Page 135 of Bonds of Hercules
I shivered.
Abruptly Kharon pulled back.
He flexed his fingers, then fisted them as he cleared his throat. “That’s what I’d do—if this was just physical. But that’s …notwhat this is. This is me apologizing.”
He stepped to the side.
Augustus got to his feet and walked toward me with awelike I was his benediction. Crimson dripped from the side of his mouth, the cut on his tongue still bleeding.
He reached for my face, cupping my cheek.
“My carus.” He leaned forward until his warm lips hovered over mine.
The kiss was featherlight; I felt it in my soul.
He pulled away.
I touched my tingling lips.
A gagged bellow echoed, chains clanking. Patro’s emerald eyes were wide and pleading, his expression distraught as he struggled harder, desperate to free himself.
Achilles sat still and watched us.
“We aredevotedto you,” Augustus said solemnly.
Kharon rested his hand on my shoulder, as if bestowing a blessing. “There isnothingin the world we wouldn’t do for you, Alexis.”
Their promises hung heavy in the air, depraved in their vehemence.
They meant exactly what they said.
That’s the problem.
23
THE HUNTER
KHARON: THENIGHTBEFORE THEINITIATIONMASSACRE
An agonizing headache throbbed in my skull. I breathed harshly as I focused on Alexis’s sleeping form and not Augustus’s pain.
Moonlight gently kissed her delicate features.
It was quiet in the bedroom. The spring storm had died down hours ago, the rain finally stopping.
Everyone in the villa was sleeping.
Everyone but me.
I rubbed at my mouth where there was no longer a mark—our marriage bond was making us more powerful—I’d never healed so quickly before.
I used to think the bond, the increased Chthonic power, was everything I’d ever wanted.
Now I loathed it.
It was the reason Alexis didn’t trust me, the reason her intriguing eyes became guarded in my presence.
Even amongst Spartans, Alexis was special.
