Page 12 of Flowers Near Me
CHAPTER TWELVE
A DANGEROUS GAME OF PRETEND
PERSEPHONE
M onday morning, Persephone woke at 6 a.m. to a quiet apartment. Hades and Cerberus were both gone, leaving her alone with the soft hum of the city above. Sitting on the kitchen counter was a tray of coffee and croissants, along with a handwritten note.
My dearest Sephy,
I’ll be back by 11 a.m. to take you to lunch. Floor B10 has a gym filled with equipment and a 400m track. Text Charon if you need anything.
Your favorite roommate,
Hades
She smiled faintly, sipping the coffee as her phone buzzed with messages. No word from her mom, despite her attempts to reach out. The silence gnawed at her. Demeter had always been there, hovering at the edges of her life, controlling and distant. But this? It was… unusual.
As Persephone scrolled through her inbox, a new String of Pearls succulent caught her eye, its delicate vines spilling over the edge of the table. She frowned. Not only was it toxic to Cerberus, but it also needed far more sunlight than this dim, subterranean apartment could provide. She’d have to move it soon, or it would wither. Hades really needed to stop buying her plants because for all his business know-how, he was clueless when it came to caring for plants.
Her eyes went back to her phone screen. Still no reply from her mom.
She tried distracting herself with reading but nothing was sinking in. Sighing, she reached for her phone and began scrolling through social media, pausing at images of Hades, always with someone new, someone gorgeous. Her heart sank before she quickly locked her phone and shoved it back into her bag. Soon, she’d be another one in the mix. The thought startled her because she had no reason to care. So what if Hades moved on after her? It’s not like they had real feelings for one another. This was a business arrangement.
Today was the first weekday of her imprisonment with Underworld Unlimited and she was already antsy. Next week, she’d go into the office to meet the team, but she wasn’t sure what she’d do between now and then. She ought to embrace the quiet, knowing that as long as she was idle it meant she wasn’t helping Hades. But habits formed over her entire professional life had her fingers itching to do something. Even if meant helping the arrogant god.
Besides, she needed to speak with Eurydice. How had she read that situation with the developer so incredibly wrong ? Hadn’t Eurydice been excited to work with Persephone? Technically, they still would be working together, but the circumstances were unfortunate, and they needed to talk.
Shaking off those thoughts, she threw on some athletic wear and headed to B10, ready to clear her mind and fill her time.
Lights flickered on all around the gymnasium once the elevator doors opened. Pine wood slats framed the large gym and mirrored sections ran along the sides. The air was crisp with a slight chill and the scent of wood stain. Even by the gods’ standards, it was an impressive underground facility.
Persephone set her bag down on a bench near the track. Headphones in, she walked two laps before turning up the volume, then jogged. Translucent, backlit privacy screens surrounded the clay track. She sprinted the straightaways between the bends covered with a scant layer of sand.
Whenever her chest hurt and her mouth tasted copper, she’d slow her pace. Once her breathing evened out, she sprinted the straightaways again.
Why hadn’t she heard from her mom? It wasn’t like Demeter to blow her off. And what did this mean for Persephone’s career? As hard as it was to admit, her mom was the keystone holding her professional future together.
When she slowed to a jog, she checked her phone.
Charon
Good morning! You have a lunch reservation with Hades at 11:30 a.m. at a new restaurant uptown. Need anything?
Persephone stopped as she typed her reply, feeling more like a sidelined housewife than a new app’s spokesperson. She wasn’t used to a morning free of meetings, reports, and calls.
Persephone
All good. Thank you!
She stretched, gathered her things, and headed back to the apartment to shower. On her way she texted Hermes. There was nothing to do here so why not check in on her former assistant?
Persephone
How’s the team doing? Tell them I miss them.
She rushed through her routine, then put on the black midi dress Charon had laid out for her.
Her phone buzzed.
Hermes
We miss you. Your mom is MIA.
She rubbed her temples and tapped quickly. Demeter wasn’t an ‘MIA’ type of boss. Something was wrong.
Persephone
No one has seen her? Her PA?
Three dots appeared, then a reply.
Hermes
She’s canceled all meetings for this and next week.
Persephone pressed her fingers to her bottom lip. This didn’t sound right. Her mom rarely canceled meetings so why had she canceled two weeks’ worth? She wanted to call her mom but the conversation they needed to have was not one she wanted anyone to overhear—especially not Hades’ team. And he made a point to remind her that her phone activity would be monitored while she was on his network.
Persephone
She hasn’t messaged me back. Keep me posted.
Hermes
Will do.
There was one person she trusted to dig deeper to see what was going on if she couldn’t do it herself. She fired off a text to Laura.
Persephone
Mom’s lost it. Canceled mtgs for next 2 wks. Haven’t heard back.
Placing her phone on vibrate, she slid it into her purse and took several deep breaths. It wasn’t just her that Demeter was avoiding. It was both a relief and concern because maybe her mom wasn’t simply angry with her. Maybe Demeter was furious with everyone?
Hades came back to the apartment before 11 a.m. with a small square box wrapped in matte purple paper and topped with a black satin ribbon bow. “Open it,” Hades said, his voice more command than request. “It’ll match that tempting little black dress you’re wearing.”
Tempting? The dress’ neckline exposed her collarbone, but nothing more. Even the skirt fell past her knees in loose pleats. The tasteful, form fitted bodice hugged her middle, but Persephone wouldn’t consider it tempting. She scrunched her nose but thanked him as she took the gift.
The satin bow slid off, pulling the wrapping paper off a cushioned box with the symbol of a hammer and anvil embossed on the cover. Inside was a simple black leather watch with golden hands. The matte clock face highlighted the metal numerals. Stitched dark thread spelled her name across the band.
Persephone hesitated. “I can’t accept this. It’s leather.” And it’s from him .
Hades smiled, slow and confident. “It’s synthetic, Sephy. Not leather.”
Her mouth parted in confusion, but he continued. “You never wear animal products. It’s not much of a mystery.”
Right. Fashion bloggers had been buzzing about her wardrobe choices—ethical, organic, always cruelty-free.
“It’s exquisite.” The words fell out before she’d given them much thought. “Do all your employees wear these?”
Hades tilted his head. “Why would you think that?”
She laughed. “It has your name, like a pet would have their owner’s information on their collar. I’ll match with Cerberus.” Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure what the dog’s collar looked like or if he even wore one. Still, her meaning was plain.
She held his gaze even as the most mischievous smirk a god had ever given her spread across his face. “It’s a gift.” His smile grew. “To commemorate our partnership. Nothing more.”
He reached out, gesturing for her to offer her wrist. “May I?”
His vulpine features curled into a sly grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He wants to put it on. Was that so bad?
She offered her wrist, watching him fasten the band, skimming his fingertips over the sensitive skin. Nerves danced in her throat. This small act was the exact thing she’d picture a lover doing. If it was any other person, it’d feel romantic.
Staring at the watch felt safer than looking at Hades after that delicate touch.
Hades picked up her purse and extended his arm. “Shall we?”
He was a natural flirt. Even that small, effortless gesture made her knees weak. Why did it have to be him and not someone else— anyone else?
As they sat in a restaurant surrounded by bustling patrons, Persephone found herself unsettled by the way her heart raced and cheeks warmed whenever he’d look at her with his intense gaze.
Hades poured sparkling water into Persephone’s cup before topping off his. “How was your morning, Sephy?”
He regarded her as if he actually cared about her answer. “Your gym is impressive. Do your staff use it?”
“Not while I have a guest.” He cleared his throat. “Wasn’t it nice that no one else was there?”
“I mean…” Persephone started but pressed her lips tight.
“Yes?” Hades leaned closer to her.
“I don’t like to exercise in public, but I hate treadmills more.”
Hades inclined his head. “Don’t enjoy dealing with admirers?”
“I’m not a fan of sweating and heaving in front of others.”
After sipping his drink, he cleared his throat. “I disagree. Those two things are better with others.”
Her traitorous cheeks blushed. “You know what I mean.”
A server carried a tray filled with blanched vegetables, hummus, and cheeses towards their booth. Happy to see the lunch spread delivered to their table, her focus shifted back to Hades. With quick movements, he placed several items from the tray onto her plate. Little samplings of each thing, as if he wanted her to try it all and find what she liked. She already knew she liked everything on the board.
“You’re certain Laura and Peter won’t say anything about our arrangement?”
Surprised by his question, Persephone waited a breath to respond. He’d asked before, so why was he still worried? And from the way he’d carried himself yesterday with Laura and Peter, she swore he’d considered them new friends. “Never. Laura can keep a secret like no one else.”
“Even from your mom?”
Right. He’s worried about my mom finding out.
“Especially from her.” She laughed to herself. The things Demeter knew about Laura were only the things Laura wanted her to know.
Hades hummed in understanding before tilting his head. “Are you trying to hide the fact that you’re a goddess?” His brow pinched in genuine confusion.
“What?” She stared back at him, awaiting clarification. His question lacked the playful tone she was coming to expect from him.
Smirking, he replied, “You were made.”
The query was serious. “Yes, then born. Not created like you.” Even if Persephone was truly one of them—an immortal—she’d be at the bottom of the pack. Fates, even Demeter in all her power and glory didn’t have the same clout or godly lineage as the top three brothers did. Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon were set apart. Set above .
Hades shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. If you’re made, you’re immortal.”
A rise of heat hit Persephone’s cheeks. There was no way she was immortal. Surely, she’d know if she was because her mom would’ve told her. She had a goddess mother but no father. At most she was a demigod—still a far cry from having power like Demeter or Hades.
“Why don’t I have powerful magic, then?”
Hades sat taller and crossed his arms. “Oh, you definitely do.”
She shot him an incredulous look, studying his face for any hint of jest.
“Friday night in Narcisi. You used it on me. You still have me in your thrall.” He held her with a heavy-lidded look.
The intensity of his gaze was too much so she looked out at the other diners. No one seemed to be watching them. “Stop. No one is paying attention, so you can dial it back. It’s beneath you.”
“Not much is beneath me. I live several stories underground, remember?” said Hades. “Besides, I felt it with all my senses. Why do you think I approached you in Narcisi?”
This line of questioning felt too personal for something between two business partners—even two who were faking a relationship.
One eyebrow shot up. “To intimidate me.”
He scooped a few items onto his plate. “No, I was drawn to you.”
“That’s the reason?”
He shrugged. “I could tell you weren’t charmed by me.”
What an insufferable god. He was so used to people falling at his feet that he assumed anyone who didn’t was magic. This was typical god behavior to expect anyone and everyone to gush over their power, looks, and wealth. “Did you use this spokesperson clause to prove that I could like you?”
Hades leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “I did it because I wanted to get to know you before others could.”
Persephone crossed her arms and gripped her biceps until her fingertips bit into her skin. So this was a game to him. She was the pawn, too distracted by a business opportunity to spot the danger lurking nearby. Her skin heated in anger. Even a few deep breaths did nothing to dampen the simmering rage. If he was a viable partner, maybe she could understand his desire to lay claim to her. But this was Hades and there was no future to be had between the two of them after this contract ended.
Trying to keep her tone even, she sat taller in her seat. “Should I piss a circle around you, then? Make it impossible for others to approach you without fear of repercussions? If what you say about my power is true, then it should be no problem for me to enact my will on any admirers you have.”
His features tightened into a deep frown. “Would you have preferred Poseidon wooing you?”
Persephone leaned in, her chair scraping the floor as she closed the space between them. Her whisper came out strained. “Don’t you think you’ve put me on his radar in the worst possible way? He might try to break your new toy, Hades . I didn’t want to be a fixture in society, and I was equally determined to not become one of its victims. You’re looking to stir up drama, and who better to do that with than your rival’s daughter?”
His full lips parted, and eyes lifted. “You think I want to harm you?”
“You took my chance to meet the rest of the gods and goddesses on my own terms. I think you want to embarrass me and my mom so everyone will talk about your app while they’re laughing at Demeter’s mindless daughter.” She knew better than to bait him like this, but after the weight of her new reality began to settle, it was too much to keep inside. He admitted that he wanted to keep others from her so that he could get to know her. But it seemed to her it was more about him getting to call dibs before she got to choose who she wanted to get to know.
Hades’ eyes widened. “Why would I embarrass you? You’re representing one of my products. That wouldn’t bode well for business.”
Scoffing, she replied, “All press is good press, right? You’ve got your image as the top villain, so wouldn’t the perfect plan be to destroy the new kid in town?”
He stilled. “How would I go about destroying you? Tarnishing your reputation?”
The confession spilled out. “Making me look like a lovesick idiot, then getting ‘caught’ with someone else.” She’d seen it before with the other gods and now it looked like he was going to do the same to her.
He sucked in a long breath. “Persephone, I would never do that to you.”
“Oh? Change of heart?” she sneered, arms still crossed, her face a mask of disgust. Yet, beneath it all, her chest felt achy and raw.
He straightened in his chair, leaning back with hands on the edge of the table. “You speak as if this is how I do business. I’ve never pulled a stunt like that.”
Throwing an exasperated look his way, she stared off, lost in frustration. Regardless of the truth of his true intentions with their arrangement, what control did she have in the situation? Her goal for the next six months was to protect herself, so why did he have to play with her like this? Make it seem like he was genuinely interested just so their inevitable break-up would be even more dramatic. And why did this bother her? She shouldn’t care.
“Tell me specifically what you’re worried about.” His pleading tone gave her pause.
She knew he was no different than the other gods. Growing up around these deities gave her a front row seat to their ever-changing romantic whims. Even Demeter had suitors one day who would disappear the next and her mom was one of the more reasonable, grounded gods. Persephone wanted someone to share her life with, not some fake boyfriend who’d forget her name as soon as their contract ended.
The best move was to keep quiet, but she couldn’t. Her future dangled in his grasp, and maybe a touch of honesty would soften him enough to end the charade. Her confession spilled out like seeds onto a garden bed.
“I don’t want to be seen as ‘Hades’ ex’ after this is over. I’ve just completed one of my best launches and it’s already clouded by this nonsense. Nothing will change for you. And unlike you and the gods, I intend to be loyal to my beloved and not hop around warming beds or having a rotation warm mine. That thought makes me sad.” Oh, how she wished she was immune to these feelings. It had only been a few days, and she was already bracing herself for disappointment and hurt after their arrangement ended. How ridiculous .
Hades shook his head. “I won’t embarrass you. Ever. And maybe Charon skipped this detail when reviewing the contracts, but there’s an infidelity clause.”
It offered some protection, sure, but could she trust him to honor it? “Charon said it was like a pre-nup.”
“Almost identical,” he replied. “Protects both of us in case you break my heart.”
“Please stop.” She rubbed her temples, eyes closed, until a horrible thought struck her. Her fingers froze, and her eyes flew open. “We’re not married, right? You didn’t sneak something like that into our contract, did you?”
He chuckled, slipping his phone back in his pocket. “Not yet.”
Her mouth tightened as his slid into a slanted smile.