Page 39 of Curse of the Wicked Scoundrel (The Shadows 3)

“Then, I shall have to try another tactic,” he said, coming even closer.

Eloise’s heart drummed wildly in her ears. If his new tactic was to disorient her with his closeness, then it was working.

Eloise frantically searched her brain for anything she could say, if only to keep her mind off the enticing man before her—his muscled physique, his arousing heat.

“I meant to thank you,” she finally said. “Again.”

Hades frowned. “For what?”

“For… For carrying me to my bed last night.” He was too close now, only a few inches away. She had trouble forming words.

“Oh.” He took a loose lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. “Trust me, you wouldn’t be able to walk on your own.”

Eloise swallowed. “Perhaps not. I would have to trust your word on it. I do not remember anything.”

Hades blinked, looking puzzled. And was it disappointment she saw in his eyes? “You do not?”

“No. But thank you for… conveying me to my bed safely.”

“Safely…” He raised a brow. “You mean without ravishing you?”

She would be lying if she said the thought hadn’t entered her mind. The blush crept up her neck and traveled to her cheeks.

Hades tsked. “It wasn’t you who was in danger of being ravished, you know. It was me.”

“What?” Eloise chuckled uncomfortably.

“Oh, you think I am joking, but no. I conveyed you to your bed, laid you down, and acted a proper gentleman. Instead of a thank you, you attacked me and kissed me.”

Eloise’s blush deepened. “I did not! I would not—” She paused, her denial losing its conviction as her gaze dropped to his mouth.

Hades made a step closer and leaned in. The drumming in Eloise’s ears intensified as she waited patiently for him to lean in even closer and kiss her. She caught her breath, staring at his sensual mouth. Was it true? Had she tried to kiss him the night before? She wasn’t certain she was surprised by the revelation. The thought of kissing him was all too enticing.

He dipped his head even more until their lips were only an inch away. Eloise tilted her face up and closed her eyes, preparing for that first touch of his lips. Instead, Hades grimaced and straightened, widening the space between them.

“Your first kiss and you don’t even remember it,” he said in a hoarse voice.

Eloise blinked and shook her head, coming back from a daze. This man certainly knew how to keep her entranced.

Hades cleared his throat. “A shame. It was a really good kiss, too.”

“How…? Why…? It wasn’t my first kiss,” she lied vehemently.

“That’s not what you said last night.” Hades raised a brow.

“I-I must have lied,” she sputtered.

Hades shook his head. “You forget, my dear. I spend a lot of time among the drunk. One thing I’ve learned is that people who are foxed almost never lie. Especially not the ones who are unable to stand on their own. And you, my darling, were unable to sit upright, much less stand. You kissed me, burped in my face, and fell asleep. I have to say, I did not enjoy it one bit.”

Eloise gasped. “You lying cad!” she exclaimed, for lack of anything to say. “I should have known you were evil,” she sputtered, turned on her heel, and walked away.

Her limbs still shook as she ascended the stairs, his heat still lingering around her. He’d made the jest to break the tension; that was obvious. But why? Eloise touched her lips with her finger. They still buzzed in anticipation of a kiss. Had she truly asked him to kiss her the night before? And would it feel as marvelous as she’d imagined?

She shook her head. She should be glad the kiss hadn’t happened. Yes, it was for the best.

* * *

“I have good news for you,” William said from the threshold before he even stepped into Hades’ office.

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