A Game of Retribution (Hades Saga, #2)

by Scarlett St. Clair

“It is only a matter of time before someone with a vendetta against me tries to harm you. I will keep you safe.” At his words, Persephone hugged herself, and at least he knew some of them had gotten through. “You really think someone would try to harm me?” “Darling, I have judged human nature for millennia. Yes.” “Can’t you, I don’t know, erase people’s memories? Make them forget about all this.” He frowned at her question. All this, he thought. What she really meant was them. “It is too late for that. What is so terrible about being known as my lover?” “Nothing,” she said instantly. “It’s just that word.” “What’s wrong with ‘lover’?” “It sounds so fleeting. Like I am nothing but your sex slave.” One corner of his lips curled. “What am I to call you, then? You have forbidden the use of ‘my queen’ and ‘my lady.’” “Titles make me uncomfortable,” she said and hesitated. “It’s not that I don’t want to be known as your lover…but there has to be a better word.” “‘Girlfriend’?” Hades supplied. He had to admit, it was an odd choice given the circumstances of their fate, but it was modern enough. She laughed and Hades glowered. “What’s wrong with ‘girlfriend’?” “Nothing. It just seems so…insignificant,” she explained, growing flustered, and Hades felt less defensive as her cheeks reddened. He touched her chin once more, holding her gaze as he stepped even closer. Their faces were inches apart, his lips hovering near hers, ready to take her mouth against his once more as he whispere...