Page 106 of Bonds of Hercules
Lightning flashed, illuminating the villa’s entrance, and my right knee buckled—I grabbed blindly to steady myself.
I was holding on to the fifteen-foot-tall bronze statue of a naked warrior that decorated the corner of the atrium. The man held a stone in his right hand and was strangling a monstrous snake with his other—the beast’s mouth was wide open, curved fangs bared.
“Youreallyneed to bulk up,” Nyx said unhelpfully from around my neck.
Releasing the sculpture, and ignoring my bruised pride, I limped out of the atrium and made my way down a long corridor.
“Carissima.”
Thunder cracked as Kharon’s voice echoed darkly off the walls.
I slowly turned around.
Augustus and Kharon stood at the end of the hall I’d just limped down. Soaking wet, their workout clothes were plastered to their sculpted bodies.
Their narrowed eyes glowed faintly in the dark, like they were creatures from Hell.
It’s an ambush.
Winged Titans would have been less imposing.
Augustus cleared his throat. “We have something for you. A … gift.” He held up a black box. “Please, take it.”
Never again.
I shook my head.
Kharon’s jaw clenched. “Take it,” he said quietly, his posture rigid. “Please,” he bit out, like it physically pained him to say the word.
I pulled my shoulders back, mimicking his stance.
“No.”
Kharon ground his teeth together.
A beat passed, then he and Augustus stalked toward me, their footsteps silent as they approached.
Run for your life.
I widened my stance and held my ground.
The storm raged outside.
“Leave me alone.” My voice rang down the hall.
Kharon’s face twisted. “I can’t do that.” He clenched his jaw. “Anythingbut that.”
“You looked tired during the run.” Augustus studied mefrom head to toe, searching for injuries as he stalked closer. “Are you feeling okay?”
Sure, if okay means like a cadaver.
They were only ten feet away.
Nyx clicked her fangs. “Tell them you’d feel better if they crawled and kissed your feet.” She paused like she was thinking about it. “Also, they need to be naked. That part is crucial.”
I really can’t keep living like this.
They were almost in my personal space.
