Page 75 of Flowers Near Me

I pouted like a Fates-damned child.

Now she sat in an acrid wasteland of shame. Hades kept his eyes averted since she’d pierced them with hers, and now he scrolled on his phone. The marketing team resumed their presentation and moved on to preparations for the social events that would begin after they’d recorded their interviews. A few appearances around the city at choice vendors and public spaces, then ending with a massive gala to celebrate the launch.

As the marketing team outlined the gala’s events, Persephone scribbled jagged lines in her notebook, her stomach churning with regret.

Why did I think I could get away with it? And Hermes? Did Hades find him? What did he say?

Knowing Hermes, he probably spilled out the truth the way she should have as soon as she’d sat in Hades’ office.

She’d almost done it—told him everything with the hope he’d be merciful. Instead, she held fast to the story she’d conjured. She dug her heel into her foot, using the sting to steady her nerves.

There was a small part of her that felt her actions were justified. Hermes was a loyal and dear ally. He was far from perfect, but so was she. And years of working together had bonded them as work siblings and true friends. It wasn’t fair to him if she blabbed about his romantic troubles—no matter how small. She’d known Hermes for fifteen years and had lived with Hades for a little over two months.

She flicked her gaze back to Hades, who was watching the presentation, but turned his head towards her as if he sensed her attention. She gave him a weak smile, which he returned with his own, along with a playful wink.

After the marketing presentation concluded a little while later, Persephone asked Hades to step into her office.

As soon as her door closed, she turned to Hades who was standing nearby. “I’m sorry I lied about Hermes. It was immature and reckless.”

Hades paused, then nodded. “I appreciate that. No hard feelings, though I’m more annoyed that Hermes exploited your kindness.”

“He’s loyal, if nothing else,” she said, managing a small laugh.

Hades’ mouth quirked. “A meddlesome imp, more like.”

Persephone’s smile faltered, but she pressed on. “I mean it—I jeopardized everything. Underworld Unlimited deserves better.”

His eyes softened, but the tick of his jaw betrayed lingering tension. “All is forgiven, Sephy,” he said, though she couldn’t help but wonder if he truly meant it.

Was he angry that she hadn’t opened up to him? He told her afterwards that Hermes immediately spilled out the whole truth. If Hermes had no problem telling him, shouldn’t she have confessed when he first asked? But if she’d asked Hermes to keep a secret for her, she knew he would’ve, damn the consequences.

Strangely enough, she cared about how Hades felt about her sneaking Hermes into the office. And when faced with the reality of what could have happened to the rest of the team if security was breached by someone nefarious, her palms sweated. Wasn’t she better at thinking these things through?

“Thank you. I’m glad we talked about this,” she said. Regret coiled around her chest, and she swore she felt the inkling of her magic stirring within her.

The next week,before Hades and Persephone’s first interview, flew by in a rush of meetings, presentations, and media training. Although that last bit was for Persephone only; Hades went off somewhere else during those sessions. It might’ve been the only real time he got to fulfill his other duties. How he had managed to keep Underworld Unlimited humming along while giving the lion’s share of his attention toFlowers Near Me, she had no clue.

Today, they both waited in the green room for the producers to summon them for their first interview. The headache Persephone had woken up with that morning pounded in her temple, so she’d drunk enough coffee and water to kill a camel.

Hades squeezed her hand. “Something bothering you?”

“Oh, this headache. I can’t get it to go away,” she answered.

Two lines formed between his brows. “Let me check you.”

She nodded. He grazed her temples with his fingertips, and she closed her eyes at the touch. More than the smell of his power filled her senses—she couldfeela cool wave coat her skin. The pain in her head subsided as the chill on her brow turned to warmth.

“Any better?” Hades asked.

“Yes, thank you. What did you do?”

“I blessed you. It doesn’t always work on pain, but I’m pleased to know it did this time.”

A knock on their door and a producer shouted, “They’re ready for you!”

Persephone and Hades got up from the couch. As Persephone reached behind her to pocket her phone, she saw tiny green buds sprouting from the cushion.

Bending down, she brushed her hand over the tiny sprigs, and they grew into full poppy blooms.

---