Carnevale

Hades’ Helmet Crew 2: Carnevale
Selena Illyria
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2009 Selena Illyria

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Ana looked up at a large wooden slab above an ancient-looking door, the words Settima Sosta carved in deep groves in the weather-worn lumber. A shiver of excitement raced down her spine. A look at the front of the building showed large windows covered in dirt. Shadows moved behind the glass. The excitement was chased away by nerves. What if he doesn't show? What if this weekend is a disaster? Doubts assailed her as she stood before the door to the pub. I am asking some stranger to kidnap me, tie me down and use every seductive technique in the book to make me come.

Ana paused as she remembered the words of her last lover. He had accused her of being frigid which is why he had gone to another. After having many talks with her friend Rena, she'd figured out why she couldn't get into sex with her past lovers. She needed more -- as in "tie her down, add a little pain to the pleasure and fuck her senseless" more. Her arousal increased as she thought about being dominated. After doing research, reading some books and watching a few "special" films, she'd made her decision to try it. That's what this holiday was all about for her.

Just the thought of leather cuffs encircling her wrists, being bound to bed and fucked hard made her breathless. Anticipation sang through her veins. Determination stiffened her spine. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and walked into the bar. Inside was unexpected. It was dark, yes, but it was more intimate than that. Soft lighting from crystal chandeliers overhead and the worn wooden furniture gave the place a seductive feel, a touch of Old World, like Earth. She loved it.

Her heart tugged as she thought of her old home planet. She missed it so much, and yet she loved traveling on the Hades' Helmet. With a great effort, she shoved her nostalgia aside to walk toward the counter. Hopping up on the stool, she flagged down the barkeep. "I'll have whatever's on tap."

He was a wizened fellow with wild blue hair streaked with white. His dark eyes glittered at her from behind tiny circular spectacles. "You sure you can handle it? A little thing like you may pass out." He started to laugh, a high-pitched cackle that sounded as untamed as his unruly hair.

"I may be small but I can handle whatever you give me. Now pour before I go behind there and do it myself." Ana narrowed her eyes, daring him to deny her. He just shrugged, pushed a button and filled up a tall glass with frothy crystal blue liquid. Tiny silver specks danced and twirled in the fluid. He slammed the glass down and stepped back. Pale blue froth sloshed over the rim of the cup, spilling to the warped wood.

Not one to back down, she picked up her drink and downed about half the glass before pausing to take a deep breath. With the back of her hand, she wiped away the traces of the liquor before placing her cup down. Bitterness was the first thing she tasted before the sweet chased it away, and then the burn hit. Lightheadedness descended on her, and she had to hold onto the counter to keep from falling back. She blinked several times as the room began to spin and shake before her very eyes.

A loud cackle sounded and she tried to focus on the origin of the noise. Her gaze locked onto the small barkeep who was doubled over with laughter, pointing at her.

"Outworlders, so damn stupid." He straightened, pushing up his glasses to wipe tears from his eyes.

"Barkeep, enough playing with tourists and serve me," a deep, gruff, lightly-accented voice demanded next to her.

Warmth washed over her body as her nipples tightened. Ana forgot how to breathe. Her stomach tightened. She peeked at the newcomer from the corner of her eyes and nearly swallowed her tongue. She had to look up and up and up. He was tall and swathed entirely in black leather. Half his face was hidden by a mask covered in slick black feathers. Her brain stopped functioning completely. Him! He has to be the one.

Wavy black hair was brushed back to show off a large silver hoop. A look at his profile showed her tanned skin and a strong square jaw. The newcomer turned and her gaze locked on his lips, full but not overly so, and shaped in a Cupid's bow. A large spiked collar encircled his throat; the wicked looking tips of the spikes glittered even in the dim light of the tavern.

Ana licked her lips and watched his Adam's apple bob. He moved and his face was in front of her. She found herself looking into pale green eyes, the color of olives from Earth. So beautiful and so guarded. "See something you like?"

A thick tendril of midnight hair fell into his eyes. She had the strongest urge to reach up and brush it away. She wanted to see his face so badly but if this was him, that wasn't part of the deal. He could see her but she couldn't see him. Ana licked her lips as she tried to remember what she was supposed to say to him.

"I am in need of a gondolier to guide me tonight," she said softly, surprised to find her voice husky.

His gaze swept over her face and she felt a spark of heat under his scrutiny. He straightened up and she followed the movement. "Sorry, love, not a prossy. If you want one of those, I'm sure you'll find them somewhere out there." He nodded his head toward the door.

Horror, pure unadulterated humiliation, rose within her. Ana's throat closed up and words left her. I've just hit on a complete stranger. Her face burned and she turned away. Head hung low, she picked up her glass and downed the contents. Tears glittered in her vision, and she mutely placed five credits down to pay for the drink. It was much more than what would have been asked for but she didn't care. The night had started off on a bad foot, and her plan to get tied down and fucked had just gone up in smoke. She had no desire to stick around and wait for her true gondolier. Ana doubted he would be as intriguing as the man standing next her.

"Thank you," she muttered before hopping off the stool and heading for the door.