Page 75 of Hades

She’s mine.

Evelyn

I barely slept last night. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was Melanie.

I wish I could have saved her. She didn’t deserve the hand she was dealt. She sought help. That’s supposed to be the start of a new life for women like her. I hate that it wasn’t, though.

That he found a way to get to her and hurt her once again.

I turn over and stare at Hades.

He stayed up most of the night watching over me. I know because every time I would wake, he would be there playing with my hair. He would offer me comforting words and whisper to me until I fell back asleep.

Hades is so much more than I gave him credit for. He has quickly become the one person I depend on most.

I think I’m falling in love with him.

For once, I’m not afraid of it, though. I want to fall for him. I know my heart will be safe with him.

I must move or something because his eyes blink open, seeking me immediately.

“Morning, Princess. How’d you sleep?”

I give him a sad smile. “Like shit. I kept seeing her face.”

“I’m sorry. If I could take your pain, I would.” He runs his fingers through my hair.

“I know you would. Which is wild because a couple months ago, I’m not sure I would have spit on you to put a fire out.”

He laughs. “I like your fire. I don’t ever want you to lose it. It’s why I’m so worried right now. I have never seen you this upset before.”

“I don’t think I have been this upset before. I mean sure I’ve lost patients before, but I was invested in this one. I broke the rule and got too close. It’s broken me,” I admit.

“It’s okay. I’ll help you put yourself back together. Nothing a lot of superglue and some great sex can’t solve.”

“I hope you’re right. We have to go see Reaper. He already texted me asking me to come when I feel up to it. I want to get it over with,” I tell him.

“If you’re sure.”

I get out of bed and start to go through my morning routine. My heart warms when Hades does the same, seamlessly moving around me like he’s been here for years instead of only a few months. Once we are ready and in the car, I finally let myself speak the truth.

“I feel like I did this. I didn’t catch something. I don’t know how she went into cardiac arrest so quickly. She was seizing. I followed protocol,” I tell him.

“I know. I saw the whole thing. Trigger has the videos. You did everything you could. Sometimes, you can’t save them. That’s part of the job.”

“I know. You’re right, but I hate it.”

The rest of the drive is silent, but not uncomfortable. I’m lost in my head, and he allows me to be.

When we arrive, I think back to last night. We were here, but I was in another place. My mind had shuttered closed. I couldn’t handle what I witnessed.

Today, I have my armor back on. I feel ready to take on the world, even if I’m still sad about it all. My heart still hurts, but I know I can do more good in my life. Now I just need to keep doing my best.

When we step inside, Reaper is waiting for us. He nods over to the room they use for church. I lead Hades inside, taking a seat. Hades sits next to me, his hand in mine.

“How are you feeling?” Reaper asks.

I swallow hard. “Like hell, but we Kingstons are tough.”