Marked by Hades by Reese Monroe Read Free Book Online

could control it. That guy he’d seen her dust was probably hurting her. She might have been defending herself.
    Yet she seemed so meek. Confused. And that just brought out his protective nature even more. But it wasn’t brotherly as it was with Sadie’s best friend, Dasha, either. This was way more intense.
    He shook out his damp hair and pulled his shirt and jeans on. Breakfast. He’d start with breakfast and maybe probe with a few questions to test the waters.
    Then, he should continue seeking out his Mate…
    Justin. Theo’s commanding voice entered his thoughts.
    Please, yell louder, it’s not like you’re in my head or anything.
    Halena and Sadie found the site. We leave tonight.
    Where is it?
    Theo laughed. Hades, of course.
    Great, a sea of demons and more burning granite. I’ll be ready.
    See you in six hours. I’ll be sure to knock even if there isn’t a sock on the doorknob…
    After nine centuries, finally he learns.
    Justin stepped out of the bathroom and into the dim hotel room. Yvonne had shifted to her back. The front of his jacket opened, revealing her ample chest. Tight black leather hid most of her flesh from his view, but it outlined every curve and dip. The zipper stopped at the juncture between her breasts, and ivory flesh spilled over. She was breathing heavily, panting.
    So much for the cold shower he’d just taken.
    “No. I won’t,” she said. “Can’t.” She thrashed as if clawing at someone. “Don’t hurt her. I’ll do it.”
    “Yvonne?”
    “Take me instead!” She kicked at the covers, and they flew off to the floor.
    He sat on the side of her bed and shook her by the shoulder. “Yvonne.”
    She fisted her hand and took a swing. He cuffed her wrist before contact was made, and her eyes popped open. With her free hand, she cupped his cheek, eyes furious with anger. “Don’t.”
    After a few deep breaths, she shook her head as if waking from a stupor. She looked at her hand touching his face and recoiled, but he held fast to her wrist.
    “Let go,” she said, working to scoot away from him. “Please.”
    He didn’t. Couldn’t. Sweat beaded along her temple, and her nostrils flared with each deep breath. The heady scent of desire blanketed the sharp scent of fear he detected.
    “I don’t want to hurt you.” Her voice cracked.
    “What were you dreaming?” he asked, loosening his hold but not letting go.
    “Don’t remember.” Her jaw clenched, and she averted her eyes.
    She was lying.
    “What time is it?” she asked.
    “Two in the morning. You should sleep some more.”
    “Yeah. That’ll happen.” She looked at his hand around hers. “Please let me go. I’m scared I’ll hurt you.”
    Even though she said the words, he heard no conviction behind them, and she made no further movement to get out from beneath his touch.
    So lonely.
    “I saw what happened to that man in the alley.” He edged closer to her. “So, you can’t control it? Is that why you wear leather?”
    Tears welled along the bottoms of her eyes, and she slowly nodded. The leather provided protection to those around her. That explained a lot.
    “Any slight touch and the person turns to ash?” Still he moved closer, the bed sagging beneath his weight. The overwhelming urge to draw her into a hug flooded through him.
    “Please don’t. Let me go.” Her voice was stronger, and she moved. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
    He released her wrist. “Tell me how you got this ability.”
    “I don’t know.” A tear trekked a path down her cheek, but she batted it away and cleared her throat.
    He grazed his hand along her leg to her knee, and her eyes slid shut as if reveling in the touch. How long had she been isolated or touched for reasons other than violence?
    He continued to rub his hand up and down her thigh, and she sank into the bed with a sigh, her eyes still closed.
    If only he could touch her bare skin. He was immortal for the most part; maybe he could survive the touch. If anyone