Chapter five

Stella's POV

" What are you willing to do to find out?" He asked me, and I wondered for a split second only. The image of Adriana's dead body flashed before my eyes.

" Everything," I replied without hesitation.

His brow rose as he leaned back on his seat, exposing the tattoos on his neck.

" That is a loaded answer. Are you sure about that?"

" My sister died in a filthy room, while people watched. No one helped her. They left her there like old garbage," I looked at him, lowering my voice. We were in a public place, I did not want to cause the drama.

" How do you know all of that?" The man before me asked, as his eyes darkened. I noticed how he balled his fists. Good.

"Someone recorded everything. Like it was some entertainment. They even uploaded it to the internet. My friend found it."

His eyes were not leaving my face. The aura I always felt around him intensified. I almost expected to see some dark shadows wrapping around him. This man looked like a demon trapped in a human's body. His eyes got almost black, and his jaw tightened. Tattoos on his hands looked like snakes ready to come to life at his command. I should feel scared, but I felt like he was what I needed right now.

" You mentioned police. What about them?" His voice was like a growl.

" That is the weirdest part. I went straight to the station and showed them the video. They promised to help, but before I left, I found the chief ordering someone to destroy the record." I shook my head. I still could not understand what happened at the station.

" Interesting," the man replied, and looked through the window next to him.

I remained silent, unsure how to react to his comment.

He kept contemplating the view behind the window for a while longer.

" So, how is it going to be?" I asked, unable to endure the prolonged silence.

" I will help you. You intrigued me, and it doesn't happen often."

I exhaled with relief. Of course, I could not ignore the fact that it was some kind of experiment for him. At least he was willing to do something about that. And I made up my mind already.

" Then what do you want in exchange? I lived long enough to know that nothing comes for free in this world. Unfortunately, money is the last thing I can offer."

The man finally looked at me. "Then what can you offer?" He asked, and amusement flashed in his eyes.

I swallowed under his piercing gaze.

" Everything," I said slowly, praying for my voice to sound confident.

" Hmmm..." his voice resonated deep in my bones. I saw myself as his sex toy, tied to his bed. Was I really ready to sacrifice this much? That was the most valuable thing I had.

" Let's make a deal. We can call it a contract if you wish," his voice lowered.

" Contract?" My voice came weak.

" You will do what I ask in exchange for my help."

My head spun, and I had to grab the table to regain my composure.

" Does it include sleeping with you?"

He looked at me, and his lips curled upward.

" I do not need a contract for that. Women are doing it willingly. And if a day like this happens, you will ask for it." His eyes darkened again, and some unknown heat spread inside me. How the hell did we get from talking about his help to this?

" Then what do you expect me to do?" I glanced at him, feeling the heat reaching my face.

" I am not sure yet," he replied, shrugging his arms. " I need someone to accompany me during the special events. I may have some specific requests then. "

I offered him a puzzled look.

" Special events? That is all?"

He giggled. " Do not be so cocky. Those may be the most challenging moments of your life. My world is the complete opposite of what you know."

For some reason, I saw something demonic in him. Maybe he was not exaggerating.

" I do not know your name," I blurted out, utterly confused by my own words. Why would that be important?

" Liam, but you may hear people calling me different."

" Like what?"

" Hades."

My lips parted as I stared at him. " Like a mythical God of the underground?"

" Exactly," he shot me a wolfish grin. " Only I prefer a different type of underground."

I furrowed my brows. " What kind of underground do you prefer then?"

Liam's face became serious, and I was unsure if I wanted to hear the answer.

" You'll find out one day." His reply brought more questions. " There is one more thing."

I raised my head. " Yes?"

" I want you to stay at my house."

" What?" I asked and covered my mouth, realising how loud I had spoken. " Why would I stay at your home?"

" It is a part of a contract. I want to have you close, in case I would need you." His tone was calm, nonchalant, almost. " I want to keep an eye on you. To make sure you are safe."

" Why wouldn't I be in my place?" I asked carefully. A cold chill ran down my back.

" I said that my world is different from yours. It is a precaution."

" Do you want to scare me?" My voice came out as a whisper.

His face darkened. " Nothing wrong will happen to you by my side."

My fear subsided upon hearing those words. I could not explain, but I trusted him.

" If you say so," I replied, pretending his words did not affect me.

" That is the spirit," he laughed. " We should move your things tomorrow," he added as if we were discussing the weather. I wanted to object, but then I remembered I asked for his help. I can't disagree with his every word.

" What about my work? I will need money."

" Why? You will be my guest. Money will be your least concern."

" Then what should be my concern? Who are you?" I leaned forward, pushed by unhealthy curiosity.

Liam mimicked my gesture.

" Have you ever seen ' The Godfather '?"