(not edited)

Athena

Forgiveness, something which most of us give even though the person hurt us. Is this what loves makes us do? Why do we always end up granting it? Is it because we are weak? Does all humans do that? or keep the grief and hurt within them which slowly turns into anger. It's like a slow poison, eating us from inside.

I didn't want to keep such burden on my heart so I gave it to him, I forgave him. He accepted his mistake that's what's important, he's guilty about his doings. To be honest, the relation we had was confusing, both of us were clueless, not knowing what we feel for each other.

Just because forgave him doesn't mean I can forget it, It takes time to heal these wounds but It'll surely heal unless someone wants to hurt it more. I'm afraid I can't bare more pain. My fragile heart can't take it anymore but I am willing to risk it one last time.

For us!

I'm currently lying on my bed, it's midnight and I haven't got a wink of sleep. My mind kept on wandering to the things that happened today.

"Will you give me another chance?"

I looked away, my fist gripping the hem of my shirt as I contemplated on my answer.

"Promise you'll work on your temper issues I can't afford another bruise on my body" I peered at him.

He looked down in shame his knuckles turning white, his jaw set, it looked like he was scolding himself. After few moments he gazed at me "I feel ashamed of my actions Athena, I know me apologizing won't change the damage that I've caused but I'm willing to apologise till I earn your forgiveness. I promise I'll work on my temper if it means you'll give me another chance. I'll do anything for you Athena. I can't assure this temper issue will go but I'll try my best." he was practically begging and how can I not forgive him?

Knowing a man like him was willing to leave all his ego just for my forgiveness was a huge step, my heart warmed at his sincerity. He was being honest, that's what I wanted.

I gave him a gentle smile "I forgive you Zephyr but that doesn't give you the permission to rule my life"

he nodded his head furiously, his green eyes twinkling as his lip curled into a beautiful smile before I could react I was engulfed by his strong arms. He nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck as he muttered countless 'thank you' and 'Sorry' leaving kisses on my shoulder and hair. I immediately relaxed into his arms, taking in his warmth and pine scent. I feel safe in his arms, my mood just drastically increased.

His childish behavior bought a smile on my face, I didn't know the cold Zephyr could be so adorable. I chuckled burying my head into is rock hard chest, listening to the fast thumping of his heart, the same pace as mine.

He hugged me tighter "I'm sorry for everything Ma Cherie" he whisper into my hair, before placing a gentle kiss. I let out a sigh, enjoying the feel. I could stay like this forever.

After few moments we pulled away, Zephyr had a victorious smile on his face, as if he's won an award. His lips parted to say something when a ringtone cut him off. It was mine.

I excuse myself and went to the desk before picking the phone, my hand froze mid air when I saw the caller ID.

Gabriel! Oh boy why now? I've had enough of drama for a day.

The phone continued to ring but I wasn't answering. I don't know how zephyr would react.

"Who is it Athena?" I stilled in place when I felt his breath near my ear, I shouldn't get scared, Gabriel is just a friend.

I turned around, moving my face back because he was literally few centimeters away from mine. "uh...I..It's Gabriel" I stammered, expecting his face to turn red but instead he frowned

"Who is that?" he asked, that's when I realised he doesn't know about him.

"The guy whom you saw me with the other night" I said, he clenched his jaw so tightly that I'm surprise it didn't break. "Why is he calling you?" he asked, he was trying to control his anger by clenching his fists. I can see the jealousy and something else in his eyes which were dark now.

I frowned folding my arms "Didn't you promise you'd control your temper" I accused.

His eyebrows shot up, "I promised I'd control it not that I'll neve get angry, but why the hell is he calling you?"

"Are you jealous Zephy baby?" I coed, pinching his cheeks. My eyes widened when I realise what I called him. He looked bemused, that sly smirk took over his face "I like that name" he leaned closer, his lips close to mine. He thumb skimmed over my lower lip lightly pulling it down. "I'm not afraid to admit it Athena, yes I am jealous but he'll never live to see the daylight if he touches what's mine" I gasped, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Did this man just claimed me as his?

My heart wanted to escape from it's cage and I couldn't ignore the zoo in my stomach and that fire deep within the pit of my stomach that he ignited.

That's when I understood the unknown emotion in his eyes, it was possessiveness. I don't know what's more hotter than that look on him. We gazed into each others eyes, the ringing of my phone long forgotten. It was only us, and the thick tension which can be easily cut through like butter.

I was trapped between him and the desk. There's barely any space between us, only our clothes separating our skin. I'm sure he could hear and feel my racing heart. "What make's you think I'm yours?" I asked in a hushed tone, I bit my lip watching his eyes darken as it dart towards my lips before meeting my eyes in a heated gaze.

Using his hand, he moved a fringe of my hair behind my ear, chills running down my body when his fingers grazed my neck before holding the back of my neck.

"Because he cannot do this" I didn't get time to decipher what he was implying as he captured my lips into a kiss, his lips so soft felt like butterfly fluttering on my lips. So delicate, gentle and chaste unlike the first kiss we shared, which was demanding. Our lips molded perfectly and moved in sync. His kiss was making me dizzy, my stomach churned, the palpitation in my chest was unbearable but felt so good. The gentleness slowly started to turn fervent and hasty. There comes the demanding man that I know. No matter how much I wanted his lips, I need to keep him at bay. I can't give in easily, he needs to work hard.

I pulled away, gasping for air, our heavy panting the only sound in the room. My lips were swollen and cheeks flushed so was his. I looked up meeting his glimmering green eyes, "Who gave you the permission to kiss me? " My voice was stern, his crestfallen look was priceless. "and who said he can't kiss me?" I asked, with a pointed look.

His face were switching from various emotions, surprise, confusion then anger. Damn, He's really jealous! "Did that bastard kiss you?" he seethed, he was trying his best to keep his beast calm. He completely ignored my first question.

I narrowed my eyes "Your promise" I warned in a stern tone.

His eyes widened turning around as he groaned aloud, pulling his hair in agitation. I covered my mouth form breaking out into chuckles. He looked so vulnerable and helpless.

Keeping a blank face I sauntered to him, his eyes were closed as he took deep breaths to calm himself. My heart swelled with joy, knowing he's trying his best to listen to me, to earn my heart.

"I think you should go back to your cabin Zephyr, it's past lunch break. I don't want to delay your work. We can continue this talk after work"

He glanced at me, it looked like he wanted to say something but he simply nodded and walked out my cabin. I let out a breath which I didn't know why I was holding, What is happening to me?

Later in the evening, he dropped me home. We didn't speak anything on the way, I could tell that he was having an internal conflict inside his mind but I didn't know on what. While leaving he gave me a gentle smile and sped away. His behavior was again strange. Man, I'll never figure out what goes through his mind.

I was so caught up with Zephyr's Thoughts that I couldn't return Gabe's call.

Later I sent him messages but he didn't see any of it. I guess I shouldn't have ignored his calls what if it was something important?

Gosh! I'm such a terrible friend.

****

It's New years Eve, so quickly this year is coming to an end, days went by within the blink of my eye, It's been two months since I came here and a lot has happened. Most were good but my actual goal still seemed far out of my reach.

I wanted to give my resignation letter yesterday, but looking at Zephyr I couldn't do it. My heart said It'll upset him, he is already blaming himself and If I gave this, he might not handle it well. I decided to give some more time before I tell him everything. I'm sure he'll understand or so I hope.

Ruby and I are going to a club, to party. Danny is also going to accompany us and I'm glad he is cause Drunk Ruby is a handful, not that I'm not but still I'm sure I won't get drunk today cause I don't want to end up breaking somebody's jaw on New Year.

My hair is curled, rolling down in luscious brown curls, Ruby did a wonderful job with the make as I couldn't recongnise my face, smoky eyes and Dark red lipstick such deadly combination. I'm surly gonna make few heads turn my way.

I adjusted my dress one last time, staring at my reflection in the mirror. This dress barely covered my skin, it was Ruby who forced me to wear this, saying I shouldn't look like a grandma. It's so fucking cold outside and she wants me to wear this.

(Athena's outfit, how's it? 😀 TBH you can imagine whichever dress you want.)

I slipped into a pair of black platform heels and grabbed my black pea coat and wore it before stepping out of my room. Ruby was in the living room dressed to perfection, her blonde hair was pulled into a high pony, and she had a neutral look on her face me curse her Internally, she's making me look overdressed. Damn her!

She was laughing at something and that's when I noticed danny sitting beside her. He was dressed in black chinos and a baby blue shirt. His hair was left unkept giving him a bad boy look. They both looked so in love that I found myself aweing.

But I had to break it before they start making out on the sofa.

I cleared my throat loudly, their eyes snapped to my direction. Ruby smiled at me shyly while Danny grinned like a Cheshire cat. I bet on my life there was something going on in that mischievous brain of his.

"Athena, you look stunning" Danny complimented pulling me into a hug, I returned his embrace and turned towards Ruby, giving her a mock glare "What have you done to my face, I thought you'll pair with me" I accused

"I'm so sorry Athena, It's just that Danny likes to see me this way" she smiled coyly, fidgeting with her charm bracelet that I gifted on her Birthday, then suddenly her eyes scanned my appearance, her nose scrunched up "You are not going to wear that coat" she stated

I let out a sigh "Whatever, let's go folks"

After twenty minutes we reached a club, the place was packed and It was hard to breath. The loud music was deafening and the probe lights almost blinded me. The stench of alcohol and sweat was suffocating. Ruby threw my coat in the car and I feel so exposed, I squirmed under the eyes that were on me. In short, I regret coming here.

"C'mon Athi! Let's Partyyy!" Ruby squealed over the loud music as she pulled me towards the dance floor. Man, she's already on her party mode. I have no choice but to join her. We moved to the Jam for sometime, these heels were killing my foot. I glanced at Ruby who was busy dancing like there's no tomorrow. I can see the amused smile on Danny's face as he watched her.

I chuckled at her and walked away, knowing she's safe with him. I sat on the bar stool and removed my heels, sighing in relief.

Suddenly I felt something warm being put on my shoulder, It was a black leather jacket. I looked up to see who gave this only to be met with those alluring green eyes.

******

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I don't know whether she did the right decision by forgiving him but don't worry he has to play hard to get her heart.

I've been updating regularly, please contribute something for this book like your precious votes or comments. It'll be great if you could share my book among your friends. It's really tiering to write but seeing no support disheartens me, It makes me wanna quit.