Page 23 of Flowers Near Me

Slumped in a desk chair on the opposite wall to the bed, she searched her name online. When she saw that the only articles that mentioned her were the same ones she’d read, then reread last night, her shoulders relaxed. She went through texts from her former team with requests to meet for coffee or lunch soon. Each kindhearted message carved more from her chest. When would she work with them again?

Charon had packed her calendar with activities with Hades. Everything from formal events to picking up takeout together. There weren’t many free blocks over the next ninety days because Hades wanted people to believe that not only were they excited for their new business partnership, but they were also a real couple who spent every moment together. Not to mention the fact that they were launching a new product, but that seemed to be a secondary concern to Hades. Her throat tightened as she reviewed her calendar for the tenth time.

Hades had told her they’d have dinner together at a new steakhouse tonight. He’d showed her the dark slacks and black cashmere sweater Charon had laid out for him. The high-waisted loose slacks and silk blouse Charon had picked for her would match nicely. She may lose her mind during these next six months, but at least she’d look posh.

After a short nap, Persephone fixed her hair and makeup. The dark circles under her eyes this morning looked less purple. Dressed with shoes in hand, she padded out towards the kitchen.

She had twenty minutes until their reservation, and with Hades nowhere in sight, she set down her shoes near the elevator then headed towards a desk and some barrister bookshelves off in a corner of the main living room. Neat stacks of paper sat atop the shiny surface and a high-backed upholstered chair stood askew. Never once had Persephone wondered what theGod of the Underworld’sapartment looked like. She’d been inside other gods’ homes—her mom’s, of course, and Hera’s, Athena’s, and Artemis’. But those were bright, opulent, and blessedly above ground.

Shelves packed with thick business and technology law books lined the outer edge of the open-floor plan in what looked to be Hades’ office space.

With a light touch, Persephone pressed her fingertips to the lock on the enclosed glass door of the bookshelf. A warmth emanated from the metal, but as she made contact, the heat subsided and the door opened. As a child, her mom discovered she could open enchanted doors and compartments. Shortly after, her mom’s protective spells became more elaborate… and painful.

Picking up a title boasting itself asa must read for every tech executive,Persephone flipped to a middle page and skimmed.

Picturing dinner tonight, knowing she and Hades would be photographed together, she imagined what her sister and mom would think when they saw the photos. Laura would get a notification on her phone and Persephone was certain someone on her mom’s team would alert her with a screenshot and a link to the post.

Did they know about the fake relationship part of the deal? Was that why Mom had been so cold?

She focused on what she thought her sister’s reaction would be and not her mom’s. Laura would see the photos and laugh. Probably send a teasing but good-natured congratulatory text to her. She’d torture herself later with her mom’s certain disappointment. If Persephone had a daughter who’d got stuck working with her rival, she’d be gutted too.

“Find a good book?” Hades’ husky voice trailed over her shoulders.

Slamming the pages shut, Persephone turned to see him a couple of paces away.

“Blade of the titans… You’re silent as death.”

He gave her a wolfish grin. “You look lovely.”

“Charon has great taste.”

He looked past her to the bookshelf. “I’m glad I left this unlocked. I should’ve invited you to peruse the books sooner.”

She held her tongue, not wanting to correct him.

With a wave of his hand, several clicks followed by the creak of the bookshelves’ doors rang out. “Now you can peruse at will.”

“Ah, thank you.” She held up the book in her hands. “I’m putting this one back.”

Smiling, Hades held out his hand, and Persephone set the book in his palm. He set it on top of his desk and offered his arm.

“Are you hungry?”

She looped her hand through the crook of his elbow. “Always.”

The hooded-lid look he gave her as he said, “Me too,” ran a tickle down her spine.

Persephone cleared her throat and asked, “Does my mom or my sister know about the fake relationship part of the deal?”

“They do not. Only you, me, Charon, and Hecate.”

“Oh,” replied Persephone. Regardless of his rules, she’d tell Laura the truth.

The car rideto the restaurant passed too quickly for Persephone. “Tonight, we don’t need to act in love—yet,” Hades told her. “We just need to be seen together, enjoying ourselves, so people start to wonder.”

She bobbed her head. If Hades wasn’t a god, she’d be elated to be seen with a handsome, successful date like him. But this was the god of Underworld Unlimited. The company known for its ruthless takeover of Olympus’ e-commerce space. If you wanted to buy something online, youhadto use his site.

Hades frowned at the gathered crowd packed onto the sidewalk, where their car stopped.

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