Page 16 of Fortune's Favor

“Who was the other guy?”

Artemis smiles. “Let me tell you a story.”

Fifteen minutes later I’m staring at her in awe. “That guy was a reawakened priest, er…the ghost of a priest?”

She nods. “Yeah. He was sent here by Python before he realized that his bride’s soul was entwined with yours. I don’t really understand why he wanted you dead. Unless he didn’t. He just wanted you hurt to make you easier to take.”

Alex nods. “I suppose that makes sense to a centuries-old God that’s been out of it for too long to realize that he’s gone around the bend.”

“Yeah. He wasn’t thinking clearly but then I suppose if you were kept from the love of your life by a God you’d be angry and a little crazed too!”

“I suppose that’s true. But what did he hope to gain by getting Gypsy?”

“Gypsy is a descendant of the original Priestess of Delphi. Her blood flows in her veins. So if he could get his hands on her, he thought he could find his bride.”

Alex snorts. “That’s some twisted logic.”

“I suppose if it was centuries ago and you were a God it might make more sense.”

“Will he come back again for Gypsy?”

I shudder and Alex’s fingers wrap around mine. Blood drips from our palms where the raw stones cut into them.

“No. They’re at peace.” Artemis sighs. “Love still conquers all it seems.” Her pale eyes lock on Jerry and my eyes narrow. I’d really like to know what’s going on there.

But for now.

Alex’s eyes lock on mine and he stands up, holding my hand. “Walk with me.”

I follow him out and he settles me on a porch swing in the back yard. The glass from the broken patio doors is gone and it is all in one piece again. I don’t even try to figure that one out.

He sits down and holds both of my hands in his. “You know, when we first met, I thought that you were a complete con. I didn’t understand how the chief could think that you were real. Supernatural stuff doesn’t exist.” He snorts and I giggle.

“Yeah. There are more things betwixt heaven and earth than any poor mortal could know.”

“I never thought I’d see a Greek and Roman snake god,” I say, smirking.

“I bet. But I realized that I was….I don’t know, blocking myself from something wonderful because of my attitude towards fate and love and all those other supernatural things as well. You’ve opened my eyes, Gypsy Devine. You’ve brought me love and given me hope and I hope to hell that you feel the same way because I can’t lose you. Just feeling your hand slip in mine scared the hell out of me. If I lost you…well, I think I can see why Python searched for centuries for his love. Time wouldn’t mean a damn thing. I’d brave every damn thing to get back to you. I have been blind, but now I can see and what I see is you. I love you, Gypsy Devine. There may be cons out there but you…you are the real deal. It would break me if I lost you. Can you ever fall in love with an idiot that didn’t realize what he was missing?”

Grinning, I touch his cheek gently. “I already have. I think I knew as soon as I saw you blustering and growling like a bear. I can’t resist grumpy, growly men. They’re my catnip.”

He growls at me and tugs me to him, whispering against my lips, “I better be the only catnip you’re messing with from now on, Gypsy. I’d hate to have to tie you to the bed for being a bad girl.”

I cock my head and grin cheekily. “Which part of that is supposed to be bad?”

He groans and pulls me in tight, his lips a mere whisper from mine. I can feel the warmth of his breath. “You are a wicked woman, Gypsy. I can’t wait to clear these people out of here and get wicked with you.”

Giggling, I sink into him when his lips touch mine. Fireworks explode behind my eyes and my heart feels so light, it’s like I can fly.

“Let’s kick these two out and then christen my bed.”

“Amen to that, Fortune. Amen to that.”

I wrap my arms around him and he lifts me up, carrying me like a bride on her wedding night. His eyes flash with midnight fire and I glower at Jerry and Artemis when we come inside.

He doesn’t even pause, just walks right past them to the bedroom. “Close the door on your way out, Chief. I’ll see you at work soon.” Then he slams the door and slides my body down the wall. “Now, where were we?”

“I was a very bad girl and you’re going to show me how to be even worse!”

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