Chapter 18

Bellona stroked Rafaels soft hair until she could think straight again. Every part of her was touching him, and it was better than a weighted blanket because it silenced all the roaring inside of her. She waited until he was sleeping deeply before slipping out from underneath him and going upstairs to shower and change.

Bellona had taken down every trigger-happy bounty hunter she could find around Tirones mansion, following some back to their dens and finishing them off there. One thing she knew for sure—there would be more.

She had taken Rafael to Tirones that day against her better judgment, but she wouldnt be so foolish again. Bellona checked that Rafael was still sleeping before kissing him softly. He didnt wake, just smiled in his sleep. She would do dangerous things for that smile. And she was definitely about to.

Bellona ducked out of the apartment and knocked on Sets door. She had bought out the entire level of the building for safety reasons, and having a spare apartment for friends wasnt a bad thing.

Set answered the door with a grin. Ah, youre back in there. How was the hunt?

One thing Bellona loved about Set was that he never judged her when she lost control. He just acted like she had ducked out for a while. It helped that he suffered the same battle rage and could understand what it did to her.

Hunt was fine. The bounty on Rafael has gone up, and Rita wanted to take out Tirone because hed used up his usefulness, Bellona replied, stepping into the apartment. She will go after his other partner, Cino, next unless hes got something she wants. I know there will be bounty hunters closing in on him, waiting to see if Rafael visits.

What makes you so sure? Set asked, sitting on the arm of the lounge chair and crossing his arms.

Bellona sighed. Its what we would do, isnt it? Whats the point of running about a city when we can sit on someone who knows the target?

Good point. Where is Rafael on this?

Hes asleep, which is how I want him to stay. Bellona scrubbed a hand over her face. I have to go and see Cino, and if I tell him, he will somehow use his powers on me, and Ill let him come with me. They will end up trying to kill him again. Rafael needs to stay here, and I cant let him convince me otherwise.

Sets smile softened in understanding. Yeah, Ayla can talk me into crazy things too. Its what happens when youre in love with them.

Im not... she began and stopped. Am I? Bellona had never been in love before. She didnt know where to start. Fuck, am I?

Yeah, Bells, I think you are. Sorry to break it to you. Dont freak out about it. Forget about it for now, Set said because he could clearly see her starting to panic. Tell me about your plan.

So Bellona did, and by the end of it, Set was rubbing his stubbled chin with a thoughtful expression.

Its a good plan, but I agree we need to keep Rafael in the apartment because hell lose his shit. Ill watch over him for you. Hes not going to like it. He was a wreck worrying about you this afternoon.

Bellona sat on the floor and put her head against the wall. How did I end up with such a tender-hearted man? I will break him with who I am, Set.

You need to give him a bit more credit than that. Hes seen you in full rage multiple times now and hasnt gone anywhere. Hes mad about you. Do you realize that? If I had to guess, he has been since you saved him twenty years ago. Set moved and sat down beside her. You leave an impression, Bells. Hes not running, and youre going to have to sort out how you feel about him sooner rather than later.

Bellona flopped her head on her best friends shoulder. I already know how I feel about him. I dont want anyone else to have him, and Im too selfish to let him go for his own good.

Think you will find hes not interested in being let go. If I can make it work with Ayla, Im sure you can make it work with Rafael. Its nice to have someone to come home to and who cares about what happens to you, Set replied.

Bellona was silent for a long moment. She admitted softly, He stops the screaming, Set. Its been there for my whole existence, and for the first time, its gone.

Oh, Bells. Set put a big arm around her, and for once, Bellona accepted the hug. You are overwhelmed and freaking out about it now, but this is a good thing. I know the idea of peace is confusing for us. Who says we cant change the roles that were assigned to us? You dont have to be just a god of war.

I wasnt a protector like you. I was always this.

Set hummed. You were born from the cries of women caught up in a war. You came from their blood and longing for a champion. So be a champion who women need and can trust.

Its that easy, huh? Bellona said, tears in her throat.

You already are a champion for them. Ask all the women youve saved in trafficking alone. You saved those women two days ago in Tangier. You are doing everything you can to protect Rafael right now because you know hes a good man.

Too good for the likes of me, Bellona pointed out.

He doesnt feel that way. You should have seen his face when Thoth told him that gold you put on him was your divine blessing, Set said, and then, seeing her confused face, he told her what had happened.

Bellona covered her burning face with her hands. Fucking Fates, this cant be happening. Thats what it is? Kema is never going to shut up about this.

Set started laughing. Rafael looked like he was ready to start shouting it from the rooftops too. He loved the idea that you had claimed him like that.

Bellona uncovered her face. Really?

Yeah, Bells. He wants you and would tell it straight to your face if you let him.

Bellona smiled a little, her heart throbbing with all the new emotions Rafael had caused in her. I want him to be happy and safe, which means Im going to see Cino Ferroni tonight while Rafaels asleep.

Fucking and running is a bit cold, but I get why you have to. Hes got you wrapped around his little finger.

His big dick, actually, Bellona clarified with a smirk, making Set roar with laughter.

Go on, get out of here, and do what you need to do. With any luck, youll be back before he wakes up, so I dont have to deal with his sad little puppy face, Set said and pulled her to her feet.

Text me if Medusa gives you an update. I trust her to find the dirt we need on Cino, but I cant wait for it anymore.

Set patted her shoulder. Try not to get too fucked up, okay? You got Rafael now, which means you have something to live for. Remember that.

Bellona gave him her best fuck you smile. How about I do my best not to leave pieces of the Costa family from one end of Rome to the other?

Good enough. Im going to text Rom and give him a heads-up anyway, Set replied. He pointed to a large duffle bag of weapons on the kitchen table. Help yourself.

Bellona rubbed her hands together. Dont mind if I do.

After changingthe license plates on the black Audi, Bellona made her way through Rome to where Cino Ferronis estate was located near the old port city of Ostia.

Bellona tried not to let her old memories of the area overwhelm her. She could still smell the sea and the soldiers if she let her mind drift for a moment. Now, the streets she used to walk were archaeological dig sites or still buried under layers of silt and soil.

Bellona had gotten Cinos address from Medusa with a thumbs up. It was good to have friends to support her nefarious deeds. She mentally promised Rafael that she wouldnt rough up Cino unless she really had to. Bellona tried not to flinch at the thought of Rafaels feelings impacting her actions. She didnt want to disappoint him, and that was a whole new experience for her.

How did this happen? she muttered. She was annoyed that some man had power over her. She laughed to keep herself from crying. In love with a mortal. Just what in all the hells are the Fates playing at.

She blew out a long breath and tried to focus on the road. None of her grumblings really mattered because Bellona knew deep down that Rafael belonged to her, and she wasnt going to give him up without a fight. She also needed time to think about what Set had said about being a goddess who saved women.

When it all was said and done, who could stop her from changing her divine purview? Was it really changing at all, or was it only her perspective on it that needed to change? For a moment, she thought about calling her friend Magdalena. She had been pushing Bellona to check in on Rafael since Bellona had told her about him years ago.

Somewhere out there, Magdalena was laughing her ass off about being right. Maybe Bellona would hold off on that particular call.

Ten minutes later, Bellona pulled up two streets away from Cinos waterfront property at Tibidabo Beach.

There wasnt any movement on the streets or the surrounding buildings, so if Cino was being watched by Ritas men or other bounty hunters, they were doing a better job of it than earlier in the day.

Bellona slipped over the stone fence like a shadow and dropped into the garden. There were enough trees and shrubs surrounding the house that Bellona managed to avoid the cameras that were placed around the property. Cino was already smarter than Tirone just by being paranoid enough to have them.

Bellona hoped that he was smart enough to listen to reason. She wasnt in the mood for torture. She was still trying to ride the sex glow Rafael had given her, and adding screaming and toe-cutting would ruin her buzz completely.

She liked that Rafael wasnt shy about taking control of their pleasure in the bedroom. He wasnt timid or intimidated by the fact she was so much stronger than him. He didnt need to have directions or a map to get her off, and she liked that most of all.

Stop thinking about sex, she chastised herself as she picked the locks of the back door. From the smells of the dark room, she was in a laundry. The sounds of a football match were blaring from a TV somewhere in the house. She opened the door and walked on soft feet to the lounge. A man was sitting in a recliner, watching the game. He was short and balding and looked exhausted.

I think I Giallorossi have a really good chance this year. What do you think? Bellona asked.

The man started, reaching behind his back. Bellona pressed the muzzle of her silencer to his temple.

Dont. Just dont. Believe it or not, Im not here to hurt you, so please dont make me, she said.

Cino turned back around, hands raised. What could you possibly want now, huh? My wife and pregnant daughter arent enough for your animals? he demanded, his eyes filling with angry tears.

Bellona slid her gun back into its holster. Im not working for Rita. Thank you for telling me what shes holding on you, though. Thats helpful.

If youre not here to check on me, then who are you? Why are you here?

My name is Bellona Di Roma, and Rafael Asellio is very important to me. This bounty on his head is starting to piss me off. Bellona helped herself to one of the unopened Peronis that were on his coffee table.

Ah, so you are the protector that Michele was always so quiet about. If only he wouldve been generous enough to share your prized contact details, maybe my family wouldnt have had to suffer, Cino spat.

Bellona had a mouthful of beer. Rafael sent me here to help. You want me to rescue your wife and daughter?

Please, Cino said, breaking down into sobs. Rita already killed my son-in-law in front of my baby girl. I cant go to the police because she has too many contacts among them. She will kill them if I try. I dont know what to do.

Sets words about Bellona protecting women in need came back to her like a prophecy.

Ill save them, and the only thing I want in return is for you to support Rafael when the time comes. Tirone is dead, and you will end up the same if you dont accept my help now.

Cino ran his hands over his bald head. I never wanted any of this to happen. I was holding out against Ritas offers, unlike Tirone, the damn fool. Then I got home a week ago, and they had my family tied up. They shot my son-in-law in the kitchen and took my wife and daughter. I had to support the bounty on Rafael or lose them as well. Ill support Rafael in any way I need to, just get them back for me.

Bellona texted Set. Phase 2 has begun. See you on the other side. Then she took out her SIM card and snapped it.

Okay, Cino. I need you to get your phone and send a message to Rita, she said.

And tell her what? Cino asked, pulling out his phone.

Bellona smiled. Why, that Im here, harassing you.

Slow realization dawned on Cinos face. You want them to capture you too?

Of course, Bellona leaned back in her chair and swigged her Peroni. How else am I going to get taken where your family is being held?