Page 57 of Flowers Near Me

“We’ve heard there are concerns about theFlowers Near Me’ssecurity. Can you comment?” she asked, holding out her phone.

Hades cleared his throat and kept his hand on Persephone’s slim waist. He knew this question was coming. “Flowers Near Meis undergoing the same rigorous testing all of our applications go through. Security is our top priority and once the newest version of the app is available for download, users can be assured of its safety.”

“Persephone! Is it true your mom fired you?” another reporter shouted from the crowd.

Persephone smiled, poised as always. The picture of professionalism—graceful and unbothered. “There’s a temporary conflict of interest but no ill will between us. Demeter’s Bounty will always be my first home.”

“Do you know why Demeter has refused all interviews?”

“Sounds like a question for her staff,” Persephone called back.

One of the reporters in the front asked, “Are you two dating?”

Hades and Persephone exchanged a glance as he pulled her closer to his side. Still holding her with one arm, he tucked some of her soft hair behind one ear and dragged his fingers down the length of the strands. Judging by the way her body froze he had reached the edge of her comfort level. It was hard not to run his fingers back over her soft hair, but he gritted his teeth and kept a polite hand on her side.

“I’d say so. And we’re ready to start enjoying our date. Good day.” He gave the group a dismissive nod, released Persephone’s waist, and turned towards the restaurant’s doors with an offered arm.

Persephone threw him a conspiratorial look with her half smirk and hooded eyes. She held his arm with both hands, interlocking her fingers, and took a step that pressed her hip to the side of his leg. If this didn’t grow into the relationship he was desperate for, he wasn’t sure what he’d do. There were no delusions that she was giving himearnedaffection, but things between them felt natural. Like he was finally whole.

They settled into upholstered lounge chairs surrounding the long flat top grill. Emerald glass chandeliers hung from the high coffered ceiling, bathing the geometric, Art Deco wallpaper in a golden glow. He liked the cozy spot, tucked into a corner of the restaurant. A waiter grabbed one of the bottles of ambrosia at their table and filled their glasses to the brim before taking their orders and hurrying off.

“You were perfect with those reporters, Sephy.” He took a slow sip of his drink, curious if she’d take the compliment or bat it away.

“Nothing a little Underworld media training didn’t prepare me for.” She huffed a laugh.

“I mean it. You’re a natural. And still so pretty too. The Fates outdid themselves with you. Even the gods are jealous.”

The blush on her cheeks had his heart soaring.

“Wow, flattery can get you anywhere, Hades.”

“Where would I go, love?” He skimmed his fingers down her arm and scooped up her hand to bring her knuckles to his lips. “I quite like where I am.”

“I can’t believe you just wasted the kiss on my hand,” she teased.

He grabbed her other hand and tugged her so she scooted closer to him. Soaking in the glory of her attention, he leaned in close and held her green eyes. The thin circle of green thinned as her pupils grew.

With his face inches away from hers, he said in a husky voice, “That’s not a kiss.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

THAT’S A KISS

PERSEPHONE

He’s going to kiss me.

Persephone searched Hades’ face. The dim light of the restaurant cast a cool glow over his silver eyes. As he tugged her hands, it forced her to the edge of the seat. Perhaps Hades recognized someone in the restaurant who would be sure to share the news of this public kiss? But when she looked past his shoulder, out at the rest of the dining room, no one paid them any attention.

Instead of leaning forward with eyes closed, like she thought he would, he came close and brushed the stubble of his cheek on hers. His breath tickled her neck, and a delightful shiver coursed through her.

Hushed yet strong like a brook, he whispered in her ear, “They’ll be no question when it’s a real kiss.” Slowly, he backed away, his eyes fixed on her lips, and released her hands.

Persephone righted herself in the chair. The cool glass of water provided a momentary distraction from the force of Hades’ pull. Sucking in a deep breath, there was only a hint of Hades’ cologne. Had Hades masked the scent of his power somehow? Or was she genuinely drawn to him?

All it takes is attention and I’m enthralled?

She hoped not, but the lines between fake and true affection were blurring and her initial fear of becoming attached to him started to feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Determined to complete the contract while protecting her heart, she reminded herself that this was a godmost capableof lying. Despite how agreeable he was or how much fun she had, as soon as she got back into the car once the date ended, she needed to come back down to earth and not float away in this fantasy. Nothing was real. This was the only way to keep her resolve.

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