by Mardi Ballou
Jade had expected opposition. She thought about the right approach to change her lover’s mind. “I just don’t get it. You’ve always been a risk-taker, Gabe, always told me that’s the secret to success.”
“There’s taking risks and there’s stupid time wastes. Rapsos, try your line of bullshit on someone else and leave us alone.” He rose.
An uncomfortable mix of desire and anger sent off nasty little jolts in her gut. “I have a fifty percent vote here, Gabe. I say we give Alex a shot at showing us what he has in mind. Alex, if we see it’s not working and ask you to leave, you will, right?”
Looking nonchalant, Alex nodded.
What else could they ask for? She glared at Gabe. “I want to hear more. Let’s invite Alex home and continue this conversation, get some specifics.”
Gabe scowled. “I don’t like any of this. But all right, Jade, if you’re that set on hearing him out, I’ll go along. Rapsos, I’m going to hold you to your word. The moment we say you should go, you leave.”
“Agreed.” Alex grinned, and Jade’s heart did funny things.
“Before we go back to our place,” Gabe continued, “I need to be convinced we’re all on the same page. The only thing we’ve agreed to discussing a threesome about is work.”
“All right for now,” Alex said.
Gabe snorted.
“But,” Alex added, “I hope we can all remain open to the possibility of the threesome evolving in different ways, including a full erotic exploration. Once you see the possibilities open up before you…”
The way her nipples and clit tingled, Jade conceded to herself that she agreed.
“And before we go to your place, I’d like to invite you to stop at mine.”
Chapter Three
Gabe’s objections were, of course, overruled. Though he hated that Rapsos had rented a place in their own building, the upside was that he and Jade would be able to get away pronto if need be. With some foresight and planning, Gabe would find a way to redirect this unwanted detour and get their lives and work back on track without spending too much more time with this loser.
The moment Alex opened the door to his apartment, however, Gabe had to admit he was up against something bigger than anticipated. “Is there someone playing a bouzouki here?” he asked before he could self-censor the ridiculous question.
Rapsos’ mouth quirked into a smirk Gabe wanted to smack off his smug face. “Are you hearing music, Gabe?”
Stepping into Rapsos’ place, Gabe felt somehow transported elsewhere, like the Greek isle in the middle of the Mediterranean he’d seen on various travel posters. Some hitherto unknown bit of his soul intuited Zorba the Greek music, ouzo and retsina flowing and the sound of a brilliant blue sea lapping against a gentle shore. How the bloody hell did Rapsos bring off that mirage in a Greenwich Village apartment?
Shit. Gabe had to hold it together and fight off the delusion clamoring for his attention. Resolved to make a joke of his stupid remark, he looked around disdainfully. “What I mean is, this place looks like there should be bouzouki music streaming from cleverly disguised speakers. It’s a perfect setting for all the clichés about popular Greek culture.” He pointed to a cheap papier-mâché replica of the Parthenon. “Take, for instance, that tacky souvenir.” He shook his head. “Is this cheesy imitation of a famous landmark an example of what you consider quality?”
Jade was frowning and looked ready to pounce on him. Always the champion of the underdog, Jade believed in keeping negative opinions to herself and was constantly on his case to do the same. But, Gabe figured, if the guy couldn’t handle criticism, he shouldn’t display a piece of junk on his coffee table—or he shouldn’t invite people over. And Rapsos couldn’t claim he had any artistic values if that cheap garbage reflected his taste.
Rapsos’ brows drew together. “My nephew Constantine made that model for me at his school last time I visited my brother’s family in Athens. He was thrilled when I promised him to take it to America and display it in my home.”
A look of disgust in her eyes, Jade shook her head in Gabe’s direction. He figured the least said right now, the best. “What did you want to show us here, Rapsos? Jade and I have a schedule we’ve already fallen behind on. Unlike the perception some people have of writers, we value discipline and stick to a tight schedule.”
“‘Discipline.’ Interesting word,” Rapsos murmured. “Has all sorts of connotations in the world of sensuality.”
Gabe considered himself sexually aware, but Rapsos appeared obsessed. He managed to twist words to bring out erotic meanings the speaker never intended.
“What do you mean, Alex?” Jade swallowed hard. Gabe now shook his head to signal her not to go there, but she seemed to purposely avoid looking at him.
Rapsos crossed to a small chest of drawers and drew out a white silk scarf, which he ran through his fingers, all the while gazing at Jade. “Some bondage, a little play with toys. Surely you and Gabe have experimented this way already—”
“We’ve talked about it,” Jade practically whispered. “We’ve even written about it. Venus found some interesting uses for her toga… But the two of us haven’t actually—”
Gabe wanted to smash his fist through a wall, or maybe into the papier-mâché replica of the Parthenon. What the hell was wrong with Jade today? They both had a pact. Cripes, whether intentionally or not, they revealed enough intimate information about themselves in their writing. The rest, the really personal stuff, was completely intimate and confidential, just between them. Yet without exerting much effort, Rapsos was getting Jade to spill all, a betrayal of their pact. He and Jade would talk about it later—when they were alone. Now he needed to get them out before the situation deteriorated even more. “Rapsos, we really need to move along. Show us the rest of your place, let’s finish up. We’re eating up our prime writing time here.”
Rapsos smiled expansively. “Personally, I view all experience as grist for the creative mill, but you appear not to—yet.” He gestured around the living room. “As Gabe has so astutely pointed out, I’ve attempted to get a Greek island feel to this room. Given the roots of your Roman-based adventures in Greek myth and legend, I expect you’re picking up valuable insights.”
The stucco walls were blindingly white, the ceiling painted a midday sky blue. Gabe could close his eyes and almost feel the sun burning down on them.
“I thought you just moved in, Alex.” Jade was walking around the room, gingerly touching the stucco as if to see if it was dry yet.
“I was able to arrange for the flat to be prepared to my specifications before I moved in.”
She indicated the room around them. “Still, I know the place wasn’t empty very long. You’ve accomplished a lot in a very short time.”
Gabe knocked against a wall. To his surprise, the stucco felt solid, as if it had been in place for ages.
“How many rooms you have?” Gabe figured he’d suggest a fast tour and then whisk Jade out.
“In addition to this so-called living room, just a bedroom, a kitchenette and a bath. Come on, let me show you to the bedroom.”
Resolved that Jade and Alex would not spend a moment alone together—especially in the guy’s bedroom—Gabe insinuated himself between them as they covered the short distance to that room. Rapsos threw open the door to reveal more of the same stucco and ceiling paint. A king-sized bed, neatly made with a colorful, woven spread, as well as a computer desk and bookshelves filled the small room.
Gabe pushed away an uncomfortable image of the three of them in that bed, the sheets tangled around them as their limbs entwined in erotic thrashing and writhing. Jade, true to her usual self, went to the shelves and began to read the titles of Rapsos’ many books. Looking proud of his collection, he joined her.
“I’ve never seen so many books about mythology and legends.” Her voice sparkled with admiration. “We could browse here for research.”
“The Internet and the public libraries have everything we c
ould need.” Gabe’s voice sounded flat, an effort since Rapsos’ book collection also impressed him.
Rapsos chuckled, a sound that clawed at Gabe. “There’s so much to be known. I’ve found the Internet useful only for the most superficial of inquiries. And as for libraries…” He waved in the direction of the books. “These are just a fraction of my entire collection. The rest are still in storage back in Greece.”
“So you don’t plan to be here long?” Gabe could hope.
Rapsos appeared not to hear the question, which Gabe started to repeat, but Jade had already moved on. Distracting her with books was no challenge.
“May I?” she asked breathily, her fingers on one of the volumes.
Rapsos nodded. “Help yourself.”
Gabe cleared his throat. Once Jade got started turning pages, they really could kiss a day’s work goodbye. Jade didn’t even look up until he’d cleared his throat for the fourth time. When she did, she indicated that she preferred not to be interrupted.
“Who is your favorite deity, Jade?” Rapsos’ voice curved intimately around the words.
“Favorite? I don’t know, Alex. There are so many of the myths and legends I love.” She thought for a moment. “I guess the one I most identify with is Athena, the goddess of wisdom.”
He seemed to consider that for a moment. “A noble choice. But Jade, I see you much more as Aphrodite, the goddess of love. And myself as Dionysus, the god of wine and the male love force, seducer victorious.” He put a loose strand of Jade’s hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering.
Gabe had had enough. He got in Rapsos’ face and glared until the other man lowered his hand. “Well, I’m Mars, god of war, warrior victorious. That’s Ares to you, Rapsos. And I’m about to rescue Venus, your so-called Aphrodite, and take her back to my cave.”
He’d just grabbed Jade by the hand and pried her away from Rapsos when what must have been the first-ever earthquake to hit Greenwich Village in their lifetimes rattled the building and sent the three of them flying.
* * * * *
Dionysus loved a good party. For him, the crucial role of the host was to provide guests with the finest of everything—foods, wines, entertainment. Fortunately, this came easily and naturally to him. Starting with the wine.
Judging from the way his head felt when he awoke and became aware of his surroundings, Dionysus might have indulged a bit too much the night before. When he opened his eyes, he realized his guests, the beautiful Aphrodite and her current escort, the handsome but hostile-looking Ares, slumbered still. Though he hesitated to disturb anyone’s rest, especially the two lovers entwined so beautifully in the meadow, he wanted to celebrate this perfect day with both gods.
Aphrodite’s long black curls almost hid her and Ares from their host’s view. Right now he was safe from the hypnotic seduction of her beautiful green eyes, considered irresistible to males both mortal and divine. Her soft lushness formed a beguiling contrast to the hard angles of her warrior lover. Ares removed the hair from his head and face. It was said he considered hair an adornment suitable only to females and the weak. Even in slumber, he was solid and regal, his stern features handsome nevertheless. Dionysus thanked the deities who’d blessed him with the power to savor both of them.
The sun was shining down on them deliciously, blessing them with light and warmth. Clad in a simple cloth and sandals, Dionysus held out his arms to embrace nature’s bounty and the fine good fortune that brought him here this day with the two deities. Nearby, bees droned. The flowers of summer, the grass, the trees and bushes perfumed the air, with the scent of roses and honeysuckle bringing special delight. In the distance one raven called to another as other birds tittered and cawed.
Dionysus stood over the lovers for a moment, debated with himself whether to rouse them, then decided to allow their rest to continue a bit longer. He would ensure the necessities for a good party were on hand before he intruded on their rest.
Surveying the meadow as he walked, he found everything just where he’d expected. The servants had done well. Cool dark wine in jugs, cups to drink from, a simple lyre if anyone felt moved to make more music than the birds provided. When Dionysus returned to his guests, they still hadn’t awakened. Ares had shifted in his restless sleep, and now his dark, muscular arm lay possessively extended across Aphrodite’s generous pale breasts. Dionysus smiled at the sight. Soon, he had no doubt, his stirring desires would be fulfilled. But patience never came easy, especially when his cock rose with anticipation.
Ares stirred, almost as if he’d heard Dionysus express his thought. Even in repose, the warrior’s face remained fierce. Perhaps with sufficient fine wine, Dionysus could coax the grimace off Ares’ brow. Wine did indeed soothe the savage—far more readily and sufficiently than music. Ares’ member, stiffly making its presence known beneath his simple garment, teased Dionysus with its full promise of delights yet untasted.
“My friends,” he greeted them, “the sun is high in the sky. Another beautiful day for us to celebrate has arrived. Surely you don’t intend to sleep it away.”
Ares awoke with a start, Aphrodite with more of an angelic glide. Watching them both, Dionysus’ heart expanded in his chest. Nothing moved him like beauty, which each divine exuded in abundance. His testes contracted in agreement and his member grew quite large. Though Dionysus had become used to beauty around him, fortunately for him, familiarity bred not contempt but an ever deeper appreciation.
Ah, philosophy. Whenever his thoughts wandered in that direction, he knew he’d gone too long without liquid refreshment. He poured himself a goblet and had just begun to sip when Ares materialized at his side.
“Greetings of the morn. Have some wine.” Dionysus held out a goblet to the god.
Ares stretched, revealing rippling muscles, then clamped his hands on his head. “Is there nothing to eat here?”
“Nothing to eat? What do you think this is, the abode of rude barbarians?”
Ares fixed an unblinking stare at him.
Dionysus always enjoyed a challenge. “I can offer you the simple food of the people—bread, cheese and olives. Grapes spared from the wine-making. Fat figs and pistachios, honey cakes that make the bees weep with envy. What, Ares, is your preference to break your fast?”
The sun beat down, bathing them in warmth. A butterfly worshipped Aphrodite as she gracefully rose from her sleep couch. Dionysus also longed to worship Aphrodite in the way of a man adoring a woman—with his kisses, his caresses, the attentions of a stiff cock. The way Aphrodite smiled at him, Dionysus expected she would agree. But Ares, who also roused Dionysus’ mighty sword, did not seem at all amenable. Ares had a reputation for stern, hard-nosed insistence on exclusivity.
By Zeus and Apollo, Dionysus would change that—he would remind Ares of true divine ecstasy. The sun, the wine and the lady, who’d already shown herself more than attracted to him, would be his accomplices in this joyous mission.
In the sunshine of the morning she arose to greet, Aphrodite smiled. Though her head hurt the smallest bit, the feeling was funny and woozy rather than one of pain, as if the world had taken on soft edges. She loved softness, the way colors and sounds sometimes ran together, like beeswax melting in the sunshine.
Of course, she loved hardness too. She smiled at Ares, who was now busy frowning at their host. When Ares brought his hardness to her, he acted like the fierce warrior on a campaign to conquer her. She laughed to herself. Not a very difficult mission to accomplish for a warrior equipped with such an impressive spear. But Ares being Ares, he had to act like bedding her was tantamount to victory over an army of fierce warriors.
She put her hands to her lips to keep from laughing too loudly and attracting the men’s attention. Soon enough, she would be the happy recipient of their abundant favors. But for now, she wanted to savor her solitary moment, her pleasure at being in this place, at this time, with these two handsome men about to pay her homage. The day could prove most amusing.
When
Ares deigned to smile, her heartbeat grew fast. He preferred to act serious and gruff, as if he hated to have a smile turn up the corners of his mouth, but she knew better. At their most intimate moments, the smile on his face rivaled the sun for brilliance. She would make that smile come to his face more often, though she did enjoy knowing he’d allow it to show only when in her arms.
Her other current admirer, Dionysus, had no qualms about sharing his smile with all who came his way. After days and nights of limiting herself to Ares’ serious demeanor and his fierce attentions, she was ready to open herself up to the company of a merry companion. Even without the benefit of wine, Dionysus laughed most frequently and brought easy joy to his companions. But wine loosed any barriers that might have given him a moment’s gravity, and he shared that wine freely.
Right now, she was ready to enjoy the best each man had to offer.
As she rose from her couch and brushed the effects of sleep from her, Ares rushed over to take her arm. “Come, my beautiful one. Let us partake of sustenance so we may in good haste depart this place and continue on our journey.”
“Leave this place? Surely not, my dear Ares, when we’ve only so recently arrived and our gracious host promises many as yet untried delights.”
“We leave today,” Ares grumped. He emphatically put down his goblet.
Dionysus stood back from them both, watching. His invitation for her—for them—to tarry shone off him like sun reflected from the waters of a clear pond. She silently assured him she and Ares weren’t going anywhere before they tasted of his delights.
But Ares insisted on their following his timetables. She’d indulged him in this way when it amused her to, so now he appeared to expect she’d continue to do so. It was past time to set him straight. “My dear Ares, it is my pleasure this fine morning to take sustenance at the host’s table.”
Ares frowned, which made his eyes light up with a most attractive intensity. Hmm, she’d have to make him frown more—right before she permitted him to pleasure her. The contrast between his frowns and his smiles brought warmth to her heart. “Very well,” he agreed huffily. “But we must consume this meal quickly so we can be back on our path. Dear goddess, we are already unforgivably late.”
