Page 18 of Flowers Near Me

“Wait—why is there a dog here?” she asked.

Hades turned to her, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Because you’re living with me.”

Her brief calm shattered. “What?”

He spread his arms wide, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Welcome home, Sephy.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE HOUSE OF HADES

HADES

There she was at last. Persephone Ioulo, in his penthouse, elegant fingers stroking Cerberus’ ear like she belonged here.

Tempering his joy, he reminded himself that not only was she not therewillingly, but she looked ready to flee the moment the opportunity presented itself. “Would you like something to drink? I have coffee, tea, and a bunch of mineral waters,” he asked as he reached into the pantry to grab coffee beans.

Too bad for her, he’d put this plan into place months ago and he wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers now. She was too valuable an asset in the e-commerce space to lose. It didn’t seem like she knew her worth either given how she’d undersold herself during their first meeting at Narcisi. Demeter had kept Persephone a secret for decades and must’ve known just how much anyone would want Persephone on their team. Yet, there was so much more he wanted, and he had no intention of pursuing her with dear old Demeter breathing down his neck.

On unsure feet, she entered the kitchen with Cerberus in tow, trotting at her side. She went to reach towards the streaked marble island but pulled her hand back before she touched the smooth surface, as if touching it would hurt her. Instead, she crossed her toned arms and swept her light green eyes around the place. She was exquisite and she was finallyhere.

“This is a beautiful home, but I’m not living here.”

“An interesting deflection. Coffee or water?”

“Coffee’s fine. But I need to go.”

Hades filled up a hammered bronze kettle and set it on the stove. After a wave of his hand, flames burst and burned under the pot. There was no way he’d give her the stale, leftover coffee from that morning.

“You’ll have to tell me your drink preferences at some point. It looks bad if I don’t know what your drink order is. Staff pick up on these things, you know, and they like to talk.”

“Drinks are one thing, but living together is another. Most couples wait a while before making that leap.”

Hades nodded. “We’re not like most couples.” How could they be? Two titans in Olympus, each seated on a throne of their own creation.

“We’re not a couple at all.”

Hades took his time answering, watching the way she braced herself. “Legally, we are.”

“H-how so?” Persephone sounded like she choked on nothing.

Hands in his pockets, Hades turned towards her. “My assistant, Charon, will review the contract with you later today so I’ll leave it to her to explain the specifics, but if you haven’t guessed, you and I aretogetherfor at least the next six months. It’ll be much easier to be spotted with each other if we live in the same place. Makes it more believable.” This way he’d get as much time as possible with her to try and win her over. Of course she despised him right now, but he was determined to show her they’d make great partners—in work and life.

“How is any of this inanytype of contract? I’m wondering what happens if I just leave, because none of this seems enforceable or legal.”

Cerberus nudged her leg, and she rubbed one of his ears while still managing to glare back at Hades.

He wouldn’t stop her if she walked out. Not really. But she wouldn’t get far. Every deal, every opportunity—he had control over them now. She just didn’t see it yet. He wasn’t here to ruin her. He was here to show her she didn’t have to fight anymore. He’d already won.

“It’s meant to protect both the rep and the brand. Think of it like a pre-nup.”

“Make Eurydice the brand’s rep.She’sthe one who created it.”

Ah, yes. Eurydice would have some explaining to do to Persephone, wouldn’t she?When there’s a choice between one contract and another that’s paying three times the price, everyone chooses the one that lines their pockets.

“Neither Eurydice nor I want that. No one else is better. Olympus adores you, and mortals trust you.” He leaned against the counter, his expression almost casual. “I’d prefer for you to stay. And in time, you’ll see—I’m a reasonable partner.”

Her jaw tensed as she stared at him.

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