Chapter Nine

P atience watched multiple emotions rush across the face of her Hades. Longing was swiftly replaced with shock and then disappointment as her words registered within him. He stepped back from her as though his fingertips had just met the fires of hell when he had pushed back her hair. Whatever this connection that had briefly consumed them, it obviously wasn't going to be repeated. What had she expected from him in the first place? Obviously he was a rake of the worst sort and she had no business thinking there would ever be anything more between them.

An unbidden sigh escaped her. "It appears I was mistaken," she said trying to appear as though the thought of never seeing him again didn't wrench at her heartstrings.

"You're looking for a husband," he muttered as though even the thought of marriage was displeasing to him.

"Why else would I be escorted into the garden area?" she replied trying not to show how hurt she was that Mrs. Dove-Lyon hadn't sent him to meet with her.

"I am sorry to disappoint you but I am not looking for a wife nor have I come to an arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon," he proclaimed, though Patience swore there was a touch of sadness in his voice.

A sarcastic laugh left her lips. "Don't you mean that you lost at her tables and now have a debt that needs repaid?"

He shrugged trying not to think of the last game he played and lost with Pitt. That had been solely for money—his honor was not engaged. Still, the memory wasn't a pleasant one. He turned his head toward the entrance of the garden as though he expected the Widow of Whitehall to let her presence be known.

Patience peered at Hades intently. "You expect her to show up? Did you perhaps lose a game of chance?"

"Not tonight. Anyway, I doubt Mrs. Dove-Lyon will consider me for a husband for you since I made it clear I didn't need a wife," Hades said chuckling.

"You make light of a situation that holds merit for most men—indeed, it is a necessity for those who wish to one day have an heir to carry on their name. Does marriage to a woman seem so abhorrent to you, Hades?" she dared to ask.

"You and I may rule the underworld together, Persephone, but we will not rule this world," he declared with a small bow.

"What a shame…" she murmured shyly before she continued. "I always heard that a reformed rake makes the best husband. I guess now I'll never know."

"Trust me when I tell you that you don't want me for a husband," he replied before he ran a finger down her cheek.

She took a glance at him from the corner of her eye before she stepped closer to run her own slim finger down the edge of his jacket. She swore the golden hue in his hazel eyes deepened the closer she came. "Well…" she purred softly, "I will admit I wouldn't want a husband who wasn't capable of being faithful to me. That, Hades, would never do."

He snatched her about the waist and pulled her close. "I never said I couldn't be faithful… that is… to the right woman."

"And you don't think I'm that woman?" she asked, her emotions running wild in spite of herself as he held her close.

"I didn't say that either but we hardly know one another."

"And yet you are already dismissing something that could be incredible between us if you only gave us a chance," she whispered.

"I've never been one to believe in love at first sight," he declared.

She gave another light laugh. "There's a first time for everyone, my lord," she teased wondering how she dared to continue to be so bold. She had never acted this way with Stuart. They had had a mutual respect for one another but never flirted like she was doing with Hades. Why was he so different? Somehow their banter made her more confident in herself and what she wanted for her life. Their time together allowed her to truly be herself.

A frown marred his forehead. "And what of the Earl of Carrington?"

"What about him?"

"Did Mrs. Dove-Lyon send him to meet you?" he inquired while his frown deepened.

"Why else would I be standing downstairs in this garden?" she repeated, continuing to watch him. Clearly, he didn't care for the fact the earl had met her. "Not afraid of a little competition are you?"

A roar of laughter left him. "Hardly, but Val is a friend. I'd hate to lose a friendship over a woman."

"I thought you weren't interested in marriage, Hades? Mrs. Dove-Lyon has gone to great lengths to make a match for me. I won't accept anything less than to be married to a man I can come to care for."

"And you think Valentine is a better option than me?" he laughed as though such a thought was completely ridiculous.

"I know the earl even less than I know you, Hades. But you and I have just shared a kiss. I would dare to say that gives you an advantage over him." Patience gave him a sweet smile and the man before her began to dip his head as if to offer her another kiss.

She placed her fingertips on his lips before he could continue his descent. "But that doesn't mean I shall continue to allow such a liberty. I think you've had enough of my kisses for one day, my lord, especially if you're not looking for a wife."

"I wouldn't mind one more taste," he urged stepping closer.

"And I'm just as sure that I will save my kisses for a man who will be worthy of me," she said though something inside her decided to raise up on the tips of her toes and kiss his cheek. "I'm sure you know where Mrs. Dove-Lyon can be located if you change your mind about me, Hades."

"Tell me your real name," he urged.

She gave him another sweet smile and instead took his jacket from her shoulders, handing him the garment. "You may need this again if you decide to come up from the warmth of hell, my lord," she replied and began to leave the garden.

As she reached the entrance, Mrs. Dove-Lyon stood just outside and out of sight. She handed Patience a red pomegranate fruit.

"Toss this to him. I'm sure he'll know the reference," Mrs. Dove-Lyon proclaimed as she left Patience's side.

She stood staring at the fruit that formed an integral part of the legend of Hades and Persephone, since she was required to stay with Hades in the underworld a month for each pomegranate seed she had eaten. She saw the man's approach and realized how much she, too, wanted to know his real name. She tossed the fruit to him and he caught it.

"Think of me, Hades, as I'll be thinking of you," she said sweetly before one of the wolves came to escort her back upstairs. "It was nice meeting you."

She would spend the remainder of her time that night at the Lyon's Den staring down at a man who constantly watched her every move. Maybe he would change his mind about the idea of marriage. Stranger things had happened here at the Lyon's Den. Only time would tell if the man she only knew as Hades would one day claim her heart or if she could even begin to trust him with its care.