Page 61 of Hades and Persephone: Threads of Fate

Obviously, I’m no good at hiding my emotions.

“Shouldn’t I be?”

I catch the rise of his brow. “You didn’t seem so upset last night.”

“I was focused on other things last night.” I harrumph.

Hades chuckles. “That was clear.”

I huff, my spine snapping straight as I finally let my eyes land on him. He’s so frigging handsome. Honestly, it’s not fair. And right now, with his dark hair a mess of waves around his shoulders and his chest bare, rippling with powerful muscles a man my age couldn’t possibly possess, he’s even sexier than usual.

I swallow the moan that threatens to spill, refusing to give him that. Instead, I demand, “Where were you last week?”

The shadows in his eyes stop dancing, darkening. “I was unable to contact you, Persephone. I’m sorry.”

“So, you won’t tell me where you were?”

He shakes his head slowly. “I can’t tell you.”

“You can’t or you won’t?”

His chest expands with a big breath. “I’m sorry.”

Why does that feel like a cop-out? “You’re sorry?”

“I am.”

I narrow my eyes on him as an ugly thought enters my mind. It starts small, but grows fast. Its toxic roots have the food in my belly souring,turning rancid. I gasp, “Do you—do you have a family?”

His eyes dart up to mine. “A family?”

“Yes, a family. Somewhere else?”

His jaw hardens and I think his back teeth grind. “What are you asking?”

I shake my head. “I can’t think of another reason that you would disappear without any explanation for an entire week, not even bothering to text or call.” I shrug. “You clearly aren’t hurt, Hades. I mean?—”

He pushes from his stool, prowling dangerously closer to me. “You are the only woman in my life.” His hand pushes between my hair and neck, and he grips me. “But am I the only man in your life, little goddess?”

I blink up at him, stunned. “You thinkIhave someone else?”

“I know Addison wants you.” His lip curls, dark menace leaking from his glare. “And I smelled a man on you last night.”

My eyes bulge. “What?”

“Herman, Persephone. I could smell him as soon as I entered. You’ve been with him, haven’t you?”

I can’t believe he’s the one who disappeared without any explanation, and yet he’s turned this around on me. I should refuse to speak, call him on his manipulations. But I don’t. “He’s been at the bar every night while you were gone.”

His grip on my neck pulses. My heart skips a beat. “Why?”

I shake my head, my eyes sliding to the side. “He said he owed it to you to ensure I was safe while you were gone.”

Hades’ grip loosens just a little. “Is that so?”

“Iwouldn’t lie to you.”

“Wouldn’t you?”

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