Love.
The websites didn’t seem to be working, as no one dared to swipe right on a twenty-nine year old librarian whose hobbies included reading, researching, cooking, and binge-watching documentaries on Netflix.
The world was heavy around him until he let his fingers stroke the cover of his favorite book, a book which boasted tales of his favorite deity.
The Goddess Athena.
Brian opened the pages, feeling a sense of calm as he read over the words he loved. Words that told of tales of a bold, confident Goddess who took what she wanted, who was cunning and skillful, unafraid of spreading her wings.
He wished he could be like that...
Brian let his mind wander to the woman he’d met, the one who shared the same name as his favorite Goddess. As he read over the stories in his book, he thought of her. Of her long, golden hair, of her bright silver-grey eyes, and he thought of the man he’d become for only a fraction of a moment with her.
He longed to feel that way again. Powerful, confident. As if nothing could touch him.
But Briony Leehan knew some things were too good to be true, and so, he lost himself in the stack of mythology books, shutting out the world until he was too tired to keep his eyes open and it was dark outside.
And only then did he set down his last book, strolling through the dim-lit closed library like a ghost in search of home.
CHAPTER10
Athena wasno stranger to sex, and therefore the Den of Sin did not appeal to her in the same way it appealed to the masses who lined up around the block every night. For her, the dark lit hallways and tantalizing shows were just that; shows.
Though she was also no stranger to being a patron of the sex club, either. In fact, she’d used the services of Samael’s dungeon on more than one occasion, but it had been at least a few years since she set foot in the club. She’d only recently returned to LA, after several years living on the Las Vegas strip.
A few salty individuals cursed her as she brushed past them, decked out in a short black leather mini that boasted a glittering, rhinestone harness that accentuated her bountiful breasts.
When in Rome...
The man at the door wasn’t someone she recognized, but then again she knew how Samael liked to keep things fresh for his patrons.
“Ma’am, the line is back there,” he said gruffly.
Athena flashed him a bright smile, her voice saccharine.
“You must be new, so let me introduce myself,” she purred. “I am Athena. I do not wait for anyone. You can ask your darling boss, Samael, just what happens to those who make me wait.” She grinned, waiting for the man to argue, to start a fight.
It had truly been a long day, and a fruitless one—as Calliope had informed her Brian had flown the coop, for when she returned to Athena’s temple-abode, he was nowhere to be found. He’d slipped through her feathers, and she was more than disappointed.
But all good things disappear at some point...
Just as the man opened his mouth, she set her gaze on the dark-haired, gold-crown-wearing, long-legged muse, who was boasting a pale, cream-colored lace dress. She looked positively virginal, which Athena knew was likely her intention.
“Callie... What are you doing here?”
Calliope sauntered forward, setting her hand on the man’s shoulder. She flashed her bright green eyes at him.
“I wouldn’t anger this one if I were you. She has quite a temper. Ask Samael, if you do not believe me.”
The man looked between them, sighing in exasperation.
“You will be responsible for her, then,” he said as he waved Athena on.
Calliope settled her arm in Athena’s winking at the irritated doorman.
“I always have been,” Calliope said with a smile.
Athena shot her friend a scathing look, but it held no actual bite.
