“Don’t say those things,” I whispered and couldn’t draw my focus away from him. He didn’t speak, just kept watching me with that penetrating gaze. “It’s not right—”
“What’s not right?” The way he asked it was light, almost conversational. But I could feel the underlying interest laced in those words.
And when he leaned forward ever-so-slightly, I knew he expected my answer.
“Saying things that are so… permanent.”
“It’s true though. And I would have enjoyed ending his life just for touching you.”
I swallowed roughly, heat pooling in my lower belly because Ienjoyedhearing him say those things. “None of this is right.” I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, and he watched the act, his eyes becoming hooded.
He made a strange noise in the back of his throat. It was reminiscent of a growl. Hades picked up his glass, finishing the alcohol.
“Tell me how you feel, sweetheart. Tell me all the things you want unburdened.”
How did I answer? Did I even dare say all the things that rolled around in my head? Instead, I whispered, “How I feel about you…” I swallowed roughly. “It’s not how I’m supposed to feel. How I’m supposed to feel for you. It’s wrong,” I admitted.
I looked away sharply, embarrassed I told him that.
I felt like my skin had been stripped bare, showing my soul to everyone. It was a chink in my armor, rusty and tarnished. I thought I was stronger.
“It’s the good kind of wrong, Persephone.”
I closed my eyes and swayed where I sat.
I’ve never felt more fragile in my life.
“I feel like I’m not on solid ground.” I didn’t know why this exact moment propelled me forward, had everything breaking open, but here we were.
Me opening up to a man who most likely didn’t care. A man whom I had feelings for.
My adoptive uncle.
We sat in silence. Me because I didn’t know what to say. Him because I felt like he was trying to dissect me. I wondered what he’d find, what he’d see.
“I don’t feel like I’m in control.” I felt a heavy tear roll down my cheek and quickly wiped it away, hating that I was showing any kind of vulnerability in front of a man like Hades. “I don’t know what I need anymore.”
And the longer he stared at me, saying nothing, the more disjointed I felt.
“I know what you need.”
I felt somethingzingthrough my body, as if those words were a light switch and it turned on this intense, blinding illumination inside of me.
The light from the fire licked across his enormous form as he watched me. “Stand up, Bunny, and get naked for me. It’s now time for me to be in control.”
Chapter16
Hades
“Hiding yourself from me only makes me harder.” I shifted and spread my legs slightly, letting her see the hard length of my cock punching against my slacks. “You’re so innocent, not wanting Daddy to see those perfect little breasts. Now, sweetheart.”
He smiled smoothly.
“Here’s what’s going to happen.” I took another long drink and watched her over the rim. “I’m going to speak. You’re going to listen.” Her little nostrils flared from her anger, but she kept that pretty mouth shut. “You’re going to do every single thing I say without sass, without backtalk. And I’m going to watch you obey.”
“E-excuse me?” A look of shock was rooted on her face.
The flash of defiance in her eyes had my cock throbbing in response.