Page 20 of Flowers Near Me

“Starting today, you work for me. Demeter’s Bounty has let you go.” He swallowed his sip of coffee. “Congratulations, Persephone. You’re now a treasured member of Underworld Unlimited.”

Persephone’s face reddened. Quietly, as if only whispering to herself, she remarked, “I didn’t think I’d lose my job at DB.”

The poor goddess was reeling from the day’s events. He felt a little bad but it was better to rip the bandaid off.

“If you impress me, Persephone, there’s a future for you here. You could do very well under me.” He regarded her for a moment. “And I think you’d like it.”

She ignored his innuendo and scooted further away. Pulling her phone from her shorts, she typed away on her phone.

“Not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet,” Hades said, “but all of your cellular communications will be monitored. It’s our safety protocol.”

Her lip raised a fraction before she threw him an incredulous look. “You bugged my phone?”

“I don’t have to. You’re within my domain and my team monitors all communications in and out—especially a new employee from a rival company.” Surely she knew this. He’d bet his whole business that her mother did the same.

“A new employee whoyoustole via some in-no-way-legal twisting of the law. Can you access everything on my phone?”

“If I wanted to, yes.” He took another sip.

“Will you?” She leveled him with a raised brow.

Frankly, he was too curious not to. Everything about her interested him but he chose to be coy. “I’m not sure yet. I don’t know enough about you to form an opinion of whether or not I can trust you.” His lopsided smile provoked a scowl from Persephone.

“I’ve got limited options here and no allies. I’ve been cut at the knees. What harm could I do?”

“Well,” he said smoothly, “between the two of us, I’m a known entity. Olympus has spent centuries scrutinizing my every move. But you were a ghost until a month ago. Now, you’re an asset. And if anything, I’m the one taking on more of a risk inviting?—”

“Forcing,” she interjected.

“Welcominga new companion into my home. Besides, what if you try to destroy the brand?” he mused. “Inspire a coup? Or if you’re feeling particularly bold, release your magic and end me?”

Persephone shook her head.

“I’m your greatest ally. You can fight it, but I think you’ll come to see that this is the best move for you.” He leaned in slightly. “Work with me, and it won’t feel like a chore. It’ll feel like power.”

She could resist all she wanted, but resistance only worked if it led somewhere. He’d already written the ending.

The chime of a doorbell called their attention. His assistant, Charon, and a few uniformed staff carted Persephone’s luggage into the apartment. His smile grew wide.

CHAPTER NINE

HADES’ NEW PRIZE

PERSEPHONE

“Good morning, Miss Ioulo. Please excuse us while we place your things,” said a petite woman with long, jet-black hair.

Persephone looked up from her seat, drawn to the woman’s polished navy dress and sharp heels. It was an outfit she’d wear to the office.

She rose from her seat. “Thank you.”

The woman nodded, a small, polite grin gracing her lips before she turned to direct several staff members carrying Persephone’s bags down a hallway off the main living space.

Dark brown eyes met Persephone’s, and for a fleeting moment, she saw Helena in them. The resemblance softened her, drawing a rare smile to her lips. Would her carefree niece grow up to be this poised? This composed?

“My pleasure.” The woman extended her hand and a delicate gold charm on a thin chain caught the light with the movement. “My name is Charon. I’m your new assistant.”

A sharp twist of unease tightened in Persephone’s stomach. This was too real.

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