Page 70 of Dragon in Boots

“Get the hell out of the way, man! Or they will mow you down.”

“I cannot. The sister and nephew of the woman I love may be inside, and I—”

“You love me?” Sky’s blurry figure appeared in front of him.

He dropped his hand with the cell. “Sky?”

“Do you really love me?”

He had to think for a moment. He was still pissed at her and hated the fact that she’d tossed him aside so easily, but there was no denying he was here, trying to save the people she loved.

“Yes, I do love you, Sky. But that doesn’t mean I will be your doormat, your butler, your bodyguard, or unpaid assassin. I am here to help you one last time. That is all.”

“But you love me?” she repeated.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I guess…I didn’t think you really cared.”

“How can you say that?” he asked.

“When I told you I was leaving, you didn’t say a word. You gave up on us so easily.”

Oh, that’s just great! Great!Females were so damned complicated. “I was trying to be respectful of your career choices, like a modern man.”

“Why the hell did you think I wanted that?” she yelled, her voice coming in wobbly-pitched waves.

“Because you were always commenting on my old-man crustiness and antiquated ways.”

“I was kidding, Damien! I was so fucking into you. But you—with your aloofness and gentlemanly honor crap—didn’t bother to show me one ounce of fire. I figured you didn’t want me. What else could I think?”

“I don’t know? Maybe that I really want you, dead or alive? You are the most beautiful, intelligent woman I’ve ever known. How could you not think I love you?”

Her eyes softened. “Oh gods, Damien.” Regret filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Don’t be mad, okay? I swear I didn’t know. I just wanted to help my family.”

“What did you…” A seven-foot-tall figure exited the warehouse. He had long blue-black hair and turquoise eyes.

“Votan?” Damien asked. “What are you doing here?”

Right behind him came twelve other gods, including Ixtab, the Goddess of Suicide; Belch, the God of Wine; Forgetty, the Goddess of Forgetfulness; and Zac, the God of Seduction.

Why are they all here at SBP?he wondered.

Just then, Cimil wandered out. “Hey, tailor. Did Sky fill you in yet?”

“Fill me in on—”

Like a storm, men in camo came from every direction, pointing guns at them.

“Hold your fire!” Gabrán walked out from behind a car in the parking lot. “Sir, I thought you were getting ready to leave for Pompeii?” he said to Votan.

“Change of plans, General.” Votan wiggled his brows. “I have work to do. So do you because the gods are out of retirement. But first, a nap. Must rest up.”

Damien looked at a smiling, giddy Cimil just as his phone vibrated.

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