Page 98 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
I startled slightly as shadow tendrils wrapped around my ankles, pulling them wide, while two more seized my wrists, pinning my hands above my head. ‘Perfect.’ Hades’ voice was rough, and my heart began to pound unnaturally fast, my breaths becoming erratic. I briefly closed my eyes.
He stepped away from the bed, gloriously naked, and I was splayed out like a sacrifice, just as he wanted me—an object of his desire. The smooth planes of his body were like a vision for me to drink in. His eyes flared at seeing me spread wide for him, a smug smile on his lips as he raked his gaze over me, tethered by his living ropes that answered his every whim.
‘Watch me, Persephone.’ His voice was a low, rough command, and I whimpered, my back arching involuntarily, straining against the shadows, making him laugh wickedly. His cock was hard, heavy… and mouthwatering, and the hunger in my core roared into something ravenous.
He climbed back onto the bed between my legs, and I squirmed in anticipation. His hot breath against my throbbing clit caused me to almost break before he even touched me. His lips met my sex with long, deep kisses and hard strokes of his tongue, and as he flicked and sucked hard on my swollen clit, I broke into a thousand pieces, squeezing my eyes closed as I climaxed and bucked, wave after wave of ecstasy rolling through me.
When his shadows shifted beneath me, encircling my butt, and he pressed my knees to my chest, my eyes flew open. ‘Do you trust me?’ he whispered darkly.
‘Yes. I’ll always trust you, my sexy shadow daddy.’ He cocked a brow at me as I smirked and winked.
He lined his cock up and slowly pushed into my slick entrance at the same time as his shadows pleasured my breastsand took my ass. ‘You belong to me,’ he hissed as he plunged in fully. I was so full, I couldn’t breathe—he was consuming me. I writhed and moaned as his cock and shadows moved in tandem inside me. As his hand on my chest held me down, he stretched me to my limit, making my eyes roll into the back of my head, and a long, muffled groan escaped my lips.
When his hand moved down my body, finding my swollen nub again, I came so hard I was temporarily blinded, but he carried on fucking me through my peak. He kissed me brutally, our tongues tangling. ‘Every part of you is mine. Tell me you’re mine,’ he commanded.
‘Yes. Yes. I’m…oh, mmm… yours,’ I gasped as I felt another orgasm build from the tips of my toes, finally washing over me like a tidal wave, breaking me into a thousand sublime fragments as he still pumped into me. He climaxed with a snarl, collapsing on top of me, leaving me a jumbled mess. I closed my eyes, waiting for my breath to steady.
Eventually, Hades left the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up, and I heard a bath running.
He returned fully clothed and flashed me a half-grin. ‘The bath is ready. Don’t fall asleep. You have thirty minutes before I bring you coffee and breakfast, and then I’m going to devour you again.’
I shook my head at him and grinned as he turned to leave.
We spentthe entire previous day in bed, and gods, it was glorious. Though every part of me ached and certain parts were tender, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gods, as a lover, Hades was better than any of my book boyfriends by a long shot.
Today, though, we had Zeus’s party to attend. It was a celebration of our confirmed union, and Zeus was champing at the bit to let everybody celebrate. Hades, however, was the grumpiest I’d ever seen him, which spoke volumes. I had my arrogant, fractious god back; Mr Broody MacFucker was never far away, and I had to bite the inside of my lip to suppress my smile.
I told Hedone and Hecate I’d do my makeup and hair and choose a dress from my wardrobe—a dress that, it seems, I’d worn… before. The cream, sheath-style, chiffon cocktail dress flaunted one shoulder and featured an asymmetrical hemline embellished with ruffles and sparkling beads securing the gathering at one hip. My hair cascaded in curls down my back, and my makeup looked pretty good.
As I entered Hades' office, Tee and Hedone nodded their approval with raised eyebrows. Hades looked like a male model from some steamy romance movie; his stare roamed up my body with enough passion to feel like a physical caress, making my blood simmer.
‘Come on, Your Maj,’ I deadpanned, and the next look Hades gave me should have made me tremble in my stilettos; instead, I scoffed at him. ‘Stop being Mr Deadly and Grumpy.’ At my words, Tee, Thanny, Charon, Hedone, and Erebus nearly choked on their laughter, while Hades shot them all a death glare. ‘At least look happy to have me as your intended consort!’ I pouted at him, still sucking in my cheeks.
He sighed and narrowed his eyes. ‘Let’s just fuck off somewhere and let Zeus throw his stupid party without us.’ His dark, brooding voice caressed my ear as he drew me into his arms.
‘Nope. Paste a smile on your face, Majesty.’ Tee quirked an eyebrow at Hades’ glare. ‘Let’s go get roaring drunk and celebrate the fact that you two have finally fucked!’ Before Hadescould utter a word, the five of them teleported, their cackling laughter echoing off the walls.
‘They all need burying in Tartarus,’ he grumped, but I saw through his surly demeanour.
‘I need to say something,’ I said, placing my hand on his cheek.
‘Yes,’ he replied slowly.
‘Let’s avoid the whole “touch her and you’re dead” scenario, alright?’
‘What?’ His brows lowered as he cocked his head.
‘It’s a trope from my romance books. The “touch her and die” one is a classic. I’m allowed to kiss men on the cheek, even Apollo, if they’re my friends. Don’t get all possessive.’
He stiffened, his nostrils flaring, but muttered, ‘Alright.’
‘Hey, lover.’ I stood on my tiptoes and traced my tongue over his downturned mouth, pressing my hands on either side of his face. ‘I love you.’ He closed his eyes at my words, his breath catching. ‘Get through this, and we can pick up where we left off this morning. I have this terrible urge to have your cock in my mouth again.’ Even though my cheeks flushed at my unusually forward words, his eyes became a fiery mix of gold and blue, filled with violent delight.
‘Deal,’ he breathed as his shadows enveloped us, transporting us to the kingdom of Naxos.
We arrived standing on a grand dais overlooking another courtyard. The place was breathtaking, and I sucked in a heady breath. The Grecian pillars encircling the vast area were adorned with a multitude of blooms, while silver flames flickered atop each structure. Everything gleamed in white marble, from the immense palace behind us to the walkways and courtyard.
Outside the courtyard, trellis-covered breezeways wound through the manicured gardens. As far as the eye could see, a vibrant myriad of colours—lakes, meadows, hills—unfoldedbefore us. Everywhere was awash with a plethora of flowers. A host of smartly dressed people filled the courtyard, chatting, sipping drinks, and enjoying canapés. A string quartet played soothing background music, and Tee waved at us to come and join them.
