Page 78 of Half Dead

“To the unworthy.”

“And who’s the arbiter of that?”

“Your parents, I suppose. Hestia now.”

“And me, if I’m forced to return as queen.” My fingers skimmed the contours of his muscles. “Lucifer believed—still believes—that you deserve to be tortured.”

“On that he is mistaken.”

“That’s my point. What if we’re mistaken in the underworld? What if we’re punishing souls that don’t deserve to be there? They’re dead. Why exact punishment at all?”

Cupping my cheek in his hand, he tilted my face to look at him. “These are deep thoughts for this early in the morning. The sun isn’t even up yet.”

I glanced at the window to see that it was, in fact, still dark. “I think, when this is over, that I should go to Tartarus. See for myself what we do there.”

“I’m glad you said “when” this is over. That’s the fighting spirit I hoped to hear.” His thumb stroked my jawline. “Does this mean you’re considering your aunt’s demand?”

Hestia had given me until summer solstice to return to the underworld to sit on the throne.

“I’m not sure I have a choice. It seems unlikely my parents will turn up at the critical moment.”

“One trial at a time, eh?” His thumb moved to stroke my lower lip. I took it in my mouth and sucked.

Kane released a small groan of pleasure. “Now this is a different kind of torture.”

Rolling on top of him, I pinned his arms to the bed in the shape of a W.

“If you were doling this out in Tartarus, I’d be first in line,” he said with a lascivious grin. “Are you certain you wouldn’t rather rest a bit longer?”

The slant of my mouth on his silenced him.

It was true that pleasure and pain were two sides of the same coin. I’d had my fill of pain yesterday. Right now, I desired only pleasure.

And Kane was the only one who could fulfill that need.

There was no mistaking his desire, hard against my thigh.

“Merciful gods,” he rasped. “You were made to torment me.”

The knots inside me unraveled as I opened myself to him and let the heat of his body consume me. The earth slipped away, leaving us alone in the universe. Two stars colliding in the void, igniting an explosion that rippled through time and space. If this was to be our final tryst, at least I was going out with a big bang.

“I’m glad I met you, Kane Sullivan,” I whispered, curling against him afterward. We slept for two hours before the aroma of bacon roused me from a satisfied slumber.

I left Kane in bed, threw on my T-shirt and shorts, and waltzed downstairs to eat. Nana Pratt stood at the stovetop, removing the skillet from the burner.

“This smells amazing.”

She didn’t look at me. “I’m sure you’re in need of a good meal after yesterday.” She paused. “And your calisthenics afterward.”

I edged closer to her. “Why won’t you look at me?”

Although she turned toward me, she still refused to meet my gaze. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“This. Right now.” I lowered my head and turned it on an awkward angle in an effort to catch her eye. “You’re avoiding me.”

“I am not. I cooked you breakfast.” The ghost retrieved plates from the cupboard. “I suppose you’ll be needing two place settings.”

“Yes, Kane is with me.” I glanced at the coffeepot, which was in the process of brewing. “Do you have a problem with that?”

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