Cupid Painted Blind - A Collection of Paranormal Romance Stories
Page 14
“After a couple of days of sating each other’s insatiable desires, I finally told Ares of my plan for Aphrodite, to which he laughed in approval. I mean, how could he not like my plan? It would certainly absolve him from Aphrodite’s demands and honestly, it was so simple, how could it fail?”
“The next morning I made my way to Olympus. Now that I was a goddess, it was not hard talking Eros into helping me. Aphrodite was an all-out bitch to him and, rather than cohorts in crime, the two had more of a bitter rivalry going on between them, which is kind of sad if you think about it, especially since they are both the personification of love.” I was in full on tease mode. With Zeus under me, my body moved with excitement as I explained the story. I could feel him getting harder with each slight shift of my hips, so I placed my hands on his chest to keep the distance between us.
“All I needed was a victim. That is when Eros pointed Adonis out to me. I was giddy inside at the prospect. Aphrodite was expecting the tall, muscular, and overly manly Ares. But, I would deliver to her, the lithe, beautiful, effeminate Adonis, the God of Beauty and Desire. You see, Adonis has always had a thing for Aphrodite, but she never showed any interest in him. When I told him my plan he was all too eager to help me out. Not that I would have taken no as an answer.”
“Lucky for me, Dionysus was throwing another one of his famous parties and I knew that Aphrodite would be there pandering to all the men. You know how much she revels in their attention and, with Hephaestus still not talking to her, she was sure to make a spectacle of herself. I arrived at the party with Adonis on my arm. His beauty so enchanting that all eyes turned to us as we entered Dionysus’ palace. The look on Aphrodite’s face was priceless,” I sneered, waiting for a reaction from Zeus, whose hands had pushed up the bottom of my dress and now rested on my bare thighs. I could feel the electricity on his fingers tingling against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. My reaction drove his ego driven lust, causing him to grin.
“It didn’t take long for the rumor mill to start. Even her good friend Persephone was taken aback by Aphrodite’s jealousy driven crassness. She even took the time to warn me about Aphrodite’s anger, then begged me to leave before everything came to a head. But, I wasn’t going to take her advice; I had my own plans for this evening. Plus, Aphrodite had no idea who she was dealing with, now that I had the powers of a goddess. So, it goes without saying that her little threat didn’t scare me one bit. In fact, it was playing right into my plans. Every time I would dance with Adonis, I made sure to sneer in her direction, adding fuel to the fire.”
“Playing the good host, Dionysus was making his rounds and stopped at our table. He has always had a thing for beautiful young men and began to chat up Adonis. Not that I cared, but why let a perfect opportunity be wasted. I made sure that my jealousy was known to all in the room... Adonis was mine, I postured. On the inside I was laughing at the whole ridiculous scene and, in some ways, I was feeling a bit guilty. Adonis and Dionysus might have found happiness with each other, which is more than I can say for most of the gods and goddesses here on Olympus.”
“Much to my relief, Eros had finally arrived. He readied himself in a dark corner just behind the table where Adonis and I sat. It was time for me to make my move. I got up from my seat and then sat on Adonis’ lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. I whispered for him to play along, which he did with much enthusiasm by cupping my face and kissing me passionately. Our hands were all over each other, between hastened kisses and lustful gropes I would look and smirk at Aphrodite. Before long, she made her way to our table. You could see the flames behind her eyes, which made me wonder if your brother Hades had something to tell you,” I sang playfully.
Zeus laughed at my comment, putting his hands on my backside and adjusting my position to something a little more advantageous to his motives. I clamped my thighs tighter around him, letting him know he would still have to wait until I was finished my story before he would be allowed to go any further.
“That is when I made my move!” I exclaimed standing up on my knees then settling down perfectly on the exact spot Zeus had intended just moments ago.
“Aphrodite was blinded by her rage and never saw it coming. In a simple moment of perfection Eros had pierced Aphrodite in the heart the moment she looked at Adonis. It was beautiful, almost as if the Goddess herself had cast a spell on their love,” I sighed.
“Now you would think that I would have taken offense to Aphrodite stealing Adonis from me in such a public place, but that was part of the plan. You see, I allowed her to humiliate me on purpose. I really didn’t care! Adonis was nothing but a pawn to me and, unbeknownst to Aphrodite, Ares and I were planning to get together again, as soon as he was finished with his current battle. So you see, I did nothing more than protect myself, rid Ares of Aphrodite and allow her to save face in public,” I said before allowing Zeus to finally relieve the tension that had built between us.
“Your story has merit,” he laughed. “But, I can’t have demi-Gods thinking they can steal our powers... It’s not right.” The sweat was building on his brow as he closed his eyes and moaned.
“I under...stand,” I huffed through hurried breaths just moments before we heard Hera’s voice booming throughout the place, looking for Zeus.
Panicking, Zeus stopped in midstride. He looked around and realized that there was no way for me to exit without Hera seeing me. Before he could speak, I placed my finger on his lip then leaned over to his ear and whispered, “There is one advantage to me being a goddess.”
Just as Hera was about to enter the curtained area, I snapped my fingers and disappeared. As I left I could hear Zeus breakout in a big belly laugh and Hera asking what he was laughing about. I knew at that point I would be absolved of my crime.
It would be the last time Ares and I made the mistake of meeting in Hera’s temple. Besides, Aphrodite’s temples were far more accommodating for what we had planned. I mean, she is the Goddess of Love. I should thank her one day. If not for her I wouldn’t be a goddess and Ares wouldn’t be doing his job so well. Now he will use any reason to go to war just so we can have crazy after battle sex.
All and all there were many things I learned from this adventure, but most of which was that love could be a powerful thing. I hope that Eros never decides to paint blind, lest the world be exposed to love’s folly.
About the Author
As a teen C.G. Powell was selected as a member of her school’s newspaper staff. After her first article the editor decided the darkroom was a more suitable place for her skills…or lack of. Since then, she has traveled everywhere—thanks to her innate curiosity about the world and the Navy. In her life time, she has learned: aviation electronics, CCNA networking, Gemology and how to get bloodstains out of the carpet (you never know when you might need that). But her latest, all-consuming, endeavor is storytelling. When asked why, her response was “I live to challenge myself; I like to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and writing is one of those things that pushes my boundaries. Besides it was the only way to share all of the crap bouncing around in my head!”
C.G. Powell lives in Virginia with her husband and children. When she is not writing, you might find her watching hot guys jog past her front window, ordering the cabana boy to fix her another drink or abusing the local authorities…but that’s just hearsay.
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Fool Moon
“Dammit, Sully! I’m way too old for this shit,” I grumbled as I downed the rest of my beer.
Sighing, I looked over my shoulder at my friend, Ryan Sullivan, who sat at the bar in front of the stage watching the women gyrate. Empty beer bottles and shot glasses littered the table in front of him and he grinned up drunkenly at the dancers. I loved him like a brother but his way o
f coping with his divorce was getting stale.
I turned my back to the stage and motioned to the bartender for another beer. I wouldn’t be leaving Rumors, the popular strip club located close to Fort Bragg, any time soon. The bartender strolled over and plunked another Sierra Nevada down in front of me with a smile. She was gorgeous but I couldn’t muster the energy to flirt.
My hand drifted to my throat as I thought about the reason—Shelby. I’d known Shelby Flint almost my whole life, and somehow, despite our mutual plutonic relationship, I thought I’d end up marrying her. Beautiful, strong, and feisty, she was all I ever wanted in a woman. But she was out of my reach now.
I don’t know what you were thinking, said an annoying voice in my head. As much as I hated to admit it, I had to agree. I’d always hoped once I finished with the military we’d end up together, though neither of us had made any sort of romantic gestures toward each other. I’d been fighting overseas for years and she’d stayed home to manage her cattle ranch. I hadn’t expected her to wait for me, but somehow in the back of my mind I just figured she’d be there.
And you didn’t think you’d get your ass handed to you either, snickered that same nasty voice. I stiffened at the memory. That big son of a bitch lifted me off the ground with one arm and choked me out—I never saw it coming. I growled to myself and took a long pull from my beer. I didn’t harbor any hard feelings toward the warden, though. If I had Shelby, I wouldn’t let any other guy have his hands on her either. I drank another sip of the beer and my throat worked to swallow and forget the crushing feel of his hand. I’d been in the Army for almost ten years and a Green Beret for four. The fact that a game warden could choke me like a rag doll pushed me to train harder than I ever had before. You’re losing your edge.
“Hey, sweetness. Why don’t you bring your fine ass over here and give me a lap dance,” a man a few stools down the bar from me called to the bartender.
He grinned and revealed teeth yellowed with tobacco stains and several teeth were missing, leaving gaping holes in his crooked smile. A long greasy ponytail hung limply down the back of his balding head and he wore a stained, sleeveless flannel shirt. Redneck, I thought darkly.
She walked over to him. “Sorry, I don’t do that, but can I get you a drink?” She flashed a forced smile.
“Oh, I’m just fine, sugar,” said the man, leering at her breasts. “But if you’re thirsty, we can go somewhere and I’ll give you something to suck on.”
Her eyes narrowed in disgust and she grabbed for his beer. “I think you’ve had enough, Cleatus.” I turned my head to hide my laughter at her dig. My head snapped back around when I heard her cry of pain.
“Let go!” she snarled.
The man had seized her arm and dug his fingers in hard enough to leave bruises. I leapt to my feet so fast the stool toppled over backward. I closed the few feet between myself and the man and gripped the back of his neck.
“Apologize to the lady and let her go,” I hissed as I squeezed.
The cute bartender watched me with a curious expression.
“Get your hands off me, asshole. I’m not sayin’ sorry to the bitch,” he spat, struggling to get free.
“Have it your way.”
I slammed his head down on the bar hard enough to knock him unconscious. I watched with satisfaction as he slid limply to the floor. The bartender stood with an amused smile that I returned.
“Did he hurt you, ma’am?” I asked as I motioned toward the red marks on her creamy skin. She glanced down before shrugging.
“Naw, nothin’ that hasn’t happened before. Thanks for that, though. My name is Carlie Jameson.” Her voice was low and raspy with a slight southern accent—sexy as hell.
I leaned down, tugged out the man’s wallet from the back pocket of his jeans, and pulled out a few twenties. I tossed them on the bar in front of her before returning it. Carlie chuckled in appreciation. The man made a noise of protest, but I cut him off by taking a fistful of his shirt and dragging him to his feet.
“Leave and don’t come back.” I shoved him toward the door. He stumbled forward, throwing an angry glance over his shoulder before walking out of the club.
I held out my hand to Carlie and smiled. “Jack Anderson, pleased to meet you.”
She took my hand and laughed. “I take it you’re from Bragg, Jack?”
I nodded and took the now vacated seat, reaching over to grab my beer. “Yes, ma’am. Just got back from Iraq a few months ago.”
“I see.” Her hazel eyes twinkled in amusement. “And is that your friend?” She pointed to Sully who swayed unsteadily as he stuffed a single in the dancer’s G-string.
“He is, although he’s making it hard for me to own up to it.” She laughed as I took a swig of my beer. “Don’t judge him too harshly. He came home from overseas and found his wife of five years in bed with another man. He had been hoping to start a family so he’s taking it pretty hard.”
“I bet,” her voice was rougher with commiseration. “You’re a good friend. I can tell you don’t want to be here.”
I shrugged, enjoying the way her dark hair glinted in the light. “I know those girls have to make a living, but I can’t help wishing there was another way.”
Her dark, graceful eyebrow rose at my statement. “Well, Captain America, the next one’s on me.” She winked and walked back down the bar.
Carlie was beautiful. Her long hair fell down her back almost brushing her nicely rounded ass. She wore a green tank top that set off her eyes and revealed a pretty flower tattoo on her right shoulder. Her dark jeans looked almost painted on and her legs went on for miles. Carlie was tall for a woman, almost as tall as myself, and I appreciated I wouldn’t have to bend far to kiss her. Wait, what?
She glided back toward me and plunked another beer on the bar. “Here ya go. This is the last one before I close up. Thanks again, Jack.”
“Not necessary, but thanks for the beer.” She smiled and shook her head before going about her closing chores.
I took a few more swigs of the beer then collected the now trashed Sully. He was having a hard time standing on his own. I threw his arm over my shoulders and grabbed his belt to keep him from sprawling on his ass, but I managed to toss Carlie a wave before we left. I couldn’t help but wish I had the chance to know her better.
“I love you, man,” mumbled Sully as we made our way through the strip club parking lot.
I chuckled to myself. It was a good thing it was the weekend. I didn’t envy the hangover he’d have in the morning but for now he felt no pain.
We neared my truck and I noticed the redneck lurking on the side of the building where the employees exited. I had a feeling I knew who he waited for. I gritted my teeth and hurried Sullivan to the Jeep. He grunted when I tossed him in the back. He’d better not throw up on my upholstery, I thought while I fingered the pocket knife I always kept on me.
Sully was in no shape to wander away so I slipped through the parked cars and circled around the back of the club to keep an eye on “Cleatus”. The man stood in the shadows, waiting to get even with Carlie. Coward, I thought angrily. He should be a man and come after me instead.
I waited in silence for at least ten minutes as one by one the dancers and waitresses left to go home. Still the man hid in the darkness. Carlie was the last to emerge, wearing a jacket and carrying her purse. She locked the door behind her, and the man slid out of the shadows.
“Hey, you little bitch. I’m gonna get that lap dance now,” he growled.
I figured Carlie would try to bolt to her car, but she turned and stood her ground. She regarded the man with a disdainful expression, her pretty nose upturned in disgust. “You need to back off or you’re going to get hurt, dickhead.”
I smiled at her brave words and I walked up behind her. The man’s face blanched when he saw me. I could smell the whiskey wafting off of him, even from several feet away. He pulled something from his pocket and a flash of metal glinted in the light from the
lamps in the parking lot. I sighed.
“You really don’t want to do that,” I sighed.
I pushed Carlie behind me to shield her from whatever this idiot tried to do. The man snarled and lunged, but the alcohol made him slow and sloppy.
I side-stepped the move with ease and grabbed his wrist, twisting it painfully until he dropped the switchblade. I continued to wrench his arm back until he fell to his knees. Still holding his arm, I kicked him in the back and heard the pop of his shoulder dislocating. He collapsed on the ground screaming in pain. I held out my hand to Carlie.
“Can I walk you to your car?”
She smiled brightly and put her hand in mine. It was as smooth and soft as I imagined all the rest of her skin would be. I fought the sudden primal desire to throw her over my shoulder and take her home.
“You really are Captain America, aren’t you?” she asked, laughter heavy in her voice.
I chuckled. “No, but it sure seems that way sometimes.” I winked and elicited another laugh. I felt myself getting hard just from the sound. Wouldn’t that sound so good in my bed...
When we reached her car, a blue Mini Cooper, she unlocked it and grabbed a pen from the center console. “Here,” she said and she snatched my hand. The pen tickled as it scratched across my palm. “That’s my number. Call me sometime, hero.” She brushed her lips against mine and jumped in her car leaving me smiling, alone in the parking lot—thoughts of Shelby Flint long forgotten.
“You should’ve seen him, Rose!” said Carlie as she stepped out of the shower drying her long hair. Her sister sat on her bed with a patient smile. “He was such a gentleman, and he defended me as if I was a helpless woman.”
“Wouldn’t he be shocked if he knew the truth,” Rose chortled.
“Hey, for all he knew I was a damsel in distress. It was sweet.”