Page 7 of Flowers Near Me
CHAPTER SEVEN
WELCOME HOME, SEPHY
PERSEPHONE
“ C ome with me and I’ll explain everything.” Hades held out one arm and gestured towards the front door behind Persephone.
“Hold on,” she said with a raised hand. Craning her neck, she stretched her head past Hades’ shoulder to peer down the empty hallway. In the kitchen doorway were the backs of two figures wearing suit jackets. The unknown voices speaking earlier were now silent. Probably too busy listening in on her conversation with Olympus’ most feared god.
“Laura,” she called, wanting a witness to whatever was about to transpire.
A relieved breath escaped seeing her sister appear between the suit-wearing pair. Laura entered the foyer with a giddy Helena skipping along. “I told him you don’t know any of the details of the acquisition.” She expected Laura to look incensed that Hades and his crew had bombarded her home. Instead, her sister’s face was pinched in confusion.
Bouncing and smiling, Helena hugged Persephone’s legs. “Have fun, Aunt Sephy! Mom says you’re going to start a new job and that you’re moving to Olympus forever.”
What? The foyer grew smaller, the air thickening in her lungs.
Throwing a frenzied look at her sister, Persephone bent down and distractedly hugged her niece, murmuring, “If anything, I’m going to prison, Helena.”
“Sephy!” Laura scolded before pulling Helena back to her and saying softly, “Honey, Aunt Sephy is joking. She’s in shock and saying weird things.” Laura’s eyes bugged out as she scowled at Persephone. Too upset to care, she gave Laura a blank look.
Hades offered his palm. “It sounds like you were kept in the dark and I’d like to fix that. Let’s talk in the car as we go to your new apartment. I can explain the contract’s terms.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Laura would save her. She had to. Looking at her sister, she pleaded, “Tell him there’s no enforceable contract.”
Laura stepped close and whispered, “Sephy, you know the way of the gods better than I do. There’s no way out of this without you fulfilling your end of the bargain.”
In a hushed tone, she argued, “But I never made a bargain with him.”
“I know,” said Laura. “But he’s decided to uphold part of the deal you signed with Eurydice. I don’t think you can stop this.” With a flick of her eyes, Laura gestured towards Hades standing nearby. “It’s too dangerous for you to fight it. Please just go with him and text me later. Okay?”
Through gritted teeth, Persephone said, “Let me get my bag.”
Laura touched her arm, a gentler look in her eye now. “Your stuff is already in his car. Don’t worry if you left anything here. Hades invited us over to your apartment for dinner tomorrow.”
Squinting at her sister, Persephone tried to make sense of the words. She lived at her mom’s estate. Not in an apartment. And why in the Fates’ names would he be inviting people over to her place?
No one was listening to reason. She needed to regain her composure and clear her mind without Hades hovering nearby. “See you later, then?”
Laura’s tender gaze held Persephone’s. “We’ll see you later.”
“Bye, Aunt Sephy!” Helena held onto the side of her mom’s leg and gave her aunt a big grin.
Persephone managed a stiff smile. She pulled her phone from her pocket and gripped it like a lifeline. Turning to leave, she walked out as Hades held the door.
Was her family really going to let her leave with him ? When he offered his arm, she took it, but stared at the hand holding him as if it were not her own. What option did she have? Her mom’s terse recommendation had left her head spinning and Laura’s resignation cut like an axe.
If her mom hadn’t stopped it and Laura accepted it, did that mean she was truly stuck working for Underworld Unlimited for the next six months?
A strange numbness filled her veins as she walked with Hades towards his dark SUV.
The car’s interior exuded the now-familiar, bewitching scent of leather and cedar. Warm lights glowed along the floor, but Persephone was too tense to appreciate the luxury.
Once the door closed, the intoxicating smell of his cologne begged her to come closer. She closed her eyes, wishing her body wouldn’t react like this. He wasn’t just one of the Olympus elite, he was Hades , her vicious rival who’d stop—had already stopped it seemed—at nothing to do what he pleased. And she’d do well to remember she was a bug under his leather loafer.
“Tell me what you know, and I’ll fill in the rest,” Hades said, his voice a smooth command.
Persephone clenched her fists. “I signed an acquisition agreement with Eurydice to buy her app and somehow , you now own the patent of that app.” Frustration sharpened her words.
He leaned his forearms on his thighs and studied her face. “You did sign an agreement, yes, but here’s the thing: you’ve signed on as a spokesperson to promote an app that was already owned by me. So, for the next six months you’re my employee who’s agreed to be the face of Flowers Near Me .”
She stared back, unable to process what he meant. Was she in shock?
Noticing her confusion, Hades added, “You should know that if you don’t fulfill the terms of the contract, you’re stuck in a twenty year non-compete which prohibits you from working with any company in Olympus.”
Her heart stopped. “Even you can’t do that.”
“Oh, I can.” He straightened in his seat. “You signed an agreement with tech I own . Now Underworld Unlimited’s contract terms are in play, and I have a strict and comprehensive noncompete.”
Fates. She’d walked right into one of his traps. Don’t break. Not in front of him.
The deep timbre of his voice pulled her attention back to his face. How could someone so ruthless have a voice that divine? Only a god, of course. It wasn’t fair.
“Your mom’s team missed a clause,” Hades continued, eyes gleaming. “My retroactive terms kick in immediately, binding you to my company and its spokesperson requirements, which include an honor code to protect brand integrity and a handler to be assigned to you.”
Persephone couldn’t believe it. Wouldn’t believe it. Mom just needs more time for the legal team to reverse this. She’d never let her fall into Underworld Unlimited, alone. That level of cruelty might come from others, but never her mom.
And if there was one lesson Demeter had drilled into her, it was how to outsmart a vicious god. Don’t provoke them but guide them gently to your desired conclusion. She simply needed to have him see how terrible of a plan this was and that he was better off releasing her from the agreement.
Persephone pressed her fingertips to her mouth before asking, “How do you see things playing out if I’m the app’s spokesperson?”
He glanced out the window before looking back at her. “Perfectly. There’s no one better than Olympus’ newest sweetheart to promote a flower marketplace app.”
Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “But why not a respected figure? Sort of undermines the app if it’s me, doesn’t it?”
His brows furrowed. “How do you mean?”
This is good. He’s listening. “Think about it. If I left Demeter’s Bounty after working there for well over a decade, forsaking my own mom to do business with our main competitor, how do you think that looks?”
“It looks like the app is too good to pass up.” He smirked.
She leaned back and pursed her lips. “So you’re saying that if a child of Zeus went off to promote a competitor’s product, you’d assume the product was that good.”
Hades shrugged. “Probably. I’d be curious enough to download the app and see what all the fuss was about.”
“Okay, but what if the product had nothing to do with his kid’s expertise? What if everyone saw it like a distractible child going from one shiny object to another?”
“Then I’d want to see the shiny object. It’s like I said. I’d want to see what the fuss was about.”
This wasn’t going how she wanted. How could she convince him? What did he value?
“How could having me as the spokesperson benefit your bottom line?” Was it about the money or was it about getting back at Demeter’s Bounty?
“The people of Olympus adore you. If you’re selling it, then they’re buying.”
Gods, she wanted to wipe that pleased look off his face. Maybe with the back of her hand flying at a high rate of speed.
“I’ve never been the face of a brand. And I’d never trust my enemy’s daughter with a new product.”
He simply crossed his arms and smiled like she’d said something cute.
She sighed. “What about Chloris, the Goddess of Flowers? Or Aphrodite? Titans , even Artemis is a better choice.”
He shook his head. “You’re not going to change my mind, Sephy. Now let’s get back to what’s included in your agreement.”
Oh, she would change his mind. It just might take more than one conversation.
She shrugged. “Fine. You were saying I’ll have a handler?”
“Yes, and good news for you.” Hand on his chest. “I’ve assigned myself.”
She stared at him and with a clipped tone replied, “Wonderful.” This penchant for dramatic revelations was not something she’d encourage with a shocked reply.
Outside, clusters of pedestrians filled the sidewalks. The car rolled along slowly, embedded in the start of Saturday lunch traffic.
If Hades was her chaperone for the next six months, she might have a lot of freedom given his many commitments as CEO. Her mom worked sleepless nights and marathon days. Surely, he did the same. One can’t run hell without toiling all day and night.
The air grew cold and she shuddered at the sudden change. Hades cleared his throat. “It’s in your professional best interest to comply with these new contract terms, Persephone. Your ability to sell this app reflects on your reputation, and it’d be a pity to see Demeter’s top executive fail when she’s no longer under the protection of her mother.”
There it was. Revenge after Demeter’s Bounty’s recent success. Why would he do the work of embarrassing her when she could make a fool of herself?
The worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Painful as it was to admit, her reputation was on the line, as was the public’s perception of Demeter’s Bounty. That didn’t mean she had to put him at ease, assured that she’d do a good job. She half-grinned, forcing the epitome of innocence through a rounded-eye look.
“Of course.”
Hades pointed his pinched fingers at her. “This resignation…” He hummed low in his throat, then shook his head. “I don’t buy it.”
Persephone leaned back in her seat and clasped her hands, trying to hold back a smile. Maybe he wasn’t getting the frantic reaction he’d hoped for? Thank the Fates he couldn’t read her mind or he’d know just how rattled she was.
Shifting forward, Hades held her gaze. What felt like a century passed, but she didn’t crack under his scrutiny. He settled back into his seat.
“Once we get you set up in the apartment, you’ll have time to review the documents that have been signed on your behalf,” said Hades.
She tightened her jaw. Signed on your behalf?
He crossed an ankle over his knee, looking every bit the arrogant mogul he was. “While the brand team plans the marketing campaign, you and I will attend a few events together.”
Persephone took in a slow breath. Enough time to figure out an exit.
Hades had yet to look away from her. Like he knew she’d snap if he just stared long enough. His full lips tipped up on one side as he said, “To kick things off, we’re going to start to do things together that a couple would as they enter a courtship.”
Persephone almost snorted. “Courtship? If this is all about dating, why the business partnership? There are plenty of sites where you can find an escort.”
“I’m glad you’re asking. You see, this teasing comes so naturally because we’re a great pair.” He gestured his hand between the two of them.
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “What are you talking about?”
“Romance sells flowers,” Hades said, leaning in. “We pretend to date, and the app becomes irresistible. People crave a love story.”
She squinted as her upper lip curled. “Sounds manipulative.” And phony, and borderline idiotic. But she’d keep those descriptions to herself.
“All good marketing is.” Hades’ mouth curved up in a devilish grin.
Rubbing her brow, Persephone asked, “We’ll pretend to date so that when I promote the app, people will be more excited?”
“Yes, that’s basically it.” Was that contentment painting his face? Would he still look pleased if she shoved him out of his moving car?
“And what does this false romance look like?” He intended to embarrass her, but she’d get ahead of his scheme. He had no clue of the emotional control she’d honed working for her mom.
Hades leaned forward within arm’s reach. “Whatever you want it to look like.”
Persephone straightened in her seat, but kept her gaze trained on him. “I’m not touching you to sell an app.”
He laughed. “I’d hope not. I’d rather you touch me because you wanted to.”
She spat out a laugh. “Charming.”
His eyes narrowed. “This can be as real or fake as you’d like. Personally, I’m keeping an open mind.”
“This could never be real,” she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
A wicked smile played on his lips. “We’ll see.”
Once the car stopped, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her eyes shot open when Hades unbuckled her belt, his thumb brushing the side of her thigh. That tiny point of contact lit a fire in her veins. The scent of a winter forest and his eyes locking with hers ensnared her for a brief moment. When his gaze dipped to her lips, the spell broke, and he ducked out of the car.
The fiend used his power on me. Such a dirty trick of the gods. It could be amusing to watch it happen, but it was infuriating to be subjected to it. She’d seen her mom move negotiations in her favor with her power of compulsion but hated it when she’d done the same to Persephone to get her to eat all her vegetables, clean her room, or—after she’d become an adult—work countless hours on a project.
Persephone looked up at the obsidian skyscraper as she accepted Hades’ offered hand and exited the car. Across the street, Narcisi, the restaurant where she and Eurydice had met last night, sat quietly, unaware of how well it had lured her into Hades’ realm. He didn’t let go as she stepped onto the sidewalk, so she sent him a curious scowl.
Seemingly unconcerned by her reaction, he faced forward and coaxed her along with a gentle tug towards Underworld Unlimited’s headquarters. Panic twisted in her gut. Right now, she could be seen holding his hand, walking into the lair of her mother’s greatest rival.
Her mother’s words echoed: the damage is done. Would Persephone truly have to keep up the charade of this so-called relationship?
As they entered the imposing lobby, the gray-streaked marble floors reflected the crisp morning sunlight. The attendants behind the front desk nodded at Hades as he led Persephone towards a doorway behind them. Standing in a straight line facing the counter, the reception team looked like a row of toy soldiers. Sleek, dark pants cinched at their waists. Their black crew neck sweaters must’ve kept the cool air at bay.
They approached a steel elevator. “Here’s how you access the apartment,” he said, pointing to a half-sphere camera. “Facial recognition will unlock it.”
She nodded absently, the dread in her chest deepening. The door opened with a low gong, and they stepped into the mirrored elevator. Hades’ hand hovered near her shoulder blade, his presence suffocating.
“B13 takes you to the apartment. We’ll get your fingerprints into our system today.”
He pressed a button. B13 . Basement Level Thirteen. Her pulse thudded in her ears. Could a mortal safely go that far underground?
“Hold on!” Persephone punched the red STOP button. “I’m not immortal, Hades.”
He cocked one eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” She took labored breaths in and out, all former composure forfeited now the threat of being stuck that far below the earth’s surface weighed on her.
He threw her a confused look. Of course he wouldn’t understand. He was an immortal god. “Fear not. I’ve brought mortals down here before and they were fine.” With a wink, he pressed B13 again. “Better than fine in some cases.”
Persephone would’ve rolled her eyes but needed to put her hand on the metal railing before she tipped over. Is the air thinner here? Fates, is that what happens below sea level? Or is it the pressure that’ll kill you? She leaned one shoulder on the mirrored glass for support.
Looking annoyingly unbothered, Hades smiled. “Are you jealous that I’ve brought others down here, Sephy?” He placed his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t think we’d progress this far the first day.”
She gripped the railing harder but held her other palm up at him. “Save it.”
The elevator plummeted, and her stomach flipped. Pressure built in her chest as B3, B4, B5 quickly ended in B13. The doors rolled back, and her ears popped. Every sound grew louder around her until she swallowed.
A warm hand gave a tender squeeze on her shoulder. “Are you alright?”
She hadn’t fainted. Through clenched teeth, she said, “I’m fine.”
Hades looped his arm around her back and held her side against him. The reminder that she wasn’t alone in the deep trenches of the earth was an odd comfort. Hades wouldn’t have been her first choice as a companion, but his steady grip had her leaning into his side. He ushered her out of the elevator, but she put distance between them as soon as she felt stable on her feet.
She followed him over the lush runners lining the textured stone entryway, hammered golden sconces on the wall. The space opened into a vaulted ceiling with a room the size of a temple. In the center of the main living space, suede sofas circled a fire pit carved into black marble. Off to one side, a rectangular marble island protected a large kitchen. Near the kitchen, a modern staircase of bronzed metal holding pinewood planks led to a balconied room.
The sound of nails scratching the floor announced the arrival of a shepherd-type dog with fluffy blue merle fur.
Hades held up his hand, and the dog halted, then lay down. He bent with one knee to scratch behind the dog’s ears. When he stopped, the dog tilted his head and looked, unblinking, at Persephone.
“Wait—why is there a dog here?” she asked.
Hades turned to her, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Because you’re living with me.”
Her brief calm shattered. “What?”
He spread his arms wide, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Welcome home, Sephy.”