Page 94 of Going to Hell
He stared at me for a long moment, as if I’d spoken in a different language and he was trying to translate it in his head.
I almost startled at the abrupt sound of water splashing behind me. The hunger that filled his gaze didn’t help settle my nerves.
“If you value my gift as you say, then I will allow its temporary removal while you wash yourself. But only if I am the one to remove it and allowed to dry your skin before I return it to its place.”
His gaze swept down my length, lingering on my chest.
“Are you saying you want to dry all of me?”
“Yes, Goddess.” The purred answer sent a flush of heat to my face.
Recognizing the corner I’d backed myself into, I cleared my throat.
“I wonder if Zotera is as hungry for breakfast as I was. We shouldn’t keep her waiting.”
I took a step toward the door, but he moved quickly, cutting off my escape.
“No. You said you showered every morning.” Hades’ angry gaze locked with mine, and I couldn’t even imagine what was going on in his head. But I knew more naked-Ashlyn-time wouldn’t be good for either of us. Especially if he meant to touch me.
I also knew I couldn’t out right say no. So, I tried to meet him in the middle, hoping that a little bit of touching would go a long way. I patted his bare arm, his skin sinfully smooth under my fingers.
“I did say that. But going so long without made me realize I can skip a few days. Today is a day I’ll skip. Maybe I’ll shower tomorrow.” Hopefully in my own home, I silently added.
He considered me for a moment then looked at the hand that lingered on his arm. The one absently stroking his muscles. Right. I quickly removed it.
“Do you think Creon found my uncle while I was sleeping?” I asked.
“Only if the fates were kind to me,” Hades said under his breath before holding out a hand. “Come, Goddess. Let us see.”
It wasn’t my imagination that he shivered when I slipped my hand into his.
Poor Hades. How many gentle touches had Persephone given him? I couldn’t imagine very many, considering his reaction. That line of thinking prompted me to give his hand a consoling squeeze.
Some indistinct emotion crossed his face before he reeled me closer and slowly wrapped me in his arms. He was acting like he expected a fight from me, and maybe that’s exactly what Persephone would have done. But as I’d reminded him countless times, I wasn’t her. And I wasn’t blind to his need for some simple affection. So, I let him pull me into his arms, and when he held me, I rested my head against his chest.
Hopefully he would remember this when he found my uncle, and it would be enough to keep him calm. Maybe.
His cheek brushed over my hair, and I felt him inhale deeply.
“She still smells like the sun.”
I was pretty sure there was no way I could still smell like the sun. Frowning, I tried to remember how many days I’d been here. It felt like an eternity. The days and nights were too non-existent to keep track.
Gently, I eased away from Hades.
“I will gladly create whatever you need for more of that,” he said, holding out his hand again.
Rather than clarifying that the hug was because he’d seemed like he needed one, I took his hand and let him lead us into the hall. We walked side by side to the throne room, where Zotera already waited near the entrance.
“Would you like to see the bed I made, Mother?” she asked, excitement radiating from her.
I glanced at Hades, wanting to go with him to check with Creon but unable to say no to Zotera.
“Will you tell me right away if Creon found my uncle?”
“Yes.”
I nodded and released his hand.
