They disappeared, leaving us alone with a glassy-eyed Zotera.
“Are you all right?” I asked.
She nodded slowly and focused on me.
“I understand now why men were forbidden. I cannot stop thinking of Eugene and the joy he brings me.”
“It’s okay. I get it,” I said. “Hopefully, we find Thanatos soon so you can spend more time with Eugene.”
“I would like that very much,” Zotera said. “Good night, Mother. Good night, Father.”
She drifted toward her room, and I glanced at the clock.
“It’s a little early for bed. Do you want to watch a movie with us?”
She shook her head and disappeared inside her room.
“Is she okay?” I asked.
“She is discovering the joy previously denied her. She’s confused, afraid, and hopeful.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because that’s what I felt when you started treating me as you are.”
I kissed him softly again and led him to the bedroom.
While I changed into some comfortable loungewear in the privacy of my closet, Hades made himself comfortable on my bed. And by comfortable, I mean he removed his jacket and tie, opened a few buttons, and rolled up his sleeves. The casual pose with one leg off the bed and one knee bent where he rested his forearm brought me up short.
A slow smile tugged the corner of his mouth.
“You are so dangerously beautiful,” I said. “I keep asking myself if what I feel for you is real or if you’re somehow making me feel this way.”
He stood and prowled closer.
“How do you feel?”
“Desperate to touch you. Needy for your touch.”
He made this sound that reminded me of a purr but with an edge to it. Like he was two seconds from grabbing me. My pulse picked up, and I retreated a step.
He faltered.
“No,” I said. “I’m still yours. Come get me.”
His eyes flared brightly, and his size surged briefly as he continued toward me. I backed myself right against the marble wall. He caught my hands and pinned them over my head. I grinned even as I struggled to catch my breath.
“You are dangerously beautiful,” he said before kissing me ruthlessly.
I arched against him, trying for more contact as our tongues collided. With Hades, I was so far over my head that it didn’t matter anymore if I was drowning or not. He was the only air I needed. The new reason for my existence.
The shirt I’d just put on was removed. Hands freed, I gripped his shoulders and cradled his face.
“I need,” I whispered against his lips. “I want.”
He groaned and picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist.
“I hunger,” he said roughly.
