Chapter 15

Bellonas whole body felt strange. The energy that was always a wild scream in her veins was quiet, and it was disorientating and unnerving her the more she noticed it. Sex had never done that to her before. She had been sleeping so deeply that she hadnt woken to Set coming in and making himself at home.

Get your shit together, she snarled at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Bellona pulled her hair back into a tight braid and tried not to analyze the wild look in her eye. It was unsure and unbalanced. A few orgasms shouldnt have her so unnerved. She couldnt regret coming so hard she almost passed out, but something wasnt right.

Bellona found her phone and messaged Medusa to see if she had an update and went downstairs. Set and Rafael were chatting around her table like they were the ones that were old friends. Her heart clenched and expanded with all the alien emotions bombarding her—fondness, softness, affection. Set raised a brow at her as if sensing something wasnt right.

Come and eat, Bellona. Im starving and tired of waiting for you, he said. Rafael didnt look in her direction. Not that she blamed him for being annoyed with her after her blunder upstairs. She just wanted to protect him, keep him safe from everything.

You mustve been really worried about me to make me shakshuka, Bellona said, sitting between them at the head of the table.

Of course I was. Im glad to see you found another way to channel your energy than a massacre, Set replied and piled her plate high with food.

Bellona was ravenous. She hadnt eaten since breakfast the day before and all but fell on her food.

Set told Rafael all about Aylas work as a doctor in remote places and how she managed to find situations where both she and Set could use their skills.

That has to be rewarding work. I own some pharmaceutical and medical supply companies. If you ever need anything, dont hesitate to ask, Rafael said.

Thanks. Ayla will definitely take you up on that, Set replied.

It was hard for Bellona to look at Rafael and eat at the same time. It wouldve been so much easier if he wasnt so relentlessly gorgeous all the time. Casual Rafael in jeans and a T-shirt was making her brain short-circuit. He still looked tousled and sex-mussed around the edges, and Bellona couldnt help but recall that perfect face between her thighs. She cut into her toast with frustrated vigor.

The gold on Rafaels forearms glowed in the morning sun, catching her eye and making parts of her clench up. She had never done that during sex before either. It was like her power had poured out of her and marked him.

Mine. Mine. Mine. Bellona tried to shake the possessive tone out of her head. Rafael wasnt an object that she could just keep because she wanted to. That kind of logic was why she came into being in the first place. Screaming, kidnapped women. Bellona rubbed at her temples as the echoes of their cries began in the back of her mind again. Rafaels foot touched hers under the table.

You okay, Bellona? You look like youre about to throw up, he asked.

Im not surprised with the way shes been shoveling food in her mouth. Seriously, Bells, take a breath. You know you shouldnt starve yourself when youre raging, and dick isnt a proper meal, Set teased, waggling his brows at her.

Bellona looked at the knife in her hand, and as if he could read her thoughts, Set threw his head back and laughed. You really have no sense of humor when youre hungry. Im going to take a photo of Rafaels glittery arms and see if Thoth knows how to get it off. Looks like youve been wrestling someone covered in body paint.

Why does he need to get it off? Im sure it will go away on its own, Bellona said, shooting Set a look. Stop interfering.

Sets eyebrow cocked, and he went back to his phone, ignoring her completely. There we go, all sent. Thoth will figure it out.

I dont mind it, Rafael said with a slight smile. Though if anyone can figure it out, Im sure the god of magic and sciences can. Is he really as wise and clever as the stories claim?

Set snorted affectionately. He certainly thinks so.

His consort, Kema, leads him around by his nose, Bellona said, thinking back to the party she was last at with them. For all his so-called wisdom, Thoth is completely whipped.

Arent we all, Bells? Set said, saluting her with his mug of coffee.

Bellona was saved as her phone started to ring. She answered it before realizing that it was a video call. Medusas smiling face appeared. She had a wired look in her emerald eyes, their power deflected by the smudged glasses she wore. Her red hair was in a messy bun on the top of her head, leaving only her golden snakes free.

Good morning! Oh, hello, Set! I didnt know you were in Rome! Medusa shouted, all but bouncing in her chair.

Hey, beautiful, have you been hitting those energy drinks a bit hard already this morning? Set replied with a wide smile.

I havent slept yet because I went down a rabbit hole looking into Rafaels partners. Is he there too? I want to see him! Medusa said, pulling the camera up close to her face. Bellona got out of her chair and went around to the other side of the table. She got Rafael in the frame, looking relaxed.

Buongiorno, he said, rolling out a stunning smile. Its an honor to meet you, Medusa. Tales of your beauty and talent clearly havent been exaggerated.

Medusa patted her messy hair. Oh, hello. Its... Hi.

Bellona rolled her eyes and took the phone back. Yes, yes, we are all very charmed to meet everyone. Have you found something I can use against his partners or what?

Medusa made sure only Bellona could see her before pretending to fan herself and mouthing Hes so hot at her.

Okay, yes, sorry, my brain froze for a second there with Hot Italian Man lag, she chirped and made a few clicks on her keyboard. Give it a second. It needs to reboot.

Rafaels laugh was male and smug, and it still made goosebumps rise on Bellonas spine. If Set hadnt been there, Bellona didnt think she would have been able to resist climbing into his lap and fucking him senseless. Maybe it was a good thing Set had come to stay with them. At least one of them would be able to think clearly.

Tirone Taddeos financials relating to his third of the company look sparkling on the outside, Medusa began. Im sending you some encrypted files for Rafael to look at later, but basically, Tirones broke.

What? How is that possible? Rafael asked, burying his hands in his hair.

He made a shipping investment about six months ago that went south, and its all but bankrupted him, Medusa replied. But thats not even the worst bit. The shipping company is one that is owned by Rita Costa.

Rafael got up to swear and pace angrily, calling Tirone so many names at once that Bellona was surprised, he could curse that quickly.

Wow, Bellona, he even sounds sexy when hes getting mad in Italian. You lucky thing, Medusa said, giving her a saucy wink. Rita has Tirone over a barrel, and I dont think she was polite enough to use lube when she fucked him. Thats his pressure point. I suggest you go and lean on him and see if he crumbles.

I had hoped that Rita would have been smart enough to drop this nonsense today, but clearly, she doesnt recognize good sense when its standing in front of her, Bellona replied.

I bet you were really polite when you had your girl chat with her, Set commented, trying to keep a straight face.

Considering the mood I was in, I was sweetness and fucking light.

Rafael hummed. Yes, I saw plenty of that sweetness and light in the Catacombs.

Well, if you hadnt gotten yourself kidnapped, it wouldnt have happened at all.

Rafael only smiled at her because he knew she wasnt mad at him. He had no fear of her at all.

Did you find anything on Cino? he asked Medusa, leaning over Bellonas shoulder. She fought the urge to turn her face and bury it in his neck so she could smell him.

Cino is proving to be trickier. I need to have some sleep, but Lola, my expert in this sort of job, will be on it, Medusa said, rubbing her hands through her wild curls. Be careful, all of you. I know youre big, tough war gods, but Ive experienced what humans can do when properly motivated. And considering you basically went and told Rita to back away from your man, Id say shes motivated.

Shes very protective of her clients, Rafael said fondly.

Client. Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Interesting. Im going to bed because my sugar just wore off. Be good, and if you cant be good, dont get caught, Medusa said and hung up on them.

I like her. Rafael moved away from Bellona, and she took in a shaky breath.

Set fixed Bellona with his amber stare. How do you want to play this?

As Medusa said, I think we should pay Tirone a house call. He might squeal on Cino and save us some time. Bellona chewed the inside of her cheek, hating what she was about to say next. We need to take Rafael with us. Tirone will open the door for him at least, and their history might work in our favor.

So glad you think so because I was going to see him with or without your permission. Rafael crossed his arms stubbornly. Him being bankrupt weakens my company, and I need to shake the bastard to find out why he would do something so dumb.

Im just going to get my stuff from the apartment next door. The code still the same, Bells? Set asked, already leaving because he knew the fight was about to start.

Yes, she ground out through her teeth.

Dont kill each other while Im gone. Set gave them both a warning look before he shut the apartment door behind him.

Bellona clenched her hands into fists a few times and tried to keep her voice steady.

She said, Im trying my best not to tie you up or ship you off to the middle of nowhere right now. I need to keep you safe, not just for your sake, but for mine.

Why? You seemed like you didnt give a shit about me this morning. You barely even looked at me, Rafael replied.

Because its hard to look at you and think straight, thats why! Bellona said, rising to her feet. Its like you learned nothing from your trip to the Catacombs. People want to kill you, and I was lucky yesterday that it was Laverna who got you and not someone else. You should be more concerned about me keeping you alive than me looking at you.

It sounded ridiculous. She was such a fool to have thought that she could do this job and remain cold and calculating.

Rafaels warm hands rested on her shoulders. I dont want to make it harder for you, but I wont sit back and do nothing while my company crumbles right before my eyes. Im mad at him, but Tirone could be a victim of Ritas machinations as well. You cant go in and hurt him without reason.

Bellona scowled. Oh yes, I can.

Rafael turned her slowly and lifted her chin so she was forced to look at him. Please dont hurt him until we need to. Hes an old man, Bellona. Theres no honor in beating him up.

Theres no honor in agreeing to put a hit out on you either. He doesnt care if you die, Rafael. I dont give a fuck that hes old, she growled.

I do. Please, let me take the lead on this. If it doesnt work, then we can do it your way. Please? Rafael brushed his lips over hers, sending bright sparks through her ichor. Please, mia bella dea.

Begging is better on your knees, she said, the antsy feeling under her skin settling because he was touching her.

Rafael stroked her cheek with his thumb. I think we both know what will happen if I get on my knees for you again.

You think Im going to let that happen again, do you? Thats bold of you.

Rafael smiled and kissed her. It was gentle enough that she could have pulled away at any moment but aggressive enough to tell her that maybe she wasnt the only one who had been thinking about spending a day in bed. His tongue languidly stroked against hers, and she groaned before taking a step back.

Okay, fine, we will do it your way. But I swear if he even looks at you funny, Ill hang him up by his balls.

Rafael kissed her hand and the inside of her wrist. Thank you, most wonderful and benevolent of goddesses.

Bellona laughed and rested her forehead against his chest. Youre such a pain in my ass.

Rafael hummed thoughtfully, his head tilting to one side. If youre into it, I can make it so it doesnt hurt —

Dont start flirting with me. Its hard enough for me to think straight today, Bellona said, exasperated and turned on at the same time.

Rafael gestured to the telling bulge in his jeans. Take comfort in the fact we are suffering together.

Bellona shook her head at him. It was going to be a long day.