Chapter 56: Hungry Heart
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the meadow where Xena stood, surrounded by the gentle rustle of tall grass. The cool breeze brushed against her skin as she faced Hank, his gaze filled with admiration as he reached out to touch her cheek.
Xena's breath caught at the warmth of his hand, a spark of longing stirring within her. She leaned into his touch, her body responding to the comfort and strength of his embrace.
Their lips met in a kiss, gentle at first, but quickly deepening into something more urgent. Hank's hands moved over her, tracing the lines of her figure. The intensity of their connection consumed them, pulling them to the ground as their passion unfolded under the tranquil of night.
But as the stars began to dim and the faint light of dawn crept into the sky, Hank felt himself being dragged from his dream. He shot awake, his breath uneven, and stared at the ceiling above him. The vivid images of the meadow and Xena began to slip away, leaving him alone in his quiet room.
Letting out a deep sigh, Hank ran a hand over his face, frustration and longing washing over him. The dream felt so real that its loss stung. Closing his eyes, he whispered her name into the stillness, wishing he could fall back into the fantasy where Xena was his again, even if only for a moment.
He pulled out his phone and opened the app that connected to the hidden cameras he had installed in Ares and Xena's room. His fingers moved swiftly over the screen, navigating through the feeds until he found the one focused on their bedroom. His heart quickened with anticipation as he waited for the image to load, eager to catch a glimpse of Xena. He needed to see her immediately.
At first, all Hank could see was the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting shadows across the room. But then, as the image sharpened, he caught sight of movement on the bed. His breath caught in his throat when he realized that Xena was lying there, her form barely visible beneath the covers.
Hank's pulse raced as he watched the screen with his gaze fixed on Xena. His heart ached with concern and desire as he wondered if she was truly happy in Ares' arms. His obsession with her was undeniable now, and the thought of her being mistreated or unhappy under Ares' roof was too much for him to bear.
As Xena stirred in her sleep, her body moving closer to Ares, Hank's eyes softened. He convinced himself that he wasn't intruding—he was protecting her. Hank's obsession distorted everything he saw on the screen, twisting each moment into what he wanted to believe. Was she seeking comfort, or was she merely enduring? The questions burned in his mind.
Ares trailed featherlight kisses along the curve of her neck with a gentle yet possessive touch. Xena let out a soft gasp of pleasure, her breath catching while Ares' lips caressed her skin. Her skin was on fire as Ares possessed her as his wife, his lover, his partner, his life. The air in the room seemed to crackle with electricity, charged with the undeniable chemistry between the two.
When Xena gasped and gave herself to Ares, Hank clenched his jaw. To him, it wasn't a moment of love; it was a sign of her being trapped, needing the warmth of someone who didn't truly deserve her. His thoughts spiraled as he imagined how different things could be if she were with him. He would never leave her questioning her safety or happiness. He would cherish her in ways Ares couldn't begin to understand.
Hank's pulse quickened as he continued to watch the scene. Their movements were slow and relaxed, flowing naturally like the calm waves of the morning sea. With every gentle touch and softly spoken word, they gave themselves entirely to the love that bound them, their connection deepening with each passing moment.
As Hank watched the intimacy unfold between Ares and Xena, a flood of emotions overtook him. Jealousy and anger twisted in his gut, yet he couldn't deny the pull of desire that surged through him. His jaw tightened as he wondered bitterly if that asshole demanded sex from Xena this early every morning. Didn't he care that she was pregnant and needed her rest? The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, and yet there Ares was, already taking her body as if it belonged solely to him. Xena deserved better—someone who would prioritize her well-being instead of satisfying his own needs.
Hank's frustration deepened as he watched. "Selfish bastard," he muttered under his breath. "She's pregnant, and he's got her on top of him, making her do all the work. Unbelievable." His breathing grew shallow as he watched Xena. Her movements ignited memories of their time together. The way she rode Ares brought back vivid recollections of how she had been with him—how her body had moved, the soft sounds she made, the warmth of her skin. Against his will, his arousal grew, his mind consumed with the thought of being in Ares' place. The more he tried to push the feelings away, the stronger they became.
Lost in the depths of his own desires, he held his own rock-hard cock in his hand as he moved his hand up and down, faster and faster as his excitement reached its peak. He longed to be in Ares' place, to feel the warmth of Xena's skin beneath his fingertips, to taste the sweetness of her lips. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sensations wash over him. When he opened them again, Ares was back on top.
Xena arched beneath Ares, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she gave herself over to the blissful ecstasy of their sex. With each thrust of his hips, she felt herself spiraling ever closer to the brink of release, the intensity of their passion building with each passing second. The way Xena moaned Ares' name, oh what he wouldn't give to hear her say his name like that, full of desire, lost in their passion. And as fierce as Ares appeared with him, his actions with Xena were surprisingly gentle, as if he knew he was being watched. He noticed Xena had her hair braided to one side. He smiled brightly knowing what she was hiding from Ares.
Finally, they reached the pinnacle of their ecstasy together. With a shared cry of pleasure, they tumbled over the edge into sweet oblivion, their bodies trembling with the intensity of their shared climax. Hank breathlessly moaned Xena's name as he reached his own climax.
~XA~
Xena knocked softly on Hank's door, expecting a simple response. When the door cracked open, she caught sight of Hank standing there, naked and unashamed. She couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement. She quickly averted her gaze, trying to maintain her composure. In a low voice, Hank's words sent a shiver down Xena's spine.
"You came to join me?" he asked, his tone laced with suggestion. Xena's lip curled with annoyance at his audacity. She clenched her fists at her sides, trying to remain composed despite the situation.
"Breakfast is ready," she said bluntly. Without waiting for a response, she turned to walk away, eager to put some distance between herself and Hank. Hank's hand twitched as if he were about to reach out for her arm, but something in Xena's demeanor told him to stop. With a quick glance over her shoulder, he caught sight of Ares watching their interaction from a distance.
"Thank you," he muttered. With that, he closed the door.
The breakfast table was filled with a heavy silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. Ares, seated beside Xena, was the first to break the quiet, his voice firm and direct.
"Hank, today is your last day working here," Ares said, leaving no room for argument. Xena's eyes widened at the abrupt announcement, but she didn't speak, keeping her focus on her plate.
Hank's head snapped up, disbelief written all over his face. "What? The fence isn't done," he said, his voice rising. He glanced at Xena, silently hoping she would back him up, but she stayed quiet, her expression unreadable.
Ares didn't budge. "I'll handle the rest myself," he said bluntly. "I know the best team in town to finish the job. I'll write you a check for the work you've done so far before I leave for work." Xena stayed silent, her eyes moving between the two men. She chose not to get involved, sensing Ares wasn't about to change his mind.
When Ares finished getting ready for work, he leaned down and kissed Xena. The kiss was long and purposeful, as though reminding her of where they stood. He handed her the check for Hank, his fingers brushing against hers.
"I'll see you later," he said, his voice softer now. Xena watched him leave, her heart heavy with mixed emotions as the sound of his car faded in the distance.
Minutes after Ares left, Hank entered the living room where Xena was tidying up. She stood near the window, her back turned as she folded a blanket. Hank's footsteps were light, almost predatory, as he approached her. Before Xena could react, his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her against him. She froze, her muscles tensing as she felt his chest press against her back.
"Hank," Xena said sharply, her tone laced with warning. "Let go." Instead of obeying, Hank lowered his lips closer to her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
"You know, Xena, I could take care of you," he muttered. His hands roamed upwards, brushing against her breasts, his touch lingering for a moment before sliding back down. "The way you deserve," he added, his voice thick with suggestion. Xena stiffened.
"Stop," she demanded, her voice firmer now.
But Hank didn't stop. His hands moved lower, his fingers teasingly brushing against her private area through her clothing. At the same time, he pressed himself against her, his arousal unmistakable.
"You feel that?" he whispered, his tone dripping with arrogance. "That's how much I want you, Xena. You can't tell me you don't feel it too." Xena's vision blurred momentarily with rage. She broke free of his grasp, spinning around to face him. Her glare was fierce.
"That's enough, Hank!" she snapped. "You've taken this way too far." Hank smirked, unbothered by her outburst.
"Far? If I'm taking it too far, then why didn't you push me away sooner?" His cocky grin widened as he stepped closer. "Your body's telling me something else, Xena. Just admit it—you want me." Xena's chest rose and fell as she struggled to contain her fury.
"You think this is some kind of game?" she spat, her voice shaking with anger. "You're delusional if you believe I want anything to do with you. This ends now." Hank laughed, shrugging as if her words meant nothing.
"Sure, Xena. You keep telling yourself that," he said smugly, his eyes filled with defiance. Xena stepped closer.
"Touch me like that again, and I'll make you regret it," she hissed. "You have no idea who you're messing with." Without waiting for a reply, Xena turned and went upstairs to her bedroom.
Trying to calm down, she sat in her favorite recliner. She closed her eyes and took multiple deep breaths. She hated getting upset since it wasn't the best for her baby and it had happened too many times this week already. She knew ever since the day she saw those Texas plates, there would be trouble. And she was right. She looked at herself in the mirror. Thanks to Gabrielle quick thinking, she was able to keep the hickey covered with makeup and Ares hadn't noticed. However, her peace was shattered when a faint red light caught her eye.
Xena's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the mysterious light. Unable to locate it, she pushed her vanity stool closer to the wall, determined to find it. Standing on tiptoes, she ran her hand along the spot where she had seen the light and her fingers brushed against something unexpected.
To her horror, Xena discovered a small camera hidden in the crevice of the wall. For a moment, her mind blanked, then a flood of disbelief and outrage hit her. Her chest tightened, and heat rushed to her face as the implications sank in. Ares. He must have done this.
Her jaw clenched as she yanked the camera free, anger building with every passing second. Did he really distrust her so much that he felt the need to spy on her? The thought made her stomach churn, a bitter ache of hurt and frustration rising in her throat.
Shaking off the shock, she took a quick picture of the device, her hands trembling as she typed out a message to him. Her frustration boiled over as she hit send.
"I thought we trusted each other, Ares, but clearly, that trust only goes one way," she wrote, attaching the photo as evidence. With her heart racing and emotions bubbling over, she sat down on the edge of the bed, glaring at the camera in her hand as if it could somehow explain itself.
At work, Ares stared at the message, confused as he tried to process Xena's accusation. The room felt heavy, her words lingering in his mind. With a quick breath, he typed his response, his hands moving rapidly across the screen.
"What are you talking about? And what is this?" His mind raced through possibilities. He waited, his patience growing thinner with every passing moment. Xena read his reply and her expression hardened. Her fingers moved swiftly as she typed back.
"Don't act clueless, Ares. I found the camera you put in our bedroom." She pressed send, her frustration rising as she clenched her phone tightly. How could he do this? Her phone vibrated almost instantly with his reply.
"I didn't put that camera there, Xe. I swear." Xena blinked at the message, her frustration giving way to confusion. She shook her head, her grip on the camera tightening as doubts swirled in her mind.
Before she could type a response, Ares appeared in their bedroom. He walked directly to her, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. Xena didn't hesitate. She walked towards him, holding the small device out in her hand.
"Explain this," she said, her voice low but firm. Her eyes locked on his, searching for any hint of deceit. Ares took the camera from her, his expression shifting to one of focus as he turned it in his hands.
"I didn't put this here," he said firmly. "You know I wouldn't betray you like this."
Xena stared at him, her breathing steady as she tried to gauge his sincerity. The raw honesty in his voice softened her frustration, but it left her with even more questions. If Ares wasn't responsible, then who was?
Her chest tightened at the realization that someone else could have invaded their most private space. The weight of it made her press her lips together as she struggled to process the implications.
Without another word, Ares walked out of the room, the set of his shoulders tense. Xena stood frozen for a moment, gripping her phone as her thoughts raced. But before she could voice her thoughts, Ares was already descending the steps.
With one powerful kick, Ares forced Hank's door open, the wood cracking loudly under the impact. He barged into the room, his anger radiating as he stormed up to Hank, the small camera clenched tightly in his hand. Xena rushed in behind him, her pulse racing as she tried to assess the situation.
"What the hell is this?" Ares roared, shoving the camera in Hank's face. Hank stood from the bed, unflinching despite the rage rolling off Ares. "Did you enjoy spying on my family?" Ares spat, his voice deadly low.
Without waiting for a reply, Ares' fist shot out, connecting with Hank's jaw. The impact sent him reeling backward into the wall. Hank let out a pained groan as he clutched his face, his eyes watering from the force of the hit. Before Hank could recover, Ares stormed forward, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him hard against the wall.
Xena's heart dropped. She knew how dangerous Ares could be in his fury. She darted forward, grabbing his arm. "Ares! Stop! Let him go!" she shouted, her voice strained as she tried to pull him back. Her hands pushed at his chest, her strength no match for his.
"You don't deserve her!" Hank shouted suddenly, his voice cracking with anger and desperation. "You're nothing but an abusive asshole, Ares! You think love is about owning someone? Controlling them? You're selfish! Everything's about you—your needs, your wants, your temper!" His words were fast and seething, the dam of frustration and jealousy breaking as he stared into Ares' livid eyes.
Ares' grip tightened, but Hank kept going, his own fury outweighing his fear. "Xena deserves better than you! She deserves someone who actually loves her, someone who cares about what she needs—not just some brute who punches walls and forces his will on everyone around him."
The words hit their mark, but Ares' rage only grew darker. His hands trembled as he pushed Hank harder into the wall. "You don't know a damn thing about what she needs," Ares growled, his voice dangerously low.
"Ares, let him go!" Xena shouted again, desperation in her voice. She tugged harder at his arm, her fear growing that Ares might lose control entirely.
Hank laughed bitterly, though his jaw ached. "I know enough. I know she needs someone who would put her first. Someone who listens. Someone who doesn't make her walk on eggshells every time they're pissed off. And I'll tell you this, Ares—I love her. I've loved her since Seattle."
Finally, Ares released Hank with a shove, sending him sprawling onto the floor. He turned away, pacing the room as he tried to calm himself. His chest heaved, his hands shaking with the effort of holding back his temper.
Xena walked to Hank. "Get up, Hank," she demanded. She grabbed the check off the dresser and thrust it into his hand. "Take this and get out. Now."
As Hank steadied himself, he wiped the blood from his lip and let out a mocking laugh. "Go ahead, ask her, Ares," he sneered. "Ask her why her hair is braided to one side." With that, he walked out, slamming the front door behind him.
Ares turned to her, his expression still dark. "What was he talking about?" he asked, his voice quieter.
Xena met his gaze, her expression clouded with frustration. She paused for a moment, then replied flatly, "Are you really going to waste time trying to figure out a snake's riddle?" Ares just stared at her. He watched her closely as Xena reached up and unbraided her hair. She pulled it back into a ponytail with brisk movements. The sight eased the tight knot of tension in his chest slightly.
"Now you go and ask him," Xena said firmly. Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out, leaving Ares standing in the room.
Ares used his godly powers, making his eyes glow, to search the house quickly for the cameras. His anger grew with each camera he found. His frustration turned into something heavier, a boiling rage that refused to simmer down. With every discovery, he felt the betrayal cut deeper, his fists tightening at his sides. The thought of Hank planting these devices in their home was enough to make his blood burn. What kind of man had the nerve to spy on his family like this? By the time Ares had removed the last camera, he was consumed by a singular thought: Hank had crossed a line, and Ares wasn't about to let it slide.