Page 75 of Bought to Break
If it was possible, Lana’s face became redder. ‘Well … she didn’t tell me–’
‘I’ll bet she didn’t!’ Magnus suddenly guffawed loudly, making her jump.
Bastian slowly got up from the bed and came towards her. ‘Whatever shall we do with you?’ he asked, his voice low and honeyed.
‘Gaila will want –’ started Magnus.
‘She’ll get her turn,’ Bastian said mildly. ‘For now, we found her first.’
Lana looked around her again and a suspicion dawned. The more she noticed of her surroundings, the more she feared her theory was right. ‘You’ll do whatever you want with me, I suppose,’ she answered him. ‘I know where I am.’
He looked mildly surprised but schooled his features quickly. He reached out and, with a flick of his fingers, undid the clasps holding her dress together. It floated gently to the floor.
She didn’t take her eyes off his face even as his eyes travelled the length of her.
‘Say it,’ he whispered in her ear. ‘Aloud.’
‘I’m on the Mount.’ She breathed out slowly, trying to keep calm, though her knees felt as if they might buckle. ‘You’re gods.’
She felt his smile against her cheek.
‘And it’s been a very, very long time since a mortal was tricked into coming to our realm.’
She stepped away from Bastian, frowning. ‘I wasn’t tricked.’
‘Weren’t you?’
Lana’s eyes narrowed. She was scared, but she really didn’t have anything to lose. ‘I’m dying,’ she said simply. ‘You said so yourself. Now, if you aren’t powerful enough to help me, I’ll find one of you who is.’
Both gods looked equal parts scandalised and fascinated.
‘Listen to how she speaks to us!’ Magnus exclaimed. ‘They certainly have changed since the early days, haven’t they? Do you hear that fire? I love it!’
The other nodded. ‘Refreshing,’ he agreed. He turned to her. ‘Whether or not we can help you depends on you.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You must complete three challenges,’ the blond interjected as the other opened his mouth to speak. ‘Show valour, loyalty and strength. But be warned – no one has ever prevailed.’
Lana’s lip quivered and she bit it, standing up straighter. ‘Where do I begin?’
‘Go over to that fountain.’
She looked where he pointed. A beautifully ornate marble statue of a woman bathing, water flowing from a pot she held, stood in the middle of the stream.
‘To begin the first challenge, you must open the passage.’
Lana looked back at the two gods watching her from across the room. ‘How?’
‘Use the tits,’ Magnus called.
She gave the statue’s breasts a push.
‘Harder.’
‘Twist the nipples a bit.’ Bastian said helpfully.
Lana gave the statue a shove with all her might and tried to turn said nipples, but they wouldn’t budge.
