She got to her feet. It took a moment for the world to stop spinning, and she swayed into Hades, who was quick to embrace her.

The feel of him against her skin was like a sexual experience. It made her quake to her very core. It made her hot all over. It made her want to moan his name.

She was being ridiculous.

She pushed away from him.

“Let’s go.”

She led the way outside where Hades’ black Lexus waited, Antoni offered his crooked smile when he saw her.

“My Lady.”

“Antoni,” she said, and breezed past him, climbing into the back of Hades’ car on her hands and knees. Hades followed close behind. She knew because she could smell him—spice and ash and sin.

She’d never considered the smell of sin before, but now she knew it for what it was—sultry and sexual. It filled her lungs, ignited her blood.

They sat in silence on the way home, the air thick with warring emotions. Persephone was busy building a wall against whatever Hades was feeling—it was dark. She could feel it twisting toward her, like the tendrils of his magic.

She was so relieved when they arrived at Nevernight, she opened the door before Antoni was out of his seat, but as she exited, she missed the curb and fell, her knee striking the concrete hard.

“My lady!” Antoni cried. He reached for her arm, but she pushed it away. “I’m fine.”

She rolled over and sat. Her knee was a mess, and pieces of dirt stuck to the blood. Hades stood beside Antoni and they stared down at her.

“It’s okay. I don’t even feel it.”

She tried to stand but her head was pretty fuzzy, and she was aware she was slurring some of her words. She hated that she was in this state.

She blew out a long breath. “You know, I think I’ll just sit here for a little while.”

Hades said nothing, but this time he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into Nevernight.

When he sat her down, it was behind the bar. He didn’t let her feet touch the ground long before he lifted her and sat her down on the edge of the tabletop. He turned and started to work.

“What are you doing?”

Hades handed her a glass of water. “Drink.”

She did—this time she was thirsty.

While she drank, Hades shed his jacket and filled another glass of water. He cleaned her wounded knee, washing the dirt and blood away. After, he covered it with his hand, and his warmth healed.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Hades stepped back, leaning against the counter opposite her. She had to admit, she didn’t like the distance. It was like he still had a hold of her heart and was stretching it as he moved.

“Are you punishing me?” Hades asked.

“What?”