Chapter 5

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

"I have to remind myself to breathe- almost to remind my heart to beat."- Wuthering Heights.

Athena's POV.

As we exited the luxurious aircraft as quickly as possible away from the slight drizzle that sprinkled after the usual London rain and into the sleek awaiting town car, Nico's demeanor visibly changed. No longer was he the Greek dictator but instead he made small conversation briefing me on some of the historical landmarks and popular tourists attraction sightings of the city as we drove by. Maybe it was the English weather that had agreed with him better than the Grecian sun or perhaps he was just a very good host but dutifully taking in his words and the slow ease of tension around his beautiful face was hard not to melt my heart over. As studiously as I could have, I grasped onto every word and could not, even if I tried, contain the blush that scorched my face as he had pointed out the nightclub we had first met at.

"Pardon me sir." The driver, who I vaguely remembered meeting on my first trip here interrupted, "Are we having the usual stop off?"

"Not today Henri." Nico replied to the built man a few years older than he was.

Just as he was about to continue, the loud ringing of his cellphone blasted off as he playfully rolled his eyes causing me to giggle. Our eyes met then, through the loud noise of the phone, but I felt as though I heard nothing as I could have drown in the blue orbs of those icy pool depths. Breaking the trance, he snapped at whoever was on the other side, glimpsing the return of the dangerous man I had only hours ago encountered.

Looking out the windows, I absorbed the scenery and landscape in utter awe as the vehicle drove out of the busy city and into a quieter district littered with well-trimmed bushes, tall encompassing wrought iron gates protecting the mansions that lined each side of the streets and the passing of the finest vehicles that flew by.

Long gone were the rains and now the afternoon sun glinted against the clear blue sky. I suddenly felt a sense of comfort within. With Nico still on the phone, the car glided smoothly passed two tall iron gates that opened upon arrival and made its way closer to the steps of the most beautiful house I had ever seen.

"Welcome home Ms." Henri greeted as he pulled open my door lending a polite hand as I stepped out.

"This is where you live?" I questioned awestruck as I took in the magnificent structure to a now phone less Nico.

"It appears so." Nico commented smirking arrogantly at me as he showcased a rare insight into his sense of humor, "Come on in."

After our shared moment out on the stairs, we entered the stunning home, my hand enclosed in his, pausing briefly at the entrance as the reality of the situation sunk in.

The image is a picture of Nico's home:                 

"Are you alright Athena?" He questioned as he frowned down at me in concern, "You look very pale."

Was I?

Could I live with this beautiful man for the rest of my life knowing that he may not love me as much as I love him?

I had seen what he was capable of and yet here I was like a fool thawing at his words. My memory jolted back to the morning and his cruel words came rushing by mixed with my belief that as fool hardy as it was, in my heart, as broken and shattered as it was, some part hoped against hope that he would eventually come around.

I was exhausted and overall confused from the mixed emotions I held towards him.

I gave him free reign before and it ruined me.

Could I take the chance and fall one last time despite knowing that he may not be there to catch me?

"Athena...?" He questioned once again calling out my name bringing me back to the here and now.

"Fine." I murmured taking in the luxury of the interior of the home and once again swallowing my heart, "I think I am just tired."

"Of course." He replied politely and was once again interrupted by his cellphone before he could have continued on...

"Did you get the documents...and the signature...?" Sighing loudly he scowled at whoever was on the other side of the line while I took that time gazing in wonderment at the interior of his beautiful home.

Standing directly in the middle of the living area under a beautiful chandelier dropped from the high ceiling, the living room was sparsely furnished with a tastefully arranged sofa set in a chocolate brown and beige theme completed with an antique looking coffee table placed in the center. To the far end, a fire place sat with a mantel which housed a few trinkets and an ageless grandfather's clock took its place against the wall close to the winding staircase. As Nico motioned for me to follow, while he conversed, we passed the opulent living area and on to the most modern kitchen I had ever seen. Keeping with the color theme, the cabinets and walls contrasted warmly making the huge house suddenly more home like. State of the art appliances occupied its spaces around comfy looking bar stools which was every bit as comfortable as it looked. Sipping on the drink Nico had poured for me, I glanced around once again taking in the grand dining table at the end of the room. Under a warm chandelier, the oak looked soft and inviting to host romantic dinners in front of the French doors that presumably opened to the outside.

The loud Greek swearing captured my attention as I focused on the annoyed Greek. Frustrated hands ran through his inky thick black hair and his sensuous full lips thinned in irritation.

"He declined!" He replied into the receiver raising his voice a little louder as his eyes met mine across the countertop and softened, "I will be there within the hour." He carried out with steel to his words, "I don't care what you do Charles just get the fucking papers."

Abruptly ending the call, he stuffed the device into his pockets before he turned to addressed me. Long gone was the calmer Nico as he once again become cold and distant causing a mourn to occur within my chest.

"I have an emergency at the office." He stated, "Your room is up the stairs, first door on the left...you have my number, Mrs. Smith my housekeeper has prepared refreshments which you will find in here. Henri number is written down in a notepad to your left in the event of an emergency as well as a map of the general areas around my home. I trust you may get settled in. You are free to do as you please. There is an indoor swimming pool in the basement if you prefer swimming indoors rather than out and a library which we just passed by should you so wish to read. I should be back before dinner but if I do not accept my apologies and in that case Mrs. Smith will be called over to assist you." He finished off but it sounded more like he was issuing commands at me which he rattled of an imaginary checklist in his head.

All I could do was nod as I tried processing the quick bit of information.

"I must leave now." He informed buttoning his suit jacket as his eyes met mine for a beat before he left.

As the silence of the house echoed in my ear, a traitorous tear rolled down my cheek.

Was this how marriage was going to be?

If I had ever felt lonely before, nothing had prepared me for the utter emptiness that had consumed me as I watched on as the sun dipped in the sky still in the same spot because of a heavy heart that had suddenly weighed too much. 


A/N: UPDATE! Firstly, boy oh boy! Don't your heart just aches for Athena. That last line was more than my fragile soul could have bared.

Secondly so sorry for the long wait. I really truly am.  I was extremely busy with my lectures and nursing a flu. Hope all is well. Thank you for the ongoing support to all my readers worldwide. 

If you haven't as yet be sure to check out 'THE BILLIONAIRE'S ULTIMATUM'  'THE BILLIONAIRE'S MATCH' and 'THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHRISTMAS REVENGE' available on my page. Be sure to vote, comment or drop a message by. 

See you soon loves...

oxoxox...Allison :)

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net