Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
ARES
A phrodite’s eyes haunted my dreams, lingering in the shadows of my mind long after I woke. I lay awake, staring out the window, the ache for just one more glimpse of her gnawing at me.
It was foolish, I knew, but the longing devoured every rational thought, leaving me restless, yearning, and on the edge of obsession. I couldn’t shake the urge to see her again, even if just for a fleeting moment. The need to be near her was overwhelming, driving me to the brink of madness.
When I saw her at The Odyssey last week, the desire for her presence struck me like an insatiable hunger. I tried to resist, to pull away from her intoxicating allure, but the craving only grew stronger. I wanted to taste her, to feel her beneath my touch, to see how she would react in my grasp. The thought of her caught between desire and resistance only fueled the fire. She was beyond my reach, yet the need to claim her, to make her mine, was almost unbearable.
My hands twitched with a desperate need to touch her, as if she held the key to everything I was missing. Hephaestus could never be enough for a woman like her—no one could .
Not even me.
Darkness consumed me, no matter how hard I tried, the blood on my hands wouldn’t wash away, staining every part of me with an inescapable shadow. Redemption was a distant dream, one I knew I didn’t deserve.
If I ever dared to touch Aphrodite, I’d only drag her into the abyss that I couldn’t escape. She was like a delicate flower, meant to bloom in the safety of a sunlit meadow, far from the shadows that clung to me. My very presence threatened to smother her light, to destroy the beauty she brought into this world. The more I longed for her, the more I knew that touching her would only bring ruin.
I threw myself into every job my father assigned, desperate to keep my mind off her. The road became my escape. That week, I rode my motorcycle along the desolate coast, letting the sound of crashing waves blend with the roar of the engine, trying to drown out the painful memories of the man I used to be.
After Titan's death, my main goal was to enhance security at Pandora. Trust was scarce when it came to money and power. Something significant was unfolding. I sensed it deep within me, and I wouldn’t be caught unprepared.
I decided to assign Hades as head of security at Pandora. Losing my business partner changed everything, and I didn’t want to feel vulnerable. Hades despised being involved, but he knew I trusted no one else. His imposing presence ensured that no one dared to challenge him without cause.
To unravel the mystery surrounding Titan’s murder, Hades became my unwavering pillar of support and guidance. Each night, he would summon his soldiers as if from thin air and trained dogs would scour the club, sniffing for the slightest hint of explosives.
It didn’t really make sense that someone would want to hurt Titan. He was the family’s playboy, loved by everyone, always living it up with his money. Sure, he could be a target because of his wealth, but most people seemed to like him, so the thought of anyone wanting to harm him just didn’t add up.
I knew Titan could be reckless with his questionable choices, and it was my mistake to think he could manage our investment wisely.
When I suggested involving Hermes in the club, I had my reservations. I was aware of Hermes’s disdain for me, but with Titan’s connection to him and Hermes’s track record of success, there was a chance we could make something valuable out of it.
Hermes hated everything about Olympus Syndicate. He even claimed he wasn’t my father’s son, despite looking just like him. For a moment, I entertained the hope that Hermes might align himself with me and my business. However, that possibility quickly faded, and it became clear that things wouldn't unfold as I had hoped.
I needed to uncover the truth before it was too late. Aphrodite wanted every detail, so I invited her to visit Pandora on Friday. I hadn’t mentioned that we’d be meeting with Hermes, but I was certain he wouldn’t harm her.
Hermes was Atlas’s son, and with Atlas being a close friend of Ouranos, Hermes would be cautious of any repercussions should any harm come to Aphrodite. It pained me to use her as leverage, but it was the only way to get the information we needed.
Friday nights at Pandora’s were where the money was made. In the brisk November air, people waited in line for a chance to enter the nightclub.
As I sped down the road and took in everything ahead, a fire ignited in my heart, assuring me it was all worth it. Zeus despised everything about this business, but I had seized it as a chance to go legit. After countless close calls with arrest and brushes with death, I couldn’t afford to take any more risks.
The street shimmered with vibrant blue lights as I entered my establishment, the glow hinting at the lavish experience inside. Warm golden tones illuminated the grandeur of the space, with walls adorned in intricate carvings that whispered of luxury and mystery. Designed to captivate, this place was a realm where opulence and exclusivity reigned supreme.
Enticing fragrances filled the air, skillfully masking the undertone of people and alcohol, creating an atmosphere that was sophisticated and alluring.
This wasn’t just a club; it was a sanctuary for those cast aside by the elite and Ouranos. Nestled in Mysthria Harbour, Pandora became their haven, where they could indulge in the luxuries and pleasures often denied to them.
Here, amidst the opulent decor and enticing ambiance, the discarded found their escape, reveling in a world that celebrated what they’d been denied.
Everything was going well with the nightclub until we hit a snag after Titan’s funds had dried up. He informed me that his father had restricted access to his accounts. His excessive spending was causing problems, he couldn’t afford it. Meeting with Hermes became crucial to keeping the club afloat after Titan’s loss.
“Hey, boss.” Hades leaned against the polished railing, his all-black suit exuding sophistication. He cleared his throat, and the sound echoed in the spacious room, commanding attention. With his hair slicked back, he appeared groomed for the occasion.
I could tell he was uneasy when I mentioned the need to dress up. This isn’t the clubhouse, and formal dress was required. Hades hated wearing suits— he always grumbled about feeling like a total idiot in them. Just mentioning it made him tense up, and I could practically hear him complaining about how ridiculous he thinks he looks in one right now. Hades nodded toward the person I dreaded facing, and a jolt of anxiety surged through me.
“She’s here,” he said, his tone heavy with the weight of the moment.
I scratched my chin, keeping my eyes on Hades.
“Good,” I murmured, just as I felt a vibration in my pocket. Pulling out my phone, I glanced down to see Hermes’s name flash across the screen. “Hermes,” I told Hades, my voice low. “I’ll meet him upstairs. Bring him up to the office, and I’ll go get Aphrodite.”
Hades looked at me, the strobe lights casting an enticing glow on his skin. “Yes master,” he teased, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips. Unfazed, I simply shook my head and brushed past him, my mind already on what was next.
As I navigated through the crowd, I saw Aphrodite leaning against the bar, her eyes fixed on me. Her red dress hugged her curves, radiating an irresistible allure. My pulse quickened, desire flaring as I approached her. She was a temptation I was eager to surrender to, like a sweet addiction I craved more than anything.
I couldn’t shake the feeling—she was luring me in.
She was a force I couldn’t resist. My fingers lightly grazed her lower back, the warmth of her skin seeping into me like a forbidden flame. The heat between us was undeniable, a tantalizing promise of what lay beyond the boundaries I had just crossed.
“You’ve been hiding from me,” I growled. Sexual tension surged through me, sending a rush of blood south and warmth flooding my veins. Control slipped further away with each passing second. Our eyes locked, and I couldn't tear my gaze from her lips, imagining the heat of her kiss. What would she do if I grabbed her waist, pulled her in, and let myself indulge in the taste of her delicate skin?
“No, I haven’t,” She cleared her throat.
“Whatever you say.”
Our faces were so close, I could feel the warmth of her breath. As I slowly slid my fingers along her cheek, the softness of her skin sent a spark through me, igniting a fire deep inside. She was a goddess of passion and beauty, the embodiment of every desire I had tried to bury. My thoughts were consumed by her, by the way she drew me in without even trying, making me want her with a need that was almost impossible to resist.
Aphrodite gently pulled her face away from my fingers, creating a tantalizing distance that only made me crave her touch even more.
“Let’s go,” I said, my voice steady despite the tension between us. “Hermes is waiting for us in my office.” I reached for her hand, and when she placed her palm in mine, a surge of warmth spread through me once more. If this was the only way I was going to touch her, I would savor it .
I led her through the crowd and up the stairs. As I released her hand, a hollow ache settled in my chest, intensifying with each step toward my office. I paused before entering the room and turned to her. Aphrodite seemed anxious, her breaths quick and shallow.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my voice laced with concern.
She ran a hand through her curly hair, her fingers trembling slightly. “I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “I know it sounds childish, but there’s this heavy feeling in my chest that I can’t shake.”
I stepped closer, my gaze steady. “Titan always said you stayed out of this mess. But if you choose to dig into the truth, you're walking straight into hell—and I’ll be right there with you.” I brushed my fingers over her arm, feeling the warmth of her soft skin as she managed a small, determined smile.
Her eyes hardened with resolve. “I’m tired of being kept in the dark. I’m not naive. I know exactly what my father does and what my family represents. I need to know who killed my brother.” I studied her, sensing the shift in her demeanor.
“And if you find out? What then?”
“I want—” She averted her gaze. I don’t think she ever considered the outcome of finding out the truth. Aphrodite stared at me and said, “Justice. I want them to pay for what they have done. My brother died right in front of me. He’s always had my back. This time…” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to have his.”
I nodded but didn’t say anything. I opened the door to my office, holding the door open and allowing her to enter first. The room was locked down, soundproofed, and equipped with monitors showing every nook and cranny of the nightclub.
A curved sofa lined one wall, while near the door, a formal desk stood, cluttered with the gaudy decorations Titan had insisted on.
While I was out working the floor, Titan would be holed up in this office, his presence lingering in the air. I hated this place. I’d rather be out in the club, feeling the energy, than stuck in here like he was. Titan loved it, though—usually with some girl in tow, looking for a little extra fun. This office felt like a cage compared to the life pulsing through the rest of the club.
Hermes lounged on the sofa, a drink already in hand, as we entered the room. The moment he saw Aphrodite, he rose to greet her, his movements oozing with that practiced charm I had always found infuriating. He took her hand with a smoothness that made my blood boil, then pressed a kiss to her knuckles. It wasn’t just a polite gesture; it was a sleazy come-on, and I could see right through it. My chest tightened, a surge of anger flaring hotter than simple envy. It was a burning jealousy, a primal, uncontrollable need to claim what should be mine.
Hades stood by with his arms crossed, an unimpressed look on his face as I moved toward the lone chair beside him. Hermes lounged on the sofa with an easy smirk, looking far too comfortable for my liking. Aphrodite settled next to me, her presence grounding me.
“Thank you for coming,” I said, adjusting myself and giving Hermes a hard look. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, staring at her like she was a treat he longed to savor. He was the spitting image of our father, from his facial features down to his mannerisms.
Hermes stretched his arms across the back of the sofa, a smirk playing on his lips. “I guess Titan was supposed to come, but it seems you can’t get a signal where he’s at.” He flashed a devilish grin, clearly thinking his joke was the perfect icebreaker.
What an absolute fucking asshole.
I noticed Aphrodite digging her fingers into the chair, her tension evident
Realizing his mistake, Hermes added, “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me.”
But Aphrodite wasn’t having it. Her voice was firm as she demanded, “Tell me what you know about my brother’s death.”
Hermes raised an eyebrow, then took a sip of his drink before setting the glass down. “I guess we’ll skip the foreplay,” he said, clearing his throat. “I heard Titan was in financial trouble and used some of your father’s enterprises as collateral.”
Aphrodite’s eyes widened in shock. “Titan didn’t have control over those enterprises. He wasn’t authorized to make any significant financial decisions,” she said, her frustration edging into disbelief.
“Are you fucking kidding me? How the hell did that happen?” I spat, shaking my head in rage. My disbelief was raw and intense. I didn’t trust a word coming from Hermes’s smug mouth.
Hermes shrugged. “Atlas mentioned that Ouranos handed Titan a few businesses to play with last year.” He paused, taking a slow sip of his drink before continuing, “But honestly, I can't believe Ouranos would give him that kind of responsibility. Titan was all talk when it came to business—guy was a fucking mess with money. And if that wasn’t enough, he was sinking cash into another club here in Mysthria, thinking he could play the big shot like his old man. What a joke.”
Aphrodite frowned, her voice tinged with confusion and disbelief. “My brother wasn’t like Ouranos. He wouldn’t have made a move like that without clearing it with our father first.” Titan had potential—he could have achieved so much within the Aetos family. None of this added up.
I leaned in, frustration evident in my voice. “Titan made it clear he wasn’t interested in any other ventures. This club was his sole focus—he didn’t want distractions or side projects. His only goal was to make this place successful.” I glared at Hermes, my impatience boiling over. “Don’t play games, Hermes. Tell us the truth.”
“I’ve heard that’s the truth, straight from Atlas himself. He’s tight with Ouranos, so I’d say he’s got the inside scoop—unless, of course, someone’s playing us for fools,” Hermes said, his tone casually dismissive. He glanced at Aphrodite and added, "You know your father always leans on Atlas for advice. Maybe there’s more going on that my old man doesn’t want me in on." He shrugged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, as if trying to piece together a puzzle he wasn’t fully privy to .
Aphrodite’s gaze darted between Hermes and me, confusion clouding her expression. “This just doesn’t make sense. Why would Titan take such a risk?”
Hermes leaned back, his tone nonchalant. “All I can say is, maybe you didn’t truly know your brother.”
I snarled, “We don’t even know if that’s the truth.”
Aphrodite’s irritation was clear, her patience wearing thin with his dismissive attitude. The frustration etched on her face spoke volumes.
“Hermes, cut the bullshit and give us the real answers,” Hades growled, his voice icy with anger. “Stop acting like a little prick. I know what you’ve been up to behind your father’s back. You’re no better than Titan was, and if you don’t start talking, I’ll make sure you regret every fucking second you’ve wasted.” His eyes were dark and unforgiving.
What was going on between Hermes and his father? I thought.
Hermes conceded, the weight of the situation sinking in. He knew it would end badly for him if he didn’t cooperate. “I can ask around,” he said.
Aphrodite nodded. “Please do.”
Hermes rose from the sofa, smoothing out his jacket. “I gotta bounce,” he said. “You know if anyone catches me here,” he smirked, throwing a wink our way, “People are gonna start talking.” With that, he sauntered out, Hades following close behind. The door slammed shut behind them. I leaned back in the chair, watching as Aphrodite buried her face in her hands, the weight of everything settling in.
“It just doesn’t add up,” she murmured, her voice tinged with confusion. “Titan understood the risks of crossing Ouranos. He knew the consequences of meddling with things he wasn’t supposed to. Ouranos knew Titan’s habits; it’s hard to believe he’d ever trust him with anything.”
“Why?” I asked, my curiosity growing. Ouranos was a man who kept everything close to the chest, and Titan’s demeanor always shifted to something cold and distant whenever he spoke of his father.
“Ouranos is obsessed with control. He wouldn’t just hand over his assets to Titan. Sure, he tried to involve Titan more in the business, but he wouldn’t simply relinquish anything. You need to understand, I was never clued in on these details,” she explained.
“I get it, Aphrodite,” I said, my voice low as I rubbed my chin, trying to process everything. It was clear she was in the dark about much of this, and I was at a loss for how to ease her confusion. “Don’t let Hermes get to you. He’s a master at twisting the truth,” I added. “I promised Titan I’d keep you safe, and I intend to follow through.”
She looked up at me, her eyes rimmed with red and full of unspoken pain. I knelt before her, feeling the weight of her sadness in the silence between us.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with gratitude.
I reached out, brushing away a solitary tear from her cheek. The electricity between us was palpable, the warmth of her skin beneath my fingers sending a jolt through me. My hand lingered, tracing down her jawline, every fiber of my being yearning for more.
I took a knee in front of her, caught in the pull of her gaze. The air between us was thick, every breath she took, every slight movement, pulling me deeper into the whirlpool of emotions I’d been trying to bury. Her lips parted slightly as if she was about to speak, but no words came—only silence, heavy and charged.
Aphrodite’s hands trembled in her lap, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out, my fingers grazing over her skin. The softness of her touch sent a shockwave through me, every nerve ending coming alive. She looked down at our hands, then back up at me, something unspoken passing between us—something neither of us was ready to acknowledge, but both of us felt .
“Why do you do this to me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but I heard it as clearly as a shout. The vulnerability in her tone cut through me, and I knew she felt it too—the magnetic pull that drew us together despite everything that should keep us apart.
“I can’t help it,” I admitted, my voice hoarse with restraint. “You’re everything I shouldn’t want, but the only thing I need.”
She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as if to steel herself against the words. When she opened them again, the conflict was there, warring with the desire that simmered beneath the surface. My hand slid up her arm, fingers tracing the curve of her shoulder, and I felt her shiver under my touch.
“Ares…” she began, but the way she said my name, it wasn’t a plea to stop. It was an invitation, a challenge. The tension between us was unbearable, coiling tighter with every passing second until it was ready to snap.
I leaned closer, my face inches from hers. My hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing over her lower lip. The softness of her mouth beneath my touch was intoxicating, and I knew there was no going back.
She leaned into me, her eyes half-lidded, lips daring me to close the distance. And I did. With a surge of pent-up desire, I closed the gap, my lips crashing against hers with a hunger that had been building for far too long.
The moment our mouths met, everything else faded away—the confusion, the uncertainty, the promises we couldn’t keep. All that mattered was the taste of her lips against mine, the way she melted into me, her hands clutching at my shoulders as if she needed me just as much as I needed her.
Our kiss deepened, the urgency in our movements intensifying as we gave in to everything we’d been holding back. Her fingers threaded through my hair, pulling me closer, and I groaned against her mouth, the sound vibrating between us. I was lost in her, in the way she moved, in the way her body pressed against mine, leaving no space between us.
When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathless, our foreheads resting against each other’s. Her eyes were dark with desire, her lips swollen from the kiss, and I knew I was in deep—too deep to ever get out.
A knock sounded at the door, shattering the moment and bringing us back to reality. We quickly separated, the intensity of what had just happened still lingering in the air. “Come in,” I commanded. Hades strolled back into the office, his presence a stark reminder of the world outside our bubble. “Hades will take you back to the compound,” I said, my voice more composed than I felt.
I stole a quick glance at her, memories of our heated kiss still fresh in my mind. I wanted to reach out, to offer her some semblance of reassurance in the chaos that surrounded us.
“I have something for you,” I said, picking up a burner phone from the table and placing it in her hand. “Keep it. Mine and Hades’ numbers are saved. If you need anything, anything at all, just call.”
Her eyes lingered on the phone, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. For a brief moment, I thought she might refuse it, but then she took it from my hand. “Thank you,” she whispered again, her voice soft but sincere, yet tinged with the weight of everything we’d been through tonight.
As they left the office, the door closing behind them, the reality of the situation crashed down on me. The kiss, the anger, the confusion—it all boiled inside, threatening to tear me apart. I cradled my head in my hands, trying to stave off the overwhelming frustration that gnawed at my insides.
“Fuck!” I let out a thunderous growl, the sound echoing through the room as I hurled a tumbler with all my might. The glass shattered against the wall, the noise reverberating in the silence that followed. “What the fuck did you do, Titan?” I muttered, the words laced with a mix of anger and helplessness, the unanswered questions still burning in my mind .
The memory of Aphrodite’s touch, the way she’d looked at me with those eyes full of unspoken words, only added to the torment. How had we ended up here, tangled in a web of lies and betrayal, with no clear path forward?