Page 2 of Loved By Aphrodite

But then she saw Adonis and knew she had to have him in her bed. And so, she proceeded to use her charms on the handsome mortal. Feigning that she needed help setting up a jungle in her apartment had proven the key.And let’s just say that no one can resist the goddess of love. Their fling had been exhilarating, and she’d loved watching his face light up with each stolen moment. But what they shared now was richer, a warm familiarity thatdidn’t demand anything of her. It was rare, even among gods, to find someone she could simply…be with.

Adonis let go of her, his gaze lingering as he moved to adjust a hanging plant. “You know, sometimes I can’t believe you even let me stick around,” he said, his voice quieter, almost as if he were musing aloud. “I mean, you’ve got this incredible place, this whole life I barely know about.”

She felt a pang at his words, the unspoken truth tugging at her.This whole life you’ll never know about, holding back the familiar urge to tell him everything.

“Adonis,” she said gently, touching his arm. “You don’t need to know everything about me to be here with me. Isn’t that enough?”

He studied her for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle, that easy warmth she’d come to cherish shining in his eyes. “Yeah, it’s enough.” He gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “Besides, I like the mystery. Keeps things interesting.”

She let out a soft laugh, grateful he was content with the mystery, even if a part of her longed to share everything. She wanted him to see her world, her truest self. But for now, it was enough to have him here, in her little oasis, his hands nurturing her plants, his laughter filling the room.

Because even though Adonis was best friends with Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, and Geri, a newly minted goddess, he didn’t know that Greek gods actually existed. And she wasn’t about to out his friends, since they thought it best to keep their true nature hidden.

She tossed him a wry look. “It’s happy hour somewhere, don’t you think? Shall we relax?”

“Absolutely,” he glanced down at himself, still in the frilly black and white maid outfit. “Although…maybe not like this.”

“Glad you agree,” she laughed, raising a brow. “That’s a little too much flair for lounging.”

“But it would be a good Halloween costume?” he asked as he reached for the hem and peeled off the dress, shimmying out of it right in front of her.

“Yes, it would,” she watched, amused, as he carefully folded the frilly underwear and set it aside.

“I was checking if it would be comfortable to wear.” Beneath it all, he wore simple, fitted briefs, and he nonchalantly grabbed a pair of shorts from his bag.

“There we go,” she said, nodding approvingly as he pulled on the shorts. “Much better.”

Together, they moved to the kitchen, mixing up gin and tonics with lime and a hint of mint. She handed him his drink, and they made their way out to the balcony, where the warm breeze was gently scented with fresh blooms and the distant laughter of the park below.

They sipped in silence for a few moments, watching the sun dip lower. Finally, Adonis spoke up. “Oh, by the way, Eros stopped by. Said to tell you he’s doing fine and—his words, not mine—‘still as gorgeous as his mother.’”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “That child. Let’s hope he didn’t charm you into his bed. I wouldn’t put it past him to try.”

His eyes widened, and he nearly choked on his drink. “Wait—no!” He set down his drink, mock-offended. “I mean, yeah, I’ve been pulled into bed by a mother and daughter by mistake before, and let me tell you, it wasdrama.But I wouldn’t do that to you.” He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. “Not with your son, at least.”

She burst out laughing, nudging him with her elbow. “Well, you never know! Eros is persuasive.”

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Okay, so…Eros also mentioned someone named Hephaestus. Asked if he’d been around recently?”

Aphrodite dimmed a little, and she took a sip before answering. “Hephaestus? He’s…my ex-husband.”

“Ex-husband?” He blinked, taking in this new detail. “Is he…Eros’s dad?”

She shook her head. “No, Eros was before Hephaestus. Let’s say I had a bit of acolorfulpast.”

He tilted his head, his gaze curious. “Your names are something else. Aphrodite, Eros, Hephaestus. They’re not exactly…common.”

She smirked. “Well, they’re Greek.”

“Greek? Seriously?” He laughed as if it explained everything. “Your family must be really traditional—naming everyone after the ancient gods! I mean, who does that anymore?”

“Right…very traditional.”

He shrugged, chuckling. “Must’ve been hard growing up with all those ancient names around, huh?”

She just sipped her drink, hiding a smile.You have no idea.

“How old is Eros?” He gave her a curious look. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, you and he kinda look like the same age!”

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