Page 59 of Until Death
We’re late. Persephone is already standing in the midst of the room, her expression displeased as her eyes trail over Cerberus.
But she says nothing as I take my spot to one side. Tonight, I have even less hope of blending into the crowd. Not with Cerberus towering behind me, and the women around us stepping to the side, eager to put space between themselves and us.
“These lessons are for the women, only, Cerberus,” Persephone finally says, making me cringe inwardly as the others look our way. “You are welcome; however, to waitoutsidewith the other men.”
“I will be staying.”
“You—”
“I am to watch over the mortal, by Hades’ orders,” Cerberus says, cutting her off. “She is to remain within my sight at all times while outside her room.”
Persephone’s eyes narrow, her gaze flickering between Cerberus and me. I try to keep a neutral expression, not wanting to make the situation any more uncomfortable than it already is.
“Very well,” she finally says, her expression hardening. “Then I suppose it only makes sense that you play the part of the mortal’s partner.”
I balk at this, my mouth going dry as I try and fail to get any words out.
“Fine,” Cerberus snorts as if he’s just been given a challenge he fully intends to win.
Persephone’s smile doesn’t quite meet her eyes as she nods in return before turning back to the others, ready to start the lesson.
I close my mouth as I try to swallow past my nerves, realizing that I get no say in any of this. I had hoped to once again find myself as Persephone’s partner, but instead, she summons Lilia forward.
As I glance from her to Cerberus, I’m suddenly not so sure how I’m going to find the moment alone with Persephone that I so desperately need.
22
Hazel
Persephone’s eyes are cold as she glances about the room.
Though her gaze seems to easily move through Cerberus, I can’t help but notice the small pause as she turns back to the redhead at her side.
“Tonight, we will focus on the more …intimatedetails when it comes to pleasing Hades,” she tells us.
As she begins the lesson, I wonder if this is some way of her getting back at Cerberus, and in a way Hades for assigning him to me.
My cheeks redden as I do my best to pay attention to her lesson. Yet, I barely register a word she says as she intimately wraps herself around her new partner and sets about explaining her movements in graphic detail.
“Now, it is your turn,” she says, her smile finally managing to break the ice in her gaze as she flashes a look at the hellhound.
Slowly, I turn to face Cerberus. I’m already burning with embarrassment at the mere thought of practicing any of these movements with him. My mind spins as I try to figure out a way to get out of this.
Perhaps it was a mistake to convince him to bring me here.
I need to speak with Persephone, but at this point, I’m not sure that will even be possible.
“Do wish me to start?” Cerberus asks, drawing my attention back to him.
I nod absentmindedly, and he steps closer.
“Stay where you are,” Persephone says. “Allow the girl to practice on you, not the other way around.”
Swallowing hard, I try to focus on the task at hand. I move closer to him, reluctantly reaching out to place my palm against his hard chest. Slowly, I circle him, tracing the lines of his body as I draw nearer with each step. By the time I return to face him, our bodies are barely an inch apart.
Cerberus looks down at me, his eyes darkening with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. I can feel the heat radiating off his body, and my skin prickles with anticipation. My heart pounds in my ears as I try my best to ignore these sensations and quickly refocus on the lesson at hand.
“Now, Hazel,” Persephone says, her voice low and sultry. “I want you to show me what you have learned.”
