Page 39 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Mhm,’ I squeaked, turning my back to fetch a cup. As the coffee brewed, and after thirty deep breaths, I faced Matt again.
‘You okay, Sephy?’ He narrowed his eyes at me.
‘Peachy.’ I smiled and headed back upstairs to drown in my very own sea of turmoil.
CHAPTER 14
HADES
Iwanted to throttle Persephone.
She dismissed me from her dream after calling me an ass-wipeandan arrogant prick! Her disrespect was outrageous. I would allow no one but her to speak to me in that manner. My cock twitched merely thinking of her audacity and what I still longed to do to that impertinent mouth. Regardless of what happened or what I thought, I would never stop craving her. She belonged to me.She was mine.
‘Thanny said you needed me?’ Hecate appeared as I poured my tenth whisky.
‘I wanted you an hour ago,’ I hissed.
‘Ugh, sorry. I was taking Persephone home.’
I spun around, my hands fisted. ‘What? Why?’
‘You told me to.’ She threw her hands up, her brow furrowing.
‘Shit. I need to bring her back before Zeus gets to her.’ I slammed my drink down.
‘What in the gods’ names is going on, Hades?’
I gave her a brief rundown on Zeus’s plans, and her brows lowered as I spoke. I could feel her simmering rage.
‘What the fuck?’ she hissed.
I released a frustrated breath. ‘I’m worried, Hecate, that if she chooses another, I won’t be able to control my rage again. The destruction could be catastrophic.’ I ran a hand over my head.
‘She’ll choose you, Hades. Stop fretting.’
‘Will she? I’m not so sure. She’s attracted to me but seems to despise me, and I can’t blame her. I’ve turned her life upside down… because I’m selfish and want her back. She feels the bond, I know she does, but perhaps this Persephone will never love me as she once did. As Zeus said, she’s a different woman.’
‘She’s the same person, Hades. The same person with no memories of being your wife or a goddess.’ She paused and stepped towards me. ‘Allow her to see the real you. Let her see how adorable you are under that grumpy bastard exterior.’
‘I am the god of the dead. I amnotadorable.’
‘We all know you’re a cinnamon roll, Hades. A pompous spitfire with a heart of gold.’
‘Don’t push me, Goddess.’ I glared, shadows flickering, but she ignored me.
‘Listen. You must approach her like anormalperson this time, Hades. You need to explain the danger she faces, yes, but it must be her choice to return.’
‘I’m a god! I’m not a normal person.’
‘For the Fates’ sake, will you listen to me? You need to court her themortalway.’
‘I’m not courting her the mortal way,’ I said with exasperation as I crossed my arms.
‘You’re such an arrogant git sometimes!’ Hecate’s voice cracked like a whip, startling me into silence. She rarelychallenged me… which meant, annoyingly, I should probably listen. ‘Fetch your limo from that ridiculous Underworld club and knock on her door, for gods’ sake.’
‘Fine,’ I bit out. ‘But it will take ages to reach her.’
‘Then go!’ She jabbed a finger at the door.
