Page 26 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Let’s sit,’ Tee instructed. ‘Hades will be here momentarily.’
‘Allow me,’ Hermes said, taking my hand and leading me to the table. He pulled out my chair as I sat down, then plopped beside me. Thanatos sat on my other side, smiling happily, hisgaze constantly flicking at me as though he thought I’d disappear again. It warmed my heart even more for him.
Stop it, Sephy. Don’t get too attached. You’re not staying.
I clenched my hands into fists beneath the table, maintaining the smile plastered on my face.
I heard the tinkling of female laughter and swung my head around to investigate. Striding alongside Hades, with an arm looped through his crooked elbow, was one of the most stunning women I’d ever seen. Her long red hair shone, like molten lava pouring over her shoulders and down to her waist; her warm beige skin glowed with opalescence, complemented by the layers of gold bangles that dangled from her arms. The woman’s eyes were feline, topaz, and utterly luminous. Her short, fitted, strapless red silk dress showcased her long sexy legs. As they chatted, Hades' leaned down to her, and his lips curled into a playful smile. That smile transformed his face from a vicious beauty to one of jaw-dropping beauty.
Jealousy seeped through my bloodstream like poison, twisting my stomach into knots and causing my breath to catch in my lungs.
Control yourself; he’s not yours. You don’t want him! Ugh, I was about to punch myself in the face.
‘That’s Minthe,’ Hermes whispered to me, and I sensed Thanatos stiffen as he cleared his throat. ‘She’s desperate to become the queen of the Underworld. Watch your back, kiddo.’
‘It’s not my concern. Hades can marry whoever he pleases… even a floozy like that,’ I retorted. Hermes tilted his head and raised a brow as he regarded me, while Thanatos choked on a laugh. I narrowed my eyes at him and gritted my teeth.
‘Still as fierce as ever, I see.’ Hermes chuckled. ‘But you’ve always been a dreadful liar.’ I shot him a death glare before turning to Thanatos, looping my arm through his and resting my head on his shoulder as I looked up at him and smiled. Thanatoswidened his eyes and gulped. I followed his gaze. Hades’ eyes shone gold for a fleeting moment; the expression he wore could have frozen the infernos of Tartarus. His jaw was like concrete. He pulled out a chair for Minthe and sat down beside her.
‘Thank you for coming, everybody. Please enjoy your meal,’ Hades’ silky voice purred. He avoided making eye contact with me. When he snapped his fingers, bowls of steaming food appeared on the table, along with trays of meats and cheeses, and bottles of wine galore. I seized a bottle and filled my glass, taking a lengthy gulp of red wine. I refused to even glance at Hades. He was such a typical god: wanted ‘his’ Persephone back, yet eager to screw anything with a pulse. Disgust slithered through me like a viper, making me drink my wine more quickly, until Tee leaned across Thanatos and placed a hand on my arm.
‘Slow down, babe. It’s not what it seems,’ she whispered.
I harrumphed at her and finished the wine anyway, with Thanatos refilling my glass.
Hades fixed his gaze on mine and hellfire—the way he looked at me—like a predator sighting its prey.The wine hit my chest and stomach in a warm rush, and a shivery wave of irritation and heat scorched my skin, igniting my reckless, impulsive side. I should have kept my lips sealed, but gods, when it came to this man, I had zero control over my mouth.
‘So, I didn’t know you and Dionysus were friends with the kidnapping god ofdeathandshadows?’ I said with vitriol in my voice, loud enough for everyone to hear as I turned to Hermes.
‘Oh, I wish they had popcorn on this menu… I suppose wine will have to do,’ Hermes said, tipping his glass to his lips. I jabbed him in the ribs with my elbow, eliciting a grunt-cough from him. Thanatos and Charon almost choked on their drinks while I smiled sweetly at Hermes, who then burst into laughter. My gaze flicked to Hades. His lips thinned, his nostrils flared,but the skin between his brows creased. A stab of remorse stung like a bitch, and I wanted to smack myself.
Tee swiftly rescued the situation. ‘These two reprobates have been allies for years. They like hanging out with us because the Olympians suck. Or perhaps it’s mostly for the wine?’ Tee regarded Hermes and Dionysus with narrowed eyes and a slight smile, while both gods grinned mischievously and raised their glasses in a fake toast. I giggled and took another long sip of wine.
‘Eat, Sephy,’ Tee instructed in a low voice.
‘Yes, Mother.’ I smirked at her and selected a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, and fruits.
The remainder of the meal flew by, and I had fun chatting with everyone except Hades and fuckingMinthe.I stood up as people left the table to mingle, drink, and chat, when I spied Minthe approaching.
‘Persephone.’ The sultry way she said my name made my hackles rise, and I had to exert every ounce of self-control not to punch her in the nose. I’ll likely need a stepladder to reach her—the tall bitch. ‘I’m Minthe. It’s good to see you back.’
‘Is it?’ I tipped my head and smirked at her.
‘Well, of course it is.’ She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
‘Well, don’t worry. I’m not staying. You can carry on shagging the god of the dead… I honestly don’t give a shit.’ All conversation ceased, and everyone’s eyes were on me and the hoe bag. She smiled again, and this time, it reached her eyes. I’d hit the nail on the head, and my stomach plummeted to my pretty sandals. As I turned away, I caught Hades’ eyes; he looked like he wanted to throttle me, or perhaps bury me in Tartarus. I smiled brightly at him, before making my way to Tee and Hermes.That’ll teach him to kidnap me, the tosser.
‘You’re playing with fire.’ Tee shook her head, but Hermes and Dionysus chuckled darkly.
‘This is splendid entertainment,’ Dionysus whispered, and Tee glowered at him. ‘You’re still a pocket rocket, Persephone. Poor Hades.’ He and Hermeshad coughing fits, and I smiled wickedly. Then, slightly tipsy and full of devilment, I went to flirt shamelessly with Thanatos and Charon.
I insistedthat Thanatos and Charon walk me to my room, refusing Tee’s attempts to take me. As I beamed at them, I linked my arms through theirs and shot Hades a haughty look.
‘Come on, boys. Take me to my bed.’ A muscle ticked in Hades’ cheek; he appeared to be grinding his jaw so hard he might break a tooth. I hoped he did. The fucking asshole. I turned away from him, carefully trying not to wobble on my heels. The combination of far too much wine and sore feet was a miserable mix. ‘Can you carry me? Please?’ I batted my lashes at Thanatos, who cast Charon a worried look. Charon merely smirked in return.
‘Of course, my queen.’
‘Don’t call me that,’ I hissed. He pursed his lips but bent down, slipping an arm behind my knees as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He then walked forward, with Charon following. I peeked over his shoulder and gave Hades a small wave—he appeared as if he was about to combust.
