Amanda Bouchet

You’re scaring people off with that look.”

His expression darkens. “What look?”

“That one.” I wag my finger in his face. “The one that says I’m big, I’m bad, and I can chew you up, spit out your guts, and use your bones for toothpicks.”

The warlord’s face blanks with surprise. You’d think I just morphed into the Hydra and grew some extra heads.

If you’re trying to intimidate me, then don’t bother. It won’t work.”

His full lips curve into a cool smile. “In my experience, I can intimidate anyone.”

Trying to scare me?”

“Glad it’s working.”

I laugh—although maybe I shouldn’t. He does look miffed all of a sudden

Kingdoms rise and fall for you. Because of you.”

“And I’m supposed to care what you think?”

His jaw works like he’s grinding his teeth—or chewing up an irritated response.

That’s what it comes down to for everyone. How much use we can be.”

If I didn’t need you so much I’d have—”

“—killed me by now?” I supply.

He chuckles. The sound vibrates through me, disturbing and much too intimate. “Let you go. Just to be rid of you.”

I just wanted to see you make a face and roll your eyes. It’s adorable.”

Adorable? My jaw hits the riverbank. No one’s ever accused me of that before.

Great. Now I can’t make faces or roll my eyes. My life just got bleaker. So why do I feel like smiling? Gah

You won’t try to escape?”

I shake my head, unable to look away. “No. I swear it.”

“Ever. You won’t try to escape me ever. Not as long as I live.”

My eyes widen, and I gulp down a scathing retort. “That’s a lot to ask,” I say roughly.

“I have a lot to lose,” he answers just as roughly

Have I cheated death again? Hades must be allergic to me