I follow Cupid through the small, wooden door. Cal closes it behind us and the loud throbbing music from outside ceases- replaced by soothing live jazz notes.

My jaw drops as I look around.

It's nothing like I expected.

A vast space stretches out before us. The ground is green Astroturf, and covered in chequered picnic blankets; a paved walkway lit by small solar lights cuts through to a bar serving drinks in the centre. Rope netting drapes from a transparent ceiling wrapped up with white fairy lights – every few seconds they twinkle and add to the stars in the night sky visible above.

The air smells sweet like honey and sugared lemons.

It is full of people.

Cupid grins at me as I take it all in.

"This is just the bar," he says "There's a pretty cool club underneath too."

He approaches a Wait here to be seated sign and moments later a man in a suit approaches.

"Rug for three?" he asks.

Cupid nods.

"A place by the water," he replies.

The man reaches towards a basket just by the door. As he does Cupid turns to us.

"By the way," he adds "About the...friend...we're about to meet. She may not be too pleased with me at present...Just a heads up..."

I'm about to ask what he means when the waiter passes us each a large, plush cushion, then sets off down the path. He gestures us to follow him.

I cast a questioning look at Cal who nods and we walk along behind him.

"Is Hermes in tonight?" I hear Cupid ask the waiter "I need him to send a message for me."

His reply is muffled amongst the sound of chattering.

The bar is much bigger than I'd thought – and filled with bushes and erected trestle fences which give some privacy to the patrons sat on picnic blankets. I could almost imagine I was outside were it not for the ceiling and red brick wall visible at one side.

Through all the sights and sounds around me, I find my eyes homing in on a group of teenagers. They're sat around a shisha pipe in the centre of their rug and as I stare, one of the males looks right at me.

His eyes flash a brilliant, unnatural green and I gasp and fall back a step.

He laughs and nudges his friends who all turn to look – each of their eyes flashing brightly as they giggle at me.

Cal takes my arm and pulls me away from the group.

"Djinn," he says. "Probably won't harm you but best to steer clear."

We continue onwards – now passing a number of water fountains and artificial streams. The sound of running water accompanies the lulled piano music that fills my ears.

"Are all the people in here Djinn?" I ask, remembering what Cupid had said about not going to the human part of the club.

Cal shrugs.

"There are Djinn here, cupids too – amongst others."

I'm about to ask what he means by others when the waiter gestures at an empty red and white checked blanket not far from what looks like a pool. To my surprise I can see people sitting in the water, drinking cocktails.

We all throw our cushions down onto the rug and sit down.

"Want a picnic hamper?" asks the waiter.

Cupid looks at me.

"Are you hungry?" he asks.

As if on cue my stomach growls.

"I'll take that as a yes," he says "We'll have the basic hamper – and a jug of lemonade."

The waiter scribbles on a notepad and walks off.

I look around; from here I can see where the music is coming from.

There is a low, wooden platform that has been made to look like a treehouse; on it a pianist tinkles across the keys of a grand piano covered in fake leaves. In the centre is a microphone but no-one sings from it.

Before I have chance to ask the two brothers anything more about this place, a blonde guy bounds towards us. He is wearing a tight fitting black t-shirt which shows off his muscles, and patterned shorts. Black eyeliner makes his eyes stand out – a brilliant blue against his tanned face.

Cupid notices him and jumps up.

They embrace, patting each other on the back.

"Hermes my man!" exclaims Cupid "It's been too long."

"What brings you here Cupid? It must have been half a century!" he says.

"You still in the messaging business?" my supposed match replies "I need to reach Selena. I may be in trouble."

Hermes pulls a face.

"Are you sure you're in that much trouble?" he replies "I'm not sure she'll want to speak with you...not after...you know..."

Cupid nods grimly.

"Wouldn't want to be in your shoes..." Hermes continues "She scares the Hell out of me. But if you're sure. No need to send a message. She's doing a set tonight."

He nods towards the water.

"Look, she's just arrived."

The three of us look towards the pool and I feel a gasp catch in my throat.

A woman emerges from below the water and steps out onto the fake grass.

I think she may be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Water cascades downher flawless black skin, though it doesn't seem to touch the skinny jeans and white tank top that she's wearing. Hereyes flash with the brightness of stars.

She walks purposefully towards the stage, picks up the microphone, and begins to sing.

Her voice is enchanting – and for a moment I want to go to her. I start to get up.

Cal beside me pulls me back down; him and Cupid are both watching me with amused expressions on their faces.

Then Cal looks stony faced once more.

"That's Selena. That's who we've come to speak to," he says, gesturing "She's a Siren. And..." he adds distastefully "Cupid's ex."

I know! I know! Hermes is Ancient Greek Mythology and Cupid is Roman!!! Seeing as Roman is derived from Greek, the lore of Cupid's Match is that the characters go by whichever name they chose. And as Hermes is better known than Mercury I decided to go with Hermes.

BUT In the published version that comes out October 1st , though, Hermes is cut from the book completely (poor Hermes lol!). And this whole bit happens really differently!

Anyway! Hope you're enjoying the story!

love, Lauren

xxx