Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1)(99)

At least until he lifts his head a few seconds later. “If we don’t stop, we’re going to be late for the press conference.”

“They can fuck off.”

He gives that delicious laugh again. “Persephone, I heartily do not want to be on your mother’s shit list again, especially over something preventable.”

He’s right. I know he’s right. I tangle my fingers in his hair and give a little tug. “Promise me that tonight we’ll lock the doors, turn off our phones, and spray Hermes repellent. I want you all to myself.”

“You have yourself a bargain.”

At that, we reluctantly separate. I still have most of my things here, so I do my best to cover up Hades’s bruises, and dark sunglasses do the rest. He wears a black-on-black suit and looks like a villain venturing out during the twilight hours. We hold hands the entire drive to the press conference.

The rest of the Thirteen and their families are gathered in one of the courtyards surrounding Dodona Tower, all dressed to perfection. Zeus’s three children who remain in Olympus are all dressed in black, their expressions carefully blank. My sisters stand behind my mother. I give Hades’s hand one last squeeze before I start to head in their direction. He tightens his grip on my hand. “Stay.”

“What?” I look around. “But—”

“Be mine, Persephone. Let me be yours. In public and in private.”

I stare up at him, and really, there’s only one answer and it flutters in my chest like a trapped bird. “Yes.”

I don’t know what I expect. A confrontation. Accusations maybe. Instead, Hades slips seamlessly into their ranks as the reporters appear and Poseidon steps forward to give an official statement to declare Perseus as the new Zeus. People care less about answers than they do about perception, and that works in our favor right now. It doesn’t hurt that the reporters are so intensely focused on Hades, either.

Through it all, Hades’s expression is as relaxed as if he attends press conferences regularly. The only sign that he’s anything less than comfortable is the intense grip he keeps on my hand, down where no one can see. As we begin to disperse, I lean against his arm and whisper in his ear, “You did great. We’re almost finished.”

“There are more people than I expected.” He speaks out of the corner of his mouth, lips barely moving.

“I’ll keep you safe. Promise.”

We start to head for the cars, and the reporters stream after us, peppering him with so many questions, I can barely keep up.

“Have you been in the lower city this entire time?”

“Why come forward now? Is it because Zeus is dead?”

“Are you the mysterious man Persephone Dimitriou ran off with?”

“Are you two official?”

I lift my hand, bringing their attention off him and onto me. “Friends, we’re more than happy to deliver an official statement…tomorrow. Today, we’re here to mourn the loss of Zeus.” I’ve had enough practice with public speaking that I don’t even trip over the lie. I simply wait in calm silence, and they finally subside and refocus on the matter at hand.

Hades turns to face me when we’re finally able to break free, and he’s doing that thing he does where he looks at me like he’s never seen me before. “My knight in sunshine armor, riding in to save me from the press.”

“Yes, well, you’re not the only one who likes to play hero.” I give his hand another squeeze. “Handling this whole circus takes some getting used to.”

“I expect I’ll manage just fine as long as you’re by my side.” He doesn’t wait for a response. He just sweeps me into his arms and claims my mouth. I eagerly go up onto my tiptoes and wrap my arms around his neck. I’m aware of the snapping of cameras and the rise of whispers, but I don’t care.

When he finally lifts his head, I’m clinging to him to avoid my legs giving out. “Come home with me.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t just mean today. I mean for good. Move in.”

“I know that’s what you mean.” I smile and press a quick kiss to his lips. “And my answer is still the same. Yes to everything.”





Epilogue


Hades

“Are you ready?”

Persephone grins up at me, but it’s her happy smile—her real smile. “You’ve asked me that a dozen times in the last hour.” She bumps her shoulder into mine. “Are you nervous?”

Nervous is too mundane a word. In the last two weeks since stepping out of the shadows and into the glittering vipers’ nest that is the upper city, I’ve had a lot of adjustments. Persephone has been at my side every step of the way, expertly guiding me through each media interaction. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

I hope to the gods I never have to find out.

But tonight? Tonight is just for us.

“I’m not nervous,” I finally say. “If you’re not ready—”

“Hades, I’m ready. I’m more than ready.” She looks at the door leading into the playroom. It’s too soundproofed to be able to hear the people gathered behind it, but we both know they’re present. Waiting.

Persephone takes a breath. “How do I look?”