Page 58 of Raising Hell
When I knew he was calmer, I gave him a reassuring smile and turned to help Zotera to her feet.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m just a little jumpy and didn’t realize it was you.”
She surprised me by throwing her arms around me.
“I’m sorry you were hurt,” she whispered.
“Me too.” I hugged her back briefly and pulled away to look at her sad face. “But I’m fine now. You should be with the others, enjoying yourself. Why aren’t you?”
She shook her head. “They are listening to the music and dancing as you told them, but they aren’t truly enjoying themselves.”
I cringed. “I wasn’t giving them an order. Will you tell them to do whatever they want? Please? And you should do the same. I’m safe. Hades won’t let anything happen to me.”
I glanced back at him, needing some reassurance that I was right. But, what I found was a man radiating anger with his hands fisted at his side and a red flush to his face. While I was grateful his devil features were gone, I wasn’t sure why he was still so angry. Was it due to the reminder of what had happened?
“Nothing will harm you,” he said, his tone carrying the absolute conviction in those words. “I vow it.”
“See?” I said, giving Zotera my best smile. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
She gave me a doubtful look but released my hand that she’d taken after the hug.
“Will we dine together before you rest?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ll make sure of it.”
She reluctantly walked away, and I felt bad for her. So many of the creatures here were miserable. While I knew the changes Hades and I had made so far would help with that, we still had a long way to go.
I turned to Hades and tried to guess why he looked just as close to raging out as before.
“Did I insult you by asking if I was safe?” I guessed.
Surprise flickered over his features.
“Insult me?” he scoffed. “Your injury was the result of refusing my presence at your side.”
“Is that why you were mad just now? You went from grateful I was alive to blaming me for being poisoned?”
“That is your game, isn’t it? You waved me away while giving me loving looks but then accept a drink that will cause your suffering as I watch?”
I couldn’t even believe what I was hearing or how his moods could shift from one second to the next. He’d gone from worried and hugging me—going so far as to let me talk to Megan—to accusing me that it was what? All some big game again? What had changed his mind?
“I waved you away because it looked like you were having a good time,” I said patiently. “You were laughing. Talking. That was the first time I saw you actually enjoying yourself. I wasn’t going to pull you away from that selfishly. Not when I knew how much you wanted to talk to them.
“And do you honestly think I would ever knowingly accept a poisoned drink? I can promise you that I’m never again going to trust anything anyone else tries to give me.”
I made a face as I realized what I’d done. “Is that why you’re the only one who’s supposed to provide for me? Have people already tried poisoning her in the past? After hearing and seeing all the horrible things she’s done, I can’t say I blame them. But I’m not her, Hades. I didn’t do those things. And I absolutely did not knowingly drink poisoned wine. It was beyond painful, like I was being stabbed in the throat from the inside. I’ll probably have nightmares about it for the rest of my life.”
I shook my head at his calming expression. “I can’t believe you think I did that to myself. You’re ridiculous. This whole place is ridiculous.” I could feel my emotions rising and knew, if I didn’t stop soon, I’d give in to frustrated tears.
“The only food or drink I’m taking from now on will be from you. I’m never risking feeling that again.”
Hades immediately hugged me, trapping my arms at my sides.
“You wanted me to be happy?” he asked roughly.
“You’re tormented and angry ninety-nine percent of the time. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen you smile. Yes, I wanted to see you happy. I think you’ve earned a little joy in your life, don’t you?”
He exhaled heavily, and his hands moved over my back.
