Page 220 of Trick or Stalk

I wrap my arms around myself.

Hades steps closer. “I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere unless you ask me to.”

My chest aches.

I believe him.

And that’s the dangerous part.

His eyes darken. “I’m here for as long as you want me to be.”

Penny lets out a tiny bark.

I look down at her. “What?”

Her tail wags, and then she launches herself at Hades’s leg.

I narrow my eyes. “You like him entirely too much.”

Hades reaches over and scratches beneath her chin. Penny immediately licks his hand.

They exchange a look.

I look from my dog to Hades. “Why do I feel like you two have a secret relationship?”

Hades goes still. Then his mouth curves. “Maybe I'm just good with dogs.”

Penny's tail thumps against my arm.

I sigh. “Little traitor.”

Hades laughs.

Penny’s nails click against the hardwood floor as she follows him into the living room like she belongs to him instead of me.

I follow both of them. “Do you want something to drink?”

“I'm good.”

“Coffee?”

He glances at the clock. “It’s almost eleven.”

“And?”

His mouth curves. “Nothing.”

“That's what I thought.”

I head toward the kitchen. “Presley.”

I turn. Hades is watching me.

“You don't have to entertain me.”

“I know.”

“You said you wanted me to stay.”