"What pride to discover that nothing belongs to you - what a revelation."- Emil Ciorian

Supine (adj.)- Lying face upwards

Adrianna's POV:

My breaths faltered as I stared at him, my eyes widened. A bead of cold sweat ran down my temple, making me shiver. The sound of the silence was deafening in my ears, I could smell my own fear.

I licked my lips, "I-I am sure- there's a misunde-"

"Adrianna," Archer's voice was harsh as he glared at me, "You are smarter than that. If you do not cooperate, I am going to report you to the authority."

My heart skipped a beat as I entwined my fingers to stop them from shaking. I was trembling, from fear, from dread. Over, it's over.

I lost Ares.

I gulped, blinking. Lub dub, lub dub.... The sound of my heart was the only thing that told me I was awake and it was not a nightmare.

I backed away, stumbling over my shaky footsteps. What was I running from? The reality of my infidelity? My depraved nature under the mask of an angel? It was over. No use of running.

"Take a seat if you want to," For a man who was scorching with anger, Archer's voice was surprisingly calm. Calm enough to scare me.

The back of my legs came in contact with the cold wood of the chair, I steadied myself and sat myself, looking into his molten greys, my breaths coming out in harsh pants.

"I-" I took a deep breath, "I honestly don't know how to explain myself. It was my fault, it was entirely my fault and I-"

"I don't want to know who is at fault here, Adrianna," Archer snapped, "I want to know the reason."

I closed my eyes, my throat dry, "I was... attracted to Ares... I-I couldn't help the fact I wanted to sleep-"

"He is your patient," His jaw clenched as he narrowed his eyes, "You gave me a lecture about how professionalism works and then proceeded to sleep with your patient?"

I flinched, his words stung. Stung like poison.

"And my brother agreed to sleep with you?" He mumbled, questioning himself, almost in disbelief.

"He did," I heaved, tears stinging my eyes. I felt inadequate, I felt as if I had failed myself and everyone. I felt like a failure, a biological waste, "It happened with both of our consent."

"It would have been okay if you were just Adrianna," Archer breathed, eyeing me with disappointment, "You are here as his nurse. I gave you a chance even though you were an intern, even though you do not have a nursing degree. I thought you were pretty good at your job, maintaining everything. Everyone at the hospital recommended you-"

A long sigh was heard as the first drop of tear escaped me.

Why couldn't this moment last just a bit longer? Just a little bit more?

I was only beginning to heal, to overcome my nightmares.

"You disappointed me, Adrianna," He rasped, "I thought you were passionate about your job but no," A bitter chuckle escaped him, "The only thing you were interested in was my brother."

"I am sorry," My voice sounded foreign even to my ears, tears rolled down freely, "I am sorry for everything."

"Look at me."

I looked up at him, his eyes were blank, hollow, almost resembling Ares' lifeless ones, "Ares is.... A very closed off guy," He mumbled, "It is a surprise that he let you in. He doesn't do that."

I nodded.

"I was hoping that you could take care of him, for a very long time. But now, I am not comfortable with having you as my brother's nurse. Do you understand?"

I hesitated, the tip of my toe freezing.

"It will stay between us, and this incident will forever be buried, the condition is, you will have to leave."

My eyes widened as I stared at him in shock, "Y-You can't-"

"Remember, Ms. Campbell," He clenched his jaw, "I asked you a reason and you were unable to show one. It is only fair that as an employer I would report you to the authority. Since we had a good friendship, I am respecting that and only asking you to leave. I still have the upper-""

My nails dug in my palm as I looked straight into his eyes, "I am a nymphomaniac."

His brows furrowed, "I am sorry?"

My heart beat in my throat as I uttered my frightening secret again, "I am a nymphomaniac. Is that a good reason?"

His eyes widened as he remained silent for a moment, "Adrianna-"

"You can check my medical records and psychiatric assessment if you wish," I took a deep breath, "Please don't make me leave. I will stay away from him, please don't do this."

I was begging, pleading with him to hold on to the only good thing that had ever happened to me. Hold onto the only person that had ever made me feel like I was safe and sound.

Ares made me realize my worth and I was desperately clinging onto him to retain my sanity.

"Hold on," He breathed, "Adrianna? Tell me you at least took some therapy for it?"

I fumbled with my fingers, "Therapy is for those who have money, Archer. I could barely afford my meal before coming here."

"Adrianna," He took a deep breath, still processing the piece of information, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"B-Because," My voice broke, "Because it's disgusting. Would you respect me if I told you?"

"What are you talking about?" His brows furrowed, "Now listen to me very carefully. It is not disgusting, it is an illness and it requires treatment. Whoever told you that you are disgusting, is not true. Do you understand?"

"You are lying," I mumbled, "You don't have to make-"

"Both of us know that I am telling the truth," Archer said firmly, "Why would I respect you any less, Adrianna?"

"Because that's what people usually do," I whispered.

A moment of silence ensued. "Does my brother know?"

I hesitated but nodded.

He let out a breath, "I am glad he does."

"Are you going to make me leave?" My voice was small, but hopeful. I hoped, dear god, I hoped that he wouldn't make me leave. It was unlikely, but I wanted to dream for the very first time.

Archer remained silent.

"Archer please," My voice quivered as I pleaded, "Please don't make me leave. Please."

"Adrianna, I still can't-"

"Then give me a bit more time," I whispered, tears falling freely, "A week? A week and you will never see me again, nor will Ares. I promise."

He let out a sigh, "A week? Do you swear to leave by then, without letting my brother know?"

It hurt, it hurt like a bitch, like thorns prickling at the tip of my toes, but, it was the only chance I had, "I promise."

A relieved look washed over him as he watched me, "Please don't cry, Adrianna. I didn't mean to be so harsh, but my brother is my first responsibility. I can't let something like this go on for long."

I whimpered, but nodded, tears blurring my vision.

"I want you to find peace, Adrianna," He smiled, "I know my brother is very fond of you, but you have to understand."

No, I didn't understand. It felt like someone was breaking a part of me, taking my warmth and abandoning me on the coldest winter night.

I didn't want to lose him. I didn't want to lose Ares. In this short time, he had become so much more for me.

More than just a fling.

More tears fell.

"I want to help you with the therapy, Adrianna-"

"I don't need your charity after kicking me out," I hissed.

"It's not charity, Adrianna," He smiled, "I want to help you."

I fumbled with my fingers. Was I seriously considering this offer? Was I seriously letting Archer pay for my therapy?

"This is an opportunity Adrianna," He rasped, "It would only benefit you, Adrianna. Think about it."

A curse I have bore with myself for so long, I was finally being offered to set free from it.

I wanted to spend the last moments I had with Ares like a normal girl. Feeling giddy, nervous, excited- holding hands, placing kisses. I wanted to feel like a human, the one Ares made of me.

I fisted the hem of my dress.

A chance to break free of my demons.

My eyes met his.

A very short chapter but a new one is coming soon. We are almost at the end of the story. I am so thankful for the honest rating you guys left on the previous chapter, I will try to make my upcoming stories even better.

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