Page 32 of Flowers Near Me

She hasn’t messaged me back. Keep me posted.

Hermes

Will do.

There was one person she trusted to dig deeper to see what was going on if she couldn’t do it herself. She fired off a text to Laura.

Persephone

Mom’s lost it. Canceled mtgs for next 2 wks. Haven’t heard back.

Placing her phone on vibrate, she slid it into her purse and took several deep breaths. It wasn’t just her that Demeter was avoiding. It was both a relief and concern because maybe her mom wasn’t simply angry with her. Maybe Demeter was furious with everyone?

Hades came backto the apartment before 11 a.m. with a small square box wrapped in matte purple paper and topped with a black satin ribbon bow. “Open it,” Hades said, his voice more command than request. “It’ll match that tempting little black dress you’re wearing.”

Tempting?The dress’ neckline exposed her collarbone, but nothing more. Even the skirt fell past her knees in loose pleats. The tasteful, form fitted bodice hugged her middle, but Persephone wouldn’t consider ittempting.She scrunched her nose but thanked him as she took the gift.

The satin bow slid off, pulling the wrapping paper off a cushioned box with the symbol of a hammer and anvil embossed on the cover. Inside was a simple black leather watch with golden hands. The matte clock face highlighted the metal numerals. Stitched dark thread spelled her name across the band.

Persephone hesitated. “I can’t accept this. It’s leather.” And it’s fromhim.

Hades smiled, slow and confident. “It’s synthetic, Sephy. Not leather.”

Her mouth parted in confusion, but he continued. “You never wear animal products. It’s not much of a mystery.”

Right. Fashion bloggers had been buzzing about her wardrobe choices—ethical, organic, always cruelty-free.

“It’s exquisite.” The words fell out before she’d given them much thought. “Do all your employees wear these?”

Hades tilted his head. “Why would you think that?”

She laughed. “It has your name, like a pet would have their owner’s information on their collar. I’ll match with Cerberus.” Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure what the dog’s collar looked like or if he even wore one. Still, her meaning was plain.

She held his gaze even as the most mischievous smirk a god had ever given her spread across his face. “It’s a gift.” His smile grew. “To commemorate our partnership. Nothing more.”

He reached out, gesturing for her to offer her wrist. “May I?”

His vulpine features curled into a sly grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.He wants to put it on.Was that so bad?

She offered her wrist, watching him fasten the band, skimming his fingertips over the sensitive skin. Nerves danced in her throat. This small act was the exact thing she’d picture a lover doing. If it was any other person, it’d feel romantic.

Staring at the watch felt safer than looking at Hades after that delicate touch.

Hades picked up her purse and extended his arm. “Shall we?”

He was a natural flirt. Even that small, effortless gesture made her knees weak. Why did it have to be him and not someone else—anyoneelse?

As they satin a restaurant surrounded by bustling patrons, Persephone found herself unsettled by the way her heart raced and cheeks warmed whenever he’d look at her with his intense gaze.

Hades poured sparkling water into Persephone’s cup before topping off his. “How was your morning, Sephy?”

He regarded her as if he actually cared about her answer. “Your gym is impressive. Do your staff use it?”

“Not while I have a guest.” He cleared his throat. “Wasn’t it nice that no one else was there?”

“I mean…” Persephone started but pressed her lips tight.

“Yes?” Hades leaned closer to her.

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