Page 96 of Bonds of Hercules
I peeked open my eyes sheepishly.
Kharon’s face was swathed in shadows, a vein in his forehead pulsing, and Augustus was frozen, a bronze statue of harsh lines.
Suffocating silence stretched.
“How?” Augustus asked with deadly calm.
I shrugged, desperate to break the tension. “It was just some physical damage, not a big deal at—”
“Who?” Augustus cut me off. “Who did it?”
“That’s n-not the point.” I took another deep steadying breath and focused on Kharon. “You shouldn’t have given me your ear. It’s a waste.”
Kharon closed his eyes, dark eyelashes fanning across sharp cheekbones; Augustus’s hand curled, nails scraping against my scalp.
“Who … did this to you?” Kharon asked. “I want a name.”
“I misspoke … I fell … and injured myself.”
Augustus clenched his jaw.
Kharon smiled, a hateful expression. “You’re a shit liar.”
“I’m not lying.”
They both glowered at me.
I rolled my eyes.
Their fury mounted and I couldn’t hold back an inappropriate, watery laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Kharon asked with confusion.
Oh.
Out of nowhere, the truth hit me. “I’m not afraid of you two anymore.”
Augustus grimaced. “My carus, Sparta is a violent place, and we’re …notgood men. You don’t know what we’re capable of.”
Yes, I do.
Kharon’s face twisted with pity.
My laughter died, replaced with indignation.
“Maybe,” I said, “you two don’t know whatI’mcapable of.”
16
YOUR PAIN IS MINE
ALEXIS
“Maybe,” I said, “you two don’t know me at all—and youneverwill.”
Kharon’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. “Is that a threat?” A muscle in his jaw ticked. “Princess.”
“I don’t know.” I glared up at him. “Is it? You tell me.”
