Maybe it was immaturity. Maybe it was privilege or entitlement. But I had never even thought my parents wouldn’t be around. I had stupidly thought there was security for me, and I wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
As if he’d seen that realization on my face, he slowly pushed the papers back toward me. “You can either sign these, or you can leave the house tomorrow morning and hope the real world doesn’t eat you alive, Princess.” He flashed me a smile. “The house is being sold. And any other assets your father may have had are being liquidated to pay off his debts. So believe me when I say, sweetheart, you literally are stuck between a rock and a hard place.” His jaw tightened, and I heard him grind his back molars.
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know how to respond. My parents had sheltered me my entire life. I hadn’t ever wanted for anything, my every whim and wish handed over like candy to a toddler.
I had no real-world experiences aside from the vacations my parents took me on or what I learned in a textbook.
“Can I think about it?” My voice was whisper-thin, and for a suspended moment, he didn’t respond, just stared at me with that unwavering focus that I was sure had lesser men cowering before him.
I didn’t know why I even had to think about it. If what he said was true, which I’d have to verify with my father’s attorney, I didn’t really have a choice. I couldn’t access any of the money my parents left me for another three years. And I had nowhere to stay, nowhere to go.
But a part of me didn’t want to give in so easily because I was trapped in a corner. I didn’t want to submit to a man like Hades.
“You have until tomorrow morning. That’s when I’m leaving and going back to the city.” He leaned forward again. “That’s when the movers are coming to clear out the house.”
My breath caught, and I covered my mouth with the back of my hand. “So soon?” My words were muffled, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Life doesn’t stop. We have to move.” Something flickered over his face, and he exhaled, running a hand over his jaw, seeming deep in thought. “Take the paperwork,” he finally said and glanced at me. “Have your father’s attorney look it over. I’ll come by tomorrow to see what you’ve decided. And if you are coming with me, be ready with a bag packed. Only the things you can’t live without.”
I hated how he said that term, so condescending.
“I’ll purchase anything else you need.”
I said nothing but stood and grabbed the stack of papers, pressing them to my chest as if they were some kind of lifeline that would keep me stable.
“You’re a bastard.” The words were spoken low and hoarse.
“Yes,” he said, unwavering. “I am.”
With one last lingering look into Hades’ dark eyes, I turned and left the study, closing the door behind me and leaning back against it.
I didn’t know what the future held, but my options were limited. I wished I had someone to talk to, someone to confide in and ask questions of.I wished my parents were here, wished I had friends who were genuine and cared about how I felt or what I thought. But I was alone. Utterly and totally by myself.
And it was time to grow up.
Chapter4
Persephone
Iwas pretty sure this was what it felt like if you were to jump out of an airplane without a parachute.
I looked at Henry, my father’s attorney, as he scanned over the legal forms I’d been given last night.
I didn’t miss how he cleared his throat several times or how he lifted his hand and loosened his tie, as if it were too tight.
The silence that stretched out between us was thick and suffocating. I watched the grandfather clock in the dining room, which was where I’d spoken with Henry about all of this. My father’s study—where even more of my life had been turned upside down in the last twenty-four hours—was the last place I wanted to conduct this.
And then the image of Hades slammed into my mind.
I closed my eyes and breathed out as that familiar chill raced along my arms. He’d been like a ghost in my life. His presence was very much felt, yet completely unseen.
Henry pulled his shoulders back. I focused on him once more, holding my breath for what he was about to say.
I started rubbing my hands together, and suddenly, my nerves were so high I was almost licking the ceiling. “So, what’s the verdict?” I offered a tight smile.
“It’s all legal.” His brows lowered. “I’ll be honest.” He took his tortoise shell glasses off and rubbed his eyes before slipping them back on. “I’m not sure how any of this is legal, but Judge Martin Wilcox signed it.”
I made a note to search for who this judge was when I was alone.