Page 69 of Hades

“My only.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Hades

Iknow the moment Evelyn is awake. She tenses in my arms, leaving me to wonder how she will react to the morning light.

“Morning, Princess,” I mumble against her hair.

She’s sprawled out over my chest, leg hitched over my hips. I’ve been holding her like this for hours. I should have been sleeping, but the way I feel has had me on edge. I am not used to feeling anything positive. Even when I ride, it’s not exactly a positive feeling. It’s more calming for all of the thoughts constantly running through my mind.

This new feeling inside. Content with the woman in my arms. Maybe even…happy?

Yeah, it has me wondering what is going to happen to take it all away from me. After what I did in my past, I don’t deserve this.

“Morning.” She relaxes back into me, nuzzling my chest.

“Have any regrets?” I ask.

She is quiet for a moment. “No. Not one. Do you?”

Her voice is barely a whisper.

Almost as if she is unsure of what my answer will be.

“No regrets. More like wondering how I got so lucky. Lord knows I don’t deserve you,” I admit.

She pulls back, looking up at me. “That’s not true. You’re a good man. I wish you saw yourself the way I see you.”

“You don’t know my past.” I press my forehead to hers.

“I know enough to know that you made a decision. One you stand behind. You were in a tough spot and did what you thought would protect those you love. I might not agree with what you did, but you didn’t do it to hurt him. You did it to save him.”

It doesn’t absolve me of my guilt, but it does lighten it a little. The fact that she knows what happened and still sees me as the good guy. That she understands where I was coming from.

“Thank you. I don’t know if I believe it really, but I appreciate the words.”

She presses her lips to mine softly before cuddling back into my chest.

We lie like that for at least twenty minutes. Her on my chest with my hand twirling her hair. It feels so good that I almost can’t believe it’s true. That this is my life right now.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, ruining the little bit of peace I found. I can’t even be mad at it. Something always intrudes.

Leaning over, I grab the phone.

Reaper

Clubhouse at nine.

I sigh.

“When do you have to be at work today?” I ask.

“Five. I’m working the night shift tonight.”

“Want to go to the clubhouse with me? I have to meet with Reaper. If you don’t want to go, you can go back to sleep and sleep in and I’ll have someone come sit on the house,” I offer.

She looks up at me, a little smirk on her face.