Page 168 of Trick or Stalk

Hades is incredible. He’s even reading the romance book I recommended.

My eyes widen as the realization washes over me.

My gasp makes Penny lift her head.

“Oh my God.”

She trots out from her dog bed and stares up at me.

“I’m the heroine in that book.”

I meet Penny’s eyes.

“This is why we don’t make fun of fictional women for questionable decisions.”

Penny cocks her head.

“Glad you agree.”

The grandfather clock chimes.

“Well, Penny. Time to quit analyzing my life or I’ll be late for work.”

She whimpers.

“Fine. We’ll be late for work.”

She trots over to her bed and grabs her bat.

“Guess you’re taking that to work today.”

Her tail wags enthusiastically.

The bell above the door jingles.

“Welcome to The Crooked⁠—”

I look up, and the words die in my throat.

Hades.

Something inside me immediately relaxes.

And that might be even more concerning than the masked man.

“Hi.”

His smoky eyes settle on me. “Hi.”

God. Even his deep voice makes me feel better.

Penny barks and jumps out of her bed.

She races toward him, sliding into his boot when she tries to stop.

“Hey, girl.” Hades squats down and pets her. “Miss me?”

Oh, damn. My heart.