Once I introduced her to the guys, Vulcan had to ask the dumbest question. “Aren’t you a little young to be working here?” Jillian’s face flushed bright red as she looked down at her notepad.
“Oh, I’m 20, I just have good genes I guess.” She tapped her foot a few times before she excused herself to get our drinks.
Vulcan straightened his posture, a frown on his face. “She’s twenty years old. Underfed. Her growth was stunted,” he growled. “Her eyes are sunken in, and I could even see a faint mark of a handprint on her upper arm! You let this go on for months?”
“What the hell was I supposed to do? We can’t interfere with humans. Now that I have my reason to intervene, we can get all the girls rescued, even her. I’m going to help her get a fresh start. I’ve got an apartment close to the penthouse.”
“Why do you care about that one?” Ares pointed as Jillian put in our drink orders. “Why not get all the girls’ apartments?” I shook my head back and forth and rubbed my stubble.
“I just have a strong urge to protect her. I don’t know why.” I looked to the door, waiting for Hades.
“Is she your mate?” Hermes leaned in to listen.
“No, definitely not. I wouldn’t have minded one bit if she was though.” I smiled. Jillian was gorgeous, her long locks of blonde hair, her green eyes, and her dark lashes. She was certainly grateful and kindhearted, a bit skittish but considering her circumstances I wouldn’t expect anything less.
Jillian came back over and began to lay our drinks down as the front door opened. A dark god-like cloud descended on the whole club. The aura that Hades was giving off was scaring the lesser demons to their knees as he walked in. Luckily, humans wouldn’t know the stifling atmosphere, but it worried me that whatever being we were searching for would notice. As Hades walked closer, he felt my fear of being given away and quickly reeled in his oozing authority. Now he just gave off an expensive CEO that doesn’t take shit vibe.
His steps were slow as he fixed the cuffs on his suit. The music was now only in the background because his shoes were the only noise we could hear. The coldness rushed in as he finally reached our table and stopped immediately and stared down at Jillian as she placed the last drink on the table. She smiled but stiffened when she turned around and strained her neck to look at the God of the Underworld.
Both locked eyes while me and the men just sat there, barely breathing. Was he going to push her to the side for getting in his way? Turn her into some hog-like creature? I’ve seen it too many times and I worried for the innocent child in front of me. Before I could speak, the owner of the club, Teddy Johnson came by, breaking the long eye contact.
Hermes was whispering to Ares and my heart finally started beating again. “Jillian! What did I tell you about getting in the customer’s way! Mike, take her back to get her ready for the VIPs.” Jillian’s face fell and looked at me and gave me a small wave goodbye as the tears started to well up in her eyes.
She was getting sold tonight, and she had no idea that I knew.
“Ah, gentleman.” Teddy rubbed his hands together. “I heard you were wanting more of a ‘hands-on’ experience.” Teddy sat down without asking and Hades continued to stand. His eyes were still staring at the spot where Jillian was standing.
Hermes cleared his throat. “Yes, we were. When does it start and where? Money isn’t an option; we want the best,” Hermes said smugly. Teddy’s eyes twinkled in excitement and Hades finally sat down beside Hermes.
“Tonight, is your lucky night, gentleman. I have nothing but the best, especially tonight. In fact, I have a 20-year-old virgin that looks like she barely graduated high school. Fair skin, long hair, and great tolerance to pain.” My heart hitched thinking he was talking about Jillian; she fit the description perfectly. Before speaking, I could hear Hades’ growl beside Hermes.
“Ah ha ha! That’s the spirit. The auction is in,” he glanced at his watch, “20 minutes. I suggest you head over there now for a good seat. A lot of men are coming tonight so have your wallets ready.” Teddy left the table and we all stared at Hades.
The god was good at keeping his emotions in check but the way he growled at a human was unlike him. “You all right, brother?” Vulcan asked in concern. “Would you like me to get you a drink?” Hades shook his head in response and leaned back and pulled out a cigar to light. Taking a long drag, he looked at the cigar and looked back at us.
“Let’s get to work,” he growled and headed back to the VIP section of the club.