Page 65 of Hades

“He’s nothing like what I thought I would want,” I admit softly.

A wistful smile fills Mom’s face. “Your father was nothing like what I thought I would end up with, and while we might not have had the happy ending I wish we did, I loved that man with every part of me. Love doesn’t care about what you think you want. It hits you when you least expect it and gives you exactly what you need.”

“I can’t fall, Mom. I don’t have time to date. My career…”

Mom cuts me off before I can continue. “Your career won’t keep you warm at night. It won’t take care of you on the bad days or fill your cup when you’re burned out. It won’t give you the kids I know you want someday. Your career is admirable, but it isn’t everything.”

I know she’s right, and I hate it. I love my job, but my life is lonely. My eyes drift down the hall. Or at least it was lonely before he moved in. Before he made himself comfortable in my space. Before he took care of me when I had a bad shift.

“You’re thinking about it,” Mom says.

I bring my eyes back to her. “I’ll think about it, but I won’t promise you anything. I mean, he might not even want me.”

She gives me a look that screams I’m an idiot.

“Please, sweetheart, that man is obsessed. You just need to make the move because he won’t.”

“Because of Reaper.”

Mom’s head tips from side to side. “I have a feeling your brother’s opinion doesn’t matter much to him. I think it has more to do with the fact that he doesn’t want to upset the balance you two have found.”

Before I can say anything, the sound of footsteps approaching catches my attention.

“Everything okay, dear?” Mom asks.

Hades nods as he sits back down. “Yeah, Reaper just had a quick question. Now, what did I miss?”

“Nothing much,” I say quickly.

Hades raises a brow but doesn’t push it. Mom easily pulls him into another conversation, letting me sit with what we just discussed. She’s right. I shouldn’t push him away because it’s what I think I should do, not because I want to.

Maybe I should give the man a chance.

I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Hades

My cock is twitching in my pants.

That’s the first thing I notice as I start to come awake. The second is the heat pushing back against me.

It’s still dark out. It has to be the middle of the night. Yet Evelyn is pressing her ass into my crotch like her only goal is to make me come in my boxers.

My hand comes down to her hip as she grinds against me. “Princess,” I growl out.

When she freezes, I realize she wasn’t sleeping. She was actively pressing against me.

I run my hand down toward her center only to find her arm in my way. Not only is she actively pressing against me, but she’s getting herself off while doing it.

“You’re a needy little thing, huh?” I hiss into her ear.

“Jonah,” she moans.

“Shhh. Do you want this?” I press my hard length into her.

“Yes. Please.” She turns her head, lips seeking out mine.