Page 134 of Hades

“Hey,” I said.

“Hey.”

She didn’t move. Didn’t invite me in. Just watched me with those careful eyes, waiting for me to prove I’d changed my mind.

I stepped forward, cupped her face, and kissed her.

Slow. Deep. Everything I couldn’t say in words.

When I pulled back, her eyes were wet.

“You came back,” she whispered.

“Of course I came back.”

“I thought you’d have time to think. To realize⁠—”

“That you’re a killer?” I brushed my thumb across her cheekbone. “Baby, I already knew that. Nothing’s changed.”

“Everything’s changed.”

I kissed her forehead. Her temple. The corner of her mouth. “Nothing that matters.”

She let out a shaky breath, then stepped back and let me inside.

Cerberus watched from his spot by the kitchen table. His tail thumped once. Approval.

I closed the door and followed her into the kitchen.

“Why are you here?” she asked quietly.

“Because you needed to see me.” I crossed to her. Close enough to feel her heat. Smell lavender and something darker underneath. “Needed to know I meant it.”

Her breath hitched.

“I see you, Lettie,” I said. “All of you. The woman who saves and the woman who destroys. And I’m not going anywhere.”

The tears came then. Silent. Devastating.

I kissed them away. Tasted salt and fear and relief.

“Bedroom,” I said.

She nodded.

I lifted her, carrying her through the house, past her mother’s closed door, up the stairs. Cerberus followed, then settled outside the bedroom like a sentinel.

Inside, I set her down, closing the door and locking it.

She watched me with wide eyes. Vulnerable in a way I’d never seen.

I crossed to her slowly, reaching for the hem of her sweater. Pulling it up and over her head as she lifted her arms to help. Underneath, she wore a simple white bra. Soft. Delicate.

I traced the edge with my fingertips, feeling her shiver.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” I murmured.

“Brock—”