Page 104 of Flowers Near Me

Pulling away, Hades kept her in his hold with his hands on her back.

“Well, thank you for bringing me. The bath alone has made the visit worth it.”

Hades’ eyes roamed her face, his lips parted and eyes narrowed slightly. “Persephone.” Hearing her name from him sent a shiver up her spine. “There’s something I want you to agree to, but only if you’re ready.”

Another contract?Was he worried she wouldn’t attend the gala?

“What is it?”

He held her hands and knelt on one knee. No mistaking which kind of contract he meant now.

“Persephone, I’d be honored to be at your side. You’re the only partner for me.”

Heart speeding, she nodded. “We make a good team.” Hades owned the key to her heart, and he knew it.

With a kiss on her hand and a glimmer in his eye, he said, “Come with me. I want to give you something.”

He stood up, a surprising move given how certain she was that he was going to propose. Instead, he led her down the corridor connecting the rooms on the cave’s outer wall, into a sitting area. Plump cushions atop a huge, curved couch jutted against steel framed windows looking out the mountainside.

A present wrapped in floral fabric sat on a polished wood tray on the sofa. Written on its tag in flowing script was ‘Sephy.’

Hades picked up the tray. “Sit here.”

Settled on the sprawling couch, Persephone took the present off of the tray as Hades sat next to her.

Small like a jewelry box.Her heart danced as she untied the satin bow. The fine wrapping fabric slid from the black box.

Three rings of varying sizes lay in a jewelry cushion. Each silvery white band had a smooth, dark stone in their center. Her brows pinched in confusion, looking at the different sizes. Was Hades unsure of her ring size? Unlikely. What detail did Hades—or Charon—ever miss?

A chill cut through the air as Hades’ power enveloped her like a wintery cloud. Her own power rose to meet it, a tangle of cedar and florals filling the room.

His deep voice warmed her chest. “Persephone…” His throat bobbed. “I’m not sorry that I tricked you into working for me—or living with me. But I am sorry that I made you think you were a pawn that day I moved you?—”

“Forced,” she interjected with a smirk and bright eyes.

He laughed with a wink. “Yes. Well, let’s call it the first day you came to our apartment.”

Her smile grew wide and he continued, “You thought you were a pawn, but you’ve never been one to me.” The sincerity of the sentiment shone through his softened gaze. He scooped her hands in his. “You’re the most exquisite immortal to exist. You’ve unlocked a yearning I didn’t know I could feel. I love you, little goddess. You’re everything I want but don’t deserve. And I wish I had something as valuable as you to offer in return, but all my love, commitment, and loyalty is yours. Marry me, Sephy.”

Peacefulness washed over her. A future with him made her feel like she could conquer more than just Olympus.

She met his silver eyes. “I’ll marry you, Hades.”

He leaned in for a kiss which she returned. He pulled away to pick up the ring box.

“May I?” Hades held up his palm to her.

Placing her hand in his, she whispered, “Please.” Magic crackled in the air—tiny sparks surrounded them, leaving wisps of smoke in their place. The scent of their commingling power was thick yet pleasant.

He plucked each ring from its bed then slid the largest one onto her finger. A blanket of contentment wrapped around her.

Mesmerized by his gentle movements, she watched him slide a second one, stopping right before going over her knuckle. Now the varying sizes made sense. Each ring was built to fit a different section of her finger. The largest worn normally, the middle one in between her knuckles, and the smallest right behind her nail bed.

“They’re beautiful.” Time stood still as she admired the jewelry.

With a tender smile, he said, “These symbolize my intention to love and care for you. As long as you wear yours, they represent your commitment to me. Once you place my ring, it’ll secure our marriage bond.”

“We’ll need a ceremony, right? And to get a marriage certificate?”

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