CHAPTER XXVI: THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

CHAPTER XXVI – THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

“Why did I ask her on a date? I don’t know anything about dating,” Hades said, frustrated with himself. It has been a spur of the moment decision, a moment where he had felt high and happy and indulgent. He had wanted to give Persephone everything, even a touch of normal.

“Because you want to spend time with her, get to know her,” Hecate said. “Outside the bedroom.”

Hades glanced at her, annoyed. “I know her.”

“What’s her favorite color?” Hecate challenged.

“Pink,” Hades said.

Hecate pursed her lips. “Favorite flower?”

“She doesn’t have one,” Hades replied. “She favors them all.”

“What does she do in her spare time?”

“What spare time?” he asked. She was so busy; she went from class to work to him. He’d caught her in the library a few times, curled up in one of the chairs, asleep, a book on her lap.

“What does she hate most?”

Hades offered a small smile. “Our bargain.”

“Do you love her?”

“Yes,” Hades said without hesitation. He had known since the night after the baths.

“Have you told her?”

“No.”

“Hades.” Hecate crossed her arms over her chest. “You must tell her.”

Hades tensed immediately.

“Why?” He didn’t see the need. Why expose himself to her rejection by admitting his feelings? He’d prefer to keep them to himself for now.

She needs to know, Hades. She may be struggling with her feelings. Your admission could help her…sort them!”

“She either loves me or she doesn’t, Hecate,” Hades said.

The goddess’ expression turned dark. “There’s nothing black and white about loving you, Hades, and if you think there is, especially for Persephone, you’re an idiot.”

“Hecate—”

“She has been told to hate you her whole life, her existence in the Upperworld is threatened everyday she comes to your bed. She knows this, and yet she still does. She’s telling you she loves you with her actions. Why do you need words to admit the same to her?”

“You allow her the option to tell me she loves me with actions. Can I not do the same?”

“No! Because she won’t understand, just like you don’t understand. I know human nature. And before you spout off about being immortal, I will tell you that love—falling in love, being in love, heartbreak—it’s the same no matter your blood.”

There was a short pause, and Hades looked away, frustrated. He tried to imagine how he would tell Persephone that he loved her, but when he thought of saying the words, he could hear the silence that would follow, the awful pause as she searched for something to say to ease his embarrassment.

He was certain she would reject him. While Hecate had attempted to quiz him on his knowledge of Persephone, he knew her better than the goddess realized, because he knew her soul. He was well-aware of her thoughts when it came to how he handled mortals and their lives, how he bargained to annihilate their greatest sins. Even his work on the Halcyon Project would not erase the fact that he had roped her into one of those bargains, and it was for that reason that even if Persephone loved him, she would not say.

Still, why did it matter to hear those words? Had he not told her that actions meant more?

Because everything is different with her, he thought. Her words matter.

“Now,” Hecate said. “If you’re done sulking, let’s plan this date.”

***

Hades arrived outside Persephone’s apartment, his stomach tangled. He felt ridiculous. He had fucked this woman, made love to her on the floor of his office, and yet he was nervous at the thought of taking her to dinner.

He blamed Hecate. If it wasn’t for their earlier conversation, he wouldn’t feel so uncertain or so torn over expressing his feelings. His unease worsened when he noted Persephone’s expression as she left her apartment—her brows pinched, gaze distant. She was distracted.

“Is everything okay?” he asked as she approached.

“Yes,” she said with a small smile. “It was just a busy day.”

He wasn’t satisfied with her answer, but he did not want to ruin their evening by challenging her at the start of their date, so he matched her smile and said, “Then let’s get you off your feet.”

He opened the rear door and took her hand as she slid into the cabin of the limo. Hades followed close as Antoni made his introductions.

“My lady,” he nodded, grinning at Persephone.

“It is good to see you, Antoni,” she replied with a sincerity that made Hades’ heart ache. It was no wonder his people loved her. She was so genuine in her expression.

“Just press the com if you need anything.”

He rolled up the privacy window, and suddenly, they were alone and the cabin was full of thick, electric air and all the unspoken things he should be telling her. It was like she knew, like she couldn’t get comfortable either, because she started to fidget, crossing and uncrossing her legs.

Hades’ eyes dropped to her bare thighs, eyeing her rising dress. He would much rather have his fingers, his face, his cock between those legs than think all these agonizing thoughts about admitting his love for her.

He placed his hand on her thigh, and Persephone inhaled, slowly peeking up at him.

“I want to worship you.”

That, Hades thought. I’ll take that.

“And how would you worship me, goddess?”

His voice rumbled between them, and he watched, eyes darkening as she knelt in front of him, parting his thighs as she fitted herself between his legs.

“Shall I show you?”

How the fuck did he get so lucky?

He swallowed, managing to keep the excitement from his voice. He could not say the same for his cock, which had grown full and thick.

“A demonstration would be appreciated.”

She freed his sex and clasped it in both of her hands, stroking him once as she met his gaze. He fisted his hands on his thighs to keep from fitting them behind her head and taking control. She bent to him, her tongue peeking out, tasting his crown and the cum that pooled there. He groaned, seeing her mouth full of him. His whole body tightened, and as his head rolled back, the car came to a stop.

“Fuck!” Hades reached for the intercom, missing the button, distracted by Persephone’s mouth as she took him deep, hitting the back of her throat.

“Antoni,” he gritted out. “Drive until I say otherwise.”

“Yes, sir.”

He sat back, inhaling through his teeth, his hands twisted into her hair, fingers digging into her scalp. He held her there as she worked, and all he could think was that his heart felt raw and it beat hard and fast. His chest felt like the universe, expansive and full of love for this woman, this goddess, this queen. Who needed a realm of devoted souls when she would worship him like this?

Her tongue crept back up his length, her lips fastening over the head of his cock, and her hands played with his balls.

“Persephone.” He hissed her name, thrusting into her. He hit the top of her mouth and the back of her throat, his hands tightening in her hair until he came, growling her name. When she let go of him, he dragged her up his body and kissed her. He pulled away, her lips catching between his teeth.

“I want you,” he said, as if it were a sin he was confessing.

A smile ghosted her lips, still glistening from her work and their kiss. “How do you want me?”

“To start,” he said, his hands trailing up her thighs, thumbs brushing the damp curls at her center. She straightened, hands planted on his shoulders. “I’ll take you from behind on your hands and knees.”

Her breath caught, and she shivered. “And then?”

His lips quirked. She was a tease, but he could play her game, parting her flesh and tickling her clit. She melted against him.

“I’ll pull you on top and teach you how to ride me until you come apart.”

“Hmm, I like that one.”

Her hands dropped to his engorged flesh, and as she lifted herself, Hades helped her lower onto his shaft. She was warm and wet and tight; it was different from how her mouth felt because her muscles clenched around him, putting pressure on every part of his cock.

At first, he helped her move, ensuring she was seated fully before she rose up again, but after a few thrusts, he let her take over, finding her rhythm and her pleasure. Slowly, their breaths quickened and the cabin of the limo grew warm, the air thick with their lovemaking.

Her lips closed over his and traced his jaw, her teeth grazing his skin as she whispered, “Tell me how I feel.”

“Like life.”

She was life, his life.

His hand slipped between them, teasing that sensitive, erect nub until she came with a guttural cry. Hades’ arm tightened around her waist, and he pumped into her a few more times before he, too, came. He held her for a long time, resting inside her, savoring this moment, high off the intensity they’d shared.

When she pushed away, Hades let Antoni know they were ready to arrive at The Grove—one of his restaurants. They would enter from the parking garage, from a level where only Hades and his staff had access. As much as he questioned how long he would remain Persephone’s secret, he did not want Demeter finding out about their relationship via the media.

Once they arrived, Hades helped Persephone out of the limo, directing her to an elevator.

“Where are we?” she asked as the doors opened. He led her inside and pressed the button for the fourteenth floor, which led to the rooftop. The doors closed, trapping her scent. He eyed the emergency stop button, wondering how many times he could make her come before someone came to their unnecessary and unwanted rescue.

“The Grove. My restaurant,” he added, because it was not common knowledge that he owned any business outside of Nevernight.

“You own The Grove? How does no one know?”

He shrugged. “I let Ilias run it and prefer that people think he owns it.”

He chose to keep his assets a secret. It was better that way. No one truly knew how powerful Hades was or how much of New Greece he really owned.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened to reveal the rooftop. It was made to look like one of the gardens in the Underworld, with beds of roses and peonies, climbing ivies and trees heavy with fruit and flora.

“This is beautiful, Hades,” she said as he guided her along a dark stone path. Lights crossed over their heads, leading to an open grove where their table waited. He pulled out her chair and poured their wine.

“You said your day was busy,” Hades began, sipping the wine. He did not often switch to drinking anything but whiskey, and he had to admit, he missed the smoky taste of his favorite liquor as much as he missed Persephone’s mouth on his.

She hesitated, and Hades realized maybe that wasn’t the question to ask. Their conversations about her work never went well. He could tell she was hiding something, even as she answered, “Yes. I had a lot…to research.”

“Hmm.” He took another sip of the wine. It was bitter and burned his throat, but it helped him focus on something other than his irritation about her work. What was she researching? His past? His bargains? Had she created a list of questions to ask him tonight? Or brought another list of names?

“I thought Cerberus was a three headed dog,” she said suddenly. Hades was taken off-guard, and he chuckled, raising a brow.

“Is this the research you were referring to?”

“All the texts say he has three heads,” she said defensively.

“He does,” Hades answered, amused. “When he wants to.”

“What do you mean, when he wants to?”

“Cerberus, Typhon, and Orthrus are able to shift. Sometimes, they prefer to exist as one, other times, they prefer to have their own bodies.” He shrugged. “I let them do what they wish, so long as they protect the borders of my realm.”

“How did you come to own him?” She paused and then corrected herself. “Them.”

“He is the son of the monsters, Echidna and Typhon, who came to reside in my realm,” Hades said.

“You love animals?”

He chuckled at that. “Cerberus is a monster, not an animal.”

A line appeared between Persephone’s brows. “But…you love him?”

He stared at her for a moment, and he sensed that this question—and her reason for asking it—meant more than he realized.

“Yes,” he said at last. “I love him.”

Hades was relieved when she moved on from that line of questioning to tell stories about the souls she’d spent her evening with the day before. He had begun to make it a point to walk with her, visit Asphodel, and greet the souls. She had even convinced him to play with the children, something he was far too competitive to take lightly. As they talked, they ate, and when they were finished, they walked hand in hand through the rooftop garden.

“What do you do for fun?” she asked, peering up at him sheepishly.

“What do you mean?” He had an answer, and it involved her and his bed. Actually, it just involved her. He could fuck anywhere.

She giggled. “The fact that you just asked that says everything. What are your hobbies?”

“Cards. Riding.” He paused, reaching. Damn, this was harder than he thought. “Drinking.”

“What about things not related to being the God of the Dead?”

“Drinking is not related to being God of the Dead.”

“It also isn’t a hobby. Unless you’re an alcoholic.”

He was probably an alcoholic.

“Then what are your hobbies?”

“Baking,” she answered automatically, and he could tell by her expression that she truly loved it.

“Baking? I feel like I should have known about this sooner.”

“Well, you never asked.”

He found himself wishing to experience this hobby with her. He wanted to know why it brought her such joy. What about it calmed her and smoothed the worry from her face? He frowned as they continued their walk, pausing so she would turn to look at him.

“Teach me.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“Teach me,” he said. “To bake something.”

She laughed, and Hades’ pout became more pronounced; he was serious. She seemed to realize this, and her expression softened.

“I’m sorry. I’m just imagining you in my kitchen.”

“And that’s difficult?”

“Well…yeah. You’re the God of the Underworld.”

“And you’re the Goddess of Spring,” he pointed out. “You stand in your kitchen and make cookies. Why can’t I?”

She stared at him, and he wondered for a moment if he’d broken her. He reached to touch the edge of her lips, which had fallen into a frown.

“Are you well?”

His question brought a smile to her face, and yet something still seemed wrong. He noted her eyes glistening, as if she were close to tears.

“Very well,” she agreed, and surprised him by pressing a kiss to his mouth and pulling away too soon.

“I’ll teach you.”

“Well, then,” he said, hands on her waist. “Let’s get started.”

“Wait. You want to learn now?”

“Now is as good a time as any,” he said. “I thought maybe…we could spend time at your apartment.” Again, she seemed stunned, and he shrugged his shoulder, explaining, “You’re always in the Underworld.”

“You…want to spend time in the Upperworld? In my apartment?”

He would have to suggest this more often. It was taking entirely too long for her to get the point.

“I…have to prepare Lexa for your arrival,” she said.

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