mean that. I love you. And if you ever come to love me, I will test that bond often. I just want to be up front with you about who I am.”
“I understand.” And with that, they fell into a companionable silence, each just enjoying the presence of the other. She was basking in the simple contentment of being in his arms. She had never had this with anyone. She had been a fool to think she wasn’t missing out on anything all those years. She had already broken the rule of celibacy once when she was a teenager. Most did. It was just an accepted thing to be shunned—like a married man having a mistress. If it was kept suitably quiet, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
But she wasn’t a temple priestess anymore. And oh, she wanted Nero. She wanted to see what he could do to her—what it would feel like to have him. But some part of her was still frightened he would throw her away and grow bored once he had her. And the other part kept repeating to her that it had only been three blessed days since she had come to live with him.
No. She would have to make him wait. She would have to make both of them wait for as long as she could hold out. So, likely another day at this rate.
Even if what she wanted to do right now was guide his hands to all the places she knew he wanted to touch. Even if what she wanted was to kiss every part of his body.
Hera, give me patience.
Give me strength.
For as long as it would last, anyway.
12
The next morning, Hope found Nero in a mood. He was pacing around the dining room, growling and muttering to himself. She could hear the clicking of his shoes on the marble floor. She sat quietly and made herself as inconspicuous as possible. The last thing she wanted to do was put herself in the path his wrath.
Kema was there to divert his attention, at least. “Good morning, Hope.”
“Morning,” she greeted quietly. After finding a pitcher and sniffing it, finding it filled with orange juice, she poured herself a glass and sat back. Finally, she had to know what was going on. “What’s the matter?”
“Viktor and Hugo are on their way. We’re hosting them for dinner,” Kema muttered into her drink, whatever it was. Hope wouldn’t be surprised if it were alcoholic, despite the early morning. “He’s always in a mood when he has to deal with the other Cardinals.”
“At least Morten isn’t coming?” She tried to be helpful. She tried to find the silver lining.
A glass shattered on the wall, and she cringed, recoiling into her chair. It wasn’t pointed at her or anywhere near her. But it was still enough to make her freeze and hold perfectly still. Nero was ranting at himself under his breath.
Someone sat next to her and placed their hand on her arm. “It’s all right. You’re safe. He just gets into…fits.”
“Does he ever hurt you?” she asked quietly, not wanting Nero to hear.
“He tried once. I bloodied his lip, and he respected that enough to never try again. He won’t hurt you. I promise.”
Hope tucked her hands into her lap, trying to keep them from shaking.
“If it’s any consolation, I deserved it,” Kema said with a quiet chuckle. She stayed seated next to her, and Hope appreciated it to no end.
Finally, Nero seemed to calm down. He slumped loudly into a chair and shouted for a stiff drink. It was only eight in the morning. She opted not to say anything to that effect. She reached a trembling hand for her orange juice and sipped it. Kema squeezed her arm gently and sat back in her own chair.
“You done?” Kema asked the Cardinal.
“Once I get my gin, yeah. Then I’ll be done.” Nero slammed his fist into the table, making everything rattle loudly. Hope would have shrunk farther back into the seat if she could, but she was already as far as she could go. “Kema. Leave.”
“Do you think that’s smart? You—”
“Go.”
The Egyptian sighed and patted Hope on the arm again as if to tell her everything was going to be fine. And with that, she stood and was gone. That left her…and an angry Cardinal who could summon fire with his mind.
What could go wrong?
Someone came and left a moment later. Likely a servant with the requested glass of gin. Hope remained silent, unmoving,