Page 87 of Flowers Near Me

Persephone’s mind replayed a conversation she’d had with one of the models.

“Aren’t you worried people might steal flowers to sell them on the app?” the young woman had asked, her tone light but curious. Persephone had responded with the company’s official stance, that users had to agree not to misuse the application after they downloaded it, but the woman had laughed. “No one reads the fine print,” she’d said.

Bringing her back to reality, Hades rested a warm hand on her lower back, his touch grounding her even as her thoughts churned. She leaned closer, her voice low. “It feels wrong, doesn’t it? Promoting an app like this in a place meant to protect flowers, not sell them.”

“That’s the point.” He tilted his head, a grin tugging at his lips. “If people think it’s an odd choice, it’ll keep them talking.”

Her stomach twisted. “If people started stealing flowers from public places, it’d be chaos.”

His smile didn’t falter, and something in his eyes—satisfaction, perhaps—unnerved her. “Publicity is still publicity. As long as they talk about the app, we win.”

Anger flared inside her, heat rising to her cheeks. “That’s reckless.”

He leaned in, voice smooth as silk. “It’s calculated. The more they hear about it, the more it becomes part of their lives.” His hand traced slow circles on her back, as if soothing her anger. “Is it working? Are you giving in?”

Her lips pressed together, but a reluctant smile broke through. “Don’t use your tricks on me.”

He pulled her closer, his arm sliding around her waist. “Then tell me what works, little goddess, and I’ll do it.”

She arched an eyebrow, meeting his gaze. “You’re clever. Figure it out.” But her teasing gave way to genuine curiosity. “Can you tell what I’m the goddess of? Hecate has guesses, but we’re still in the dark.”

Hades’ grin faded, and he seemed to weigh his words. “If I had to guess... protection, maybe preservation. The poppies defend you, after all. But sometimes, knowing too soon isn’t a blessing.”

Persephone mulled over his words, acknowledging the truth in them. Ignorance had its comforts, but it didn’t quiet the yearning in her heart. She picked up a drink from a passing tray, hoping to calm the nervous flutter in her stomach. The pressure behind her eyes built, and she rubbed her temples.

Hades’ hand tightened on her back. “Are you alright, Sephy?”

“A headache,” she admitted. “It’s getting worse.”

Concern flickered in his eyes. “Want me to help?”

She remembered how he’d eased her pain before and nodded. He threaded his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp. Slowly, the tension unraveled, and her breathing steadied.

“Better?” he asked, his voice quiet.

She opened her eyes, her shoulders relaxing. “Much.”

Charon called for Hades, and he pressed a kiss to her cheek before walking away. As he left, Persephone’s vision blurred, and her limbs grew heavy. Her stomach lurched, and she clutched the edge of a nearby table. Her body locked up, and her vision went dark.

Cold seeped into her skin,and a damp cloth pressed against her neck. She coughed, trying to clear the tightness in her throat. Familiar fingers combed through her hair, and Hades’ voice cut through the haze. “Charon is bringing tea and water.”

Persephone blinked, the room coming into focus. She realized she was sprawled across Hades’ lap, his suit jacket warming her shoulders. His strong hold kept her steady, and she leaned into his chest, grateful for the support.

“Sorry,” she muttered, attempting to stand. His grip didn’t loosen.

“Stay,” he commanded, his voice firm but gentle. “You collapsed. Give yourself a minute.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she let herself settle against him. “How long was I out?”

“Only a few minutes,” he said. “Charon screamed as soon as you fell, and I caught you.”

She shivered. “Were there poppies?”

“No.” He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “How do you feel now?”

“Better.” Persephone accepted the glass of cold water Charon handed her. “Thanks.”

Charon’s worry etched deep lines into her usually serene expression. “Do you have any idea what caused it?”

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