Bob scanned the Great Caliph's mind.
"Like that's really gonna work."
He opened his eyes. "Aphrodite, it looks like I was only half right. Hera definitely didn't learn her lesson. But you're not her next target. I am. Hera asked the Djinn how to release someone bound to a ring, after it had been worn. The Great Caliph has no idea. He's sending one of his caliphs to to get the secret."
Aphrodite gave Bob a worried look. "You're not gonna tell him are you?"
"It won't be a he. It'll be a she. No, I'm not gonna tell her. Even if I did, it wouldn't make a difference. The Great Caliph could link minds with every Djinn in creation and still couldn't do it."
Aphrodite was shocked. "Wow! It takes that much power?"
"It's more than just power. It takes a special ability that neither the Djinn, nor the Olympians have."
"I don't understand. What kind of special ability?"
"I can't explain it. I don't understand it myself. It's just one of the things that are unique to me."
"Just how many unique abilities do you have?"
"I don't know. They just seem to pop up out of nowhere when I need them."
"Then how do you know they're unique?
"That's a good question. I don't know how I know, I just do. Like when Cassandra wanted privacy. I just blocked all of you from seeing or hearing anything we do. Or when I just watched Hera bribe the Great Caliph with her body. It's also how I know what the Great Caliph is planning"
"The Djinn can also read minds. That's not unique."
"The Djinn can read minds. But only if they're face to face, and have the subjects permission. I don't need any of that." "Okay, you're right. That's a totally different and unique ability. Where the hell are they all coming from?"
"I wish I knew."
Aphrodite looked at Cassandra. "Do you mind if I try to help him?"
"Of course not mom! If you can help him figure things out, please do. You have my blessing to do whatever you need to!"
Aphrodite asked, "Bob, can you link minds?"
"I don't know, probably. But I'm too tired for that right now. I'm gonna sack out for a while."
He left Cassandra and Aphrodite chatting in the hot tub. Bob fell asleep the instant his head hit the pillow. When he opened his eyes, it was late afternoon. Cassandra was laying on her side. Her head resting on his shoulder. One arm was across his chest, and a leg draped over his. Bob turned his head. Aphrodite was laying on her side with her head on his other shoulder. Her hand was wrapped around his morning wood, as she smiled in her sleep.
He was surprised to realize he wasn't embarrassed by Aphrodite's presence in his bed. Or by her hand on his cock. There was no way he could move without disturbing the two beauties. He closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.
When Bob opened his eyes again, Cassandra and Aphrodite were sitting at the foot of the bed with their backs to him. They were quietly talking. He couldn't tell who was who. They looked exactly alike from the back.
Not that there was much of a difference from the front. They looked almost like identical twins. But Aphrodite's curves were softer, rounder, a bit more womanly.
"How are the two sexiest women in all creation today?"
They turned their heads as one, both smiling.
Aphrodite said, "hello sleepyhead! About time you woke up"
Cassandra chimed in, "hello master! Did you sleep well?"
"Yes Cassandra, I slept very well. I didn't even feel you two climb in bed. Aphrodite, this is the second time I've been awake. The first time, it looked like the two of you wanted to make sure no part of my body was going anywhere."
Cassandra said, "mom and I have always cuddled master. Does it bother you?"
"Hell no! I love waking up between the two hottest women ever created! That's something I could definitely get used to!"
Aphrodite smiled. "Don't get too used to it Bob. Remember, I'm only here for a few days."
Bob stood. "Yeah I know Aphrodite. It seems you're gonna take my toys away before I even get a chance to play with them. I'm gonna make some coffee. Anyone wanna join me?"
Cassandra giggled as Aphrodite said, "who knows, maybe we can talk Cassandra into sharing. Did you say coffee? I'd love some!"
As they sipped their coffee Bob said, "the Djinn will be here in a few minutes." He explained what he had in mind as they waited.
A few minutes later the Djinn knocked on his door. Bob had to give the Great Caliph credit. The Djinn was quite a beauty.
"Come in Kadir. I've been expecting you."
Kadir was shocked, but recovered quickly. "How is it you were expecting me?"
"A little birdie told me you were coming. What can I do for you?"
"You have a power unknown to the Djinn. The Great Caliph is prepared to reward you handsomely for your secret."
"What secret are you talking about Kadir. I have many powers unknown to the Djinn."
Kadir's eyes widened with surprise. "You do? Perhaps you'd be willing to share them? For a substantial reward of course."
"What kind of reward are we talking about Kadir?"
"Whatever you desire. Riches, fame, a harem full of sex genies." She blushed as she said, "even myself, if that's what it takes."
"Cassandra, please come here. Bring our house guest along too."
When the two naked beauties entered the room, Kadir's chin nearly hit the floor. It took Kadir a minute to recognize Aphrodite.
She looked at Cassandra. "You're that Cassandra? I remember hearing a story about you when I was just a fledgling."
Kadir looked at Bob. "I'm sorry. I wasn't told. I realize there's nothing the Great Caliph could offer that you don't already have. Is there some other way to convince you to share your secrets?"
"I'm sorry Kadir. I can't tell you how I do these things. I will tell you this much. They're unique abilities that take special skills. They can't be learned, or copied."
"If these skills can't be learned or copied, where's the harm in telling me how you do these things?"
"Suppose I told you how I do the magic of the rings? What happens? Someone tries it, and another poor soul gets bound to a ring for eternity. If you don't think that's harmful, ask Cassandra. I'm sure she'd be happy to tell you about her experience!"
"Well at least I'm not going back totally empty handed. The Great Caliph won't be happy. But I have a fair shot at not getting bound to a ring."
After Kadir left, Cassandra asked, "is there any way you can protect her? She seems like a nice person. I'd hate to see her punished for something that's not her fault."
"I don't know sweetie. Are you willing to strap on your weapons, take on the Great Caliph, and the Olympians?"
"If I have too, absolutely!"
"That's my feisty little warrior. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I really don't wanna battle on two fronts."