A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone 1)

He just stared at her—he’d already told her exactly what he wanted to do.

“I...have to prepare Lexa for your arrival.”

He nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll have Antoni drop you off,” he said and looked down at his suit. “I need to change.”

Persephone had no difficulty convincing Lexa to have Hades over for an evening of food, baking, and movies. In fact, she screamed when she brought it up, which caused Jaison to run out of her room armed with a lamp.

His blue-grey eyes were wide and his dark brown curls wild. He looked ready for a fight, and when the girls saw him, they laughed.

Jaison lowered the lamp.

“I heard someone scream,” he explained.

“And you were going to save me with a lamp?” Lexa asked.

“It was the heaviest thing I could find,” he said defensively.

They laughed again and Persephone explained why Lexa was screaming.

Jaison rubbed the back of his neck. “Wow, Hades, huh?”

“Yes, Hades!” Lexa was thrilled, and then she reached for Jaison’s hand. “Come on! We have to clean the living room. He’s going to think we’re peasants.”

Persephone smiled as the two disappeared into the adjoining room. Jaison was still in possession of the lamp.

While they cleaned, she changed and shortly after, the doorbell rang. Despite all the time she’d spent with Hades, her heart still hammered in her chest as she went to answer the door.

Hades arrived in a black shirt that fit his muscles like a dream, and loose sweatpants. Persephone was shocked by his appearance. The manicured god could dress down and he was still magnificent.

“Did you own those before today?” she asked, pointing to the pants.

Hades looked down at them, grinning.

“No.”

She let him in and felt slightly embarrassed. This apartment was way too small for him—he was nearly as wide as the doorway, and he had to duck to enter. Persephone frowned.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said quickly, and moved around him. She brought him into

the living room where Lexa and Jaison had finished cleaning and now lounged on the couch.

She felt awkward introducing Hades.

“Um, Hades this is Lexa my best friend and Jaison, her boyfriend.”

Jaison waved from the couch, but Lexa got to her feet and hugged Hades around the middle. Persephone’s brows rose. She was impressed with Lexa’s fearlessness, and by Hades’ reaction. He didn’t seem surprised at all and returned Lexa’s hug.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she said.

“Very few have ever spoken those words,” he told her.

Lexa pulled away and grinned. “So long as you treat my best friend right, I’ll continue to be happy to see you.”

Hades lips curled.

“Noted, Lexa Sideris,” he said, and gave a little bow. “May I say, it is a pleasure to meet you.”