CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

"JONATHAN!" Irina invoked her husband's name once again when they arrived in his study.

Being a mother is not easy, especially when your child flourished without your presence. For long years, her daughter had been yearning for her presence, craving for her support, hungry for her love. Of course, Irina loves her daughter so much that she wants to stay by her side but sadly, work was towing her away from her beloved Allison.

She sees how Allison works hard for their attention but no matter how hard she tries, no matter how her conscience eats her, she can't give what her daughter needs. She was surprised of Hades de Vries' presence in their abode, asking for her daughter's hand in marriage, she wasn't supposed to say yes but then, the visitor told to them that they were going to have a grandchild and even brought them proof! She wasn't able to think straight at that time, she was mad at Allison and at herself at the same time. She wasn't there to raise her, to guide her. She only left Allison alone in the mansion with only toys to play and the servants to take care of her daughter. Irina was so mad at herself that she wanted to pull her own hair.

However, she knows that it's for the best of her daughter to marry someone like Hades de Vries, a man of his own word and someone who takes responsibility. She's very assured of herself that her daughter is in good and capable hands.

"Not now, Irina." Jonathan sighed as he slumped down on his swivel chair. He was tired, she knows it.

He is already old but he's working hard for his dear princess. He knows he wasn't a good parent along with his wife but he's trying his best to make up for their daughter. Before, he was cold-hearted and relentless, not until he met the woman who became his wife. The ice that embraced his heart thawed and was replaced with the heat of love. That heat grew hotter when his queen gave birth to his only princess.

He remembered the very day when he first carried the small and young baby Allison, when the cute little baby held his large index finger with her small little hand. He was euphoric that day, he was in the clouds. He felt he was in paradise. After Allison was born, he worked hard two times than he did before along with his wife. He loves his daughter so much but he wasn't aware that his little princess wasn't able to feel his heart-melting love. And it hurts.

Jonathan felt his wife's fingers on his temples, her long, slender fingers moving in circles on his temples, relaxing his muscles. He sighed in relief and rested the back of his head on his wife's breasts, "That feels terrific." He moaned.

Irina looked at her husband wearily while massaging his temples. "Have we been bad parents?"

His face suddenly turned sour that it cannot seem to be painted. He was silent for a long time, it seems he's thinking what he will answer.

He opened his mouth that made Irina anticipate in delight but then, her face fell of his answer, "I don't know..."

Irina sighed; she already knows the answer.

Of course, they had been bad parents. According to the servants in the mansion, mostly from Mr. Marshall, Allison had been a good girl. She wasn't a pain to anyone and she wasn't fond of complaining. Because of her timid personality, she caught everyone's hearts without even noticing it. People have been giving her compliments, saying that she's the epitome of a perfect daughter. On the other hand, they weren't the perfect parents for her. Allison was the type of child everyone could ever want and Irina is very proud of that but she isn't proud of herself as a mother to her child.

They do have the power and riches, she can give Allison whatever she needs and wants but there's an exception, her presence. Allison lacks their presence, the only thing she wants.

She remembered the scenario earlier. It was the first time she brought a hand on her daughter and spit out hurtful, heart-breaking words as well. Yes, she was disappointed of her daughter for being irresponsible but she couldn't help but to feel disappointed at herself also. She did succeed in her career as a businesswoman but she never succeeded as a good mother to her child. She never meant to slap her daughter but she just did. She wasn't able to control her anger and did what she would regret.

"Did you regret it?" she asked her husband again, curious of what he's thinking.

She heard her husband sighed once again, "I don't know either..." she was about to speak again when he continued. "I only made the decision that I think is for the best,"

That's what I think so too, she wanted to answer but only remained silent, continuing to manoeuvre her fingers in rings and loops on his temples, meticulously. They may be rich but they can't reach what Hades de Vries had achieved, that's why it was such a surprise that a powerful man like him would visit them. What was more flabbergasting was he asked for their daughter's hand! They never expected such thing would happen. They weren't supposed to say yes even though he impregnated Allison but then Hades coaxed them, saying that he wants to take responsibility of his child that Allison was bringing. He doesn't want his first child to a bastard and he loves the child.

His sweet words touched Irina's heart. She heard conviction, determination and passion in Hades' voice, that made her realize that Hades will turn into a good father and husband. Irina sighed once again, hoping they made the right decision for their daughter.

"So... your parents accepted Hades' proposal for your hand in marriage?"

Allison nodded at Brent's question. She had always imagined her wedding proposal would be romantic, a surprise. She thought it would be like on the scenes she sees on movies and she reads on books. She hadn't expected that it would turn out like earlier, and it disappointed her.

"What will happen now then?" Brent asked another question and she shrugged her shoulders. She's not in the mood to open her mouth that had already been shut for hours long.

Brent sensed that she doesn't want to talk so he decided not to press the subject and ask her instead, "I'll make hot cocoa for you to feel better," it's his only way to comfort her. He knows Allison wouldn't listen and be convinced with words.

She nodded in response. Her mind was blank and so was her heart, she's gone stoic. She heard him heave a heavy sigh before hearing his footsteps getting distal. Allison stood on her feet and ambled to the glass walls of her penthouse.

She stared at view outside the glass walls, the night was supposed to be dark and silent but the city lights gave glamour to the whole urban, making it luminescent as the noise of the cars' honking horns and roaring engines made the whole metropolitan completely polluted with noise. The moon shone with its fair brightness, boasting its irrevocable, insuperable beauty along with the stars gave their best to shine brightly at the deep, night sky. The scene was refreshing for her but it wasn't enough to render her head and lurching heart to toil.

Everything just happened so fast. She didn't have the time to absorb everything that was happening. Only she could absorb was her hatred for Hades. Beforehand, she fears him because of what he can do and he destroyed her life by confessing to her parents that they had sex and by coaxing them using her friend's pregnancy test, what more was asking for their blessing to tie the knot. It was fine if Hades told her parents about them having sex but asking for her hand in marriage? He already crossed the line. Her heart had smouldered with despise and loathe for Hades. She doesn't know what she'll do to him the next time she sees him, probably more than just a slap.

"Here's your hot cocoa, Drew," said Brent that startled her. Reluctantly, she turned her head to face her childhood friend and gave him a weak smile before taking the hot cocoa from his hand. She was about to lift the cup to her lips when she heard a sudden ring. She looked at Brent with her scrunched nose and meeting eyebrows as if asking who could the caller be. He just shrugged at her before striding to the telephone to answer the call.

"Hello...Yes, it's me...What... No... I'll make Allison come right over..." Brent ended the call before looking at Allison. She gawked back at him and raised her brow.

"It's the receptionist. She said your fiancé is creating turmoil at the lobby, you better go and calm him down," he panicked with what he said. In an instant, she scurried to the elevator and pressed the 1st floor. Her heart was hammering in her chest and her hands are quivering not in nervousness and fear but in anger. What is he doing here? She angrily asked herself. She doesn't want to see him. She couldn't bear the sight of him, the pain he had caused her. He can ruin anyone's life but why chose hers? Why is he making her miserable?

Finally, the elevator stopped, made a small ring before opening the doors. In a blink of an eye, she saw Hades. It was conspicuous on his face that he was livid, his face was dark and his eyes were cold and angry at the same time. He was raising his voice at the petrified receptionist with his hand balled into a fist and his eyes glaring at the woman as if he's skinning her alive in his thoughts.

The people were already looking at him in both fear and astonishment, not knowing what to do, hesitating if they should interfere or not. Allison turned her head and saw the security gawking at Hades, vacillating to get their hands on him or not. One of the guards caught Allison's stare and she mouthed him "I'll take care of this" the guard nodded, assured, he looked at his colleagues and told them to wait for his signal. Allison took a deep breath before striding to the receptionist's counter.

"Where is she?!" growled Hades at the receptionist, as if a beast demanding for his food. It was clear that the poor woman is scared of him but it seems that he doesn't care.

"S-Sir, please calm down, I already asked Mr. Kane f-for Ms. Tay-"

"Mrs. De Vries," he cut her off that triggered Allison's anger. How dare him!

The receptionist gulped before speaking again, "I mean M-Mrs. De Vries' presence, sh-she'll come here in a matter of mome—"

"Excuse me, I was informed that my presence is needed," Allison butted in. Both Hades and the receptionist turned their heads to look at her and, in a flash, a pair of large, bulky arms wrapped around her back pulling her body against a firm and outsized one and her face burying on a hard chest. Her breathing hitched, her heart began thumping wildly once again, her blood rushed to her face and her whole body stiffened. What a great bear hug.

"I missed you..." he murmured as he buried his face on her neck and inhaled her scent. She remained stiff, if her mind and heart earlier were blank now both of them are in great havoc.

Her mind was going crazy, shouting that she should pull away but her heart was whacking as if she ran a marathon, persuading her to remain like that with Hades. She listened to what her mind shouted, to pull away. Fumbling, she thrashed herself out from his arms. His hug became tighter but she used all her strength to violently push him away. She saw the pain flash in his eyes and it made a pinch on her heart.

"What do you want?" she asked coldly, taking a step back. Hades, being persistent, strode towards her and held her by the arms. "Love, I'm taking you home."

She shoves herself and yanked her arms away from his hands. "I am home."

"No, your home is with me," he said before taking a step close to her. His body was trembling, as if he's stopping himself to do something.

Allison shook her head furiously, "No."

"But, love, please..." his teeth clenched, his eyes begging.

Suddenly, the elevator made a small sound and Brent emerged. Hades turned and, in a dash, he disappeared from her sight and gave Brent a powerful punch, causing Brent to plummet on the floor. Everyone in the lobby gasped, not expecting the violent attack. The mothers covered the children's eyes as the others taut.

Allison covered her mouth with her hand and a tear slipped to her cheek. Never had Brent's parents brought a hand on him but this man, this man just did. She heard Brent groan who was about to rise but the violent man gave him no chance and punched him again, followed by another, and another, and another. Allison looked at the security, begging for them to help Brent but even the security got scared of Hades. She never thought Hades was extremely violent. She looked at Hades' grim eyes, he looks at Brent as he was going to kill him.

"STOP!" Allison screamed but he didn't listen, he continued giving Brent dominant punches that crushed her heart into pieces. She knows there's only one thing to do for Hades to stop.

"HADES, I SAID STOP!" she shouted with her voice getting louder. Hades turned to look at her and his hard face softens at the sight of her crying face. If this is the only choice to save Brent then she willing to give sacrifice then.

"I-I'm..." she stammered, "I'm coming with you."

Her words lit Hades' face, he stood up and strode towards Allison, offering his hand. She wiped her tears as she took his hand shakily and he pulled her with him towards outside. She turned her head and mouthed the receptionist, please take care of him. The receptionist nodded, getting her message.

Hades' car was already waiting outside along with the chauffeur who opened the door for them both. When the chauffeur closed the door, he went inside the driver's seat and his master instructed him to bring them to his home. The chauffeur nodded obligingly and started the ignition. The car started moving and the view begins to change, another tear slipped from eye as she remembered that ugly scenario.

"You're not seeing him anymore." Allison heard Hades said that stunned her.

"What?!" she turned and looked at him with glaring eyes. He has no right to order her around. He may her fiancé but that still doesn't give him any right.

"I said, you're not seeing him anymore," he repeated, his stormy grey eyes looking into her green one's, as if he's looking into her soul, reaching for it. She can't help but to admire the beauty of his eyes. Even though they look cold and hard, they look very handsome for her.

"You have no right," she seethed, "You dare brought a hand on Brent, he didn't even do anything to you!" she raised her voice, her anger rushing into her veins. Her hatred for him swelled, first, he confessed about the mistake they made. Second, he asked for her hand in marriage, stealing her freedom. And now, he broke Brent's face without any reason! He's so irrational!

"Because he's the reason you're not coming with me!" Hades growled at her, his face getting dark. Allison should be afraid right now, she knows that but her anger was like heroin, travelling through her veins, giving her courage.

"What gives me the reason why I should be coming with you?" she retorted, anticipating that the question would shut him up but she was wrong.

"Because you're mine!" he stated with a raised voice before pulling her into his lap and wrapping his arms around her waist, caging her. Allison flustered, not knowing what to do. She never sat on anyone's lap before, even Dane's. She was about to lash at him and a hand held her nape and pulled her for a kiss.

"Hmmphh!!" Allison sniveled against his lips. How dare he!

Hades' free hand held Allison's wrists, preventing her from getting her hands on him. She struggled against his touch, trying to pull away from the kiss but there was something in his soft lips that gives her the urge to kiss back. Hades' lips teased hers, his tongue persuading her lips to open and let him enter in her mouth, she shuddered at such gesture, he's teasing her! It was clear that he's coaxing her to kiss him back, putting her under his spell. Her mind was telling her not to give in and instead fight him but now, her heart won the battle, and that is to kiss him back. She closed her eyes and kissed him back senseless, opening her lips freely for Hades, welcoming his warm tongue inside her sweet mouth.

The same as the last time they kissed, his mouth tasted like mint along with the strong essence of manliness. She felt his strong grip against her wrists loosened and it gave her an opportunity, instead of pushing herself away from him, Allison wrapped her hands around his nape, pulling him closer to her. Hades' tongue teased hers and she can't help but to give into her desire to him back. She raised her tongue and it collided with his, their tongues fought like swords, dueling against one another, combating for dominance, wanting to gain the upper hand.

She felt his hands caressing the small of her back, holding her with ease, touching her with care. She shuddered under his touch as she felt her body getting hot. A weird feeling from the pit of her stomach suddenly raised, an unknown feeling, a feeling that is just new to her, she never felt this weird feeling when she makes out with Dane. She felt like she's craving for more kisses, she's hungry for his lustful touch against her skin, she wants something, and that was Hades. She wants Hades. She wants to kiss him more, to touch him more and she hates it that she wants him in the moments. Gaining her senses, Allison pulled away from the kiss forcefully, feeling breathless.

Panting, Hades placed his forehead against hers and Allison opened her eyes, meeting his stormy, tempestuous grey orbs that were burning in desire. Her cheeks heated in anger when she realized what they just did, the made out! They freaking made out!

She felt embarrassed and irritated at the same time. She chided herself a million times in her thoughts. She hated herself for giving in to the man she despises, the man who broke her best friend's face. A bulge poked in her inner thighs, disturbing her from her eye contact with the man. She looked down and realized that there was huge bulge in Hades' pants, as if something big wanted to break free. More blood rushed to her face at the hideous, vulgar sight, turning her face redder than her hair. He's such a vulgar man!

An amused chuckle pulled Allison away from her thoughts. She looked up and met Hades' smiling eyes. She felt embarrassed of herself and was about to open her mouth to apologize when Hades spoke. "Don't worry, love, it's yours."

She opened her mouth and was about to rebuke him but, the door suddenly opened, "We have arrived, Master," stated the chauffeur, making her sigh in relief. She thanked the chauffeur in her thoughts before fumbling out of Hades' lap. She heard Hades groan before making his way out of the car, pulling her with him.

As soon as Allison's feet were out of the car, a jaw-dropping façade stood before her. Lo and behold, a large estate stood proudly with full glory, bragging its modern beauty under the moon's striking light and the twinkling stars. She looked at the staircase connected to the main doors that was carved with lovely, intricate designs with a hoard of servants formed into a straight line on either sides of the staircase, waiting for their master's arrival.

"Good evening, Master Hades," all the servants greeted in unison, the men bowed while the women curtsied.

She looked at Hades and saw him nod in response. Suddenly, a large arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close to Hades' bulky body. "Be good," he whispered on her ear then turned his head and held proudly high, overlooking his staff.

He spoke with a deep, velvety, baritone voice. "This woman with me is Mrs. Allison Drew Taylor-de Vries, my wife to be. Now, as she is part of me and my life, I want you to treat her equally as how you treat me, understood?"

"Yes, Master," answered the servants. She knows he has such power but she didn't expect that he would be so powerful that his servants would shiver at the sound of his voice.

"Miracle," invoked Hades and a maid with chocolate brown hair and blue eyes emerged from the line, walking shakily but with full grace towards her master and mistress, she curtsied before asking nervously "Y-Yes, Sire?"

Hades looked at her for a moment, making the poor maid cringe in fear. "Deliver my wife to my room," he said to Miracle before looking at the other servants. "And as for all of you, go back to your work," the servant cringed before shuffling off gracefully to the mansion.

To his room?! Allison thought in surprise. That means we will share the same bed together? she almost cursed. She doesn't want to sleep with the man she hates the most, who ruined her life. It feels disgusting to have his skin touch hers! Then why did you let him touch you? She heard her conscience tell her and that held her tongue. She knows she hates him and she feels disgusted with his skin against hers but she can't help but to feel the pleasure also.

She felt a presence behind her so she turned and she faced Hades. "I have some business to take care of, love." She felt his lips touch her forehead with full passion. "I'll see you later, okay?" Allison nodded in response, deep inside she wants to lash out at him but she doesn't want to embarrass herself in front of Miracle.

"This way, Miss," said Miracle as they began to stride towards the huge estat. She turned her head and saw Hades wink at her. Her face immediately beet red at the gesture, he's nonverbally flirting with her! But then, she remembered what they had done inside his car and it made her face redder. His lips, his hands, his to- oh gosh, Allison cut it out! She chided herself as they began to reach the staircase.

"Are you sick, Miss?" she heard a concerned voice asked her. She turned her head and met Miracle's elegant face, her eyes filled with worry and concern, "Y-Your face is very red. I-I should get some medici—"

"O-oh no, I'm fine, I just remembered something embarrassing," she excused that rendered Miracle to nod.

The estate's doors were opened by a middle-aged man wearing a tux and standing in uttered sophistication. "Good evening, Mistress, I am Richard, the estate's butler. Always at your service," he then bowed. Somehow, he reminds her of Mr. Marshall, the man who treated her like his own daughter.

"Pleased to meet you, Richard. I'm Allison," she replied, she's not really good at keeping conversations, especially with people she met for the first time. She looked at Richard's face, his brown eyes looked fine and welcoming, his salt and pepper hair was combed finely, it was clear that he is always prepared all the time. His smile was warm and contagious, it was vivid that he's in euphoria.

"I already know you, Madame. It is surprising that the Master came home suddenly with a wife,"

"O-Oh," that was all Allison could muster. Should she feel offended or not?

"Nevertheless," the butler said with his smiling brown ones. "I am glad that you came. The master had been unhappy since the death of his father," his words stunned Allison. Hades' father died? She felt something heavy in her heart, she felt the sympathy for Hades.

"I-I must deliver the Mistress to her room," Miracle interrupted. "If you don't mind," she looked at Richard.

Richard nodded knowingly, "Of course," he said.

"Let's go, Miss," said Miracle and Allison nodded then they began to saunter, leaving Richard.

The whole walk was silent and slow, how big is this estate the takes us long to walk to my room? Allison asked herself while roaming her eyes around. The walls were plain and white, every door they pass by has the same fleur-de-lys design and the wooden floor was neatly polished. His property is more than her parents could afford, the thought made Allison smirk. Maybe that's why she wanted them to marry Hades because has lots of money, lots and lots of money.

"So, how did you meet the Master, Mistress?" she heard Miracle's voice asked, she looked at Miracle and she saw the woman's face beet red, she's blushing!

"I-I'm sorry, Miss. I don't mean to pry. I mean it's just tha—"

"No, it's fine," Allison cut Miracle off and gave her a sweet smile, "But I don't want to talk about it right now, I feel tired," she explained. Based on Miracle's actions, Allison concluded that Miracle has a little crush on Hades.

Miracle nodded shyly. "Okay, Miss."

Finally, they arrived at a door which has an odd design among the others. The others were obsolete and designed in uniform, made of oak, finely varnished and carefully designed with fleur-de-lys but this door before her is black probably also made of oak, but is painted in black and is flimsily carved with various handsome curves. Is this my room? Allison assumed.

"This is your room, Mistress," said Miracle that confirmed Allison's assumption.

"Thank you, you may go now," said Allison and nodded at Miracle. The young maid bowed to her for the last time before leaving her. She watched her walk away until she was lost in the shadows. Allison sighed and faced the door before holding the knob and opening it.

The cold breeze given by the air conditioner gave her the chills. She was there again, in the room where she made love to Hades. She shivered as she turned the air conditioner off using a remote control from the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed, the same bed where she and Hades exchanged body heat, moaning for pleasure and touching each other's body. The thought made her face beet red once again. What was she thinking?! She's thinking perverted thoughts!

Allison let out a sigh before going to the bathroom. She wants to cleanse herself from the sinful impurities sent by Hades' touch. A few minutes passed by, she was finished, she made her way out of the bathroom towards the walk-in closet, completely naked. She wasn't able to find where the bathrobe was. When she opened the door of the walk-in closet, her eyes widened in aghast as she realized that she didn't bring clothes! Damn that man for pulling her.

Having no choice, she sighed and roamed her eyes around, there were various clothes hanged, folded and piled. Hades has it all, from the dress shirts to coats to neck ties to jackets, t-shirts name them all! She picked a blue boxer short and white t-shirt and wore them. The boxer short was big and lose, it rendered Allison to speculate how big he was. The t-shirt however, was huge that it fell on knees, almost looking like a dress for a fat woman. She turned the air conditioner on, walked to the bed, comfortably and laid down, closing her red, puffy, tired eyes to sleep.

Allison opened her eyes for the fifth time, she couldn't sleep, her eyes are tired and sleepy but she couldn't sleep. She tried sleep to sleep many times but it looks like her body is in total disagreement with her eyes. She rose from the bed and looked at the digital alarm clock to check what time is it. 11:24. It's already late, she thought. She wondered where Hades is. Wait, why should I worry about him? She shook her head and laid down on the bed once again, trying get herself to sleep but she can't.

She opened her eyes once again, staring at the white ceiling, thinking what she should do so she could sleep already. A memory then flashed her mind, when she young, she would go to Mr. Marshall and wake him up and tell him that she can't sleep. She remembered Mr. Marshall would sigh and bring her to the kitchen make her a glass of milk. The memory gave her an idea. She went on her feet, turned the air conditioner off and made her way to the pantry to drink some milk.

It took Allison long before she found the huge island kitchen, the whole estate sure was big in the naked eye but she never expected with be that huge and spacious inside. As soon as she found the pantry, she grabbed a glass and went to the two-door refrigerator. She opened the ref's doors and her eyes quickly found the carton of milk, she grabbed it and poured the milk into the glass. She was about to lift the glass to her lips when a pair of arms suddenly embraced her body. She wasn't surprised anymore. She already knows him by his scent and the way he holds her. It was no other than Hades.

"Hey," that was all Allison could muster. She stayed quiet, waiting for his next move.

She felt Hades' hug got tight, "What are you doing here?" she felt him place his chin on the top of her head. As much as she wanted to raise her shoulder forcefully to yank him away, she stayed still as she was tired.

"I can't sleep, I was about to drink some milk, it'll help me sleep," she answered.

She heard Hades sigh before his hands moved to her arms to turn her around. She thought that was only it when suddenly lifted her into the air. Allison shrieked but then, she felt her butt was placed on the island.

She lifted her head and met Hades' gloomy, stormy grey eyes. He pecked her lips before wrapping his arms around her once again, his body close to hears, his head resting on her breasts. Allison didn't know what was going on but she followed what her heart told her to do, and that was to wrap her arms around him. He was breathing heavily, she observed, she knows he feels sad. Why would he be?

"I'm sorry..." she heard him sigh.

"For what?" she wondered.

"I'm sorry I shouted at you... I'm sorry for breaking your friend's face... I'm sorry for telling your parents that we made love... I'm sorry for forcing you to marry me... I'm sorry for making you sad..." his grip on her became tighter and tighter as he spoke, his voice was getting thick and his breathing became heavier and ragged, "... I'm sorry. Just please don't hate me," he cried.

She felt anger seeping in back to her system, remembering what happened earlier. How dare he... after all he has done, she thought but she stayed quiet and remained rigid, she wasn't in the mood for another fight and she was tired.

They stayed like that for minutes, Hades moping while she let her anger out by putting small pressure his nape with her fingers and tangling and twisting her fingers angrily with his hair until Hades raised his head and crashed his lips against hers. She stayed motionless, letting him do what he wanted to do, keeping all the anger in. She felt Hades' hand held her left arm and removed it from her shoulder, she then felt as if he inserted something on her left hand's ring finger. Still, she ignored it and let him pull her closer to him. She was feeling angry but was weak, she wanted to push him away but she can't. How could I keep up with this? She asked herself.

"Dios mio..." someone gasped that rendered Hades to pull away. Allison sighed in relief. Finally, she was free. She bobbed her head and saw a Hispanic woman looking at them with full aghast.

"Mrs. Navarro..." Hades stated coldly without even looking. He sounded angry

"I-I'm very sorry to disturb, Master. I should go!" Mrs. Navarro said before she scurried away.

He turned his head and their met. His eyes were still smoldering with lust and rage, however, he looked like he was stopping himself from doing something. Hades closed his eyes, dropped his head and sighed.

"We should go to bed," he said and held her by the waist then pulled her down from the island. Allison nodded and they began to saunter to Hades' room.

As they were walking she took a glimpse at her left hand and noticed that something was on her ring finger. A silver, diamond engagement ring.