And the hot tub. And a rainstorm.
And everywhere else.
And everywhere else again.
He broke himself out of his thoughts before he changed his mind on her offer. He kissed her again. “Finish breakfast. I’ll be back in a bit, then we’re off to your surprise.”
“That wasn’t it?” She flashed him a wry little smile.
He laughed hard. “Naughty girl.”
He stood and walked away after adjusting himself so he could move. Even tormented as he was, he couldn’t have been happier.
Thank you, Hera.
11
“Why does it smell strange here? And what are all those noises?” Hope hung on to Nero’s arm. Not because she needed to, but because she was a little afraid. The air was thick with the smell of something—she honestly couldn’t tell what. It smelled earthy. It smelled like animals. And, therefore, it smelled vaguely like shit. And fried food. It made for a very strange combination. “Where have you brought me, Cardinal?”
Nero had been irritatingly tight-lipped on the whole subject. All through the car ride and the walk through whatever park they were in, he refused to tell her where they were. People greeted him, and he chatted with them cordially, but nothing gave her a hint of where in Hades he had brought her.
“I told you, it’s a surprise.” He had his hand on the back of hers, and they walked together like a couple. She didn’t need the guidance to follow him, not with her bracers alerting her to all the objects around her.
But it felt nice.
Just like what he did to me after breakfast felt nice.
Her cheeks went pink and the memory of the other “surprise” he had given her. She had never felt anything like it before. Her one foray into physical affection had left a great deal to be desired, and anything she had done by herself had fallen very far short of what Nero could do in a few moments with his skilled fingers.
The debate that raged in her mind was simple, but enormous. I enjoy him. But I shouldn’t. He made her happy. He made her laugh. More importantly…she wanted him. It was such an unusual state of being for her. If he was telling her the truth, he loved her.
It seemed impossible. It had only been three days. Three!
But she looked forward to being with him. To his jokes and his laughter. His teasing and playfulness. Even if he was dangerous…he was starting to become familiar and comfortable.
They went indoors for a moment, walking through what sounded like a tunnel.
“This way, Cardinal,” someone said from in front of them.
Nero chuckled, hugging her arm to his side suddenly. “You’re going to love this.”
“Where are we?” She wanted a clue. A hint. Anything to give her a sense of to where he had whisked her away.
“I’ll tell you in a moment.”
They were back outdoors again. She could feel the sun on her shoulders and her face. There was dirt beneath her feet, packed hard. The smell of animals was closer. Nero stopped, and she did the same.
Something nearby made a noise. Something huge. She squeaked and took a step back.
“It’s all right,” Nero consoled her quietly. “You’re safe.”
“What—what is that?”
“Take a few steps forward and find out.” He moved to stand behind her and, putting his hands on her shoulders, gently urged her to step forward. “Reach out your hand.”
She did. Her bracers began to vibrate, warning her of some enormous object in front of her. She was shaking. What was this thing? Was it going to hurt her? Was Nero finally revealing himself for the murderous creature he was?
Something met her halfway. Something soft, but rough. She squeaked and pulled her hand back. It was warm and alive! It had moved. The thing was a creature, but what on Earth could be so huge?
It made another grunting noise, and she jumped back an inch. Nero chuckled and pressed her forward. “Go on, silly. Can’t you see he’s just saying hello?” He paused. “Fuck.” He sighed. “Sorry.”
She laughed at his slip-up. Nervous as she was, it was still funny. “What…what is he?”
“You said you’ve never seen an elephant—met an elephant—so here we are.” Nero kissed her shoulder. “You’re safe. We’re just at the zoo.”
An elephant.
The thing in front of her was an elephant!
She stepped forward carefully, reaching out again. She cautiously touched whatever it was—whatever long appendage was at its front. The radio show that had described them said they had long trunks for noses that they used to spray water and explore the