Page 50 of Bonds of Hercules
“Don’t c-call me that.” I furiously rubbed soap all over my sweaty skin.
“But it’s true,” Kharon said. “You’re theprincessof the great House of Hades.”
“We know,” I muttered under my breath. “It’s why you married me.”
The silence that followed was charged.
“That’s not the only reason,” Kharon said sharply.
I scoffed.
Kharon’s pale feet appeared outside my door. “Alexis, you’re being acowardhiding from—”
“Andyouonly married me b-because of my heritage.”
“I married you—” Kharon’s tone was dangerous “—because when I saw you, I immediately wanted toruinyou … body and mind.”
A primal part of my brain recoiled with horror.
Save yourself; get away from him.
“Is that what you wanted to hear?” Kharon asked harshly. “Does that make you feel better, princess?”
“No.”
It really doesn’t.
Turning off the water, I quickly wrapped myself in a towel and wrenched the door open.
“It’snotjust physical.” Kharon bared his teeth as he glared down at me, his naked skin glistening with water.
If he was trying to look remorseful, he failed.
He looked cruel.
I pushed past him, my arm tingling where we touched as I grabbed the first training clothes I found in a locker and pulled them on. When I was fully dressed, I turned back to him.
Kharon had found pants.
I was a devastated woman (read: pervert).
“I admit the urge to stalk you is—” Kharon wet his lower lip “—unbearable.”
I took a step back. What was someone supposed to say to that?
“When it comes to you, my desires are even … darker than usual.” His voice was gravelly.
The queasy sensation returned.
Augustus stepped out of the shower in a cloud of steam with a towel slung low on his hips. “We both enjoy control,” he said casually. “I tend to praise—while Kharon is more viciously inclined. One could say he’s … cruel.”
I choked.
WARNING: DANGER.
Red lights flashed in my mind.
Kill them and run before they can hurt you.
