Page 80 of Flowers Near Me

“Maybe she has, but sounds like Demeter hasn’t. Have you told Sephy her mom sent the ‘snake bite’ virus?”

“Not yet.” Hades stared out at the streets below and cracked his knuckles. “Do you think Sephy helped her mom infect the app?”Titans, he hoped not. He was desperate for her to reciprocate his feelings. The thought of her sabotaging their work together sawed a hole through his chest.

After a silent minute, Hecate repositioned herself on the chaise and said, “You’ve tracked all of her communications. Did anything seem strange to you?”

“Nothing stood out.” Why hadn’t Hecate dismissed his fears? “Do you think there’s any way Demeter could’ve spoken with Sephy without me finding out?”

“I honestly don’t know,” replied Hecate.

“Between Demeter and me, I’d wager that Sephy is still more loyal to Demeter.”

“Demeter’s her mom, Hades. And they’ve worked together for a long time. But I think she’s grown fond of things here at Underworld. Especially Charon.”

“And me,” Hades replied in a firm tone.

Hecate chuckled. “Yes, you too. I think she might actually like you despite your questionable methods to get her to spend time with you. Anyway, she doesn’t strike me as the breach-of-contract type. And the worst thing she’s done here was let Hermes into the building and technically, he’s free to go wherever he pleases now that he’s working for your brother.”

“When on assignment, yes, but it wasn’t smart of her to let him in without a good reason,” said Hades.

“Considering how she came to work for you, I think it’s the least terrible thing she could’ve done. Had you done the same to any other goddess, you wouldn’t have much of an app left.”

With a soft laugh, Hades replied, “I suppose that’s true. But I wouldn’t bother with anyone else. Still, she lied to me.”

“Ah, yes. And you are the God of Truth, I forgot. Anyway, have you told her your true intentions?” Hecate raised one brow and crossed her arms.

“It’s… in progress.”

Hecate narrowed her gaze at him.

Hades gritted his teeth.

“I wouldn’t assume it’s a sure thing, simply because she’s warming to you now. Although I don’t think she’s conspiring against you, there’s a lot we don’t know about her. And she’s been going along with your plans, but agreeableness and fondness are not the same thing.”

“You’re wrong, Hecate. Iknowshe’ll eventually agree.”

Staring at him, Hecate scowled, and puffs of purple smoke trailed from her fingertips. “Howdo you know?”

With a smug look, Hades answered, “I consulted the Fates.”

Hecate’s eyes widened. “And they answered you? Without an invitation?”

Hades nodded. “We have an understanding.”

“Do either of your brothers know you asked them about her?”

“I think Zeus does. Poseidon is too busy to care.”

Hecate huffed a laugh. “I can’t believe the Fates answered you.”

“Like I said, we have an understanding. And I don’t use them like a personal magic mirror. I wanted to know if Persephone would marry me.”

“You’re sure you love her?” Hecate’s voice dropped lower, her face impassive except for the straining tendon in her neck. The same look she gave whenever Hades informed her of a risky endeavor he planned to pursue.

“There’s no question in my mind. All the uncertainty lies with her.Would she come willingly to work for me?No.Would she say yes to marrying me?Not the first few hundred times, no. But eventually? Maybe.”

“So what did the Fates say? That shecouldlove you?”

“That was my second question, and they wouldn’t answer me,” Hades answered.

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