Page 73 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Of sorts?’
I blew out a ragged breath. ‘I want to fuck her so badly—’ Poseidon barked a laugh, and I glowered at him.
‘Then why don’t you? She belongs to you, after all.’
‘I can see why you don’t have a female in your life. You’re a Neanderthal.’ I arched a brow at him. ‘Persephone is not a belonging, Poseidon.’ The words were out before I could stop them—hypocrisy on my tongue. Because shewasmine. She wasfucking mine. I had to keep her. A ragged breath escaped me, but I recovered quickly, squaring my shoulders.
Poseidon’s eyes locked with mine. He knew bullshit when he heard it, but I pushed on. ‘In today’s world, we should lead by example. Be civilised.’
‘And if you fuck her, you’ll keep her.’
I gave the smallest nod.
‘That won’t stop you,’ he muttered.
My jaw clenched as my shadows flickered, writhing from my palms like living anger. Because he was right. I was a hairsbreadth away from taking her—keeping her—whether she wanted it or not.
‘Calm down, Brother.’ Poseidon’s voice rumbled like a storm. ‘You’re an alpha. You’ll have her by any means.’
I opened my mouth to argue, but he raised a hand, cutting me off, studying me for a long, heavy moment.
‘Love kills more fucking brain cells than crystal meth,’ he grumbled as he shook his head, making me smile despite myself. ‘That’s why females are a no-go for me. They’re nothing but trouble. You won’t catch me fawning over one,’ he sniped, then pondered for a while. ‘Maybe you need to woo Persephone…?’ He grimaced at his own words and poured more wine.
‘That’s what Hecate said to me.’
‘At least you’ll get to fuck her. It’ll be worth the torment.’ He drank more wine as he eyed me. ‘She’s pussy-whipping you again, but this time… I don’t know,’ he mused, and I lowered my brows. ‘But stop being a total schmooze. You’re like a spurned puppy, Brother. Make her do some of the fucking work.’ I contemplated his words.Maybe he has a point.
‘Like I said, you’re an alpha male. Fucking act like one.’ He rolled his eyes, and I bristled. ‘Now, tell me. Why did she kiss Apollo? I thought I’d better ask if there was a good enough excuse. Otherwise, I might have to drown the little fucker.’
I half-laughed, groaned, and then told him about what happened. His response? Hysterical laughter. I watched him as he gasped for breath at the hilarity, and I came seconds away from kicking him in the balls.
‘Sorry.’ He coughed-wheezed as he tried to regain control. ‘You’re a fucking dozy bastard. Even I know that’d piss a woman off, and, as you say, I’m the Neanderthal.’ He carried on laughinguntil he managed to control himself. ‘Anyway, on a brighter note.’ He blew out a breath and wiped his eyes—thedick.‘Zeus has agreed to new negotiations with the Council of Magic. It’s looking promising.’
‘Yes, I spoke with Hecate. She’s arranging for the high priestesses to meet with us all.’
After discussing politics, Ixion, and the disadvantages of having women in one's life—that part was Poseidon—he decided it would soon be time to return to the mortal realm for his monthly sojourn. One of his many properties was a beachfront hotel in America, boasting excellent surfing beaches, which he adored; another was a mansion in a prestigious area featuring its own private beach.
It had taken Poseidon a long time to embrace the human world and leave his beloved kingdom, but the old bastard was lightening up. When he visited the mortal realm, Poseidon maintained the same level of privacy as I did, adopting an alias as a wealthy and powerful playboy—few were aware of his true identity.
'So, have you returned to the mortal world since you kidnapped your wife again?'
I huffed a breath. ‘No.’
‘Hmm.’ He studied me. ‘Maybe you need to see what’s going on in those clubs of yours?’
‘I have trusted demigods, and Minthe running them. They’ll be fine for now.’
‘Why don’t you bring Persephone to Atlantis hotel? I’ll text you.’
I coughed a laugh. ‘Youhave a mobile?’
He looked affronted. ‘I do. Things are changing, Brother. And I think you’re right; leading by example is definitely the way to go. But how to get Zeus on board and stop being a philandering asshole?’ He raised a finger to his lips.
We both dissolved into laughter at the thought.
CHAPTER 27
PERSEPHONE
