A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone 1)

“No.”

Adonis’s face changed in that moment. His playful smirk turned down, and his bright eyes darkened. “Fine,” he said. “We don’t have to talk.”

His hand snaked behind her head, fisting in her hair, and he pressed his lips against hers hard. She clamped her mouth shut, and pushed against him fiercely, but he held tight, attempting to pry her mouth open with his tongue. She hated it, and tears sprang to her eyes. It was a horrible kiss, cold and lifeless and unwanted. Then he was yanked off her and dragged away by two ogres.

She turned, and relief flooded her whole body.

“Hades,” she breathed. She welded herself to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. One of Hades’ hands pressed into her back, the other one twisted into her hair. He held her close for a moment before drawing her back. He reached for her chin and drew her head up so their eyes met.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

She shook her head no, swallowing thickly. There were so many things wrong with this day and night. “Let’s go.”

He guided her toward him, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulder and led her through the crowd. It parted for him easily. She was vaguely aware that Hades’ presence in the club had caused a type of silent chaos. The music still blared in the background, but no one was dancing. They’d all stopped to watch as he steered her off the dance floor.

“Hades—” she started to warn him, but the god seemed to know what she was thinking and answered,

“They will not remember this.”

That satisfied her and she continued with Hades toward the exit, until she remembered that she needed to find her best friend.

“Lexa!”

She turned too fast, and her vision swam. She swayed, and Hades caught her, scooping her into his arms.

“I will ensure she gets home safe,” Hades said.

Any other time she would have protested or argued, but the world was still spinning, even with her eyes closed.

“Persephone?” Hades asked. His voice was low, and his breath brushed her lips.

“Hmm?” she asked, her brows knitted together, and she squeezed her eyes shut tight.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Dizzy,” she whispered.

He didn't speak again. She could tell when they’d stepped outside because the cool air touched every inch of her exposed skin and the sound of rain hit the awning over La Rose’s entrance. She shivered, snuggling closer to Hades’ warmth. She inhaled his now familiar scent of ash and spice.

“You smell good,” she mumbled.

She fisted his jacket, pressing as close to him as possible. His body was like a rock. He’d had centuries to chisel this physique.

She heard Hades chuckled and she opened her eyes to find him looking at her. Before she could ask what he was laughing at, he shifted, holding her close and tight as he folded into the backseat of a black limo. She caught a glimpse of Antoni as he shut their car door.

The cabin they were in was cozy and private. Hades slid her off his lap and into the leather seat beside him. She watched his lithe fingers adjust the controls so that the vents were pointed at her and the heater was on full blast.

After they were on the road, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

“You don’t listen to orders.”

She laughed. “I don’t take orders from you, Hades.”

He raised a brow. “Trust me, darling. I’m aware.”

“I’m not yours and I’m not your darling.”

“We’ve been through this, haven’t we? You are mine. I think you know that just as well as I do.”