Bonds of Hercules (Villains of Lore, #2)(17)

I held myself still.

“I agree with Alexis.” Helen raised both her hands in a placating gesture at the men. “No evidence has been found, and you both already interrogated her … You didn’t find anything, right?”

Kharon covered his mouth like he was stopping himself from saying something he’d regret. He’d been doing that a lot lately.

Long, tense seconds stretched.

Augustus bared his teeth. “Then why … is there blood on your face?” His eyes narrowed as he stared at me.

I touched my cheek, heart racing with fear that I’d been caught.

Ceres whimpered behind me.

Think, Alexis.

Shaking my head, I yanked up the sleeve of my nightgown.

Augustus and Kharon stilled as I revealed the deep marks I’d itched into myself in my sleep.

“Nightmares,” I blurted.

Augustus closed his eyes and tensed like he was struggling to regain control.

“Why are you having nightmares?” Kharon asked accusingly.

I arched my brow at him.

He had the decency to blush.

Augustus cleared his throat. “Where … would Ceres even stay?”

“Next to me,” Helen answered immediately, just as we’d hastily planned. “She can stay in the room that’s connected to mine. There’s plenty of space.”

“That’s not safe,” Augustus said through gritted teeth, veins protruding from his forehead.

Poco climbed up to the top of his head and carefully separated three strands of his hair.

Wait, can the raccoon braid?

Helen tipped her chin back and leveled her brother with a glare, emerald eyes on fire. In the shadowy night, she looked like a mini Aphrodite.

“You can have your soldiers watch her,” Helen snapped. “You know, the ones that pretend to be servants … but follow me around.”

Augustus didn’t bother to deny it.

Well, that explained why they stalked around the villa looking like they’d rather snap a neck than do housework (relatable).

Kharon took a deep, steadying breath.

“The girls can look after themselves,” he said through gritted teeth. “We should … let them decide what to do.”

All of us gaped at him.

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’t make me regret this,” he finally said, raking his hands through 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 you won’t regret it.”

Augustus hugged her back tightly. “You better stay safe,” he whispered, looking over his shoulder at me. “You both better. 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 would never hurt my wife.”

Patro’s expression turned cruel. “But … you already have?”

Kharon clicked off the safety.

“Stop it!” Augustus bit out.

“What the fuck is on the side of your head?” Patro asked Augustus.

Poco hissed and grabbed his creation protectively (knotted wad of hair).

“Poco is none of your concern.” Kharon’s voice was icy. “Stay away from him.”

Patro scoffed at them. “What are you two going to do to me? Please share.”

Kharon raised his gun.

Achilles yanked Patro back behind him, smoke billowing around his face.

The scent of violence filled the hall.

“P-please,” I said.

Kharon lowered his gun with a heavy sigh, and Augustus rubbed his face.

Patro stiffened as he focused on the space behind me.

“Wait—is that the bitch that was working with Theros?” Patro pushed past Achilles. “Why the fuck is that scum not in the dungeon? Why is she standing behind Alexis … What is going on here?”