Chapter 11

Rafael didnt dare try to talk to Bellona on the way home. Her armor had become a blood-splattered suit by the time they exited the Catacombs. The sun was setting, and she drove them home with her eyes never moving from the road.

Safely inside her apartment once more, Rafael couldnt help but sigh with relief.

What a day, huh? he said, desperately trying to break her out of the icy glare in her eyes.

Go wash the blood off in the bathroom. Ill get the first-aid kit, she instructed, her voice devoid of all emotion.

Rafael didnt fight with her about it. His whole body was aching, and his face stung every time he moved it. When he finally got a good look at himself, he saw why Bellona was freaking out. He looked like a terror, with dried blood all over his front. He stripped off his shirt and jacket and cleaned up in the sink.

The cut on his face stretched from the curve of his cheekbone and up to his temple. It was still bleeding, but Rafael knew from experience that any wounds on the face bled more than anywhere else. He was toweling off when he felt Bellona behind him. She was like a burning wind of compressed energy heating his back.

Come and sit over here so I can look at that cut, she said. Rafael took one of the clean towels from the bathroom and placed it over the bed before sitting on it. Bellona put a large kit on the bedside table and started removing things.

Take these, she said, handing him some tablets.

What are they? Rafael asked before downing them with water. If Bellona wanted him dead, she wouldnt have gone to all the trouble to save him so many times.

Bellona wet some gauze with a sharp-smelling liquid. They are antibiotics and something that will help you with the pain. Fates only know what that piece of shit had on his blade, and I dont want you getting an infection. She lifted his chin, turning his face to study the cut. Rafael fought not to think of her touching him so softly. She studied the wound and then started to clean it. Rafael tried not to hiss at the sharp sting.

What do you think? Its going to scar and make me look like a pirate? he asked. She was close enough that the dark, sensual smell of her perfume enclosed him, and he tried hard not to think sexy thoughts. She was just so damn beautiful and fierce and terrifying. He wanted to close the distance between them and kiss her so badly, it burned.

If it does scar, it will be thin and faint. The knife was sharp, at least. Bellona took a small tube of surgical glue from the kit. Tilt your face for me.

Rafael tried to keep still as she glued the cut back together. She still had rage in her eyes. Bellona? Thank you for coming to find me. I know I fucked up.

Bellona gently held the cut together while the glue set. It wasnt your fault. If you cant trust the police, who can you trust? Im not mad at you for going with them, Rafael.

You are so angry, I can feel you vibrating with it.

Rafael couldnt get the image of her in the Catacombs filled with fury out of his head. The way her words echoed around the ancient stone. You dare to touch what is mine? He wanted to ask her what she meant by that. He didnt think now was the best time. She would probably break his nose again.

Bellona inspected his cut and rested a hand on his other cheek. Im not angry at you or even Laverna. Im angry at me. I shouldnt have left you alone. You got hurt because I failed to protect you.

Rafael trapped her hand on his cheek and held it there. You got me out of there, Bellona. You were terrifying and powerful, and Ive never seen something so magnificent.

I didnt scare you? she asked, her ashen brows drawing together.

Rafael turned his head to kiss the soft skin of her wrist. No. Youve never scared me. Please dont blame yourself for this silly scratch.

I know exactly who to blame for that silly scratch, as you call it, Bellona said, stepping back from him. The softness was gone from her face as she cleaned up the bloody gauze. Rafaels head suddenly felt full of water, and drowsiness overtook him.

Woah, what did you say those tablets were? he asked.

Nothing malicious. Just something to help with the pain so you can sleep. Bellona gently guided him back onto the pillows. She took off his shoes and drew the comforter over him.

You need to rest now, Rafael. That cut needs to heal, and your body has to process the adrenaline drop, Bellona said, her voice soft. She brushed her fingers through his hair, and he had never felt anything so good. Sleep now, and know Ill never let them hurt you again.

Rafael was too relaxed and sleepy to argue. He settled further into the soft pillows, Bellona lightly stroking his hair, and fell asleep.