Page 52 of Brutal Mercy

He doesn’t stop pumping his hips until he’s spilled every last drop. And he slumps down over me, catching his breath, before he rolls off me. A languid peace descends as he tugs me against his side.

I nestle my head against his shoulder.

He cups my chin, lifting my face up, and I open my eyes.

“Did I hurt you?”

Floating in a blissful sea, I smile. “A little. But I loved every minute of it. And I can’t wait to do it again.”

“Good. But I meant what I said. Never bring another man between us. I was in a relationship years ago, in my twenties. She was a woman I thought I was going to marry. But she didn’t understand the meaning of faithfulness and loyalty. I found her in bed with one of my enemies. We were staying in a hotel, and I had business to attend to. While I was out, she picked him up and brought him back to our hotel room.”

“Did you kill her?”

“No. He did. I didn’t even stick around. Just packed my bag and left the room. But she hadn’t told him that she’d been with me too. Her body was found a week later. For that, I killed him.”

Cupping his chin, I say, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. And I wasn’t trying to act like a brat. I just, this is all so new. And I can’t help that when you touch me, all I want is you inside me.”

Hades turns onto his side and gently holds me close. “I’m never letting you go. You are mine. I don’t care why we married. None of that matters. What matters is I’m all in. I want this to be real between us.”

My heart shivers. “Promise?”

As much as I love my sister, the moment I became her guardian, a divide opened up between us. We were no longer just sisters. I’ve been alone, with no one supporting me, no one to lean on when the world gets too heavy. And here is this man, my husband, who talks about our relationship as if it’s a foregone conclusion we’ll be together forever.

For a lonely girl like me, I want to bask in the attention.

“I vow you’re mine,mi dea luna.”

“What does that mean?” I trace his brow.

“It’s Italian for my moon goddess.”

God, he makes me feel special. And I know he’ll protect me. But I lean in and kiss him. Because Hades is slowly etching himself into my soul. I could love this man. Truly. Madly. Deeply.

I’m already halfway there.

And against my hip, I feel him harden once more.

“Once more, and then I’ll let you get some sleep.” He rolls me onto my back. And I welcome him, letting him drag me back down into the miasma of potent desire. It’s a long time before we come up for air. And only because our bodies make the decision for us.

Chapter thirteen

Hades

Thefollowingday,Istand in my formal office on the first floor, trying not to think of last night with Luna and focus on the meeting ahead.

We’re meeting with Russians. It’s the office I keep for appearances. In addition to my desk and credenza, there’s a conference table overlooking the gardens out front. For the meeting today, it’s the perfect setting.

My men are prepared for their arrival. I have extra guards stationed at the entrances and exits. Rosa insisted on providing treats for our guests. On the sideboard is a platter of Rosa’s homemade cannoli and coffee service.

Luna is upstairs in the bedroom with the crutches. I figure if I can fuck her the way I did last night and she shows no signs of wear, then she’s more than ready for crutches and can move about on her own.

I’m seated at the head of the table with Ares on my right. Gio and Lorenzo will escort Roman and his entourage in.

“You’re certain of this?” Ares asks from his position.

My brother will back me no matter what my answer is, and it solidifies that this is the way. “I am. It’s the best path forward. We’ll eliminate the cartel, align with the Russians, and then we can subdue the Irish.”

Ares nods in agreement with a sigh. “And Athena? How does she feel about it?”

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