Page 51 of Flowers Near Me

Persephone’s face flushed. Every smooth word he uttered chipped at her defenses. How much longer could she resist feeling wanted, even by someone as dangerous as Hades?

“Don’t look at her like that,” Demeter snapped, and the scent of jasmine hit Persephone like a wave.

Soon, cedar and leather overpowered the floral fog.

“Why Demeter?” Hades’ friendly tone belied the jab underneath like a blade hidden in silk. “How do I look at her?”

Demeter stepped within arm’s reach of Hades, not quite as tall but just as imposing. “Like she belongs to you. Like you’d rather shatter her into pieces than let her slip away.” Hands fisted, Demeter squared her shoulders and wisps of sage smoke rose from her like steam.

Is that how he looks at me?

The churning pulse of blood grew louder in her head. Could anyone survive a game with the gods?

Hades’ eyes narrowed, his voice a low, lethal whisper. “And yet,” he said, leaning in ever so slightly, “we both know she’s never been safer than she is with me. Or would you prefer I take a different approach—one that doesn’t involve her willing cooperation?”

Demeter went rigid, her jaw clenching so tightly that Persephone expected to hear bones cracking. “My answer is still no,” Demeter warned, her voice taut with fury.

A muscle in Hades’ jaw twitched, but his expression remained coldly amused. “Very well.” His tone was deceptively calm, like a predator conceding a small loss before a greater hunt. “Shall we proceed with the arrangement everyone here has begrudgingly agreed to, or do you wish to waste more of our time?”

Zeus grunted. “Not yet. Demeter, you have to reopen distribution. If you refuse, I’ll be forced to remove you from power.”

Demeter threw a conflicted glance at Persephone then faced Zeus. “Fine.” A nauseating wave of rancid, rotting foliage filled the air as Demeter disappeared in an emerald cloud, unwilling to spare even one parting glance at Persephone. Yes, Mom was furious.

“Hermes,” Zeus bellowed.

The lithe man approached the desk faster than any mortal could. “Yes, Zeus?” Meanwhile, Hades beckoned Persephone to his side. She held her breath for the few steps it took to reach him.

“I understand you’ve served as an assistant to Demeter and Persephone,” said Zeus.

Hermes looked at Persephone with a toothy smile, and Persephone kept a brave face. Why Zeus was interested in Hermes’ employment history at that moment, she had no clue. “That’s right. Persephone and I have worked together for almost ten years.”

Zeus turned to Persephone. “How did he perform as your assistant?”

Persephone threw a smile at Hermes before meeting Zeus’ eyes. “Exceptionally well. He’s the fastest at every task.”

Zeus hummed an approval and held his chin. “Hermes, would you like to serve as messenger of the gods?”

“I-uh… yes. But what about Demeter?” Hermes readjusted the baseball cap on his head.

With a sheepish grin, Zeus pinned his eyes on Hades.

Groaning, Hades replied, “Fine. I’ll get a contract drafted.”

One load clap of his hands and Zeus boomed, “Excellent. I’ll summon you later.”

Hermes bowed and his hat slid off. Quick as a whip, he snatched it before it hit the floor. “Thank you.” Turning on his heel, he gave Persephone a hug and whispered, “Talk soon?”

As they released each other, she nodded and he sped out the open archway at their backs.

Hades offered his hand to her. “I think we’re done here.”

“Persephone,” Zeus called, rattling the columns circling the room. She turned.

“Welcome to the family.”

The family of the gods or his family?

Quick as a wink, Hades scooped up Persephone in his arms, dislodging the question from her mind. Too stunned to yelp, she clutched his muscled shoulders as he portaled her to their apartment. Heat from Hades had her body relaxing. The trip back took longer this time but at least the room didn’t spin when they landed.

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