Page 39 of Hades and Persephone: Keeper of Sins

“Who what?”

“Who—” God, my face is burning. I feel hotter than I did under the sear of the sun. “Argh. I don’t know, Addison. I don’t know what you want from me.”

He says nothing for a solid moment. He simply watches me, studying me with those intense blue eyes. He really is handsome. I can see why Claire thinks he’s the hot one. There’s an intensity to Addison that feels massive and ancient, like he’s played this role a thousand times and honed it to perfection.

It’s a crazy thought, but apparently, I’m full of them.

He finally speaks. “The guys in your hometown are stupid. That or they’re blind.”

Or they know I’m crazy and they’re smart enough to stay far, far away.

My phone rings, saving me. At least, that’s what I think until I see the name. With a sigh, I swipe to answer. Mom’s smiling face fills the screen, and with years of practice, I replicateit. “Hey, Mom.”

“Annie! Finally. You haven’t been answering your phone at night.”

Addison raises a brow, settling in to eavesdrop on my conversation. “I told you I got a job.”

“Yes, but you don’t workallnight.” Mom gives a condescending laugh. It’s the one that’s supposed to make me feel guilty. The one designed to make me do what she wants. Say what she wants.Bewhat she wants.

I don’t know why it’s not working now. It’s always worked before.

Reigning in my annoyance, I explain, “I’m tired when I finally get to bed.”

“Too tired to call home?”

“Actually, yeah.” Mom blinks. There’s a moment of alarm before her face smooths and she laughs again. “Oh, Annie. If your father can work all day in the fields and still make time to talk to you, I think you can play in the sand, cook a few meals, and do the same for him. Don’t you?”

Addison huffs across the table and my eyes flit to him. He looks annoyed. His jaw grinds, but he remains silent.

I hide my frown behind a smile. “Sure, Mom. I’ll try harder.”

“Good. Then we’ll talk tonight, with your father.” Mom grins her megawatt grin. It’s the one that says she knows she’s won.

She always wins, though. In every area of her life, against every opponent.

“Sure.”

“How is the cooking job going?”

“Good.” I told her I was cooking. She thinks I’m in a restaurant. I haven’t corrected her. “I like it.”

“You’ve always enjoyed cooking.”

“How’s the farm?” I don’t want to talk about my life here. It feels bad, but I know she isn’t supportive. Her questions lack a genuine interest and that makes my reply feel like filler.

“It’s hard here, Annie. It’s the worst year we’ve had since as far back as I can remember.”

I hum. “Must be the heat.”

“And the lack of rain.” She frowns. “Your father thinks you’re a lucky charm. I’m inclined to agree. Everything grows better with you around.”

“Mom.” I just keep from rolling my eyes. Just. “I’m not a charm.”

“I’m serious, Annie. Even the flowers in the shop have noticed your absence.” She pushes her hair over her shoulder. “It’ll be nice when you come home where you belong.”

I don’t belong there.“I miss you too, Mom.”

“You know,” Mom starts. “I was talking with Pastor Tanner—” Mom leans in to the phone as she would if I were home for the gossip. “And he said they’re very lax about the age of intoxication there in Greece. Is that true?”

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