Page 35 of Bonds of Hercules
Wow, he really is trying.
A blush stained the top of Kharon’s cheeks as he looked over at Augustus.
Long minutes stretched.
We all waited as Augustus worked his jaw back and forth.
“Don’tmake me regret this,” he finally said, raking his handsthrough his hair in agitation. “Alexis, your training begins at eight o’clock sharp. Be ready.”
Wait—our plan actually worked?
This was completely unexpected.
Helen ran over to Augustus and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you so much for being so understanding—I promise youwon’tregret it.”
Augustus hugged her back tightly. “You better stay safe,” he whispered, looking over his shoulder at me. “Youbothbetter. Don’t make me regret this.”
Poco joined the hug.
Then he chittered and proudly held up a section of Augustus’s hair so everyone could see his work.
Never mind, he can’t braid.
It was a giant knot.
Augustus shook his head with exasperation as he felt the rat’s nest on the top of his head.
“What’s going on here?” Patro’s cruel voice echoed from around the corner.
My blood froze.
We were so close.
Helen pulled away from Augustus.
Achilles stalked behind Patro with another smoking cigarette hanging from his muzzle.
“Nothing.” Kharon glared at them, his eyes sharpening. “Leave—you’re not welcome.”
Poco hissed.
Patro didn’t react to him, instead he focused on me. “Alexis, why do you have blood on your face?”
Achilles’s gaze snapped to me.
I opened my mouth to speak, and once again, no words came out.
“She’s fine,” Augustus said sharply.
“Bullshit, what the fuck is going on here?” Patro looked at Kharon and Augustus with distrust. “Why are you two cornering her? Alexis—do you need our help? Are they hurting you?”
Kharon unholstered a gun. “I wouldneverhurt my wife.”
Patro’s expression turned cruel. “But … you already have?”
Kharon clicked off the safety.
“Stop it!” Augustus bit out.
