Page 313 of Trick or Stalk

My fingers curl into his shirt. “Even the terrifying asshole in the woods.”

His mouth twitches.

“And the man behind the mask.”

His hand settles carefully at my waist.

“And the man standing in front of me right now.”

His grip tightens. Something fierce moves over his face. “You're sure you know what you're choosing?”

“No.”

His eyebrows raise.

I smile. “But for once, neither of us gets to pretend I don't know who I'm choosing.”

Hades stares at me.

Then his forehead touches mine again. “I don't deserve you.”

“Probably not.”

A rough laugh leaves him. His hand slides around my waist and he pulls me closer.

“But lucky for you, I apparently have questionable taste in men.”

“Extremely.”

“And murderers.”

“One murderer.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“It should be. I'm selective.”

I laugh.

And this time, when Hades lowers his mouth toward mine, he stops barely an inch away. Close enough that I feel his breath.

My heart squeezes. “Now you're asking permission?”

“Yes.”

“Every time?”

“If that's what you want.”

I stare at his mouth. Then into his eyes. “No.”

His brow furrows.

“I don't need you to ask me every time you kiss me.”

I slide my hand behind his neck. “I need to know you'll listen when I say no.”

His expression turns serious. “Always.”