Chapter 2

Persephone

Encouraging Hades’s behavior was a bad idea, but he was being incredibly adorable. Most wouldn’t consider him adorable, standing on the balcony, shirtless, with his large black wings out. He was a huge man, a few inches over six-feet tall with a powerful build. His long black hair was pulled back from his face, and his golden eyes were locked with mine as he regarded me with full, twitching lips. The giggle was past my lips before I could stop myself.

“You seem to be the expert on stalking,” I replied. “I suppose you are the most qualified to tell me if Rainer is stalking you.”

This wasn’t the first conversation I’d had with Hades while he watched me from the balcony. It seemed he would prefer that I pretend I didn’t notice him, but I’d often try to engage him in conversation. His responses were generally curt, so his playfulness surprised me. I was even more surprised when he leaped from the balcony, gracefully landing at my feet with his wings spread out.

“Oh, my,” I uttered. His bare chest was close enough that I could reach out and run my hands along it. Hades was a very dangerous man—dangerously sexy.

“I’m not stalking you,” Hades assured me in a voice that glided along my skin like a caress.

“What are you doing?” If my voice was breathy when I asked that question, it was only to be expected.

“Admiring you from afar,” he replied. “Doesn’t that sound better?”

It sounded better than stalking, but I wasn’t happy about being admired from afar when I wanted Hades to admire me from much closer. Naked and closer would be my preference. It wasn’t easy biting back my moan. I needed to focus on something other than Hades naked or I’d end up giving my neighbors quite a show.

“So, you’ve decided to rebrand stalking?” I asked, focusing on his choice of words. That seemed like a safe topic.

“Exactly!” Hades agreed, looking pleased with my question.

Rainer jumped down to join us. “Since it seems Hades isn’t about to toss you over his shoulder and kidnap you, I’ll go.”

“The night’s still young,” Hades told him. “Maybe you should stick around in case my instincts kick in.”

Rainer regarded him curiously while I regarded him with annoyance. It seemed Hades was determined to make sure we had a chaperone. I wanted to be alone with him. I missed him. We texted, but he rarely even spoke to me on the phone. The only times I saw him were when I caught him watching me from my neighbor’s balcony or when he stopped by to see Lucifer while I was visiting Beatrice. Those interactions were brief by his choosing.

“Good night, Rainer,” I said with a bright smile. “Thank you for stopping by to check on Hades. I’m sure he appreciates your concern.”

Hades snorted in response.

Rainer chuckled. “I can tell I’m not wanted here. It was good seeing you, Persephone.”

Normally, I’d worry about being rude, but not this time.

When we were alone, I asked, “Would you like to come up for a drink? I’m about to fix dinner. I could make enough for two if you’re hungry.”

Based on the longing look he cast at my apartment, I knew he wanted to say yes, but what he said was, “That’s probably a bad idea.”

“Actually, it’s a good idea,” I argued. “It’s a very good idea. I’ve been reading up on fallen angels, and you need to eat and drink daily.”

“You don’t say,” he replied with a laugh. “How do you do this?”

“Do what?” I wasn’t sure what he was asking.

“How do you make me feel so much joy just by being near me?” he clarified.

“I don’t know. I have a question for you.” When he quirked an eyebrow, I continued, “If I bring you so much joy, why do you avoid me?”

It was the wrong question. His features became guarded. At least, he didn’t lie and pretend he wasn’t avoiding me. He took a step back, like he was getting ready to leave, but I wasn’t having it. Taking a step forward, I grabbed two of his belt loops. He looked down at my fingers and then back up at me.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I deserve an answer,” I replied. “You’re already thinking about running, and I’m not about to let that happen. Now, answer me.”

“It’s safer,” was his quiet reply.

“We are going to have to spend time together,” I insisted.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He stepped closer, and our gazes locked. One large hand moved to my cheek, and I leaned into it. His touch made me shudder with desire. “You have no idea how dangerous I am.”

“Yes,” I whispered, releasing his belt loops to slide my hands up to his shoulders. “I’m well aware of how dangerous you are. Please, stay.”

He wanted to. I could see the longing in his eyes as he continued to stare down at me. His gaze moved to my mouth, and he leaned in closer. My eyes drifted shut as his lips hovered just above mine. I couldn’t believe he was finally going to kiss me. At least, that’s what I thought until I felt him pull away.

“I can’t,” he told me. “You deserve more.”

On those words, Hades took flight.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumbled as I stomped toward my apartment, so turned on I could feel my body pulsing with need. “If he doesn’t make a move soon, I may be the first Persephone to abduct Hades.”