***

I want to leave, but Ares, in his drunken state, has his arm wrapped around me as he grumbles to a group of girls at the club he brought me to.

They only care about what he can offer them, so they feign empathy, nodding along.

Attempting to free myself from his hold, I shift slightly away on the sofa, but his grip tightens, and he gazes at me with a pitiful expression.

I do sympathize with his unfortunate situation regarding his father, but honestly, I don’t have time for this.

Knowing Hades’ men, they likely informed him about my presence at a party and my conversation with Zeus. Given that information, he must be growing increasingly impatient, and I definitely don’t want to anger the person who possesses control over my fate.

“Ares, I think you’ve had enough to drink. We should head to home now,” I suggest. He stares at me as though I’ve committed a grave offense.

“What’s gotten into you? This isn’t how you used to be. You would have continued partying with me nonstop for 24 hours, even supported me in a brawl.”

I’m filled with frustration. “What made the old me so great? Living in a nice house, dressing well, and partying? My family despised me and my lover betrayed me. What was so wonderful about that empty existence? Is this truly who you are, Ares? A weak facade of anger, desperate for your father’s attention? I used to believe you were an unstoppable force, but just look at you now.”

He appears startled by my outburst, but I’ve had enough of all the nonsense. I’m tired of feeling like I should miss my old life when I don’t at all. If I didn’t owe Hades, I feel like this new life would be much better. If only I could be free…

A punch lands on my cheek, causing me to tumble off the sofa and onto the floor.

Ares gets up, glares down at me, and snarls, “What the hell would a poor scavenger like you understand? You’re nothing more than a rat hunting for scraps.”

He spits in my direction before walking away with the girls, giggling and clinging to him.

Ares is wrong. I am not a rat. I may not belong to his world anymore, but I am stronger than even I realize. I am a survivor.

My sins do not make me any less deserving of a place in this world.

Hell, I’ve paid for someone else’s crime and I’m still standing. So if I no longer belong here, maybe I can search for a place that suits the new version of myself, born from my trauma.

The floor is sticky, and a shard of glass from a broken glass pierces my palm. Tension dissipates from my body when Ares leaves after only one blow. Usually, he revels in prolonged fights, leaving a trail of blood.

Rising from the floor, I glance up as a large figure rushes towards me.

“Are you alright, sir?” he inquires, then shouts, “Hey, stop right there!” But Ares has already vanished into the bustling club.

I grasp his arm. “Hey, it’s alright. It was just a misunderstanding.”

“What are you—” He turns to face me, revealing his identity. It’s Herc, the wonder boy, staring at me with a mix of shock, concern, and anger. All those emotions stir something within me, creating a warm sensation akin to sinking into a hot bath.

He extends his hand and touches my stinging cheek, causing me to flinch.

“Sorry, I should chase after that guy and arrest him,” he says, withdrawing his hand.

A laugh escapes my lips as once again this guy evokes emotions I’ve never experienced before. Like having someone truly care for me.

I thought three months would be enough to forget him, but his messages keep me from doing so. They make me feel wanted and seen like never before.

I reach out and hold his hand, guiding it back to my cheek. “Don’t worry. It’s not worth it. But I’m curious, what brings someone like you to a shady club like this?”

He blushes and glances at a group of guys nearby. “Some of the guys from work have time off, so they wanted to go clubbing and dragged me along with them.”

Raising an eyebrow at the word “drag,” I respond, “I find it hard to believe anyone could be big or strong enough to drag you anywhere.”

His face softens, and a smile appears. “Maybe I’m a fool who gives in to peer pressure?”

Feeling the air grow warm and dense between us, I take a step back to create some space.

“I wouldn’t call you a fool, just incredibly kind,” I respond.

He raises an eyebrow at me. “Don’t you appreciate my kindness?”

Without thinking, I reply, “Of course I do. It’s just unfamiliar to me without any hidden motives.”

He gazes at me with a blend of emotions that I’d rather not witness from him. “It’s unfortunate. It appears they would be missing out.”

His cheeks blush prettily out of nowhere. “Like it was my loss that day I ran out. I’m sorry about that.”

God, he makes me feel guilty, knowing it was my actions that caused him to run away.

“No, I apologize for surprising you like that. It was wrong of me. If a stranger had done that to anyone, they would have reacted even worse,” I reply. “It’s not your fault. I was too forward.”

“I’ve been thinking about you nonstop since that day,” he confesses.

I chuckle. “I couldn’t tell from the countless emails.”

His blush is absolutely lovely, and it makes me want to see it more often.

“I wasn’t sure if sending that initial email would be pushing boundaries,” he admits, looking ashamed, which is a sight I never wanted to see on his face.

“No, it was unexpected, but not unwelcome. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t have replied to any of them,” I reassure him, hoping to ease his worries.

“Anyway, how did you find my email? I haven’t used that email address in a long time. It’s old.” I inquire, keeping my voice playful.

“Um, I might have done a background check on you,” he admits, blushing once more.

A chill runs down my spine. “So, you know?”

“Yes.”

“And yet, you still wanted to be near me? Even though I’m a criminal?” I ask, unable to believe it.

His thumb gently caresses my jaw. “I don’t believe it.”

“Are you an idiot? I’ve served time,” I snap at him.

“I’ve read your case thoroughly, and many things don’t add up. It feels like you were framed,” he says, holding my hand gently. “But I wonder why you didn’t fight back. I want to ask, but I’ll wait until you’re ready to share.”

Feeling ashamed, I look away and sigh. “I did it because I thought it was love. But I was mistaken, and maybe I’ll never understand love. Are you really interested in pursuing me despite all this? Is a stranger worth the effort?”

He looks at me seriously and speaks softly, barely audible above the music.

“That’s the thing. You don’t feel like a stranger.”

It seems we’re both confused by these feelings and our attraction. I know it’s best for him not to know me, but I’m being selfish. I still want him and I want to keep getting to know him, to have him in my life.

“On that note, would you like to leave this place and find somewhere quieter? Maybe we can bridge the gaps that turn strangers into friends,” I suggest.

Herc glances at his friends, who have moved on and are chatting with some girls. He looks back at me and smiles sweetly.

“Sure, I can treat that cut on your hand and the bruise on your cheek,” he agrees.

I laugh and take his hand, guiding him out of the club. “Will patching me up become our hangout tradition?”

He laughs with me, but there’s a hint of worry on his face. “Only if you keep getting yourself hurt. But I’d rather keep you close and protect you from harm.”

He kisses my hand softly, and his eyes suddenly become intense and full of desire.

Feeling nervous, I try to brush it off with a laugh. “You really sound like a wonder boy, a hero ready to save a damsel in distress.”

As we step onto the street, he pulls me closer, and our breaths create clouds that blend together.

“I’d rather be your hero, even if it makes me seem selfish to others,” he confesses.

His lips gently meet mine, sending warmth through my body. I pull back, wanting to do so much more with him.

“How about we get out of here?” I ask.

He nods, seeming a bit shy, and lets me lead him toward a nearby taxi.

My place isn’t great, but I want to revisit where we left off that night he ran away. This time, I won’t let him escape after one kiss.

By morning, we’ll know each other better. It’s a bit scary, even more so than my past flings, but I’m also excited by the idea.