Page 47 of Flowers Near Me

He fussed with his cuffs. “You don’t want a break?”

“Not really. I’m much better behind the scenes than in front of the camera. I’d rather be ensuring the app’s successful launch than the face promoting it.”

His silver eyes lit up. “Why not do both? Charon said you rejected the offer to be the Chief Product Officer. Would you reconsider?”

She crossed her arms. “I’m happy to help, not take someone’s job.”

Hades laid a hand on his chest. “My job, Sephy. I’ve been managing the role until you’d step in.”

“You didn’t hire or re-assign someone for the position?” Surely someone else had stepped in.

“I was waiting for the right talent to become available. When can you start?”

This type of experience better suited her long-term goal of becoming DB’s president. “Immediately. When’s the next dev team check-in?” Sure, Charon had offered her the role back on her first day in Hades’ penthouse, but Persephone wasn’t an Underworld Unlimited insider at the time. Now she’d seen more of its operations and knew this could be a good opportunity to do more than be the face of a product.

“Hold on there. You’ve just wrapped a month’s worth of filming, and as eager as I am to have you as CPO, there are a few loose ends we need to tie up.”

What loose ends were there? “Do I need to sign extra paperwork?”

Hades made a noncommittal hum in the back of his throat. “Only a new employment agreement for your pay increase.” He paused. “I’m more concerned about us taking this next step in making ourselves a more convincing couple. I suspect some think our relationship isn’t real.”

Waving one hand, she replied, “It isn’t. So, why are you concerned? Did someone say something?”

“No, and that’s part of the problem. There were a few murmurings and some well-placed articles back when you started with us but not much since. It’s time to tell people that we’re living together.” Hades stood up from the table and circled Persephone at a polite distance.

Persephone remained still. If they went public, how much ridicule would her mom receive for her daughter not only working for but flirting with the enemy? Would she become angrier?Would she finally reach out?

Of course her mom knew of the business arrangement, but not that theirrelationshipwas faked for the media. Maybe this would inspire her to respond?

The thought held the sourness of immaturity but Persephone’s lack of options sweetened the bitter taste. Four more months and she’d be free of the contract and able to explain everything to her trusted circle. Until then, most of her day-to-day was out of her control.

An idea bubbled to the surface. If her mom thought she actually was dating Hades, maybe Demeter wouldfinallycontact her?

“Hades, aren’t we supposed to be going on public dates? You know… if we were seen out together again doing something a couple does. Even with your busy schedule, we could fit in a lunch or dinner and make it look convincing.”

As soon as the words spilled out, Hades grinned like the cat who’d got the cream.

“Sephy, that’s a wonderful idea and I’m elated to hear you suggest it.” He stepped close behind her, his mouth inches from her ear and his cedar cologne causing her to swallow hard. “How do you suggest we make it look convincing?”

Persephone turned her head towards his. She gritted her teeth but kept a cocky smile. “I’ll have to think about it. This is my first fake relationship, so I’m not sure.”

Hades’ eyes dropped to her mouth for a few seconds before he straightened his back and stepped around to face her.

“It’s never been fake for me,” he confessed, his eyes searching hers. He took a breath. “What if, just once, you didn’t have to pretend? Let me take you somewhere we can be seen but still have a quiet moment, just the two of us. Drop your guard, even if only a little, and let me try to earn your heart.”

Persephone sighed and closed her eyes. She wished that was true, but how could she believe him? Her whole life she was surrounded by gods and learned very quickly that they couldn’t be trusted.

Releasing a long exhale, she said, “Look. I’m not like you. I don’t have a long line of past lovers I’ve moved on from. I… um…” Persephone looked off to the side then met his gaze again. “We’re business partners, yes?” She gestured between them.

“Yes, of course. Equals too.”

“Right. Well, as my business partner, it’s my responsibility to be honest about my capabilities and limitations.”

“Okay…” Hades’ face tensed in concentration.

“It has to be completely fake for me.” Even one date where she allowed herself to consider it real was foolhardy. That golf date had messed with her brain.

His eyes and mouth softened and his voice lowered to a strong whisper. “But why can’tonedate be real? It could be similar to our golf outing, but with the general populace around.”

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