A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone #2) - Scarlett St. Clair Page 0,98
like him.”
“No, but have you ever considered that I am in the minority? Most of the Divine are just like Apollo. He was just unlucky to catch your wrath.”
“You make it sound like I did something wrong.”
“Feeling guilty?”
“No. Of course not. Apollo needed to answer for his behavior.”
“And how did that work out for you?”
It hadn’t.
“I’m not saying what you did was right or wrong. What I am saying is it isn’t the way to get Apollo to listen to you.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
He shrugged. “Just...be his friend.”
Persephone wanted to laugh. She didn’t like Apollo. He had hurt people—her friend, specifically. He had deceived her, healing Lexa while knowing her soul was still broken. How was she supposed to be friends with someone like that?
As if Hermes guessed her thoughts, he added, “People like Apollo are broken, Sephy.”
“Apollo’s not a person.”
“And yet he, like all of us, suffers human flaws.”
Switching gears, Hermes clapped his hands together. “Now, what shall I wear?”
Hermes decided on all-white attire—a silky shirt, jeans, and shiny shoes. Just as they were about to leave, Zofie burst into the room.
“Where do you think you’re going?” she demanded.
“How did you know we were going anywhere?” Persephone asked. She’d told Zofie she was going to bed when she’d gotten home.
“I was listening at the door,” the Amazon said.
“Okay, we’re going to have to make a rule about that,” Persephone said.
“And we’re going to be late.” Hermes took Persephone’s hand. “So, if you don’t mind…”
Zofie drew her blade. “Release her or feel my wrath!”
Hermes laughed. “Where did you get her?”
Persephone sighed. “Zofie, put that away.”
“Wherever you go, I must go to, Lady Persephone,” she glared at Hermes. “To protect you.”
Hermes was still laughing. “She knows I’m a god, right?”
Persephone elbowed him. “Help Zofie find something to wear. She’s coming with us.”
***
When they appeared outside The Seven Muses, people screamed their names.
Persephone glared at Hermes as they were ushered inside by two centaurs.
“You just had to let the world know we were here, didn’t you?”
He grinned. “How else is Hades supposed to know about the dress?”
She elbowed the god again.
“Ouch! You’re violent tonight, Sephy. I’m only trying to help.”
They barely made it inside the club, when their way was blocked by Apollo. The god glared at Hermes. “What are you doing here?”
“I was invited,” the God of Trickery said.
Apollo’s gaze moved to Zofie. “An Amazon?”
Zofie glared at him, and Persephone had a feeling the Amazon hadn’t forgiven him for abducting Persephone.
“She’s my Aegis,” Persephone said. “Her name is Zofie.” He frowned, and Persephone smirked as she said, “You never said I couldn’t bring a friend.”
He rolled his eyes and sighed.
“Come, I have a booth.”
Apollo twisted and the three followed. Persephone noted that the God of Music had chosen black leather pants and a mesh shirt as his club attire. Beneath the mesh, the contours of his muscles were visible. He was chiseled and athletic. She found herself comparing him to Hades again. Hades, whose body seemed to be built to destroy with broad shoulders and large muscles.
Apollo’s table was more like a lounge. White couches faced each other, and sheer, white curtains provided a small amount of privacy.
The God of Music collapsed dramatically on one of the couches, his arms draping over the back, one leg resting on a cushion.
Persephone, Hermes, and Zofie all sat beside each other. The goddess felt uncomfortable in her revealing dress, and sat with her back straight, hands on her knees.
“So, how long have you known each other?” Apollo raised a pale brow, looking between her and his brother. He sounded frustrated.
“Oh, we’ve been friends forever,” said Hermes, then he downed a shot of whatever was on the table. “Yum, you should try this.”
He tried giving Zofie one of the drinks, but the Amazon’s glare caused him to reconsider.
“Never mind,” he said, and took another shot.
“He means six months,” Persephone said. “Hermes and I have known each other for six months.”
“Seven,” the God of Trickery corrected. “I pulled her out of a river and got thrown across the Underworld for my trouble.” He looked at Persephone. “That’s when I knew Hades was in love with you, by the way.”
Persephone looked away, and an awkward silence descended between them, or maybe Persephone was just feeling out of place because Hermes began to chuckle beside her.
“Remember when you served mortals, Apollo?” he asked.
Apollo did not look amused. “Well who taught Pandora to be curious, Hermes?”
The God of Trickery glared. “Why does everyone always bring that up?”