Inferno's Kiss Read Free Page B

the documents that are in the artifact.” The minute he mentioned the artifact, she stiffened. The thought of working closely with him in studying the antiquity was alarming. She swallowed the knot in her throat.
    “The Order has several researchers, including me, who are extremely knowledgeable about the Tyet of Isis ,” Atia said.
    “Perhaps, but I wish to examine the parchment as well. My memories of my past life as Tevy may prove useful.”
    “But—”
    “No arguments, Atia. I’ll not be put off in this matter.” His mouth thinned slightly with determination. “I intend to study the parchment with you. But that’s not the only thing I plan on doing. I also intend to claim what is rightfully mine.”
    “And I told you that I’m not your property.” A sharp hiss of air blew past her lips. “The blood bond is one of mutual agreement.”
    “Which you agreed to thirty-six years ago next month, if memory serves me correctly.” His words made her jump with surprise. He remembered the day of their blood bond. His eyes narrowed. “Did you think I would forget? We belong to each other, Atia. And I’ll go to Tartarus and back to make you see that.”
    The intensity in his voice made her even more apprehensive. He was acting as if everything between them was settled. It wasn’t. And his arrogance in assuming so irritated her. Her gaze fell to the paperwork on her desk. Work. It had always been a sanctuary, and it would be again. She sank down into her chair and brushed several papers aside to find a pen.
    “Forgive me, Eminence. I have work to catch up on.” Her dispassionate comment pulled a sharp hiss of air from Marcus.
    “You would try the patience of the Carpenter himself, Atia,” he said harshly. “You always found it easier to hide from your problems than face them. I see nothing’s changed.”
    “I’m not hiding from anything. As Prima Consul I have responsibilities I cannot avoid, and unlike you, I don’t have someone waiting in the wings to help me perform those duties.”
    She didn’t bother to look up at him as she spoke. A moment later, she felt him at her side and the instant the palm of his hand cracked loudly on the desktop in front of her, she jumped. He jerked her chair around with his other hand, and she retreated deeper into the soft leather as he bent over her.
    “I’m willing to give you time, carissima , but nothing has changed since the other morning when we watched the sun rise over the city at La Terrazza del Ninfeo. I said you were mine, and I meant it.”
    “ Deus , but you are an arrogant son of a bitch,” she snapped as she violently pushed the chair and herself away from him to stand. “What makes you think you can walk back into my life and simply demand the right of blood bond? I’ve built a life without you, and as difficult as it might be to accept, I’ve been happy without you.”
    That wasn’t exactly true. She’d learned to adapt and find happiness where she could. She didn’t dare tell him how many nights she’d lain awake through the years wishing he were lying beside her. The number of sleepless nights had only increased since he’d summoned her to meet him in the Santa Maria sopra Minerva just a few short days ago when she’d arrived in Rome.
    But it changed nothing. What they’d had in the past had cost her dearly. And she was too tired—too old—too scared to start over. She tightened her jaw and glared up at him. His vivid blue eyes immediately narrowed as he studied her face. It was that assessing look that always managed to see more than what she wanted to show. But over the years she’d had lots of practice hiding her thoughts from others. She’d mastered the skill as Prima Consul . With a vicious grunt of anger, he took a step toward her, and she immediately retreated. Something flashed in his eyes that made her want to reach out to him, but she forced herself to remain still.
    “You said not too long ago that the past is always with you.