“You are mine. Forever. There is no escape from me, only from the underworld. Do not attempt to harm yourself again, or I will hold you to the consequences written into the contract.”
I shook, but not with the terror that I should have felt. Each of his exhales caressed my skin, making my need for him worse by the second.
“I understand.” The words lacked conviction and air, but they were the best I could manage.
He inhaled deeply and made a rumbly satisfied sound.
“Good.” He withdrew from me, and I had to close my eyes and fist my hands to keep myself from pulling him back.
He’s not yours, Ashlyn. And, no matter what he says, you’re not his.
His fingers teased over my knuckles.
“I’ve upset you. Come. Let me feed you.”
Pulse racing and skin burning for more contact, I took another steadying breath and relaxed my fists. His fingers threaded through mine, resuming his hold from before I’d asked him to tone it down. That obviously hadn’t worked well.
He led me from the room and down the hallway.
When we turned the corner, I spotted another creature walking toward us. The deformed giant’s gaze swept over my clothes, and it frowned. I felt a thread of fear and moved closer to Hades.
While the contract I’d made with him should guarantee my safety, I wasn’t ready to test it yet. Wiggling my hand free of his, I slid my arm around his waist and turned my head into his shoulder so I wouldn’t make eye contact with the creature.
Hades’ stride slowed, and his arm went around my shoulders.
“Goddess, what should I think when you do this? I feel your breast against my ribs, so tempting and sweet. Are those your fingers teasing my waist? Is your breath caressing my skin? How does this not invite me to think more carnal thoughts?”
The creature continued forward, and we passed it at our slower pace.
“You’re right,” I said, starting to withdraw. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No. You should have.” He caught my hand, anchoring it against his back and turning suddenly so he faced me.
“I hunger for another taste. I beg for it. Anything you wish to feel your tongue against mine.”
Another burst of heat filled me. At the rate we were going, he’d have exactly what he wanted from me within a day.
“I’d rather not kiss you right now,” I said a little breathlessly.
His expression started to darken.
“Can you turn my clothes back into that dress I had on before?” I asked quickly.
I’d thought the new clothes would have helped, but they’d made things worse. Not only did Hades seem to like being able to see the shape of my legs, but pants also drew more attention from the creatures here.
The shirt, jeans, and shoes disappeared, replaced by the familiar, soft Grecian gown. I felt more exposed with the skirt, but at least I’d draw less attention. It was safer for me if the creatures believed I was Persephone.
“Would you like me to fix your hair?” Hades asked.
“Yes, please.”
“That word from your lips…” He groaned as reached around and dug his fingers into my hair, toying with the strands as he moved them. “You know what it does to me. Do you seek to use it now to win your way?”
“Please?” I said, confused.
“Since the moment I brought you here, you ask for nothing and you accept nothing.” He dipped his head to softly kiss my now exposed neck as his fingers continued to twist my hair gently. “I’ve longed to hear you utter requests I could fulfill.”
I wanted to shiver and tip my head to give him better access. The need was so strong I almost didn’t hear his next words.
