Chapter 5

Bellona followed Rafael through the house and into the master bedroom. He pulled a leather overnight bag from the bottom of a cupboard and started filling it.

Remind me again why I need a bag of things when we are meant to be going back to my house? he asked.

Because plans can change fast in this sort of situation, and its good to be ready. Have you stayed in practice with self-defense and shooting?

Bellona could see by his trim physique he was still working out, but all the gym muscles in the world meant nothing in a real fight.

She tried not to look at the large bed that took up most of the room. She didnt need to be thinking about Rafael in it.

No wife, no kids. Bellona was still trying to process that. She had been so sure he would have a family. She had thought she would be able to use it as an excuse to stay away from him. That it would be a good barrier that she wouldnt ever cross. No such luck. She didnt realize she was staring at him until he started laughing.

If I didnt know better, I would say that you are checking me out right now, Rafael teased her.

But you do know better. I was just trying to figure out whats wrong with you that no human female wanted to marry you, she replied, unfamiliar heat spreading up her neck.

Rafaels grin widened. I had plenty of offers. I turned them down. Its one of the reasons Rita wants me to suffer.

That got Bellonas attention. She straightened. Explain.

Its nothing. Before everything went to shit, Rita came to me with an indecent proposal. She offered to marry me, give me an heir, and combine our business to take over Rome, Rafael replied, heading into the adjoining bathroom.

Bellona followed him. Thats not nothing! You turned down the woman, and now shes doing everything to make you suffer. You should have led with that.

I didnt think she was serious about it.

Bellona cast her eyes to heaven. Fates, give me strength. You wounded her pride, you fool. Dont you know the saying about hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?

That implies there are feelings involved. There arent. Rafael turned to her. He was only a little taller than she was, and he was close enough that she could see every fleck of green in his eyes. Rita wants my money, not my dick and certainly not my heart, just like everyone else I tried to date. Its why I stopped bothering. People only ever see the name and the money.

There was a touch of hurt in his tone that spoke of experience, and Bellona suddenly wanted to kill everyone who had made him feel that way.

Their loss, Rafael. Im sure your dick is lovely, she said, wanting the teasing light back in his eyes.

It is. Let me know if you would like me to introduce you sometime. I think you two would really hit it off, he replied after a beat.

Bellona was still laughing when the bedroom windows shattered with gunfire. Rafael pulled her down to cover her, and she had to shove him back.

I am immortal! I protect you! Bellona shouted over the noise. She summoned her shield and held it up. You stay behind me as close as you can.

Theres a tunnel down in the cellar for bringing in large casks, Rafael said, picking up his bag and pulling out a handgun.

Just dont shoot me in your enthusiasm, Bellona said, eyeing the weapon. She lifted the shield. Are you ready?

I am. The cellar is connected to the pantry. Rafael wasnt panicking, which was a good sign.

Bellona pulled him closer. Watch our backs.

Rafael nodded, and Bellona waited a few more seconds until there was a break in the gunfire. The assholes were reloading, so she didnt waste any time as she moved through the house.

There was broken glass and blown-up furniture everywhere. They were completely surrounded.

Bellona would have loved nothing more than to jump through the nearest window and show them what true violence was. She didnt dare leave Rafael alone for a single second. Revenge would have to wait.

They had just made it to the kitchen when the shooting started again, and bullets pinged off her shield.

Keep your head down! she shouted, and they ran to the pantry. She kicked the ruined doors in, and Rafael hurried to lift the heavy cellar trap door for her.

This way, goddess, he said.

No. You first, Bellona demanded. Rafael didnt argue. He went through the hatch and down the steep stairs.

Bellona pulled the pantry door shut before she followed him into the dimly lit cellar. It was cooler down there and smelled of earth and wine.

They might have already found the entrance, so the same rules as before. Stay behind me. Dont try and be brave.

Ah, this brings back fond memories, he said with a smile. You. Me. People trying to kill us.

Bellona huffed out a laugh and hurried down the tunnel. It surprised her that he could still be making jokes when a kill squad had just destroyed his house.

They were nearing the exit when a figure dressed in black appeared.

Bellona held up a hand to halt Rafael before pulling her dagger free. She launched herself out of the shadows, making the man yelp in fright before she disarmed him and drove her blade into his ribs. She checked there was no one else between them and the vines.

I parked my car on the other side of the field. We are going to have to run, Bellona said, picking up the dead mans handgun. She produced her shield again and gave it to Rafael. You stay behind this and follow me. If I go down, you keep running, understand? Bellona gave him her cell phone. Get in the car and head to Rome. Call Set and tell him what happened, and hell come and look after you.

You said you were immortal, Rafael pointed out. He put the phone in his pocket before picking up her shield.

I am. I can still get fucked up by bullets, but I will recover. You wont. Call Set. Stay safe. Understand? Bellona demanded.

Rafael nodded. I understand, goddess. Lets hope it doesnt come to that.

Bellona didnt reply. She felt compromised emotionally, and she hated it. If he had been anyone else, she would be able to think clearly. She wouldnt be so worried about every bullet aimed in his direction.

Scanning both ways, Bellona hurried across the small yard where the vines started. She turned and gestured to Rafael to follow. Something moved on the roof, and Bellona fired before they could lift the barrel of their rifle. Rafael kept the shield high and didnt look to the commotion.

Run! Bellona hissed, and he took off down the rows. She kept her head on a swivel, protecting his back. Bullets pinged on the shield, and Rafael fired, dropping his attacker.

Bellona grinned. So you did keep up your practice.

It seemed like a good idea. I couldnt expect you to swoop in and save me again, he replied. And yet she had done just that.

Bellona gestured for him to hurry up, and the Audi came into view. An explosion shook the night, burning the black sky orange and white. The villa was a fireball.

I hope you had insurance, Bellona said, pulling the passenger door open and shoving him inside.

I did, but it still pisses me off, Rafael grumbled.

Better the villa than you. The shield disappeared once more, and Bellona jumped into the drivers seat.

You are going to have to tell me what that shield is made of to not even have a dent in it after all of that, Rafael said, shoving his bag into the back seat.

I never asked Vulcans secret for the metal. He made it as a present, and Ive carried it ever since, Bellona replied and turned the car on. Put your seat belt on.

Yes, Mama, Rafael said and clipped it.

Bellona only shook her head at his nonsense and put her foot on the gas. Rafael swore as she swung the car around the tight corners of the lane and roared out onto the highway.

Cazzo! Slow down!

No. I need to get you somewhere safe. Bellona checked the review mirror and didnt see anyone following them.

My house is in?—

Bellona cut him off. No way. Im not taking you to another property you own. They will know how to find you too easily there.

Rafael grabbed the dash as she zoomed past a truck. Then where are you taking me?

Bellona knew there was only one place that would be safe for him, where she could guarantee to keep him that way and calm her ratcheting anxiety. Im taking you home.