Page 16 of Flowers Near Me

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

A DANGEROUS GOD

PERSEPHONE

A s soon as the marketing team received approval for the ad campaign, Persephone’s calendar filled with endless studio sessions, leaving only a handful of minutes with Hades each day over the past few weeks. It’d been almost two whole months since she’d been forced to work for him. Yet, every second with him felt borrowed when it should’ve been a relief that they were too busy to spend much time together.

Hades asked to join her when she ran on the track to which she replied, “Isn’t it your track?” It was nice to have company when exercising. Hades made a great workout companion too. He’d share how other parts of Underworld Unlimited were faring and would invite her opinion on the matter. Afterwards they’d shower and dress separately before returning to the kitchen to sip coffee and read the news on their phones. Their shared morning rituals were silent echoes of each other, a stubborn tether Persephone clung to, even as their schedules pulled them apart.

After Persephone watered the ever-growing, nature-defying garden in the apartment’s large sitting area, she’d play fetch with Cerberus. It wasn’t the dog’s fault his owner was evil. Between Hades’ and her continual acquisition of plants, the room was starting to resemble a greenhouse. How these sun-loving flowers were surviving with the artificial lighting, she had no clue. But Hades was convinced it was her magic. More likely, he or Hecate enchanted them before delivering the plants to the penthouse.

Charon, as usual, met her in the lobby with a fresh cup of coffee. For the past three weeks, she’d spent hours in front of the camera, reciting lines she’d rehearsed, but today, it was simple B-roll footage. Even straight-backed Charon had looser shoulders and a lively gait when they entered the studio.

“If they get enough footage this session, you’ll have more than one day off.” Charon set her tablet onto the table.

“That sounds great.” Persephone took a sip then asked, “When’s your next day off? Do you sleep?”

Laughing, Charon crossed her legs and rested her interlocked hands on one knee. “I like being busy.” No surprise there. It seemed like Charon never stopped working. She was always available whenever Persephone texted, called, or emailed her.

“But what about hobbies?” It felt like something Persephone ought to know by now. They’d spent so much time in the office together but hadn’t discussed anything personal. “What do you do for yourself?”

Charon tilted her head. “I work. That’s what I like to do.” There was more, but it didn’t look like the psychopomp was ready to reveal it yet. Whatever Charon did in her free time was not something she let spill into her work life. Could Charon secretly be a gambler or partier? It was silly but Charon’s tight-lipped manner intrigued Persephone.

“Have you always worked for Underworld Unlimited?”

“Yes, since the beginning. You know how it is with a career. Once you’ve worked somewhere long enough, you know all its secrets. It’s satisfying to have the power you need to complete the tasks ahead of you. I like the feeling a lot.”

Persephone hummed her agreement, holding her phone tighter. It was a Thursday and had she still been working at Demeter’s Bounty, Hermes and she would be in the middle of their ops team’s weekly debrief. Wondering how they were doing, she typed a short message to Hermes. She hadn’t heard much about DB in weeks.

The stylist began combing Persephone’s hair.

Persephone

How’s everything going? How’s my mom?

Three little dots appeared immediately, and Persephone watched the screen.

Hermes

Has she called you?

Persephone

No. Is she in the office?

Her heart sped. Why did Hermes asked if she had called? He ought to know more since he was still at DB. Why hadn’t her mom called? Even checked in? It wouldn’t take more than a minute for her to say she was thinking of her.

It would do her no good, fretting over her mom’s behavior. Demeter was a capable goddess. And if Persephone kept worrying, she’d look angry or sick in the recordings. She stashed the phone into her bag.

“Is everything okay?” Charon asked, leaning closer to Persephone.

Persephone swallowed. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”

“Oh. Okay.” Charon’s expression softened in understanding.

They sat in a companionable silence as the stylist worked on Persephone’s makeup. The nagging worry of her mom still lingered. If Demeter could just say something, anything , then she could let it be. She stopped texting after the first couple of weeks of trying to get a hold of her. Eventually, she gave up. She’d have to wait until her mom was ready.

Charon asked, “So tell me, what are your hobbies?”

Chasing after my mom, was her first thought. “I love to garden. Back home there are fields of wildflowers and herbs I’ve tended for years. That’s why I was so excited about Flowers Near Me in the first place.”

“It sounds beautiful. The potted garden you’ve grown in the apartment is so lush. I bet your wildflower one is unlike anything else I’ve seen.” Charon’s calm voice stirred something in Persephone’s chest.

“I would love to show you. It’s funny because when Eurydice first told me about the app, I pictured gathering bundles and bringing them to the city to sell. Of course, each time I was called into the office, I was in such a rush that I never did it.”

Charon chuckled. “Why not grow more flowers in the apartment?”

Did Charon really not know how to garden? She seemed more than capable of keeping a plant alive but maybe not if all her life she’d lived underground. “Flowers need a lot of sunlight.”

“Not when you’re tending to them,” Charon quipped. “Anyway, your mom’s estate sounds lovely. We should’ve shot footage there.”

Persephone shook her head. “I doubt my mom is keen on helping with any of this.”

“Have you spoken with her recently?”

Persephone swallowed against the thickness that grew in her throat at the mention of her mom. She wasn’t normally one to let her emotions get the better of her, but the weeks of no contact from Demeter were starting to take their toll and she was perilously close to tears as she said, “I haven’t.”

Charon fiddled with her necklace. “Want me to bring her to you?”

Persephone’s eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise. “You could really do that?”

With a quick bob of her shoulders, Charon replied, “I’m fairly good at retrieving people. We have several mutual friends so I’d imagine it wouldn’t take long.”

“Good to know.” Persephone’s comment trailed off and she put her fingertips to her pursed lips. Charon was better than she let on.

“So… would you like me to setup a meeting with your mom?”

Should she? Would her mom appreciate the effort or be disappointed that Persephone needed others to advocate for her? “No, that’s alright. Hermes could make her meet with me if it were an emergency. I’ll wait for when she’s ready.”

Charon gave Persephone a contemplative look. “She’s angry with you ?”

“I think so. She hasn’t responded to any of my messages. And since I’m no longer her employee, I can’t use a work meeting to lure her out either.”

“I’m sorry. I’d assumed she’d be upset with Hades. Not you.”

Shrugging, Persephone said, “She means well. I know she cares, and I can’t imagine it’s been easy on her.”

A producer shouted for Persephone from the hallway leading to the set. She handed her purse to Charon and held her head high. She hadn’t checked to see what else Hermes had to say and now she’d determined to put her mom out of her mind for the rest of the day.

The director had Persephone arranging flowers and pretending to use a phone to snap photos. The task that felt more tedious with each passing minute. She scanned for Charon but only caught quick glimpses of the woman flitting around the set. Hecate appeared instead, lounging in a director’s chair with effortless grace, her sandaled feet draped over the armrest, the silky train of her skirt pooling like liquid moonlight. Strands of her dark hair floated as if lifted by an unseen breeze, a testament to her ethereal magic.

“When are you done today?” Hecate called out.

“Not until later,” Persephone replied, adjusting a stubborn rose. “But if we wrap quickly, I might have a few days off. Why do you ask?”

“I wanted us to grab lunch.” She inspected her nails, and wisps of plum-colored smoke curled from her fingertips, carrying a sweet, soothing fragrance like lavender and butter cookies.

Persephone’s nose crinkled in delight. “Is that smell from you? Or is someone baking lavender shortbread?”

Hecate tilted her head. “You can smell my magic?”

“Of course. It’s amazing,” Persephone said, fussing with the flowers again. “Can’t everyone smell it?”

“No, not everyone,” said Hecate as she gave a feline smile. Before Persephone could respond, the director called out, “Clip the flower stems a bit, Persephone.”

She picked up the shears, but her gaze met Hecate’s, who seemed ready to ask a question, her crimson lips parting before she pressed them shut. “What’s wrong?” Persephone asked.

Hecate cleared her throat. “Nothing. You have keen sense for magic.”

Keeping her shoulders loose, Persephone replied, “I’ve been around it my whole life.”

“It’s in you,” Hecate replied. Based on what Hecate had shared with Persephone—that she had helped Demeter to consume a field of poppies which led to Persephone’s conception—the goddess and her were magically linked. Just like she could sense the intricacies of her mom’s power, she would recognize Hecate’s as familiar too.

Hecate asked, “Enough about my magic. How does it feel to be done with filming all the speaking parts?”

“It’s a relief. I never want to see myself on video again.”

Hecate laughed. “I heard you’ve done a great job. The only one that’s complained about any of it is Hades and that’s only because it’s kept you busy and away from him. You know… he’s watched then rewatched all the footage of you. I’ve caught him drooling at his computer screen too many times to count.”

She couldn’t imagine Hades drooling, ever, but the thought of him transfixed, watching her made her face grin and stomach flip. Despite her healthy fear of the god, she enjoyed his attention. What Hecate said couldn’t be true. When she’d hugged him on the golf course, he’d frozen in horror. He just knew how to appear doting when the moment called for it.

Persephone replied, “He’s probably regretting choosing a brand ambassador who lacks on-screen experience.” They should’ve picked Aphrodite.

“Not a chance. He’s so besotted he thinks you can do no wrong. It’s quite entertaining to see the mighty Hades act like a lovesick fool.”

Persephone tried to laugh off Hecate’s insinuation but the memory of their golf date lingered. She thought back to the gentle way he’d taught her to swing, and how his touch had set fire to her veins. A burst of leather and evergreen in the air pulled her back. The camera was still recording so she schooled her features to try not to look like a swooning idiot. Maybe it wasn’t as one-sided as she thought.

Hades’ deep voice called out from behind the monitor the director had told her was called a video tap. “Go back ten seconds. Yes, right there. That’s the shot.”

From her peripheral, she caught the outline of Hades’ broad shoulders as he stood next to a seated Hecate. Immediately, her treacherous heart started to thud.

“What were you just thinking about a moment ago? You looked euphoric.”

Not willing to admit she was thinking about him, she stammered, “I-um…”

Hecate groaned. “Yes, yes. She’s lovely to look at but keep it to yourself so she can work.”

Thank the Fates for Hecate . She met Hecate’s eyes, and the goddess gave her a sly wink .

Hades chuckled. “Hecate, did you know that attractive people are less likely to receive compliments? Everyone assumes they’re used to admiration, but it’s often the words left unsaid that matter most.”

“Speaking from experience? That’s why no one compliments you?” Hecate cocked one brow, and Persephone held in her giggle as the corners of her mouth lifted.

“Such wit.” Hades adjusted his watch. “Sephy,”—his gaze lingered on her—“is Hecate bothering you? Say the word, and I’ll remove her. I’d much rather have you all to myself.”

Hecate rolled her eyes and a light purple mist surrounded her. “I came here to invite her to lunch, not flirt with her.”

“She’s been keeping me company on set,” added Persephone.

“Persephone, I’ll text you later when your guard dog isn’t around.” The hissing of falling sand sounded, and Hecate disappeared from her chair.

“Sir, want us to take a break?” the director asked Hades.

“Please. I need your star for a moment.” Hades strode onto the set and offered his hand with an unmistakably possessive intensity in his eyes.

They walked together to her dressing room and Persephone closed the door.

“What does Hecate’s magic smell like to you?” she asked.

Hades furrowed his brow then inclined his head. “Hm, something akin to herbaceous pastries. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. It smelled like lavender cookies to me.”

“Do you know how your power smells?”

What did it smell like? Did it have a noticeable presence? If there was a scent, would it have notes reminiscent of her mom’s?

“Faintly floral? I’m not sure I have enough power for it to smell at all.”

Shaking his head, Hades said, “If you picked up Hecate’s, then you’d have enough to emit a scent. If you had no power, you’d only feel her magic and your other senses wouldn’t pick it up.”

Persephone considered his statement. Interrupting her pondering, Hades said, “Yours is jasmine and vanilla. It’s the best thing I’ve ever smelled.”

Persephone held him with a glare. “The best thing you’ve ever smelled?” She shook her head. “Anyway, why are you here? I thought you’d be stuck in meetings.” It came out harsher than intended but perhaps that was for the best. She disliked how much she was softening towards him.

“I was,” he admitted, his voice a low rumble, “but I needed to see you.” He reached out, his fingers trailing gently along her ear before tucking a stray lock of hair behind it. The touch lingered, sending shivers down her spine. “What were you thinking about on set? You looked… radiant. Almost blissful.”

“Don’t remember. Probably thinking about food.” No way would she tell him the truth. Instead, she gave him a slanted smile. “How are things with the app?”

He leaned back against the vanity, backlit by the bulbed lights, his eyes narrowing at her change of subject. “The dev team is having issues with a bug, but they’re making progress.”

She could still feel the trail of his touch around her ear. “Is Eurydice worried?”

He raised his shoulders and crossed his arms. “Can’t tell. She’s always skittish so I don’t know if I’d recognize worry in her.”

“If I were her, I’d be skittish too. She’s trusting you with her own creation.”

Amusement glinted in his eyes. “Charon said you’ve earned a few days off.” He put his hands on the edge of the table at his sides.

“Yes, as long as they get what they need recorded today. Why don’t I use the time to help with this tech issue? I’m familiar with QA testing and app launches.”

He fussed with his cuffs. “You don’t want a break?”

“Not really. I’m much better behind the scenes than in front of the camera. I’d rather be ensuring the app’s successful launch than the face promoting it.”

His silver eyes lit up. “Why not do both? Charon said you rejected the offer to be the Chief Product Officer. Would you reconsider?”

She crossed her arms. “I’m happy to help, not take someone’s job.”

Hades laid a hand on his chest. “My job, Sephy. I’ve been managing the role until you’d step in.”

“You didn’t hire or re-assign someone for the position?” Surely someone else had stepped in.

“I was waiting for the right talent to become available. When can you start?”

This type of experience better suited her long-term goal of becoming DB’s president. “Immediately. When’s the next dev team check-in?” Sure, Charon had offered her the role back on her first day in Hades’ penthouse, but Persephone wasn’t an Underworld Unlimited insider at the time. Now she’d seen more of its operations and knew this could be a good opportunity to do more than be the face of a product.

“Hold on there. You’ve just wrapped a month’s worth of filming, and as eager as I am to have you as CPO, there are a few loose ends we need to tie up.”

What loose ends were there? “Do I need to sign extra paperwork?”

Hades made a noncommittal hum in the back of his throat. “Only a new employment agreement for your pay increase.” He paused. “I’m more concerned about us taking this next step in making ourselves a more convincing couple. I suspect some think our relationship isn’t real.”

Waving one hand, she replied, “It isn’t. So, why are you concerned? Did someone say something?”

“No, and that’s part of the problem. There were a few murmurings and some well-placed articles back when you started with us but not much since. It’s time to tell people that we’re living together.” Hades stood up from the table and circled Persephone at a polite distance.

Persephone remained still. If they went public, how much ridicule would her mom receive for her daughter not only working for but flirting with the enemy? Would she become angrier? Would she finally reach out?

Of course her mom knew of the business arrangement, but not that their relationship was faked for the media. Maybe this would inspire her to respond?

The thought held the sourness of immaturity but Persephone’s lack of options sweetened the bitter taste. Four more months and she’d be free of the contract and able to explain everything to her trusted circle. Until then, most of her day-to-day was out of her control.

An idea bubbled to the surface. If her mom thought she actually was dating Hades, maybe Demeter would finally contact her?

“Hades, aren’t we supposed to be going on public dates? You know… if we were seen out together again doing something a couple does. Even with your busy schedule, we could fit in a lunch or dinner and make it look convincing.”

As soon as the words spilled out, Hades grinned like the cat who’d got the cream.

“Sephy, that’s a wonderful idea and I’m elated to hear you suggest it.” He stepped close behind her, his mouth inches from her ear and his cedar cologne causing her to swallow hard. “How do you suggest we make it look convincing?”

Persephone turned her head towards his. She gritted her teeth but kept a cocky smile. “I’ll have to think about it. This is my first fake relationship, so I’m not sure.”

Hades’ eyes dropped to her mouth for a few seconds before he straightened his back and stepped around to face her.

“It’s never been fake for me,” he confessed, his eyes searching hers. He took a breath. “What if, just once, you didn’t have to pretend? Let me take you somewhere we can be seen but still have a quiet moment, just the two of us. Drop your guard, even if only a little, and let me try to earn your heart.”

Persephone sighed and closed her eyes. She wished that was true, but how could she believe him? Her whole life she was surrounded by gods and learned very quickly that they couldn’t be trusted.

Releasing a long exhale, she said, “Look. I’m not like you. I don’t have a long line of past lovers I’ve moved on from. I… um…” Persephone looked off to the side then met his gaze again. “We’re business partners, yes?” She gestured between them.

“Yes, of course. Equals too.”

“Right. Well, as my business partner, it’s my responsibility to be honest about my capabilities and limitations.”

“Okay…” Hades’ face tensed in concentration.

“It has to be completely fake for me.” Even one date where she allowed herself to consider it real was foolhardy. That golf date had messed with her brain.

His eyes and mouth softened and his voice lowered to a strong whisper. “But why can’t one date be real? It could be similar to our golf outing, but with the general populace around.”

How could she make a god understand? The golf outing was a prime example of why she couldn’t do this. He could turn on and off his feelings as easily as snapping his fingers to make Cerberus sit or fetch. Apparently, she no longer had that kind of command over her heart.

“Human hearts don’t work that way.” Her hand shot up before he could interrupt, telling her she wasn’t a mortal. “There’s only real or fake. I can’t give you a real chance because it could become real to me and then in four months, I look like an idiot and feel even worse. I won’t do that. My heart is soft and pliable so I take great care with it. What you’re suggesting is careless.”

“How are you so certain you’ll look like an idiot in four months?”

“I mean, come on. I could end up mourning real feelings from a publicity stunt. It’s pathetic.” She stood behind the lone dressing room chair, pinching the black fabric stretched across its back. This is how it was with the gods. They’d say or do anything to get what they wanted. Mortals were nothing to them.

“I told you from the beginning, this could be as real or as pretend as you wanted. But my desire for you, Persephone, is very real. I’m not playing a part when I say I want you—beyond the contract, beyond all of this.” His voice grew husky. “I’m already yours. Tell me how I can prove it.”

With a light laugh, she replied, “Fates, you are so convincing.”

Mortals were toys with expiration dates. She did well to remember that.

Hand on his heart, a stern-faced Hades said, “It’s the truth. Why do you think I orchestrated the Flowers Near Me acquisition?”

“Because of the IP. We discussed this.”

He shook his head. “That was an afterthought I shared with my team. We already have IP similar to it. I knew you had interest in the app and saw an opportunity for us to spend time together.”

“Forcibly,” she warned.

“Would you have ever agreed to a date otherwise?”

His assumption was correct. She wouldn’t have and they both knew it.

“Probably not. But what happens when your next project or deal is to be made and a more advantageous match is found?” Persephone crossed her arms with fingers splayed on her biceps. “When this no longer suits your or Underworld Unlimited’s interest, then you’ll move on without hesitation. I think sometimes you forget who my mom is and that even if I haven’t lived as long as you, I still know how gods operate.”

Hades’ gaze dropped to the floor. “I can understand your hesitation, but I have not made promises or assurances to others as I have with you.” Hades gave her a devious smile. “I intend to prove you wrong. You’ll see that I love you.”

Love? This was too much. She wanted to sneak into a closet and scream into a pillow. Or throw herself into a wheat field and let the stalks consume her. Whether from tension, frustration, or anticipation, she wasn’t sure, but she needed to bolster her defenses before she was sucked into his orbit. The gods could warp one’s mind with their alluring words from their perfect mouths.

The most tempting is the most dangerous.

And Hades the most dangerous of them all.