A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone #2) - Scarlett St. Clair Page 0,101
like it.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t like it,” he replied.
Still, he didn’t stop her.
The dress was off. She stood naked in front of him.
Hades eyes raked her frame.
Gods.
Her whole body tingled, like her skin was a collection of exposed nerves. Her fingers itched to touch, to pleasure—either herself or him, she really didn’t care.
“Why weren’t you wearing anything under that dress?”
“I couldn’t,” she said. “Didn’t you see it?”
Hades jaw ticked.
“I’m going to murder Apollo,” he said, mostly under his breath.
“Why?”
“For fun.” His voice was gruff, and Persephone giggled.
“You're jealous.”
“Don’t push me, Persephone.”
“It wasn’t like Apollo knew,” she said, watching Hades drink straight from a whiskey bottle he’d retrieved from the wall. “Hermes was the one who suggested it.”
The bottle shattered. One moment, it was whole in Hades’ hands and the next moment, glass and alcohol covered the floor at Hades’ feet.
“Motherfucker.”
Persephone wasn’t sure if the curse was from what she’d said about Hermes or the whiskey he’d just wasted.
“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.
“Forgive me if I am a little on edge. I have been forced into celibacy.”
Persephone rolled her eyes. “No one ever said you couldn’t fuck me.”
“Careful, Goddess,” his voice rumbled, deep and terrifying. It was the voice he used when he punished. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”
“I think I know what I’m asking for, Hades. It’s not like we’ve never had sex.”
He didn’t move, but he tilted his head a little, and her body tightened, knowing whatever he was about to ask would make her body quiver.
“Are you wet for me?”
She was, he knew it and his restraint was pissing her off. She tilted her head and challenged, “Why don’t you come and find out?”
She waited, and Hades’ chest rose and fell quickly, his knuckles turned white as he grasped the counter behind him. When he didn’t move, she decided she’d just bring up Apollo—it was what he deserved.
“Why didn’t you let Apollo see Hyacinth after his death?”
“You really know how to kill a boner, darling, I’ll give you that.”
The god turned back to the array of liquor and found another bottle. Persephone crossed her arms over her chest, the buzz from the alcohol wearing off, she suddenly no longer felt like being naked. She reached for Hades’ jacket. As she slipped it on, it swallowed her.
“He said he blamed you for his death.”
“He did,” Hades response was short. “Much like you blamed me for Lexa’s accident.”
“I never said I blamed you,” she argued.
“You blamed me because I couldn’t help. Apollo did the same.”
Persephone pressed her lips together and took a breath. “I’m not…trying to fight with you. I just want to know your side.”
Hades considered this as he took a drink from the bottle he’d taken from the shelf. She couldn’t tell what it was—but it wasn’t whiskey.
Finally, he spoke. “Apollo didn’t ask to see his lover. He asked to die.”
Persephone’s eyes widened. That’s not what she expected Hades to say.
“Of course it was a request I could not—would not—grant.”
“I don’t understand. Apollo knows he cannot die. He is immortal. Even if you were to wound him…”
“He wished to be thrown into Tartarus. To be torn to pieces by the Titians. It is the only way to kill a god.”
Persephone shivered.
“He was outraged, of course, and took his revenge in the only way he knows how—he slept with Leuce.”
Things were falling into place.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Persephone demanded.
“I tend to want to forget that part of my life, Persephone.”
“But I—I wouldn’t have—”
“You already broke a promise you made. I doubt my story of betrayal would have prevented you from seeking Apollo’s help.”
She didn’t know what to say to that—his words were harsh but warranted. She flinched and hugged herself a little tighter. She wasn’t sure if Hades noticed her reaction, or decided he was finished with this conversation, but he pushed away from the bar and said, “You are probably tired. I can take you to the Underworld or Antoni will see you home.”
She studied him for a long moment and then asked, “What do you want?”
What she was really asking was do you want me?
“It is not my decision to make.”
She looked away, swallowing a lump in her throat, but Hades’ voice drew her back.
“But since you asked…I always want you with me. Even when I’m angry.”
“Then I’ll come with you.”
He drew her close, his arm a hook around her waist. She braced herself against his biceps as their middles touched and their eyes held. She wanted to kiss him—it wouldn’t take much.