Love's Forge (6 page)

Chapter Three

Aphrodite wondered what Hephaestus was doing. He’d left her alone just long enough for her anxiety to fade into boredom. Was he planning more seduction? Was he watching her? She knew she could do nothing to stop him if he were. She’d briefly thought of masturbating to torment him, but she’d resisted. If he showed up and touched her, she wouldn’t be able to resist.

That was her dilemma. She wanted him to let her go, and she was a little afraid for Ares, but she wasn’t afraid of Hephaestus. He wouldn’t hurt her. He was upset, angry and jealous. Once he calmed down, he would listen to her. Then his anger would shift, and he would be determined to find out who had done this to her. It amazed her he wasn’t more concerned about that. How could he not see that was the truth? Had their relationship distorted his views so much? Did he truly believe she and Ares would have been fucking in the open days before Ares’ wedding?

She didn’t want Ares, and she didn’t love him. Her feelings for Hephaestus had shifted the past few weeks, and now she was even more confused. She found it hard to be angry with him. Was that a sign of love? Shouldn’t she know? Her body still tingled when she remembered the bath he’d given her. That had been a new experience with him. He’d never before concocted a fantasy for them to play out, and he couldn’t deny that bathing her and making her come like that had been a fantasy.

A flash of movement caught her eye. She turned and saw a table set for two at the foot of the bed. The meal itself surprised her. Pot roast. Really? Hephaestus had made her a pot roast? Had he actually cooked it?

Hephaestus appeared beside her and extended his hand. “I cooked everything myself.”

“You did?” She held out her hand and stood up. She’d thrown on a plain linen wrap dress she’d found lying out for her after he’d brought her back from her bath. She smoothed the skirt down.

“Yes. I used cookware I’d made myself, specially forged to make it impossible to burn the food.”

“That was my idea, you know,” she said.

“Yes. I made the set as a wedding present, but you didn’t stay around after the wedding, so I never gave it to you.”

“We never had a wedding.”

He held her left hand up in front of her. “Then take the ring off.”

“I can’t. You know that.”

He kissed her hand. “Then you’re still my wife.”

She pulled away and sat down at the table. “I was just thinking about you. About how I wasn’t really afraid of you or angry with you. That comment and others like it might change my mind.”

“Is that a threat?” he asked as he sat across from her.

“It could be. It’s the truth. We were together because of the things I liked about you. I didn’t tell Hera or Zeus about our marriage for the same reasons. When you began summoning me, our friendship was rekindled. I forgot about all our fights.” She paused to make sure he was paying close enough attention. “Because you were kind and gentle and understanding. I saw those qualities in you again and forgave you for this weird marriage, and so we became friends again. I felt so close to you at times.”

“But I had to force your hand to get you to consider going beyond friendship. You were afraid.”

“You’ve pointed that out more than once, and I’ve agreed. Show a little kindness and stop reveling in your victory.”

“Do you think that’s what I do?”

“In a quiet way, yes. You gloat. I can feel it. You know you still affect me, and you’re using it against me.” She picked up her napkin and spread it across her lap. “This all smells wonderful, but you’re going to ruin my appetite. Let’s eat now.”

He bowed his head to her and began carving the meat. He filled her plate and then took the lid off a bowl of potatoes and carrots and passed it to her before serving himself. He uncovered a dish of butter and put a knife where she could reach it after he unwrapped the rolls. The cloth napkin around the rolls looked familiar, and Aphrodite blushed when she realized it was hers. She’d left it here one of the times she’d cooked for him.

She cut up all the slices of beef into bite-sized pieces to keep herself occupied. He was watching her, but she didn’t want to be drawn back into a conversation. She sliced one of the small red potatoes into fourths, and then speared it onto a fork with a carrot and piece of the roast. She chewed thoughtfully. Of course, it tasted wonderful.

“It’s good,” she said. She met his gaze for a moment before focusing on her plate again.

“Glad you like it.”

He didn’t push, and that was good. The food tasted good enough she managed to put him out of her mind for a few minutes.

After a second serving, she was pleasantly full but not stuffed. She sat back and folded her napkin next to her plate. “That was nice,” she said. “You didn’t have to cook for me.”

“I wanted to.”

“What about Ares?” she asked.

The table disappeared, removing the one barrier between them. “He won’t exactly starve, will he?” His voice was very soft.

“No. I suppose not.”

“I haven’t hurt him, Aphrodite.”

“You threw him. I saw that.”

“He was unharmed. It was a natural reaction. Any man would find that kind of strength seeing another man fucking his wife.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t waste time with dessert. I don’t want any.”

He smiled at her. “I do.”

She knew exactly what he meant and crossed her arms over her chest. “And you’re simply going to take what you want?”

“I won’t fuck you, Aphrodite, not until you ask me to.”

“Sex and love have nothing to do with each other. Asking you to make love to me won’t mean I love you.”

“But giving yourself to me again, willingly?” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “That will mean something to you.”

She knew it would, but she looked at him defiantly. No matter how good it would feel, she couldn’t. He would see it as surrender, and that’s exactly what it would be.

“I want you to desire me again,” he said.

“That’s not so hard. Didn’t you win that battle a few hours ago?”

“Not the way I want to win it.” He reached for her waist where her dress was tied closed and loosened the knot. Her dress fell to the floor. He ran two knuckles between her breasts. “I want you to need me inside you more than anything else in the world.”

She took his hand and raised it to her mouth. She planned to take his fingers into her mouth, remembering how it used to make him groan, but he stopped her and shook his head.

“My rules, Aphrodite.” He turned her around and marched her to the wall, making her face it. “You torment me enough simply being so beautiful.”

He put her hands on a metal ring above her head. Once again, the fixture had not been there until he’d wanted it. Was he thinking these fantasies out ahead of time, or was he improvising? Would he have left her alone if she hadn’t mentioned dessert? If she hadn’t been defiant?

He pushed her hair aside and kissed her neck. “If you let go, I will chain you up and spend the entire night rediscovering your body.” He smoothed her hair down her back, and then he tied it back with a ribbon he retrieved from the dresser. “It’ll be interesting to see which you chose. Perhaps you want me to stay all night. Would you like being that helpless beneath me?”

She didn’t answer as she glanced at the dresser. She’d noticed the change there as well. A few ribbons and one brush were hers. Again, she’d left them here. Everything else was new, and she had everything she needed or wanted. Had he done that when he kidnapped her? Or had it been prepared before? Had he done things like that in expectation of her coming to live here?

She pushed the thought away when something brushed her skin. He held a long, fluffy feather in his hand. He brushed it over her skin, tracing it down her spine, over her ass. Then he brushed it across her pussy, letting it linger teasingly over her clit. He continued to circle it there. Its light touch teased her enough to make her want more, but not enough to give her any pleasure. She felt his breath on her neck, but he didn’t kiss her skin or tease her with his tongue.

Her breasts heaved with every breath. “This isn’t fair.”

“Your nipples are perfect. I’ve always thought that. Pink and lovely. Very dainty and tantalizing.”

She imagined his tongue on them. She loved it when he bit them because he always used the right amount of pressure. He’d never once bitten too hard. He’d roll them between his teeth and use his tongue to tease the very tip. She felt a gush of moisture between her legs as she bit back a moan.

She heard him sigh behind her. His lips hovered by her ear. She turned her head slightly, even though it brought his lips close to her cheek. “You did that on purpose. You wanted me to remember you kissing my breasts.” She moaned again as her clit began to pulse. Her sensitivity increased the longer he teased her, the more aroused she became. The feather felt so good stroking her now. She didn’t care if giving in aroused him. She knew he’d keep his word and not fuck her, so if he was going to torment her like this she was going to do it right back to him.

He let the feather fall to the ground. He ran a finger over her pussy lips. His cock touched her ass, and she knew her wetness had gained his attention.

“It’s what you wanted,” she said. “You said you wanted me to want you. That’s all you’re getting.” She gripped the iron ring tightly. She wanted to touch herself, but she held on to the ring instead. She wasn’t going to give in that much.

“It is what I wanted,” he said. He moved away for a moment, and she whimpered, feeling cold without him near. He came back with something in his hand. His hand came around and placed something against her clit. She felt the small piece of plastic rub her gently. A strap went around her ass, and then another between her legs. She finally looked down.

“It’s a strap-on vibrator,” he said.

“I know what it is,” she snapped.

Then he activated it. She gasped. “Oh gods!”

“I knew you’d like it.” He kissed her shoulder and then pulled her away from the wall. She held to the ring. “Let go.”

She did, but he had to support her. He made her recline on the bed and held her hands on either side of her head. She gasped as she settled on the bed. She arched up in delight. She liked sex toys as much as any woman, but this toy was far from ordinary.

“Mmmmm. What did you do to it?” she asked.

“I removed the core and refilled the plastic casing. It’s just metal, but there’s a spell.”

Pleasure coiled deep within her. He loomed over her, obviously enjoying watching her writhe beneath him. She couldn’t resist though as each wave rolled over her. She looked into his eyes. “What is it doing?”

“It responds to you the way a human partner would. Each sigh and movement, everything makes it adjust position, pressure, speed.” He held her wrists tighter and gazed into her eyes. “I picture you like this at night. I see you beneath me in my dreams.”

Her clit felt hot. The pressure was too much. She came, and it felt as if her body was floating. Her pussy clenched over and over again. She closed her eyes as the pleasure spread up her body. Her breasts grew heavy as she convulsed uncontrollably. She cried out in ecstasy, thrusting shakily beneath him. He kissed her, his lips hot and needy. She let him claim her mouth and kissed him back. She felt drugged, intoxicated. Her pussy quaked deliciously. As he released her from the kiss, she looked into his blazing eyes. She could feel how wet her pussy was, knew how easily his thick cock would slide deep inside her.

“Ask me, and I will,” he said. His husky voice made her shudder with desire.

“No.”

“I’ll let Ares go right now. I swear. Let me make love to you.” He held her face, leaning in to kiss her again.

She pulled away. “No. I won’t do that.” Her voice trembled. “Do you want me to give in to you to save him? That would satisfy you?”

His eyes flashed at her, but she felt as if he was putting a wall between them. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

He finally said, “I’m sorry.” And he was gone.

The vibrator stopped. She removed it and pushed it aside. Her body quaked with need. Even after her orgasm, her pussy throbbed with longing. She hated him in that moment as much as she wanted him to come back and impale her on his long, hard cock.

She held back tears. He would have kept his word. He would have let Ares go. She should have given in.

She cursed herself and threw the vibrator off the bed.

“I’m sorry.” She wasn’t sure if she only meant Ares, or if deep down she meant both of them.

* * * *

Hera smiled at Lex. The girl was one of many who wanted to be a storyteller. Most were men, of course, but in smaller towns and rural areas, a good tale from anyone was readily welcomed. Her smile faded as she thought of Zeus saying he liked the old stories. If only he knew how many she’d made him look bad in as well as how many her own efforts had made him look good in.

“So their fight went on and on?” Lex asked.

“Yes. In a way. Ares and Hephaestus always fought because of Aphrodite.” She’d told Zeus she wouldn’t meddle or interfere, but Lex had loved the story of Hades and Persephone so much Hera had been unable to resist. It soothed her in a way. She added her own details of course, waxing more poetic than normal about Ares’ strength and bravery but also playing up how conflicted Hephaestus was over his wife’s betrayal.

“How could Aphrodite do it?” Lex asked.

“It’s hard to say,” Hera said. She sipped more wine, reveling in how strong it was, so different from modern wines. She’d resisted the temptation to make Aphrodite seem like a cruel bitch. What would be the point? It wouldn’t help her son. “Have you ever been in love, child?”

Lex shook her head. “No. It sounds oppressive. Like being a prisoner.”

“A bad marriage can be like that. But love? If a man is worthy of your love, he will treat you well. If he doesn’t, he is not worthy, and then you are better off serving Artemis or Athena. Or being a sacred virgin.”

“I prefer to serve Hera. She’s the most powerful woman ever.”

“You think so? Hera is married.”

“She and Zeus are equals. That never happens here.”

Hera watched the people moving through the city. “You are right, but the world changes so often. Seeing inequality or injustice is a good start. You are young still.” She would’ve loved telling the young Greek girl what the future held for women, but she needed to keep her identity a secret lest the entire city come and crowd around her and start begging for favors.

Lex peered at her curiously. “Where did you come from today?”

Hera cursed. She didn’t remember exactly what the date was or which temple she was at. “Apollonia,” she said after a moment. At one time or another, a dozen cities had borne that name. One had to at least exist now, and it was probably not too far away.

“No wonder you’re tired. You look weary.”

She nodded. “I am. I’m refreshed a little now. I must go see someone else. I’ll see you again though.”

“Did Hephaestus release them?”

“Yes, he did. Ares went his own way and found happiness, and Aphrodite learned her place. Soon she loved staying with her husband.” It was a nice ending, whether Hera really wanted it or not.

“So they don’t always come to bad ends. So many of the great tales are sad.”

“No, they don’t. Often they save themselves, just as they aid mortals. Sad events often have more meaning and teach more, so they are good ones to hand down, but happy tales are good too.”

Lex nodded thoughtfully.

Hera left her with that thought. She resolved not to come back again. Lex was a little too clever. She would never be a great storyteller because she would marry a powerful man, and she would have to run his household. She would be happy though, and that was what mattered. Her son would listen to her tales and tell them to many people. He would even write some of them down.

Zeus never had to know how often Hera had played a part in many of them. It often surprised her how few of them wondered how some stories told by men were so accurate. She smiled. She had made up some thoroughly ridiculous ones too though. Some lasted through the ages because of how ludicrous they were. She knew many of the other gods didn’t like mortals as much as she did, but she always had fun talking to them. Telling them stories gave her joy, and they always believed she had brought the tale from another city or temple. She loved novels and comic books as well. Movies and television could be fun, but she liked the written word more. She loved oral storytelling the most, and she’d worked to develop her skills over the years. Zeus probably wouldn’t care if he knew, since it made her happy to share such things with mortals, to go back to the times they had been a part of the mortal world. She wondered what Zeus was doing. Was she giving him too little credit? She knew he was concerned for Ares too, but she couldn’t help making him the target of her frustration.

He would let her. As surely as she knew he loved her, she knew he would let her blame him if she felt like it. She thought of him with a sad smile, fading into the mists to go home to him.