Page 304 of Trick or Stalk

I take another step.

Hades's breathing changes slightly. I notice because I've learned him, too. Maybe not in the way he learned me through windows and stolen moments. But enough.

“There's something else I need to know.”

“Ask me.”

“If you could go back...”

His body goes tense.

“Would you do it again?”

He doesn't ask what I mean. He knows.

“I'd kill Grant again.”

“If you could go back to the first night you saw me through that window, knowing everything you know now, would you do all of it again?”

Something cracks across his expression. “Presley⁠—”

He stops.

He looks at me for so long I wonder if I've finally found a question he can't answer.

Then he shakes his head. “Not everything.”

I stare at him.

“I'd still follow Penny.”

A laugh escapes me.

Then he grows serious.

“I'd still see you.” His voice drops. “I'd still want you.”

My breath catches.

“I'd probably still watch longer than I should.”

“Hades.”

“You asked for honesty.”

“I really need to stop doing that.”

That earns the faintest smile.

“But I'd come to the door.”

The humor disappears.

I stare at him.

“I'd knock.”

Oh.