Page 105 of Flowers Near Me

Hades shook his head. “It’s different between the gods. Our word is law. Once we exchange these rings then the oath is complete. There’s nothing else to it unless we want a ceremony or a certificate to commemorate our promise. No need for witnesses or officiants.”

No wonder the gods expected the world. Everything was simpler for them, yet more powerful. And now Persephone knew she was one of them too.

He hooked a finger under his collar to fish out a black chain holding one obsidian ring.

“Here’s mine.” He unclasped the necklace, allowing the ring to slide down the chain into his palm.

Carefully, she plucked it from his hand. Adorning the dark band were carved images of poppies—herpoppies. Each intricate flower was a sibling of the ones next to it. As she traced the pad of her finger over the design, a warm sensation ran up her arm.

“Is it enchanted?”

“No. It responds to you, though. Similar to most things and people in your environment.” He paused and grinned at her with a glint in his eye. “I think I’ve finally figured out what you’re the goddess of.”

“Tell me after I put this on you.” She wanted Hades to be hers as much as he wanted her to be his.

Between pinched fingers, Hades’ ring vibrated a low tone. His hand remained still as the ring slid over his knuckle. Was he breathing? She wasn’t sure she was.

With gentle and slow pressure, she placed the ring on his finger. A fullness entered her chest as their agreement settled into place.

His hands cupped her cheeks in their tender kiss, then wrapped behind her back, tugging her to his broad chest.

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

THE GODDESS AND HER KING

PERSEPHONE

Cuddled against Hades’ firm chest, Persephone sipped the ambrosia, then guided it through the air to the low coffee table by one of the sets of bookshelves.

“Do you want a ceremony?” she asked him. She did, but couldn’t deny the relief flooding her veins knowing the marriage bond was in place before they held a public wedding.

The app’s promotional events had helped acquaint her with mass attention, but this was too personal a thing to do in front of hundreds of guests—most of whom would be strangers. She’d heard that Zeus and Hera’s wedding had lasted days with droves of mortals and immortals alike. She doubted even almighty Zeus had known more than half of his guests.

Hades ran his fingers through her hair and teased, “I see its appeal.” She recalled the first time they’d met when she’d said the same thing about living in the city of Olympus, and she gave him a playful swat on his leg.

“Is that a yes? Or are you trying to hide how much you want a ceremony?” she asked.

“I want whatever makes you happiest, Sephy.” He kissed her temple, then nuzzled her hair. With a low, throaty sound, Hades pushed his nose and mouth against the side of her neck, sending a tickle down her spine. “You know, there isonemore thing we need to do to seal this bond.”

Understanding dawned, and her body wound tight. She pressed harder into his muscular torso. “Oh?”

Holding her in his arms, he asked, “Is this your first time?”

She nodded. “Don’t let that be an excuse to hold back.”

He cradled the back of her head with one hand and used the other to draw her closer to him. “Hold on,” he whispered. The quiet tone was at odds with the sudden jolt of his portal-ing power.

The soft couch disappeared from under them, replaced by a bubbling hot spring. She released a small gasp as she registered her new surroundings—andlack of clothes.

Warm candlelight glowed in carved alcoves. The cedar decking surrounding the pool led to a large bed on the other side of the cavernous room. It was difficult to see into the water, but she felt his strong, naked form under her. He was sat on the polished stone bench carved into the pool’s perimeter, she on top of him. Water lapped at his chiseled torso and a thin sheen of sweat coated his tanned skin.

Envisioning the body under his clothes was one thing, but to see it up close—to be sitting half-pressed against it—was unreal. His half-lidded eyes roamed her exposed waist and chest.

She released a small laugh as he cocked his thigh higher, lifting her out of the water and into his view. The trickling water and fresh air invigorated her skin. He stroked his fingertips down the column of her neck, slowly moving towards the center of her chest while his other arm held her waist.

The yearning in his gaze pinned her in place. A heady feeling rushed through her when he met her eyes. Her cheeks flushed hotter than before and she placed her hands on his wide shoulders to lean in to kiss him.

“Not yet. I’m not done admiring you.” Hades backed away enough to grant his gaze the freedom to roam her face, throat, chest, and stomach.

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