At those words, the cold shivered through her, too deep to ignore.
“We should go,” he said, rising to his feet, he held out his hand. “We are due at Club Aphrodisia and I know you aren’t wearing that.”
She managed to laugh as he helped her to her feet and before they vanished to go their separate ways, Hermes met her gaze.
“No one ever said you had to pretend everything was okay,” Hermes said. “Grief means we loved fiercely…and if that is all anyone ever has to say about either one of us in the end, I think we lived our best life.”
CHAPTER XVIII – CLUB APHRODISIA
Persephone stood bundled in her warmest jacket, still freezing as they exited the back of Hades’ limo. Beneath her coat, she wore a thin, black gown that showed more skin than was appropriate for this kind of weather. A deep V-neck exposed the swell of her breasts while high front slits showed off her thighs. She had a hard time deciding if Hades would approve of the dress, but she imagined he would be just as conflicted if he saw her—torn between frustration and a deep desire to fuck her.
Sybil also wore black, though her dress was shorter and looked more like lingerie. It reminded Persephone of something Aphrodite would wear. Leuce dressed in a red, see-through top and tight jeans while it appeared Zofie had raided her amour, wearing a black steal-boned corset that showed off her elegant frame and dark pants. Surprisingly, Hermes wore a more tamed outfit—a white V-neck and grey jacket with dark jeans. Secretly, Persephone had hoped he’d show up in his jumper.
“Enjoy your evening,” said Antoni as he returned to the driver’s seat.
“I’ll call when we’re ready,” Persephone promised.
“I don’t see a sex club,” said Leuce, looking at the buildings lining the sidewalk.
She was right—there was no sign for Club Aphrodisia. There was a restaurant, a bar, and an empty building.
“It’s around the back,” Hermes said.
They followed him down the dark alleyway, which had been shoveled and sanded, making the walk easier than Persephone had expected.
The club was discreet and there was no signage—just an entry where a pool of yellow light spilled over a set of emerald doors where two bouncers stood. They checked their identification and held the doors open for them. Inside, they were greeted by a man dressed in an impeccable black suit.
“Ah, Master Hermes,” said the attendant. “Welcome.”
“Sebastian,” the God of Trickery greeted.
The man’s eyes shifted to Persephone, Sybil, Leuce, and Zofie.
“You’ve brought guests. Women.” Sebastian seemed surprised, raising his brows.
Hermes cleared his throat. “Yes. These are my friends. You have heard of the Lady Persephone. She is soon to marry Hades.”
“Of course,” he said. “How could I be so blind to your beauty. I did not know the Lord Hades shared.”
“He doesn’t,” Persephone said.
Hermes cleared his throat. “And these are her friends—Sybil, Leuce, and Zofie.”
“We are truly honored. I hope you find your time here pleasurable. Follow me.”
Sebastian led them upstairs and as Persephone followed beside Hermes, she elbowed him.
“Never been here before, huh?”
“Only a couple times,” he said.
Persephone eyed him. “Only twice and you are so well known?”
He grinned. “What can I say? My skills are legendary.”
Persephone rolled her eyes and elbowed him harder.
“Ouch!” he rubbed his side. “What? I’ve had a lot of practice!”
She shook her head and while part of her wanted to laugh, another part of her was reminded of her conversation with Hades shortly after their game of Never Have I Ever. She was still learning. Sometimes she wondered if she gave Hades’ exactly what he needed, especially after the way he’d taken control in his office earlier today. He’d been rough and unapologetic while he’d thrust into her mouth. It wasn’t the first time they’d had rough sex, or the first time she sensed he needed something more than their standard experience. Perhaps this club would give her some ideas.
As they reached the top of the steps, they found themselves in a dark hallway. Persephone reached out her hand to hold the wall for support and found that it was soft—velvet. They passed a number of doors, all with names like Carnal, Passion, Lust before coming to one called the Craving.
Inside, the suite was lit with muted blue lights, which cast most of the place in darkness. There were two large black leather couches that looked more like beds and a bench with restraints. A paddle lay atop. Persephone kept her coat on as she approached the balcony where red light streamed from the ceiling, bathing the floor in shadowy crimson.
Below, there were several beds, large couches, benches, and two cages. There were people everywhere. Some wore masks and some did not, some engaged in sex of all kinds—oral and otherwise, some sat on couches and in chairs chatting and watching. There was also a dance floor, though small, a few people swayed there while they touched and explored. It was all sort of quiet and not at all like Persephone had imagined.
She supposed what she had imagined was more like the sex she had with Hades, but what she shared with him was far more intense. It wasn’t about sharing—not like this place.
Still, it was slow and kind and respectful. A woman was being spanked by a man while she gave another man a blow job, several couples were having sex, their faces contorted in pleasure, another woman was restrained while a man pleasured her. For a long moment, Persephone was drawn to their play in particular. She couldn’t decide why she was fascinated but she realized it was because she’d always thought of restraints as one thing—a loss of control—but this looked different. Sensual and teasing and loving. It looked like trust.
She started to feel warm all over and cleared her throat, a deep ache settling in. She’d given Hades what she’d considered her best work earlier in the day. Their encounter had been hot and heavy, and her need was desperate. She curled her fingers around the balcony’s ledge.
“So, what do you think?” Hermes asked sidling up alongside her.
“It’s…different,” she said, searching for the right words.
“Not as seedy as you thought?” He asked, quirking a brow.
“No,” she said. “It’s…actually kind of…tamed.”
Even with a community vibrator.
“See anything you’d like to try?”
Persephone stared.
“I mean with Hades,” he added.
She rolled her eyes and changed the subject.
“Where do you think this meeting is taking place?” Persephone asked.
“I suppose it depends on the kind of meeting she’s having,” Hermes said.
Sybil, Leuce, and Zofie joined them at the balcony.
Leuce offered a small laugh. “I guess some things never change.”
Persephone assumed the nymph was referring to the fact that ancient Greek society was hyper-sexualized, and in truth, their views of sex hadn’t changed all that much. Even in their modern society, prostitution was legal.
“Quick, cover your eyes, Zofie,” Leuce joked.