“Nah,” Hades said. “You make me want to be good.”
“Except in bed.”
Hades laughed. “Except in bed. You like it when I’m bad there.”
“But you’re still so good even when you’re being bad,” Aaren said, remembering his lunch break.
Hades rumbled, sounding pleased. “Hey, I’m here.”
Someone knocked on the door. Aaren jumped.
“You did so well, sweetheart. Open up for me.”
For a moment, all of Aaren’s worries returned, punching him in the stomach. What if Hades had come to tell him he was no longer interested? What if he was doing it in person because he was the sweetest alpha Aaren had ever met?
Aaren stumbled off the couch, his heart pounding. It was okay if Hades left, right? They had only known each other for two days. Hades hadn’t done that much to change Aaren’s life.
He undid the lock with trembling fingers, his stomach trying to digest itself. Then he slowly opened the door, holding his breath as he looked up at the tall, broad figure on the front step.
Hades was lit golden by the lights in the living room, his eyes crinkled, his lips pulled into a faint smile. When he saw Aaren, his smile fell. “Oh, sweetheart.”
He stepped in and slid one arm around Aaren’s waist, pulling him close. With his other arm—the one holding a grocery bag—he shut and locked the door.
“I’m not leaving,” Hades said, hugging Aaren tightly, tight enough that his knot of anxiety unraveled.
Aaren drew a sobbing breath. “You really don’t mind?”
“We’re going to talk about that. I need to put the groceries away first; there’s raw meat in here. But no, I’m keeping you.”
Aaren wobbled. Hades ran his fingers through Aaren’s hair, leaning in to drop a kiss on top of his head. His heart thumping, Aaren followed Hades to the kitchen to help with the groceries.
Hades handed him the ingredients one by one. Aaren tucked them safely into the fridge. When they were done, Hades folded the grocery bag, his gaze dark as he watched Aaren. “How are you feeling?”
“Shaky.” Aaren sagged. “I just... I was worried.”
Hades pressed his lips into a thin line. He herded Aaren to the living room and fitted himself into the corner of the couch, spreading his legs and pulling Aaren in to sit between them. Aaren hooked his legs over Hades’ thigh, pressing his side against Hades’ chest.
“Thanks for telling me the animal story,” Aaren whispered. “It made me smile.”
“Yeah?” Hades wrapped his arms loosely around Aaren, rubbing his back with one hand and his shin with the other. “That was my best prison story.”
“You and your Brothers sounded like you had a good time there.”
“Things are always better with friends. With some love and support.” Hades slid his fingers into Aaren’s hair, pulling him close and kissing his temple. “Just like what I’m hoping to give you.”
Aaren’s heart skipped a beat. He turned his face into Hades’ kisses, curling his fingers into Hades’ shirt.
Hades drew a deep breath. Suddenly, Aaren knew what was coming.
“You have to deal with that every day? The crap he says.” Hades narrowed his eyes.
“Yeah.” Aaren stared at his fingers. “He didn’t do that when we first got together, but when he figured out I was a sure thing, he got really bad. He keeps saying I’m—” He released a shuddering breath. “It’s like I can’t do anything right. I’m always too fat or stupid or—”
Calloused fingers pressed against his lips. “Don’t repeat those words about yourself,” Hades said lowly, his voice almost a growl. “Don’t give them any more power over you.”
“But I’m... They’re a little true,” Aaren said helplessly.
Hades’ eyes flashed. “There are other words you can use to describe yourself, words that don’t put you down. So you’re a little rounder or heavier; I don’t see anything wrong with that. You talk without a filter, maybe you do silly things. Those are all good words.”
