Page 78 of Flowers Near Me

Cross-armed behind him, Charon said, “No. She’s already told you she wants it to be a surprise, so off you go.”

Looking past Hades at Charon, Persephone said, “It’s alright. I’ve changed my mind, Charon. Give us five minutes.” She appreciated Charon having her back, but she was too curious to see his reaction.

Leaning in to whisper in Persephone’s ear, a smirk on his face, Hades said, “We’ll need more than five minutes, love. Iama god.”

Persephone laughed. “It’s fine, really. I’ve got a plan.”

Hades cocked an eyebrow at her while Charon threw her a stiff nod and closed the door.

“Alright,” Hades said, his tone light and playful. “What’s this plan of yours? Does it involve me helping you out of that dress? Because, trust me, I’m exceptional with my hands.”

“No,” Persephone replied with a sly grin. “It’s even better. I’ll show you the dress today, but only if…” She trailed off, letting the anticipation build.

“Only if?” he prompted, leaning in.

“You agree to grant me a future favor. No questions asked. Deal?”

His mouth pressed into a thoughtful line. “That’s quite the price.”

“I know. So, what’s it going to be? See the dress now and owe me, or step out and apologize to Charon? Actually, you should apologize to her regardless.”

Hades studied her, a flicker of intrigue in his expression. “Fine. One favor, Sephy. Now, let me see the dress.”

“And the apology to Charon?” she pressed.

He sighed, mumbling, “Yes, yes.”

Persephone reached for the robe’s silk tie, but Hades caught her hands. “Let me,” he murmured, his voice a seductive promise.

A rush of adrenaline climbed its way from her stomach to her throat and she gave a small nod. Her breath stopped as he undid the hastily tied bow and dropped the strands to the sides. His fingers skimmed along her collarbone, pushing the silk robe over her bare shoulders and down past the delicate sleeves. His eyes wide and appreciative and his mouth parted, he laid her robe over his shoulder.

He gripped her waist, lifting her in a smooth motion. Feet off the floor and her long silk skirt billowing as he turned her. She clutched his forearms, but his suit jacket slipped over the fabric of his shirt underneath, causing her grip to falter. It didn’t matter because he held her steady and placed her on the pedestal she had stood on moments ago.

Unable to make a sound, she pressed her waist where his hands had just been to feel the shadow of his touch. The simple woven satin across her hips somehow stayed in place when he lifted her, and the black skirt cascaded elegantly towards the floor. When she met his eyes, they were rapt on the dress. Focused as if he were disarming a bomb, Hades’ gaze traveled over the intricate bodice and sweetheart neckline.

“I’m never letting you go, Sephy. Now that I’ve seen how perfectly you belong in my world, there’s no escape.” Hades stared with the barest hint of a smile gracing his lips.

Persephone straightened her shoulders. “Sounds like you approve, then. Well, I’m glad. Now you need to leave so I can change. And don’t think for a second that I’ll forget about that favor you owe me.”

“With all those pins, you’ll need some help getting out of that dress.” He tilted his head, his gaze lingering on her hands as a playful smirk curved his lips. “At least let me have the pleasure of unfastening it before I go.”

She could undo the buttons at the back of the bodice without a fuss or have him call Charon or the tailor back in to help. But she didn’t want to. Here, he’d offered assistance and even gave her an excuse to have his hands on her again.

Before he could see just how red her face was at the prospect of him undressing her, she said, “That’d be helpful. Thank you.”

She cupped the underwire to lift some weight off the buttons while turning her back to him. His fingers brushed the space between her shoulders as he slowly unclasped the top, then took his time undoing each tiny button and exposing more of her back. Soft, warm touches of his fingers skimming along her spine sent her heart racing. He moved leisurely and she felt every touch of his knuckles tracing a path.

Ready to tell him to stop as he neared her hips, he kissed the back of her neck while squeezing her waist. Then he went towards the closed door.

Holding the handle, he turned over his shoulder with a mischievous smile and said, “Every god and goddess in Olympus will envy me standing beside you at the gala.” His voice lowered to a gravelly whisper. “If I kissed you again, I’d be tempted to ruin that gorgeous dress just to feel you beneath it.”

Without another word, he opened the door and stepped out, taking her breath with him.

CHAPTER THIRTY

A HOPE IN FATE

HADES

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