“And not answering your phone,” Lexa pointed out.

She’d been so distracted trying to get out of the Acropolis and make it home unnoticed, she hadn’t even bothered to retrieve her phone from her purse. She did so now and found four missed calls and several texts from Lexa. Her best friend had started by asking if she was on her way, if she was okay, and then resorted to sending random emojis just to get her attention.

“If you really thought I was in trouble, I doubt you’d have sent me a million emojis.”

Lexa smirked as she uncorked the wine. “Or, I cleverly thought to annoy your kidnapper.”

Persephone took a seat opposite Lexa at the kitchen bar and sipped her wine. It was a rich and flavorful cabernet, and it instantly took the edge off her nerves.

“Seriously though, you can’t be too careful. You’re famous now.”

“I’m not famous, Lex.”

“Uh, did you read any of the news articles I sent you? People are obsessed.”

“Hades is famous, not me.”

“And you by association,” she argued. “You’re all anyone at work wanted to talk about today—who you were, where you were from.”

Persephone groaned. “You didn’t say anything about me, did you?”

It was no secret that Lexa was Persephone’s best friend.

“You mean that I’ve known you’ve been sleeping with Hades for about six months and that you’re a goddess masquerading as a mortal?”

Lexa’s tone was light.

“I haven’t been sleeping with Hades for six months.” Persephone felt the need to defend herself.

It was Lexa’s turn to narrow her eyes. “Okay, five months, then.”

Persephone glared.

“Look, I’m not blaming you. There are few women who wouldn’t jump at the chance to sleep with Hades.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” Persephone shot back, rolling her eyes.

“It’s not like he will. It’s his fault your relationship is such big news, anyway. As far as the media is concerned, you are his first serious partner.”

Except the reality was much different, and while Persephone knew there had been other women in Hades’ life, she didn’t know the details. She wasn’t sure she wanted to. She thought of Minthe and shuddered.

Persephone took a sip of her wine. “I want to talk about you. How was your first day?”

“Oh, Persephone,” she gushed. “It really is a dream. Did you know the Halcyon Project is projected to treat five thousand people in its first year?”

She didn’t, but that was amazing.

“And Hades gave me a tour and introduce me to everyone.”