For the Pleasure of Men Read Online Free PDF

Athens.”
    “Well unrefined or not, we still practice such things as using oils to prevent pregnancy. How would I make my living if I were to conceive?” Kalliope’s eyes flashed with annoyance at the man’s ignorance.
    The soldier shrugged and stood up, his semi-hard erection still dripping with semen.
    He lazily fixed his garment, his eyes never leaving Kalliope’s naked and bound body. His dark eyes were filled with lust and desire.
    “I could make you an offer you wouldn’t be able to refuse,” he said softly.
    Kalliope only looked at him, unsure of what he meant.
    Lazily, the man bent down to unwrap Kalliope’s binding. She rubbed at her sore wrists, and sat up before reaching for her peplos to cover herself.
    He leaned over and pulled the leather strap from her neck and stowed it in his pocket.
    “Would you like to come with me to Athens?”
    “What?”
    “Come to Athens. I will speak to your keeper immediately.”
    He turned on his heel and quickly strode out of the room.
    Kalliope frantically pulled her dress on and scrambled out of the room as she sloppily tied her belt. She figured the man was in search of Gaia, and she hurried through the hall, looking for any sign of Gaia. Men tried to stop her and talk to her, cajoling her into leading them back to the beds. Kalliope pushed past them, desperate to find Gaia. Surely Gaia would not accept this man’s offer. This brothel was the only home Kalliope had known and she was a country girl; she was not fit for a city such as Athens.
    Kalliope hurried towards Gaia’s office door and her heart fell when she saw that it was closed.
    “Gaia!” she called anxiously, pounding on the door. Kalliope received no answer but she could hear two voices behind the door.
    “Gaia, please! Don’t!” Kalliope cried as she continued to pound on the door. After a few minutes, Kalliope gave up and she sank to the floor, holding her head in her hands.
    A few moments later, the door opened and the soldier walked out with a pleased look on his face. Kalliope’s hear sank and she turned away from the man.
    “Tomorrow, cherub,” he whispered before he went down the hall, his sandals clicking loudly.
    Kalliope stood up and rushed into Gaia’s office. Gaia’s back was to her.
    “Thea Gaia, please tell me you didn’t!”
    Gaia turned around and her face was streaked with tears.
    “Paidi mou, I had to.”
    Kalliope broke down into tears. “Why? Why did you have to? This is my home. You said I could stay here and run the brothel!” she sobbed.
    “Yes, I know, my sweet girl. But Athens can offer you so much more than I can give you here. And that soldier will be able to introduce you to a whole new life.”
    “But I will still be a prostitute!” Kalliope cried. Kalliope was not naive enough to believe this man had requested her hand. Once a prostitute, always a prostitute.
    “But you will be a courtesan. You will receive more respect.”
    Kalliope sobbed.
    “But I want you Thea Gaia! I can’t leave here!”
    Gaia held her face tightly. “Look at me!”
    Kalliope looked up.
    “Do you remember what Adelpha did to you tonight? It will only get worse. You are too pretty, and too talented to stay in this small town. It will only be difficult for you. This is your chance to have a better life.” She paused. “The man will come for you tomorrow after the sun rises.”
    Kalliope pulled away. “I hope you got a good price,” she said bitterly.
    Gaia suddenly looked very old. “I did,” she said softly. “And so did you,” she murmured.
    Kalliope turned away and walked slowly back towards the bedroom.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Chapter Four
     
    * * * * *
     
    Though Kalliope begged the sun not to rise, but it did not hear her plea and soon the sky was filled with the soft pink light of morning. The other girls were sleeping as Kalliope tiptoed around them with the small sack that carried her few belongings. A gold broach that had been her mother’s, a carving that had