Page 59 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Too much hassle. Subservience is far easier.’ He raised an arrogant eyebrow at me.
‘Well, aren’t you a freaking ray of sunshine?’
‘Be careful, Human. I am a god.’
‘Yeah, whoop-dee-doo,’ I muttered.
‘See… irritating. I don’t understand why Hades is so obsessed with you. You’ve always had a bad attitude.’
Well, that was kind of rude. I placed my hands on my hips. ‘I’m a goddess, actually.’
‘Yes, a goddess who pussy-whipped my brother. And I’m the king of the sea… a very important god. So, if you break my brother’s heart, I’ll flood your city.’
My eyes widened, and every part of my being ached to punch him. Hard. ‘You may be an important god, but you’re still a dickhead.’
Poseidon’s eyes flashed like the waves of said stormy sea, and then he bellowed with laughter, engulfing me in a bear hug that almost severed my spine. ‘There she is, the ball-whipping vixen.’ He let me go, and I grunted. ‘Another drink?’ He cocked his head, and I shook mine.
‘I’m fine, thanks.’ I smiled through gritted teeth, and he spurted a laugh as he walked off.
What a cockwomble.
‘Persephone.’ Hedone’s voice made me turn. ‘I’d like to introduce you to Ares.’ I heard Simmy, who had just returned, groan and then abandon me again. The git. A man who resembled a superhero from a Marvel movie—the enormous type of hero—eyed me with interest. His blond hair was buzzed short, and his shoulders were broad. He was stacked, his muscular arms clearly visible through his white tuxedo shirt. I smiled warmly and extended my hand. His wrist cords bulged like tree roots, and his powerful fingers enveloped my much smaller ones as he bowed to kiss the back of my hand, lingering a little too long to be polite. I gently tugged my hand away.
‘Nice to meet you, Ares,’ I said in a gracious voice.
‘Likewise, Persephone.’ Like flames of silver fire, his grey eyes roamed over me, while a smirk danced on his lips. Ares, the god of war, or more fittingly, the spirit of battle—and most probably a jackass. ‘Come and stand with me.’
I had little choice, as he all but carried me to a nearby pillar and stood way within my personal space. He threw off testosterone in bucketloads as he eyeballed me. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, I took a step backwards, but he followed. I was screwed because my back now rested against the pillar, and he caged me in when his giant body almost pressed against mine… I guessed he was unfamiliar with the concept of chivalry. He bent slightly and inhaled long and slow, before raising his eyes to meet mine again.
I blinked. Blinked again. And then again. ‘Are you freakingsmellingme?’
‘Good enough to eat.’ A devilish smile pulled on his lips, and I threw up a little in my mouth, so I took a large gulp of wine. ‘I always did like you. Hades was a lucky fucker the first time around. Now I’m going to win you for myself. Just imagine the fun we could have in the sack.’ I nearly stopped breathing at the thought, and my stomach roiled. The prick grinned until a godsdamned dimple appeared on his cheek. My anger flared, and common sense went out of the window.
‘Has anyone ever told you you’re particularly stab-worthy?’ I growled softly, wishing I had my divine blade with me. I’d stab him in the cock.
His response? Roaring laughter. ‘See! We’d argue and fight, but gods, the make-up sex would be worth it. You’ve always been a walking, talking siren, Persephone.’ He cupped his dick with a hand and grinned at me again.
‘You’re a rude pain in the ass, and?—’
‘I’d love to be a pain in your?—’
I almost choked on my wine. ‘Donotfinish that! Ugh, you’re disgusting.’
‘And sexy.’
‘Pft.’ I glared at him.
‘I can’t help it. I’m irresistible. You’re adorable, even when you’re grouchy. Marry me, Persephone. I’ll fuck you until you can’t walk. You’ll love it.’ He winked at me. He actually fucking winked at me. ‘If Hades can’t handle your fire, babe, I’d be more than happy to teach you how to burn.’
Instead of flinging my glass at him, I acted like a lady, curling my lip and shooting him a death glare before scooting under his arm.
‘You didn’t say no,’ he called after me.
‘Gods, what a dick,’ I muttered to myself. ‘And what a dreadful thought. Ugh.’ I spotted Simmy again and whinged, ‘I need more wine.’
Simmy returned with a glass of pink fizz, and I took a sip. That tingling at the back of my neck made me raise my gaze to Hades, whose eyes were pinned to me from across the courtyard. His jaw was like granite; in fact, he looked murderous. Furious. He was so big.
Furiously…big.
