Page 52 of Seeking Hades' Ember

Chapter 26

Jillian

My breaths were quick as I slid my bare feet on the marbled floor and reached for the door of the bedroom. I was running so fast I lost my sandals somewhere between Hades' portrait and the dancing witch sculpture around the corner. Poor Blaze was hanging on for dear life on my hair, growling at me for trying to run away from my little protector.

Pouncing into the bedroom, I untangled him from my hair and placed him on the bed. The chattering and hisses leave his lips were adorable, but I had more significant problems to worry about.

Hearing his soft flutters trying to catch up, I slammed the door shut and locked it. Not it could keep the God of the Underworld out. Another cramp ripped through me, and I pulled all the drawers out, hoping to find what I needed. Why Hades would keep some sort of pad in here was beyond me, but a girl could dream, and I mean, really dream.

Nothing, absolutely nothing. I ran to sit on my royal throne only to groan, realizing my once perfect pair of jeans was probably ruined. Growling and pulling at my hair, frustrated, I slapped my hands on my thighs. How could I not have known this was going to happen? How many years has it been since I learned about this situation that happens to all women?

"You know, she is of that age where she should be getting her period," one of the long-standing strippers spoke as she powdered her nose. "Do you think she's been told about the birds and the bees?" Anna stood up and started to walk towards me. I had just finished a load of laundry that held all of their outfits, and my job was to hang them up, making sure they were wrinkle-free and ready for wear.

"Well, ask her," Jane spoke. "I'm sure she knows what the act is but isn't sure what all comes with it. She's only what 11 and workin' here?"

"I'm 16," I whispered. I pulled down my sleeves to cover up the bruises. I knew the other strippers talked about me. I help them when they first arrive, but I'm gone to help the newer ones get settled once they understand their role. I knew what made Teddy Johnson tick, and if they wanted to not get beat, they would listen to my words.

Several of the strippers grew accustomed to the job and started to enjoy it, supposedly. Really, they were scared for their lives and what would happen next. If they made enough money, then they wouldn't be sold; they would collect the money and give it all to Teddy.

"Sixteen? Child, you are so young looking." Anna came in and pulled my hair back. "Thank you for the clothes." She looked at me in pity. "You looked out for me when I first came here three years ago, and I never really thanked you. I've been too scared to talk to you, worried you or I would get beaten again." Anna's eyes watered. "But I want you to know, if you have questions about things, things a mother would tell you, I am happy to help." I nodded.

"I know you understand this place and what it's for, but do you understand how a woman's body works?" I shrugged my shoulders. I had seen some women carrying small tube like products but never really asked. Thought it was for aftercare from having to deal with customers.

"That women are for men's pleasure; that's all I really know," I whispered. Jane's eyes watered as she watched Anna interact with me.

"Not all men are like that, I assure you. This is just a bad place with a bunch of evil people," she whispered.

So, Anna told me the birds and the bees and how a man should treat a woman. We sat in the chair talking until the club opened, and once the cage doors creaked, Teddy Johnson glared daggers at Anna. The rest of the strippers stood in fear as he walked in, holding the cane he used to beat me with. "Enjoy your talk?" he rasped. "Jillian won't be able to experience any of that because she will be long dead before I let it happen. Now get out there."

That night I scrubbed the bathroom floors at the club with a toothbrush while Anna was sold off to the highest bidder.

I groaned again, wondering where Anna could have gone. It was nice to have a friend, even if it was for a good hour. She taught me enough to help me, but she also told me what to fear the most and put even more fear in my heart.

Gentle knocks were at the door while I continued to sit on the toilet. Groaning, I put my face in my hands. "Go away!" I pleaded, but the knocks only grew louder.

"Please, angel, come on, please. I can help," he said calmly.

"No, it's embarrassing. Please just let me be." My heart began to ache that didn't feel like my own. Rubbing my chest to relieve the pain, it didn't stop. "Hades? My chest hurts."

"You feel me; you feel our bond and how I'm worried about you. Now, can I come in?" I didn't want to let him; this was such an intimate thing. Men aren't supposed to be comfortable with this, right? Not answering, I heard the door unlock, and it crept open, and I saw a sheepish-looking Hades close the door behind him.

I hid my face with my hands and held my thighs tight; wanting to curl up in a ball, I let out a small whimper. This is racking up to be the most embarrassing moment of my life. Hades knelt down and tried to pull my hands away, but I wouldn't let him. Pulling my hands back, he let out a chuckle.

"Angel, it's completely normal. Why are you so embarrassed? We knew you were getting healthy, and this might happen. Come on, let me help." I sniffed and let my hands drop to my lap.

"Let me take care of you, please?" I nodded my head silently while he took the bottom half of my clothes and left the room. I sat here, bottom half-naked, until he returned with some of his joggers and a fresh pair of black undies. Leaving the box he brought in on my lap, he kissed my forehead and left the room.

I think I just swooned.

***

Hades carried me into the living room next to the office he works in. The couch was massive and had a huge flat-screen TV that was loaded with tons of movie channels. I couldn't understand how to work the remote. I let Ares take over most of the time, and we would watch the action and war movies; I didn't mind it too much.

Ares would be so intense as he would watch them; watching blood spatter on the camera lens was almost comical as Ares' smile would creep up his cheeks.

When Hades was with me, he would lay on the couch and spoon me from behind and have his arm draped over me while we watched random shows. Hades asked what I would like to watch, and the only thing I could say was "something happy" or "something funny." He always delivered and would bury his nose into my shoulder and sleep.

I never thought gods would sleep, I thought of them as all-powerful beings, but it looks like everyone needs their rest. The way Vulcan would talk, Hades barely rested, and since I've been here, he has had the most sleep in a long time. I was happy that I could help him in some way, even though it was something small.

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