Page 66 of Hell On Earth
“So, poison, knife, and gun. What do you think he’ll try next?” I asked.
The ground gave a slight rumble.
“It doesn’t pay to get mad about it,” I said. “If we face it with clear minds, maybe we’ll be able to anticipate their next move, and it won’t hurt so much.
“It is not your place to suffer,” Hades said, leaning in to press his forehead to mine.
“It’s not yours either. I’m sorry I was hurt again.” I tipped my head to kiss his lips gently. “Do you want to go home, or will you let me see what you look like in jeans?”
He pulled back, considering me with a tormented expression.
“Megan says that they lost him,” Fenris said. “I think it will take him time to regroup.”
Hades nodded, and his gaze swept lovingly over my hopeful expression.
“We will continue,” he said.
At the next store, I realized the danger of my dream. Hades was beautiful when shirtless and sporting old-fashioned pants. But when he wore dark jeans with a black fitted t-shirt, my mind melted. The corners of his mouth tilted as he left the fitting room and prowled toward me.
“How do you prefer me?” he asked. “Casually dressed or—”
“In my bed.” My eyes went wide at what had just slipped out.
Hades threw his head back and laughed, wrapping his arms around me in a spinning hug.
“That is my preference, too,” he said against my ear.
He put me down and held my hand to turn me so he could view the outfit I’d put on. The dark grey French leather leggings were Eliana’s idea, along with the off-the-shoulder white and grey glittery top.
“You grace everything you choose to wear,” he said.
“What are you doing?” I heard Eliana ask.
I glanced over and saw Fenris texting.
“Sending Oanen notes. Hades’ lines are gold, and I figured Oanen could use all the help he can get with Megan’s temper.”
Eliana rolled her eyes and caught me watching them.
“You both should get what you’re wearing. You look great.”
Fenris’ phone buzzed.
“The kids are cold and hungry,” he said. “Should we ring up and head to the restaurant?”
My stomach growled its agreement, and Hades’ hand squeezed mine.
“Yes,” he said. “We should eat.”
Forty minutes later, we were seated in a classy restaurant and handed menus without prices.
“My dad would go nuts if he saw this,” Fenris said, taking out his phone to snap a picture of the menu.
“Put it away, Fenris,” Oanen said. “Your hick is showing.”
Fenris grinned and sat back, playing with his tie while arching a brow at Oanen’s plain clothes.
“You’re just jealous.”
