Chapter 6

Rafael didnt know what to expect from a war goddesss apartment. A part of him hoped that she would take him to some ancient temple that had somehow remained hidden in the middle of Rome for centuries. He voiced the comment to Bellona, and she made an unladylike snort that could have been amusement or annoyance.

No temple. No Bellonari to tend to it, she replied, her eyes not leaving the road.

If you get me through this in one piece, Ill build you one, Rafael said. He wasnt kidding either.

He had hoped that the bounty Cino and Tirone put out on him was to frighten him, that the heavies would come and make threats. It wasnt until he was hiding behind Bellona that the reality of the situation hit him. It hurt. Cino and Tirone had been like uncles to him. Never in a million years did Rafael believe they would want to kill him.

Bellona drove through the streets of Trastevere that Rafael knew well.

You live here? he asked when she pulled up in front of an elegant, white apartment block.

Yes, why? Is there a problem? Bellona demanded. Why are you smiling?

My place is three streets that way, Rafael pointed. Weve practically been neighbors for years.

Fucking Fates, Bellona grumbled and drove under the building.

If she was surprised, she wasnt showing it. Rafael supposed she hadnt been thinking of him over the years the same way he had been thinking of her. How many people did she save from bad guys every week? It was just another day for her.

Bellona took the stairs, and Rafael followed without complaint. He got to look at her lush, perfect peach of an ass all the way up. Bellona opened the door to her apartment and pushed a bag out of the way.

Watch your step, she said, turning on the warm lights in the black wrought iron chandeliers.

Were you going somewhere? Rafael asked, looking at the tags on the battered bag.

Coming back. Id just arrived from Tangier when you called, Bellona said. She looked over her shoulder at him. Dont touch anything.

It was a warning Rafael didnt need, but when he reached the central part of the apartment, his hands itched to touch everything. Part museum, part gallery, the walls and bookshelves were full of weapons and artifacts from different periods. Amongst them were portraits of Bellona ranging from a mosaic floor piece that had somehow been set and become a hanging piece of art to oil paintings, large daguerreotypes, sculptures, and a modern snapshot of her and Persephone Acheron with two babies.

You know the Acherons? he asked, staring at the smiling women.

Yes. Us old gods tend to stick together. No one understands what we have seen and been through.

Rafael leaned in to look closer at a photo of Bellona in army camo, a huge brown man with his arm around her shoulders. There was a thick jungle behind them and mud staining their combat boots.

Big boyfriend of yours? Rafael asked, trying to hide his disappointment at the prospect.

Bellona smiled. No, my best friend. Thats Set. God of war and protection. Hes from the Egyptian side of the family.

Ah, Call Set. That makes more sense now. Rafael took a moment to stare at the photo again. They were in the middle of a war zone and looked happy. He supposed for war gods, that would be the place they were most comfortable.

Have you eaten? Bellona asked, making Rafael look up.

I havent gotten that far tonight, he replied.

Neither have I. Pasta okay? Bellona headed into a kitchen, and Rafael followed.

Pasta would be perfect. Can I do anything to help?

No, I have it. The guest room is that way if you want to shower.

Rafael knew a dismissal when he heard one.

And where is your room?

Bellona lifted her head from inside the fridge. Upstairs. Why?

I just thought we might share a room so you can protect me better, he said with a grin.

Bellona raised a brow. No one knows we are here, Rafael. I dont need to protect you here.

Rafael sighed. What a shame.

She could throw too many sharp things in the kitchen at him, so he didnt push his luck any further. He couldnt help but flirt with her. Bellona got a confused expression on her face every time, appearing surprised he would have the audacity to flirt with her. Maybe she would head-butt him again if he got out of line. He liked the adrenaline in his veins like his brain was trying to warn him that teasing her was like pulling the tigers tail. Foolish and suicidal.

Like the rest of the apartment, the guest bedroom was elegant, with a large bed and bathroom. There were more pictures of Bellona over the years, including one of her and Set in a snowy war camp. Rafael tried not to feel an irrational twinge of jealousy when he looked at her smiling at the big Egyptian.

He tried to remember some stories about the gods he had heard growing up. Bellona had always been married to Mars, her male counterpart and war god. There were no photos of her with other men except for Set.

Rafael took some gray pajama pants and a T-shirt from his bag and showered. He tried not to think of his burning villa. He had liked that property. It was the place he went to relax and be left alone. He would rebuild it, maybe make it smaller. He had originally built it back when he thought he would have a family one day. As time passed, he realized how much he didnt want kids. He hadnt even found someone he wanted to be with for longer than a night.

Rafael tried not to let it bother him too much. Family life was not meant for everyone, and he was sure it was only his obligation to his father and his company that made him consider it at all.

Rafael dressed and ran his fingers through his wet hair to try and make himself look presentable. He wasnt vain but didnt want to appear like a completely hopeless case in front of Bellona.

The smell of garlic frying had his stomach rumbling before he returned to the kitchen.

Bellona was serving up some tomato and basil spaghetti into two bowls. The table had been set with glasses of wine, a bowl of shredded parmesan, and sliced bread.

This looks amazing, Rafael said, his stomach rumbling.

Its pretty basic, but Ive been away and have no ingredients. Ill get some groceries delivered tomorrow. Bellona gestured to the table. Take a seat. Are you feeling okay? You have a dazed look on your face.

Im fine. I cant get over the fact I was just getting shot at, and now Im having three a.m. pasta with you. Its been a strange day, he replied. He waited until she had put the bowls down before he pulled out a chair for her.

Bellona looked at him suspiciously but sat down anyway. You think your day has been strange? Try starting your night killing sex traffickers in Tangier and then being shot at in Italy before the sun has come up again.

I cant imagine what your life must be like. Rafael sat down and picked up his fork.

Bellonas grin was a wicked shot straight to his dick. Its never dull; thats for sure.

It wasnt until they had finished eating and Rafael was washing up that the adrenaline sustaining him vanished. He swayed on his feet, and if it werent for Bellonas hand on his lower back to steady him, he would have toppled over.

Go and sleep. This can wait, Bellona said, her tone gentler than he had ever heard. Go.

Rafael took her hand and kissed the faint golden scars that crisscrossed her knuckles. Thank you for rescuing me again. I dont know how to repay you.

Ill think of something. Bellona pulled her hand out of his and nudged him towards the guest room. Go to sleep. Tomorrow will take care of itself.