

He slowly stripped the pieces of his armour off as he kissed her, keeping it gentle and unhurried, a kiss filled with the tender passion she awakened in him. When she realised what he was doing, she eased back to help him and he unfastened her dress. He groaned as it slipped down her body to reveal her lush bare curves, his cock hardening in response to the breathtaking sight of her.

Hades reined in his desire and held it in check, battling it as she smoothed his trousers down his legs. His gaze tracked her, hunger building inside him as she kneeled before him while he stepped out of his leathers. Her emerald eyes blazed with need as she tipped her head back, and as they lowered to his erection.

Later.

He would let her fulfil that desire to know the taste of him later, after he had made love with her.

Hades bent and swept her up into his arms, and carried her to the bed. He gently lay her down on it and covered her, easing between her thighs, and her lips captured his as she cradled him. She moaned as she kissed him, as he skimmed his hands down her body, teasing her nipples as he pressed his hard length against her slick cleft. He followed her, moaning as he rocked, losing himself in the electrifying friction.

But it wasn’t enough.

He needed her.

And she needed him.

It was there in her eyes as they met his, a silent plea that begged him to fill her and make her forget what would happen in only a few hours. He kissed her again as he eased into her, slowly joining them, refusing to let his need to find release make him rush. This was more than sex. This was making love. Something they hadn’t done before.

Something he had never done.

He had never believed in the spiritual connection many often spoke of when they talked of making love.

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