A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone #2) - Scarlett St. Clair Page 0,25
powers was invisibility. It was possible he’d been in this office the whole time, even more likely that he’d followed along on the tour without any of them knowing.
“Always suspicious,” he said.
“Hades—” she warned.
“Not long,” he said. “I received a frantic call from Ivy who chastised me for not letting her know you were stopping by.”
Persephone’s brows drew together. “You have a phone?”
“For work, yes,” he said.
“Why didn’t I know that?”
He shrugged. “If I want you, I will find you.”
Still, Persephone didn’t feel like that was a good enough reason for her to not know he had a phone...or the million other things she didn’t know about her lover.
“You are displeased,” Hades said, and it wasn’t a question.
Persephone’s gaze lifted to his again.
“You embarrassed me.”
It was Hades’ turn to frown and his eyes softened. “Explain.”
“I should not have to learn about all your charities through someone else,” she said. “I feel like everyone around me knows more about you than I do.”
“You never asked,” he said.
“Some things can be brought up casually, Hades. At dinner, for instance—hi, honey. How was your day? Mine was good, the billion-dollar charities I own help kids and dogs and humanity!”
Hades’ was trying not to smile.
“Don’t you dare,” she pressed a finger to his lips. “I am serious about this. If you wish for me to be seen as more than a lover, then I need more from you. A...history...an inventory of your life. Something.”
Hades’ eyes darkened, and he closed his fingers around Persephone’s wrist. He kissed her fingers.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “It did not occur to me to tell you. I have existed so long alone, made every decision alone, I am not used to sharing anything with anyone.”
Persephone’s gaze softened and she pressed her palm to his face.
“Hades, you were never alone, and you certainly aren’t alone now,” she pulled her hand away. “Now, what else do you own?”
“Lots of morgues,” he said.
Persephone’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”
“I am the God of the Dead,” he said.
She couldn’t help it, she smiled. Their gazes held for a moment, and then Hades prompted in a deep, sultry voice, “Tell me, what else can I share with you now?”
Persephone glanced at the picture on his desk.
“Where did you get this?”
His eyes followed, and she knew it wasn’t because he had to be reminded about the picture. He was taking his time answering.
“I took it.”
“When?”
“Obviously when you weren’t looking,” he said, and she rolled her eyes at his humor.
“Why do you have pictures of me and I do not have pictures of you?”
His eyes glittered.
“I did not know you wanted pictures of me.”
She scoffed. “Of course, I want pictures of you.”
“I may be able to oblige. What kind of pictures do you want?”
She swatted his shoulder. “You are insatiable.”
“And you are to blame, my queen,” he said, and his lips traveled down her neck and along her shoulder. “I’m glad you are here.”
“I couldn’t tell,” she replied, shivering.
“I’ve wanted to pleasure you in this room, on this desk, since I met you. It will be the most productive thing that happens here.”
His words were flames and they ignited her. She swallowed thickly.
“You have glass walls, Hades.”
“Are you trying to deter me?”
She narrowed her eyes and teased. “Exhibitionist?”
“Hardly.” He leaned a little closer, and she felt his breath on her lips. “Do you really think I would let them see you? I am too selfish. Smoke and mirrors, Persephone.”
She leaned into his heat, “Then take me,” she whispered.
Hades’ growled and snaked an arm around her waist when someone cleared their throat. They turned to find Lexa standing in the doorway.
“Hey, Hades,” she said with a smile on her face. “Hope you don’t mind. I brought Persephone for a tour.”
“Hi Lexa,” he said, smirking. “No, I don’t mind at all.”
Persephone gave a small laugh and stepped away from Hades’ warmth.
“I have to get back to work,” she said, meeting Lexa at the door of Hades’ office. She turned to look at him. He was power, standing behind that desk, silhouetted by that beautiful glass. “I’ll see you tonight?”
He nodded once.
As they returned to the first floor, Lexa said, “I know you’ll go to the Underworld on Friday for the weekend, but don’t forget we’re helping Sybil move Friday.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said.
The two hugged at the door.
“Thanks for everything, Lex. I’m sorry you couldn’t give me the tour yourself.”
“I won’t lie. It was weird seeing people fall all over themselves in your presence.”