For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus) (6 page)

BOOK: For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus)
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He lifted his blue-black eyes to hers and she feared she’d drown in them. It was a pleasing thought.

She found breathing difficult, but forced the words out. “I owe you a story.” Was that her voice, so husky and low?

He shook his head, his dark gaze steady upon her. “You owe me nothing.”

She swallowed. “I do not mind… Truly.” If only she could stay. She wanted to stay with him. She moved closer, too close perhaps, searching for some word from him, some sign.

His brow creased again, endearing him to her all the more. She tilted her head, wishing she knew his thoughts.

Before she could stop herself, she smoothed her fingers across his forehead. His nostrils flared ever so slightly, in distaste or restraint? She hoped it was restraint…

She had none.

She moved quickly, rising on tiptoe and pressing her lips to his. His lips were surprisingly warm, surprisingly soft against hers. His breath fanned her cheek, tingling, and his scent filled her nostrils. She sucked in her breath sharply, drawing him in. Her lips clung for a second longer.

She spoke against his lips, savoring his closeness. “Oh Hades, I do not mind.”

She swayed, overcome with such warmth and… happiness. She rested her forehead against his chest for but a moment, steadying herself. She could say no more, her lungs would not allow it. Nor could she look at him.

What would he think of her now?

Her lips tingled.

She stepped back, running from him, from the meadow, past the fig tree, until her lungs were gasping. Still she ran, torn between shock and delight, through the ravine that hid their home. Only when the doors were closed and locked did she consider what she’d done. Her fingers brushed her mouth, and she shook her head. She’d kissed him and, she thought, he’d kissed her back.

Chapter Five
 

The catch in her voice moved Hades, forcing his eyes to hers. Under her gaze, he felt something dangerous shift inside him. He felt vulnerable. He felt lonely. He should feel nothing. “You owe me nothing.”

He saw her swallow, heard her whisper, “I do not mind… Truly.”

Her eyes held him. His body responded even as confusion plagued him once more. What did she want from him? Why did she torment him so?

Her fingers were cool upon his forehead, soft as silk. Her wrist, the inside of her arm, was lightly fragrant.

She moved suddenly, swaying, pressing the curves of her chest against him. He shuddered, completely unprepared for the touch of her full lips upon his.

By the Fates, she was warm and lush.

He could not bear it. But he must. His hands fisted, denying the urge to pull her to him. He closed his eyes. He would not catch her hair in his hands, or clasp her curves to him. His hands throbbed, clenched tightly.

But his lips would not be denied. They fitted to hers briefly, hungrily tasting her.

How she threatened his control, enticing him mercilessly. He could not give in to this temptation. But her words were as sweet a torture as her kiss.

“Oh Hades, I do not mind.”

Her head rested upon his chest, her hair brushing his nose. Her scent filled his nostrils, lilies, earth, and sun, inflaming him. He must hold himself still, keep his eyes pressed shut. One look into her eyes would defeat him. He would not be able to set her away from him.

But now, in this moment, he could think of nothing more than the sweetness of her against him. He was not strong enough. His hands lifted to cup her head, to press her lips to his once more. He drew in a ragged breath and opened his eyes.

But before he could touch her, she ran from him, a flash of white and copper in the moon’s rays. His hands gripped only air and then his chest. He breathed out slowly.

He should not feel such things.

He watched her go, aching yet angry. None could compete with her grace, her charm and femininity. He could not keep the smile from his lips as he watched her disappear into the still night.

He must not see her, ever again.

If he’d never stumbled upon her, it would not trouble him to know he must see no more of her. How he wished he’d never seen her.

He sighed, staring at the flower she’d given him. He should crumple it, throw it down and leave it. He smoothed the petal and stem of the flower, tucking the white lily into the clasp of his chlamys with care.

“You’ve lived too long alone, Hades.” A voice spoke, amused.

Hades spun, alert and ready. Was this a trap, then? Had she played a part in it?

Hermes stood at a distance, his arms held up in submission.

Did he dare feel relief that it was Hermes who’d come upon him? If it had been Ares or Apollo or Poseidon who had found them so… Self-loathing found him, raging within him. No, he would spare her that.

Hades ran a hand over his face, releasing his pent-up frustration with a low growl.

“Surely that was not the fair Persephone, pressing kisses on your dour face?” Hermes joined him. “It is said that the night can fool the eyes. I’ve laughed at such a claim many times. But now I wonder, is there truth in it?”

Hades cast a sidelong look at Hermes. To be discovered in such a state of admiration was disconcerting. To be discovered in such a state by the Gods’ messenger, a devoted gossip, was another matter altogether. He would try. “If I said there was truth in it, would this night be forgotten?”

Hermes shook his head. “I fear I could not forget such a tableau, my friend.” His words were a mix of humor and sympathy. “I am overcome.”

Hades’ words were a hard whisper. “
You
are overcome?”

Hermes laughed. “Less than you, of course.”

Hades shook his head. Would Hermes goad him? Tease him? Reveal this… this interlude to Olympus?

“You care for her?” Hermes asked, no longer teasing.

Hades laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. He had no heart, it had been crushed so long ago he scarce remembered it. “How can I?”

Hermes countered, “She would be easy to love.”

“If one was given to such emotions, perhaps.”

Hermes chuckled. “Ah, I see. You want her, then?”

Hades glared at Hermes, but said nothing.

Did he want her? The memory of her pressed against him made him burn. Even now his hands ached to cup and stoke her. It was answer enough. He could hardly deny Hermes’ query, but neither would he answer it outright.

“She would have you,” Hermes continued. “It was plain upon her face. She would welcome you, I doubt it not.”

Hades shook his head, ignoring the yearning Hermes’ words stirred. “Have you followed me out of curiosity, Hermes? Or were you sent to me on some errand?”

Hermes regarded him, sighing deeply as he spoke. “Zeus bid me give you this. You left too swiftly. Now I see why.”

Hades took the scroll Hermes offered. He opened it, reading the missive with growing amazement.

“He thought it would please you, as reward or payment. You acted wisely, releasing one of Athens’ finest to fight anew. All of Olympus agrees.”


This
is how he chooses to repay me?” Hades asked, astonished. “To slake my pleasures with a maid of my choosing? In Aphrodite’s pleasure chamber? I was satisfied with their thanks. I need no more. And I want none of this.”

Hermes’ gaze did not waver, though he took on a thoughtful expression. “How long has it been?”

He turned his most forbidding scowl upon the young messenger. “It will
never
be that long.”

Hermes spoke haltingly. “You may be the Underworld’s lord, but you’ve a man’s passions…”

Hades rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to Hermes. “You may return this with my thanks. I have no appetites for such companionship. He would be wise to bestow such a gift on one more appreciative.”

“Some are worried, Hades. It’s unnatural, this isolation you insist upon.”

“This is
worrisome
? That I am ruled by discipline, not lust?”

“What of companionship?”

He felt loneliness, but it was tolerable. “I have enough.”

Hermes regarded him with wide-eyed wonder. “You could petition Demeter and Zeus. You might have her yet, Hades… Persephone, I mean.”

“She cannot want that.” He shook his head, wishing he’d not spoken at all. He bit off the rest, furious for his slip. “No. I will not have her. Ever.”

“Why? You are a loyal mate. I know of none on Olympus as faithful to his wife as you…”

Hades moved swiftly, grabbing the front of Hermes’ cloak to silence him. “Do not speak of her.” He pressed the scroll into Hermes’ hand and shoved him away. “Take it and go. Paint me as you will to those on Olympus, but have a care, Hermes.” He’d said too much already, so he continued. “Leave Persephone’s name from their minds and ears. The thought of corrupting her would be too sweet a temptation for some.”

“You speak of Poseidon?”

He paused, speaking with care. “She is innocent. She is, by all appearance in word and deed, gentle and good. It is as you told the lady’s mother; Persephone’s heart deserves tender care.”

Hermes studied him. “I will pass your message on to Zeus, with your thanks and nothing more.”

Hades clasped Hermes’ forearm in parting. Would Hermes keep silent? Could he? If tonight was revealed, it would be Persephone that suffered for it. He would spare her that. He would keep her as she was, with sparkling eyes and joyous laughter.

###

Persephone heard her mother’s arrival, heard the front door closing and the murmur of voices. Demeter wasn’t alone then, a small relief. If they had company, her mother would be distracted and less likely to notice her mood. Assuming her transformation was a visible thing.

And no doubt about it, something had changed within her. She twisted the wool, humming as she did so, hoping the joy in her heart was safely hidden.

“Let that be the last Council meeting for some time. I tire of such… episodes,” Demeter was speaking.

“As do I, Demeter.” Hermes’ voice joined her mother’s, causing her smile to widen. Hermes was a teller of tales and a friend to her.

“Too much ambrosia or too little?” she called out to them.

She heard Hermes laugh, heard him as he made his way to her in the courtyard. “Neither. The Persians were the meat and drink of this night.” He paused, smiling down at her. “What have you occupied yourself with this long night, songbird?”

Persephone felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled easily enough. She knew she’d be smiling for days to come, this night promised that. “A new eplibema for Myrinne, I think.”

“Your fingers will chafe, child.” Demeter joined them, shaking her head. “You’ve been at it since I left.”

Hermes took her hands and looked at her fingers. He winked at her, startling her. “I think they are chafed, indeed. Come, talk with us, Persephone. The Council was not all gloom and strategy.” He pulled her along with him.

Demeter sprawled upon her kline and leaned back, relaxing against the couch’s thick cushions with a sigh. “Truly, Hermes? I found the talk of nothing
but
gloom and strategy.”

Hermes released Persephone, offering her a padded stool to sit. She did, waiting to hear Hermes’ rendition of their meeting.

“Come now, Demeter,” he spoke, laughing. “Surely Persephone would have interest in the events prior to Zeus’ arrival?”

Persephone turned to her mother and watched with piqued curiosity as her mother’s brown eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Ah, I see you remember now.” Hermes flopped onto the floor, lounging comfortably. “You were the topic of discussion, Persephone.”

“I?” She turned from her mother, her curiosity mounting.

“Your mother is determined to find you only the finest of husbands,” he began.

“You’re a shameless cad, Hermes.” Demeter chastised him half-heartedly, smiling all the while.

“So mother was pressing you to marry me?” Persephone shook her head. “Again?”

Hermes nodded. “When Poseidon ventured in.”

Demeter scowled once more. “And demanded to know who I would have Hermes woo.”

“Oh.” Persephone bit her lip. She’d never met Poseidon. She had no desire to
ever
meet him.

Hermes smiled easily. “But Hades was sharp.”

His name slipped softly from her, making her wince. “Hades?”

Hermes’ gaze was fixed upon her. “Yes, Hades. He was quick to spare you. As Poseidon had not heard your name mentioned in your mother’s plot, Hades led him on a completely different trail.”

“It was rather gallant of him.” Demeter nodded. “Surprisingly so.”

Persephone shot a look at her mother, displeased by this disparaging remark. She turned back to find Hermes watching her.

“It is not such a surprise,” Hermes assured them.

She blinked. Why was Hermes watching her so closely? Or was he? Mayhap it was her guilt leading her mind astray.

Hermes continued, “He’s not the monster all would believe him to be.”

She grew uncomfortable under his gaze. “But why would Hades do such a thing?”

“Because of Poseidon,” Demeter spoke softly.

“There is bad blood between them?” Persephone longed to know all she could about Hades.

Hermes’ smile dimmed and he exchanged a long look with Demeter.

Persephone turned to her mother. “What happened?”

“A sad tale,” Demeter murmured. “Too sad and too long to begin at such an hour, child.”

Persephone’s heart dropped. She would know more. “Is it so late?”

Hermes sat forward, smiling at her. “It was late when I left Hades in the meadows and found your mother coming home to you. I imagine Helios will rise soon.”

“The meadow?” Persephone blinked. “You did not travel with my mother?”

“Oh no, Zeus had sent me after Hades, for he had quickly quitted the Council Chamber before he was rewarded for his cunning.”

Persephone bit back her smile. He hurried from the Chamber? Because of her? Or was he simply eager to return home?

“He surprised me twice this night.” Demeter laid her head back, closing her eyes. “It’s a shame he would not accept his reward.”

“What was it?” Persephone asked, still considering Hermes’ words.

“His deed or his reward?” Hermes asked.

Persephone knew what he’d done, but she could hardly say so. “Both.”

“He returned a hero to Athens’ battle front,” Hermes paused. “So Zeus rewarded him with a woman, a pleasure chamber and the night to enjoy himself.”

Persephone swallowed. Too many disturbing images flashed through her mind. And anger, hot and quick, wrapped about her. She frowned.

“But when I found him in your meadow, he had no interest. In fact, he seemed greatly distracted.” Hermes shrugged.

BOOK: For the Love of Hades (The Loves of Olympus)
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