A Game of Retribution (Hades Saga, #2)

by Scarlett St. Clair

“You are my weakness, losing you is my greatest fear, and your love is my most treasured possession.”

Hermes crossed the room to a stack of folded towels and threw one at him. “Get wet, Daddy Death,” Hermes said.

“We cannot all be good, but if we must be bad, it should serve a purpose.”

“Let me make love to you,” he said, his voice low and warm, imbued with the gentleness he intended to show her.

“There are few truths in this world,” he said, “but the one you must always remember is that I love you.”

“Make no mistake, my lady, I would burn this world for you.”

And after she was spent by his hand, he would draw her into his lap, take out his cock, and help her ride him until he came inside her so hard, she could taste it in the back of her throat, and even in that aftermath, he would lay her down and put his mouth on her clit and revel in how she tasted like him.

“I do want to fuck you. More importantly, I love you—deeply, endlessly. If you walked away from me today, I would love you still. I will love you forever.

“I love you. Even if the Fates unraveled our destiny, I would find a way back to you.”

“It’s like saying I love you,” Hermes explained. “I might know it, but it’s good to hear.” There was a long pause, then Hades mumbled, “You’re my best friend.” “What was that?” Hermes asked. “I couldn’t hear you.” “You’re my best friend,” Hades repeated quickly. “Ah, once more, with feeling.” Hades glared and said deliberately, “You’re my best friend.”

Their eyes met, and all Hades could see when he looked at her was his queen. “Marry me,” he whispered as her finger traced his face, and though he had asked her twice before, this time felt different. It felt right, and he guessed it was for her too, because she answered with a quiet “Yes.”

“Fiancé,” he said once more and added, “Persephone agreed to marry me.” A slow smile broke out across Hecate’s face. “Are you saying,” she said carefully, “that I get to plan a wedding?” “I think you’ll have to talk to Persephone, but I doubt she would tell you no.” “Engaged,” she said, as if she did not believe it, and sank into her chair across from him. “Yes,” Hades said, amused by her response. “Married,” she said. “Eventually,” Hades said, though he hoped sooner rather than later. Then she shook her head. “I never thought this day would come.” “Oh, ye of little faith,” Hades said, though he had not been so certain either. “You’re not exactly charming or good at communication,” Hecate said. “And you’re an alcoholic.” “Is there anything I am good at, Hecate?” Hades asked, and the goddess smiled.

“Persephone,” he said. “I would have chosen you a thousand times over, the Fates be damned. Please…become my wife, rule beside me, let me love you forever.”