Chapter 14

Rafael was roused out of his sex coma by the smell of something spicy cooking. He cracked open an eye. Bellona was still sprawled out beside him, naked and gorgeous and shimmering with the gold that had poured from her the night before. If she was next to him, who was in the kitchen? Rafael pulled on some pants and looked around.

Where is that shield? he whispered, and it appeared instantly in his hand. Oh. Thanks, he told it and felt like an idiot. He crept out of the bedroom, downstairs, and towards the kitchen.

A tall, broad, brown man with a ponytail was unpacking groceries into the fridge. He had food cooking on the stove and was humming to himself.

Who the fuck are you, and how did you get in here? Rafael demanded, holding the shield tightly.

The man turned, looked at Rafael, and grinned. Well, good morning, sunshine, he said in an accented English. He eyed the shield, and his smile widened. And where is the lady of the house?

Bellona is asleep. Rafael woke up enough to get a good look at the mans face. He lowered the shield. Let me guess, you are Set?

The one and only. How did you get Bellonas shield? Set asked and kept putting groceries away.

Rafael ran a hand through his messy hair. It kind of just appeared in my hand when I thought someone was breaking in.

Interesting. Set fiddled with the timer on the oven. Why would anyone breaking in decide to cook you breakfast and clean out Bellonas disgusting fridge?

Good point. Its been a weird few days, Rafael admitted, propping the shield against the couch.

Set tossed a cloth kitchen towel over one shoulder. The Egyptian god of war studied Rafael with the same sort of measuring look that Bellona liked to roll out.

So youre the one and only Rafael. Set pointed at his arm. Is that gold all over you?

Ah, yes? He didnt know if all gods did that when having sex, and he wasnt about to kiss and tell. I really should go have a shower.

You look like you need it. Set chuckled and poured a coffee from a French press and offered it to Rafael. I owe my wife so much money. I didnt think Bellona would seduce you quite so quickly. Its good that you found a way to sort her rage out before she destroyed Rome again.

Rafael sipped the coffee. I seduced her, actually. You have a problem with that?

Hell no. I told her she needed to get laid and get this thing she has for you out of her system.

Rafael didnt like the thought of Bellona getting him out of her system. He thanked Set for the coffee, took it to the guest room, and showered.

The gold seemed to be fused into his skin. He didnt care. Every time he looked down at it, it reminded him exactly how he got it. His whole body had a deeply satisfied lethargy to it. He had planned on spending the day in bed seeing how many times he could make Bellona come, but Set turning up had messed with that plan. Why was he here anyway?

Rafael dressed in jeans and a dark green T-shirt that brought out the same shade in his eyes. He had none of the gold on his face, but it was on his arms, and there was no way to cover it. He hoped Bellona wasnt going to be mad about whatever it was being on display.

Rafael opened the door and heard Bellonas silky voice talking. Thank you for getting here so quickly, Set.

After your called about wanting to go full Nika Riots on Rome, I got Thoth to drop me on your doorstep. I was debating calling Romulus to warn him, Set replied.

Wait, Romulus is a real person? Rafael asked, joining them in the kitchen. Bellona was in a robe, her hair still a mess. Clearly, she and Set were close enough that they didnt worry about formalities. She looked so beautiful that Rafael wanted to tell Set to go away and carry her back to the bedroom.

Rom is a real god and a massive dick when he thinks his city is in trouble, Set clarified.

Rafael really wanted to give Bellona a good morning kiss. She offered a small smile but didnt move to greet him.

Well, arent you two adorable, Set teased.

Shut up, Bellona muttered, the tips of her ears going pink.

I really didnt think Id be interrupting your morning after.

I swear Ill toss you out the window, Bellona threatened.

Breakfast is going to be ten minutes. Go and shower, grumpy pants, Set replied. He was unfazed by the glare she gave him. When Bellonas back was turned, Set gave Rafael a go after her signal. Rafael shot him the finger before realizing what he had done and winced. Set only smothered his laughter with a cough.

Bellona was going through her wardrobe when Rafael found her upstairs.

So does this gold come off, or am I permanently shiny now? he asked, trying to break the ice.

Bellona pulled a black T-shirt from a drawer. Im not sure. Its never happened before.

Are you okay? Set said something about you wanting to destroy the city last night, Rafael said.

Im fine, she replied.

He really didnt like the coldness that was back in her tone. Have I done something to upset you because you seem pissed.

Bellona looked up at him. Her mouth was set, but her eyes were stormy with conflict.

Im not upset with you. I just think we really need to focus on finding out what your partners are into. We cant afford to be distracted. Bellona drew in a sharp breath. You distract me, Rafael. Its a problem. It will make me lose my edge and get you killed.

Rafaels chest clenched. Is this your backward way of saying last night was a mistake?

I dont know what last night was, Bellona said and went into the bathroom. The door locked behind her.

Well, that blew up in your face. Rafael stared at the door for a few moments before walking away. She clearly needed time alone, and he wasnt going to be an asshole by starting a fight with her.

Ooof. You look like youve been kicked in the nuts, Set said. He was buttering a pile of toast that was enough for five people.

Im okay, but I dont think she is. She said I make her lose her edge, and its going to get me killed. Not something anyone has said to me after sex before, Rafael replied.

Set passed him some plates and cutlery. Rafael took the hint and started setting the table.

Bells has never been in this position before, so give her some slack and breathing room if you can, Set said finally. She doesnt like people often, and she liked you instantly. Enough to almost kill Laverna yesterday and then sleep with you.

You forgot she also went and threatened Rita Costa to her face in public, Rafael added.

Set pinched the bridge of his nose. Just great. Now I do have to ring Rom.

Im not going to do anything that will make her job harder, Rafael said. Maybe he should have had some self-control. Bellona made him lose his common sense completely.

Bells feels like she almost lost you yesterday, and she was so scared of what she might do, she called me in. Its hard for someone like us to admit we are worried about losing control because when we do, lots of people die, Set said. He pulled a tray of bacon and another with eggs baked in some kind of red sauce from the oven and placed them on the counter. Bellona will get over her freakout and be trying to jump your bones again in no time. She likes you too much to stay away now. But, kid, whatever you do, dont break her heart. The world cant handle any more global crises right now.

Rafael didnt really know how to process that. I have no intention of breaking her heart. Especially if she lets me get close enough to it.

You really arent worried about how much blood is on her hands? How old she is? What she is? Because she cant change any of that. Set carried the food over to the table and sat down.

Rafael took the seat opposite him. I dont want to change anything about her. I just want… His tongue caught on the words. He knew exactly how he felt about Bellona, and it should have scared him. Instead, it had never felt so right.

Just want what? Set demanded, an overprotective tone burning into every word.

I just want to love her, Rafael replied, heat spreading over his face. Thats all I want. I like who she is, and Im not afraid of her. I know she could kill me in a heartbeat, but she wont. She makes me feel safe and alive at the same time. I know it probably all sounds ridiculous to a big, tough war god, but I dont really give a shit what you think. I want her just how she is.

Sets expression softened. He pulled out his phone and showed him a picture of him and a smiling woman. This is Ayla. You remind me a lot of her, so no, it doesnt sound ridiculous. If its a sign youre going to mean as much to Bells as Ayla does to me, you are in for a ride. Bells is only just starting to figure out how she feels about you too, and its scaring her. Shes never been scared before.

You know her best. What should I do? Rafael asked.

You already know what to do. Set looked at the picture of Ayla again before putting the phone in his pocket. Just love her.