Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
APHRODITE
O ur kiss went beyond the boundaries of time and space. We couldn’t deny the intense longing we felt for each other any longer. I had never seen such burning desire so clearly reflected in someone’s eyes before. The intensity in his gaze, the way he looked at me as if I were the only thing he wanted, left no room for doubt. It was as if his need for me radiated from him, impossible to ignore.
I felt Ares’s lips on my shoulder while I traced the waistband of his jeans. It sent a wave of pleasure through me. I tugged his shirt up, and he pulled away to take it off. The light revealed the bandage covering his wound.
He drew me in again. Ares hovered over me, looking like a Greek God, and I was overwhelmed with temptation as I felt his heat overcome me.
The hunger I saw in his eyes ignited something inside of me as his hands traced the curves of my body. He must have seen my unspoken thoughts written on my face, as his own expression changed. We withdrew from each other slightly, and Ares looked at me, forcing me to meet his eyes .
“You seem distracted, Aphrodite.” he implied, hooded eyes on me. Ares rolled aside onto the couch and placed one hand behind his head while the other held me close. I leaned against him and traced his chest, feeling his heart racing.
“It’s nothing,” I teased with a playful smile, but his grip tightened on my hip, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I exhaled slowly, my body responding with a tingling wave of anticipation.
“You’re not being honest,” he murmured, his eyes dark with desire. I could feel the heat of his excitement pressing against my leg, amplifying the electric tension between us.
I was teetering on the brink, longing for nothing more than to feel him inside of me. I didn’t want to hold back any longer, yet a lingering fear of the unknown held me back, keeping me on the edge. I wanted to jump.
“You make me feel like I’m dancing with fire,” I confessed, swallowing my words with instant regret.
“Tell me to stop.” Ares lips inched closer to mine again as his hooded eyes watched me with predatory excitement.
Our breaths mingled, a tantalizing mix of danger and desire. My heart pounded in my chest, and every nerve in my body screamed for him, for this moment.
“I can’t,” I whispered, my voice trembling with the weight of my longing.
A wicked smile curved his lips as he closed the distance between us, his hands cradling my face with a possessive tenderness. “Good,” he murmured against my mouth, his words a sultry promise. “Because I have no intention of stopping.”
Ares was about to strike a match to a fire I was not sure I was prepared to take hold of. My willpower was dwindling. I knew that if this were to happen between us, I’d be embarking on a path where I had no control, surrendering to a journey that could spiral beyond my reach.
The thought of losing myself in the unknown was both exhilarating and terrifying, a dangerous allure that promised both thrilling highs and unpredictable lows.
Ares continued, “I meant what I said, Aphrodite. I will do anything to protect you.” His fingers gently brushed my cheek. “We will put a stop this wedding.”
I wanted nothing to do with this wedding with Hephaestus. The way he grabbed me, pulling me close as he announced we were getting married, was aggressive, to say the least. He was rough, and the memory of that forceful encounter still haunted me. I knew that even if he wanted to, Ares couldn’t step in without risking his life.
“Ares, you can’t take any risks. I won’t let you jeopardize your life for me.” A single tear ran down my hot cheek.
“I’ll go to any lengths to make sure you’re safe,” he murmured, his face inches from mine, “even if it means taking his life. I’ll do it for you.”
I saw the creases around his eyes deepen. I ran my fingers over his cheek and felt the stubble that he hadn’t shaved away. His intense gaze softened for a moment, revealing a flicker of something deeper.
“What are you afraid of, Ares?” I asked, my voice gentle but insistent.
Ares took a deep breath, his fingers gently threading through my hair. “My biggest fear?” he began, his voice low and tinged with a painful honesty. “It’s that the demons in my head will consume the last bit of good left in me. Zeus has molded me into his weapon, and there’s blood on my hands because of him.”
I looked up at him, a fierce protective instinct rising within me. “Why would Zeus do that to you?”
Ares’s expression grew troubled, his eyes clouded with a mix of regret and anger. “I was his enforcer, his right hand in a world of shadows. I did his dirty work, carried out orders that I now wish I could erase. My past is riddled with decisions I can’t take back—choices that have left scars on my soul. I’ve been used and twisted by his ambitions, and now I’m stuck dealing with the mess left behind. ”
He shrugged, but there was a raw edge to his demeanor. “I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know why he chose me or why he continues to hold me in his grasp. But you don’t need to worry about it,” he added, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability.
“You will not go down that path again, Ares.” I pressed my hand on his heart, “I will do anything it takes to make sure of it.”
“Why would you try to protect me?” Ares narrowed his eyes, sadness lingering in his gaze. “Because something deep inside me is pulling me toward you, and I can’t fight it. I won’t fight it.”
I closed the gap between us, and our lips met again. The forbidden attraction between us defied all logic, a powerful force that pulled us together despite the risks. Our electric connection sparked a fire deep within me, a relentless craving to intertwine with him, to merge our souls in a blaze of intensity.
I threw off my shirt in a swift motion, and Ares reached around and quickly unclasped my bra. He hovered above me again, his gaze filled with an intoxicating allure that made me gasp. We clung to each other. My body arched into him as he kissed my neck. He slowly trailed kisses down to the area between my breasts while he unbuttoned my jeans.
A moan escaped my lips as he kissed my skin gently, “Take me, Ares.”
His rough hand dove under the waistband of my jeans.
“I want to taste what is mine.” He tugged off my jeans and threw them on the floor, he removed my panties but instead of tossing them aside, he stuck them in his back pocket. The heat inside of me was a blazing inferno, and he was fanning the flames.
“Tell me what’s yours,” I said, my naked body now on display for him. He gazed down at me and spread my legs so that I was bared fully to him, a devilish smile appeared on his face.
“Every,” he pressed his lips against one thigh, “inch,” he repeated the action on the other side, “of your body,” he whispered, moving closer to my clit, “and soul.” I could feel his hot breath on me, and suddenly, his mouth .
He captured my clit in an instant, and my eyes rolled back as his tongue flickered in a tantalizing motion. I ran my hands through his hair, squeezing him between my thighs with each delicious stroke he made. Ares hungered only for me. He drove his fingers into me, and the sensation of his touch nearly sent me over the edge. My heart raced for him.
“You’re my goddess, Aphrodite. I want to bow down to your pussy,” he growled, making me whimper as I gave into his control. My nipples hardened while his fingers drove into me again and again without missing a beat.
My legs quivered from his fingers hitting that tender spot inside of me, as he sucked my clit with determination. His other hand reached around my waist and held me firmly in place, as he ravaged my pussy.
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the euphoria of the orgasm begin to take over my body. I unraveled, climaxing fiercely, my body convulsing in pleasure as he continued to pump at an unyielding pace.
“Ares!” I cried with passion as my toes curled, pulsations wracking my body as I came apart beneath him.
Time slipped through our fingers like sand in an hourglass as we slept peacefully on the sofa, our bodies entangled in a comfortable embrace.
My eyes fluttered open, and I gently traced my fingers across his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my touch. A heartbeat later, he stirred and opened his eyes, his gaze meeting mine with a mixture of relief and determination. He tightened his embrace around me, and in his arms, the remnants of my nightmares seemed to dissolve into the safety of his presence.
He was my warrior, my shield against the darkness and the unknown that lurked beyond. As we talked, sharing the fragments of our pasts and our present struggles, we discovered a profound connection.
Despite the different paths we had taken, we found ourselves remarkably alike—both cast aside by the societies that should have nurtured us. We were survivors, shaped by our experiences and united by the sense of being outsiders, but in each other’s company, we found a solace that felt both rare and deeply familiar.
Ares gave a low rumble and nuzzled into my shoulder. I felt his body tighten around me, and an overwhelming sense of longing surged through me—I never wanted him to let go. The desire to stay in this moment forever, to merge completely with him, was almost overpowering.
I gently ran my fingers through his hair, savoring the softness and the intimacy of our touch. As our lips met again, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the profound connection we shared in our embrace.
He kissed me so intensely that it felt like he was attempting to inhale life itself. My heart fluttered wildly, and butterflies seemed to take over every muscle in my body. When he finally pulled away, his eyes still smoldering, he said, “We slept.”
I reluctantly met his gaze, a heavy sense of dread settling over me. “We need to go,” I said, struggling to shake off the reluctance that made my heart ache. The comfort of our moment was a stark contrast to the storm we were about to face.
Ares glanced at his watch, his face tightening with urgency. “Fuck—we do have to go. It’s one in the morning.” I scrambled to gather my clothes, and as I dressed, he pressed soft, lingering kisses along my back. The scene felt almost adolescent, like we were sneaking around to avoid being caught by parents.
But the reality was far grimmer.
The people we were avoiding weren’t just disapproving—they’d kill us. Literally .
“How are we going to get inside the clubhouse without being noticed?” I asked, struggling to pull on my shirt.
“There isn’t a way of not being noticed, baby,” he replied, his voice heavy with unease.
Holding onto Ares, we pulled into the compound and parked his bike. Outside, I saw Hephaestus, Apollo, and Hades smoking cigarettes. They watched us as we rolled up, and I tightened my grip on Ares’s waist.
They’ve caught us.
After we stopped, Ares reached out to help me down.
Hephaestus walked over to me with determination. He towered over me as he roared, “Where the hell have you been?” His gaze was like daggers.
I froze and couldn’t find the right words to lie with, but Ares spoke up.
“Hephaestus, calm the fuck down. We took a drive.” Ares’s voice was deep with anger.
“You can’t be whoring yourself out to other club members, Aphrodite. We’re engaged.” He clenched his jaw as his icy eyes darkened. He leaned closer to me, and I felt uncomfortable by his proximity. I attempted to keep it casual and walk past him.
“I’m going to head to bed,” I said, but before I could take a step, Hephaestus grabbed my wrist and yanked me toward him.
“You don’t have the privilege of leaving,” he snapped.
Ares let out a low growl and stepped closer to Hephaestus. Apollo and Hades moved in. My heart ached as the invisible battle between these men turned into a harsh reality.
“Let her go,” Ares hissed, his voice a low growl of barely contained fury .
“Stop, Hephaestus,” I interjected, stepping between them. “I just wanted to go for a ride, and I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. If it helps, I’ll stay with you tonight.” I placed my hands gently on his chest, hoping to offer some reassurance. But Hephaestus remained rigid, his eyes locked on Ares with a scowl that seemed to seethe with unspoken tension.
I made the offer to distract him, fearing that the situation might spiral out of control if I did nothing. But despite my attempts to calm the storm, both men seemed to disregard me entirely, their focus unwavering and the air crackling with unresolved conflict.
Ares took a step closer, his presence like a storm bearing down, dangerous and unstoppable. “I said, let her go,” he snarled, the warning in his voice unmistakable.
Hephaestus’s grip on my wrist tightened painfully, his gaze finally dropping to meet mine, there was no softness in his eyes, “You think you can just throw yourself at me to fix this?” His voice was low, filled with a bitterness that sent a chill down my spine. “You think I’m some fool who’ll just forget because you flash a smile?”
“Hephaestus, it’s not like that,” I pleaded, but the words felt hollow, lost in the whirlwind of tension that surrounded us. This wasn’t just about a ride—it was about control, power, and a long-standing rivalry.
Ares’s eyes darkened, his patience clearly worn thin. “You’re making a mistake,” he warned, each word sharp as a blade. “This isn’t a fight you want to start.”
Hephaestus’s lips curled into a sneer, his grip like a vise around my wrist. “You think you can take whatever you want? Whenever you want?” His voice dripped with venom, the anger boiling over into something darker.
I could feel the situation slipping further out of control, the danger escalating with every heartbeat. “Hephaestus, please,” I begged, leaning into him, trying to break through the rage that had consumed him. “This isn’t worth it—just let it go.”
He stood in front of Ares. A clash of the titans. They were prepared to fight, and that was the last thing I wanted to happen. I knew it would lead to repercussions, or serious injuries.
“What? Are you worried that she would want me over you?” Ares said, flashing a cocky smile. “Why wouldn’t she? You’re a miserable excuse for a man—a terrible human who hurts others just to feel strong. But here’s the truth: No one cares if you live or die.”
Hephaestus lunged at Ares, his fist aimed squarely at his rival’s jaw, but Ares was quicker. With a lightning-fast punch, he sent Hephaestus staggering back, his footing faltering.
In an instant, Ares transformed before my eyes—no longer just a man but a predator, driven by a primal rage that both mesmerized and terrified me. His intensity was like a storm, an unrelenting force of raw emotion and fury that left no room for mercy. This was the warrior Zeus had forged, a side of Ares I had never truly witnessed until now.
The two men crashed to the ground, locked in a brutal struggle, their bodies rolling as they exchanged vicious blows. I watched as Ares gained the upper hand, straddling Hephaestus and raining down punches with merciless precision. Each strike echoed with the sound of flesh meeting bone, and I could see the blood starting to stain the ground beneath them.
“Stop, Ares!” I pleaded, my voice trembling as I reached out to him, desperate to break through the storm of violence. But Ares was lost in it, consumed by a wrath so intense that it seemed unstoppable.
I pulled at Ares’s arm to get him to slow down or stop, but as the other men tried to yank me out of the way, Ares thrust his fist into my ribs, and I fell backward, the impact jolting through my tailbone and knocking the breath from my lungs.
Laying on the ground, cradling my ribs, I watched as Ares finally broke free from his rage and realized what he had done. His eyes widened, and he jumped off Hephaestus, trying to rush to my side.
Hades moved swiftly, seizing Ares in a firm grip, holding him back as he fought to break free. “Aphrodite, I’m so sorry,” Ares called out, his voice cracking with a mixture of anguish and regret. "I didn’t mean to—I thought you were Hades!"
Apollo rushed over to me and offered his help. The pain radiating from my ribs made it hard to stand, but I leaned into Apollo, grateful for his support.
Ares struggled fiercely against Hades, his eyes locked on me with a desperate, pleading intensity. “Please, Aphrodite!” he shouted, straining against Hades’s hold. “I never meant to hurt you—please, look at me!”
But I couldn’t. The man I thought I knew had transformed into someone terrifying, someone capable of losing control so completely that he could mistake me for an enemy. The realization twisted my heart, leaving a cold, hollow ache in its place. I turned away, unable to look at him, the echoes of his rage ringing in my ears.
Hephaestus, still bleeding from the beating, dragged himself over to me, his expression more irritated than concerned. “Are you okay?” he asked, the annoyance clear in his tone as if my well-being was just another inconvenience.
I nodded, forcing myself to appear strong, even though everything inside me felt like it was unraveling. I could feel the intensity of Ares’s gaze on me as he struggled against Hades, desperately trying to reach me.
I let Hephaestus carry me to Artie’s apartment. “I’ve got you,” he said, planting a kiss on my forehead. It was a surprising shift from his earlier annoyance, and I wasn’t sure how to react.
One minute he’d been grumbling and looking like he couldn’t care less, and now he was being all sweet and caring. It was confusing as hell. I wasn’t sure if I should just go with it or be suspicious of this sudden change. My mind was a mess, trying to figure out what was real and what wasn’t. Artie was not at home .
Hephaestus entered my room, and I felt uneasy as he put me down. Something was not right. He went to reach for me, but I slipped away from him. I could sense the emptiness he felt in the space I left behind.
“I’m sorry, Aphrodite,” he said, his voice rough with regret. “I know I’ve been distant, more a dark shadow than a welcoming presence. That’s going to change, whether I’m ready or not.” He rubbed his fingers across the bridge of his nose, a sign of his internal turmoil.
“Everything’s a mess right now. I don’t even know how to start being real with you. It’s like I’m trapped in my own darkness, and I’m not sure how to break free.”
“It’s fine,” I said, forcing a small smile without meeting his eyes. I was too overwhelmed by everything that had just happened, and my rib throbbed painfully from the hit. “I just need some sleep.”
Hephaestus gave a nod and headed for the door, leaving me behind in the shadows of the apartment. I wanted to break down and cry. Even though I’d been terrified of Ares during the fight, all I really wanted was to hold him close. I was caught in a whirlwind of mixed feelings.
As I watched my fiancé leave, I felt completely lost.
I pressed my hands to my forehead, struggling to keep from collapsing under the crushing weight of my thoughts. It felt as though I was sinking deeper into an abyss of turmoil, unable to catch my breath or find any sliver of peace amidst the chaos.