Page 16 of Seeking Hades' Ember

Sitting up, I dared to get out of bed only to be stopped by something around my waist. Hades’ arm was wrapped around my waist tightly. I dared not move; I was afraid that he would get angry again. He’s never hit me, but I’ve seen plenty of angry men hit only when the time was right. Laying back down, he nuzzled me closer, and instead of being repulsed by it, I leaned into it.

It felt nice, to have someone hold you and keep your nightmares away. For the first time in two sleeping sessions, my own demons didn’t come to haunt me. They only held Hades and some woman in a long light blue robe smiling at us both. Before I was ever able to speak to her, I wake up.

Hades starts to stir, and I watch him as he starts to wake. He gently unfolds himself from me and lets out a large yawn. He looked like a predatory cat ready to go hunting for his meal of the day.

“Afternoon, how did you sleep?” Hades spoke in a rough voice. The voice was heavenly, and I wished he would talk like that more often.

“Very well, thank you.” I pulled the sheets up close as he exited the bed.

“When you passed out, we decided to bring you back to my home. I hope you don’t mind.” I shook my head no.

“We have the best doctors here and our goal is to get you healthy, Jillian. I need to see you eat and rest more. Is that understood?” I hummed yes as he patted my head. “This is my room; it is one of the more comfortable rooms. You looked so comfortable in my arms; I didn’t have the heart to move you to another room once we arrived upstairs.” Hades rubbed the back of his neck and was he blushing? One of the most good-looking men I’ve ever seen was blushing!

I whined. “Sorry about that. I guess you were comfortable, and I felt safe.” I looked down and played with the comforter.

He beamed and gave a swift kiss to my knuckles. “The same goes for me. I’ve enjoyed our naps. They fill me with comfort.” I grinned back at him, and he gave me a smile for the first time that showed his teeth.

“I do have a room for you. It’s across the hall. It wasn’t ready when we arrived, but it is now. It is filled with clothes your size, a bathroom, and if you think of anything you may need, you let me know.” My lip wobbled a bit. Hades was the kindest person I have ever known.

“Jillian, what is wrong?” Hades came and kneeled beside the bed. Something I’ve noticed he likes to do when getting my attention. He makes me feel like I was so important.

“You are just so nice to me; I don’t know what I did to deserve this. I can never repay you.” My heart clenched. One day I’ll have to leave, and when that day comes, I would have to pay him back.

“Jillian, you are to never repay me, do you understand?” His look was hard as he held my hand. “I did this for you. You are a wonderful woman that has dealt with some shit and I’m going to make sure you get treated like the princess you are.”

My heart swelled three times the size, but I couldn’t help to think that he wanted something in return. Nothing in life is free and everything comes with a price, that is what Teddy taught me. You want to eat, you work, and some girls had to pleasure men to even get a safe place to sleep at night. I’ll still have to be wary, even though he makes me feel safer than I have ever felt.

“Thank you,” is all I say, and try to keep the tears at bay.

“Now come, let me show you to your room.” I scooted to the end of the bed and had to jump off. The bed was tall and I’m hoping my bed isn’t as such. I would need a ladder to get in it. Hades chuckled as he took my hand and lead me across the hall.

The double doors opened to show a lightly colored room with beautiful Southern plantation-style windows. The light was streaming in brightly, showing the soft glow of the setting sun. A white goose-down comforter laid on the bed; it looked so fluffy I could melt into it. The bathroom was large with white marble and a large jacuzzi tub and shower. I don’t remember if I have ever had a bath before, so I looked over to see how deep it was.

“I could do the backstroke in this thing,” I muttered back at Hades. He gave a side smirk and opened a cabinet with many products that any woman would adore. Makeup, perfumes, lotions, razors, shampoos, oils, bath bombs, the list went on and I stood in shock. “All for you, Jillian. If you need something else let me know.” I stood with my mouth hanging open; my voice was still faint around him.

Hades was large and in charge and I’m this meek little thing trying not to get hit. Who knows when he’ll get angry again?

“My Lord?” I heard a voice coming from the bedroom. It was a woman with dark raven hair that was as tall as Hades. Her long legs and short skirt were accentuated by her high stiletto heels. She was beautiful, all the things I wasn’t.

“What is it, Magna?” Hades huffed in irritation.

“The head maid said you needed some assistance.” Magna unbuttoned two buttons on her top, unbothered that I was in the room. My eyes grew wide as I looked at Hades and his playful look turned deadly.

“Get out,” he growled. Magna stood confused and quickly buttoned her top and left. I knew that look, the hired help to help him with any ‘problems’ he might have. My heart stung. He may have said he rescued me, but what did I get thrown into now?

After all, he did buy me.

“I’ll have a maid come and help you with the bath and get dressed. I’ll come get you for dinner,” Hades spoke grumbling, and stomped out of the room, slamming the door shut.

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