Page 103 of Going to Hell
He lifted his arms again.
“Choose where this contract will reside, Goddess.”
Was I really doing this? Was I actually committing to a binding contract with a god? Did I have any other choice?
My heart raced in my chest as I circled him, looking for an open patch of skin.
“You already have contracts everywhere.”
“There’s always space for more. The others will make room.”
I reached out and touched his right shoulder blade.
“Here then.”
As soon as I spoke, the skin under my fingers began to warm. The words shrank and slowly moved, creating an unmarked patch of smooth skin. It didn’t stay unmarked for long, though. A swirl of glowing gold flared into existence, spreading into a scrawling script the same size to match the writing around it. I read the wording, watching for any loopholes. But there weren’t any. The terms were exactly as we’d agreed. Holding his hand, kindness, and a kiss in exchange for a set number of days to prove my humanity.
Too soon, the writing stopped, and Hades turned.
Hunger flickering in the depths of his warm brown eyes, his gaze swept over my face. He gently caught my hands in his and brought them to his chest, a satisfied smile playing at his lips.
“Payment is due, Goddess.”
He dipped his head, and my heart raced in my chest. The scent of spice along with a subtle hint of fire and ash filled my nose. My fingers moved over his skin like they had a will of their own as I breathed him in.
“Yes,” he murmured, his eyes flickering with a red glow. “Give yourself to me.”
Each breath came faster as he closed the distance, and my lips tingled in dangerous anticipation. I knew I was in trouble.
However, he stopped, his lips a breath away from mine. I swallowed hard, struggling to remember why I was about to kiss a god.
“I will not be easily convinced, Goddess,” Hades murmured. “For your sake, make this last.”
I had to be crazy. That’s all there was to it. Hades was going to play this contract like the game he thought it was.
But, if this was the only way to win my way home? Well, then…
“So be it,” I whispered just before I touched my lips to his.
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