She melted against his tender touch. Once she regained feeling in her limbs, she traced lazy circles on his skin, loving the sensation of his heartbeat beneath her fingers as his arms held her against him. She didn’t want to move. To break this moment where she felt safe and cherished.
Iliana lifted her head and met his hooded gaze, rolling her eyes when she saw his wide, pleased smile. “You seem very proud of yourself.”
He laughed, and she joined him. The sounds of their joy made her warm and happy. Content.
Then, he tensed. His eyes grew distant, and the muscles in his jaw worked. She recognized that look. He was having a conversation in his mind. She didn’t ask who he was speaking to.
Instead, she sighed, rolling off him. Her muscles, unused in sparring, ached deliciously. She grabbed her discarded clothes and redressed, grimacing at having to put on the sweaty shorts and bra.
“I have to go.”
She tried to hide her disappointment as she asked, “Where?”
“The Duat,” he said. “Osiris needs me.”
“Is everything okay?”
Anubis rose and crossed to her, gently cupping her face. “I am sure it will be. He wants to finish the discussion we had days ago.”
Iliana bit her lip, trying not to show how much she wished he could stay.Before these gods, she would’ve succeeded. She’d smile and pretend that she didn’t care if he left. She would’ve protected herself by not letting him see how much his being there meant to her.
But Anubis noticed. He always saw her. Exposed and vulnerable. Instead of making her feel like a fool for caring, it made her feel safe.
“I will be back before the night is out,” he promised.
Before she responded, he kissed her—deep and lingering—as he held onto her waist as if reluctant to leave. She snuggled into him, wishing they had more time, but she understood. He had responsibilities that weren’t only about staying by her side.
When he pulled away, she smiled. “You sure you don’t need me to…” She dropped her eyes to his growing erection. “Take care of that before you leave?”
Anubis chuckled and pressed his forehead to hers. “I will see you soon, Neferet.”
And then he left.
Iliana stood alone, body sore, and smiling. Maybe later she’d pinch herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. She closed her eyes and replayed every word, every touch, every breath.
He was very real, and he’d be back soon.
Chapter fifty-three
THANATOS
Anubis appeared in the living room with a slight smile on his face. But that satisfaction was mixed with concern.
Thanatos recognized that look. It was about Iliana. “What’s wrong?”
His friend closed his eyes, passing a hand over his braids. “Osiris needs me in the Duat tonight. There is a disturbance that requires my attention. It is not urgent, but I cannot refuse.”
“You are worried. Because of Iliana?”
Hypnos, sitting in his chair beside Thanatos, swirled his drink. “Of course.” His face remained unreadable as he focused on the liquid in his glass.
Anubis nodded. “I do not like being away from her.” He looked at Thanatos. “Osiris asked me to look into things before coming here. I need to meet with him.”
Thanatos understood. His friend wasn’t just worried about her safety. After their relationship changed—after he’d let his guard down—leaving her hurt. “She will be fine,” Thanatos said. “We will let her know why you left.”
Some of the tension eased from Anubis’ shoulders. “Thanks.” He cast a glance down the hall, toward the sound of a running shower, then vanished.
Thanatos stared at the space Anubis had occupied. He knew that pull, the constant tug. He’d prioritized responsibility over possibility. Then Iliana happened.
