ARTEMIS POVWe stared at each other. Me, not moving and Aidan just raised his beer bottle and the glass. His eyes were glazed over and his dark hair was tousled. Like someone has laced their fingers through and pulled.“Care for a drink?” he asked again and I stared at him. “I don’t drink alcohol so, No,” I said and he growled.“Take the damn drink,” he said stubbornly clenching his jaw and I shook my head.“I said no. I...”“Please,” He said and I stopped. He didn’t tell me please, ever“Drink with me,” he said slowly and I nodded and took the beer from him. Immediately I took it, I shoved it under a couch.“Hey,” he went to check but I pulled him back.“Hey, look at me. You are drunk, and I wish I could take pictures but it seems that is the least of my worries,” I said. His green eyes drooped but his stare was as sharp as a wolf.“I am not drunk,” he said tiredly and I shook my head. “That’s what every drunk man says,” I insisted but he pulled his arm back. His droopy green eyes m
ARTEMIS POV The whole ordeal was a sort of a mistake to Aidan—he told me he had just a dim awareness of what happened but he also told me that he liked it, since then we had been doing it at any chance we got, like bunnies in heat.Aidan's attitude towards me improved a lot, he would now kiss me without hesitation. He would make my day with hot steamy sex and would stroke my hair after everything.I never knew Aidan to be an affectionate person but he was, maybe only to me.I stared at the mirror now and grinned when I saw how messed up my fiery hair was. Of course that was Aidan’s handiwork. I was sure his hair was a mess too, even more than mine.The door opened and Esther walked in holding some of my clothes. She smiled when she saw me grinning.“You look like you went to heaven and came back,” She said and I shrugged. “I am just happy,” I said and Esther laughed.“Yeah and we all know why,” she said and I stared at her.“Know what?” I acted innocent and Esther grinned. She sat be
ARTEMIS POVThe face-off was scary and I didn’t like it. I felt like if I didn’t do something, a full-blown brawl could take place right here.“We should get a drink or something,” I said and Aidan's head snapped to me. “He's not coming,” he said pointing to his brother and Kane shrugged.“You don’t speak for her. She can decide” Kane said and Aidan growled.“She is my girl,” he said and Kane laughed. He pushed back his hair.“Come on, Aidan. I know you two aren’t working out so fine. It’s gonna be a...” “She should probably be carrying my child now,” Aidan interrupted and Kane stopped. His eyes darkened and he turned to me.“Hmm,” He said finally. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but it didn’t bother me. I liked Kane but I was in love with his brother.“I thought you two weren’t on the best of terms,” he said looking at me directly and I sighed.“We are. We are umm good,” I said, not sure what to say. Kane nodded.Aidan took my arm and led me out of the room,” he looked p
AIDAN POVI had never felt so much about a girl as I did for Artemis. She was just different, she had a tongue like fire. She was smart and brave. She wasn’t even scared of anyone and she was damn stubborn, stubborn as a mule. She didn’t know of courseShe didn’t know how I felt about her.For some reason I couldn’t just tell to her yet, maybe I was still convincing myself, or maybe I was just scared.I stared at her sleeping form and kissed her cheek. She muttered something like “Kiss me on the lips” and I grinned and kissed her softly there. She let out a contented sigh and went back to sleep.I smiled to myself. Being with her these days reminded me of how it was going to be getting married to her, and yes she didn’t know that either. I wanted her, I wanted her to be my wife. I wanted her to bear my children.I walked into the bar grabbed a bottle of beer and poured it into a glass.Daymon nodded his greeting to me and I patted him on the shoulder and poured a drink for him too.
ARTEMIS POVEsther was a genius. She knew how to certainly make one look so regal. Istare at myself in the mirror and can’t even find Artemis, all I saw was a red-haired woman in a smoldering red dress.There was a party tonight and according to what Daymon told me, it was for the high class and Aidan had wanted me to look in my very best. Not to impress the people but for ‘something special’ as he had put it.I felt like he was planning something massive, like a surprise for me but I couldn’t tell because he didn’t leave any hints.Aidan was waiting for me at the driveway looking handsome in his dark suit and well-tailored trousers. Daymon stood behind him looking good as well. I grinned at Aidan. He smiled slowly.“I am tearing that off you tonight.” He said and I blushed. He took my hand and helped me get into the car.Throughout the ride Aidan kept playing with me, tracing his fingers up my thigh and I had to swag his hand away. He couldn’t seem to be able to stop touching me and
ARTEMIS POVThe tears streaming down my face hindered me from seeing properly and I didn't stop even when I fell down, when I bruised my thighs and knees, when my heels broke, and even my ankle got sprained. I didn't stop when the security men tried to stop me, rather I fought furiously, slapping and hitting them until they released me. I ran through the pain, numbing everything else around. I didn't know where I was going but I needed to be far away from him. I didn't know how far I had gone from there when the rain started, it was almost like even nature felt angry with what Aidan did to me.The rain poured heavily on me, drenching me like a wounded cat and I sat down with my wounded heart, the scene in which I had met Aidan where he had been kissing another girl. Hot tears that contrasted with the rain against my skin, started flowing down my cheeks, the rain washing it off. The rain soothed my throbbing heart and whimpering slightly, I lay by the side of the road in a curled u
ARTEMIS POV I trailed off as I noticed his eyes darkening but for a brief second, one I wouldn't notice if he wasn't sitting so close to me. “What I mean to say is, why exactly are you helping me despite knowing I'm in love with your brother?” I asked, cupping the cup in my hands. For a moment, we just stared at each other. Then, without thinking, Kane's lips brushed against mine. Soft. Gentle. As if seeking permission. ‘Don't do it woman!’ The last shred of willful dignity screamed at me. Of course I knew I shouldn't be doing this, not after Aidan, but my body seemed to have a mind of its own. He pulled back slowly, whispering against my lips, “I told you Artemis. All I want is just your happiness…” “Fuck!” I cursed, holding the cup with one hand while I used the other to press his neck against me. Parting my lips slightly, I kissed him back and soon we were all tongues and teeth. He took the cup from my hand and I heard a small clink of the glassware against the b
AIDAN POV“What do you mean you can't find her?” I boomed from across the wine cabinet where I stood, pouring out the wine in a glass cup. “Boss, I...” Daymon began but I cut him off immediately. “It's a heavy downpour out there,” I raged, my hold on the glassware hardening ever so slightly. “We searched everywhere for her. I have my men currently searching possible places she must have gone,” Daymon said.“That is not enough!” I yelled. “You were supposed to be guarding, why did you let her come look for me? I put you in charge of her because I trust you.”“I will have the rest of the men extend the search and I'll also check the CCTV footage on all roads that lead away from the building,” Daymon assured me but I was in no mood for that. “I don't care what you do Daymon,” I began, slamming the glass cup as well as the wine bottle down on the counter. “Just make sure Artemis is in this house in the next twenty four hours.”Daymon didn't say anything else, rather he turned on his h
Aidan POVThe next few days after Kane's threat began to unroll in a whirlpool of events -- within each minute the quiet strain between Artemis and I. We had decided on attending the charity gala, together, for the display of unity and defiance against the haunting shadows of Hera and Kane. I stood in front of the mirror, while adjusting my tie, pondering upon what I may have done, or not done of late, to have the weight of expectation hanging upon me. The gala would be where the most influential people would congregate. If ever there was a time for Hera to strike, it would be here."Are you ready?" Artemis called from the other room. She sounded almost haughty with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Almost," I replied, forcing a smile. I had to be his strength. It was his entry into, a very new and dangerous world-and I had to make sure that it felt like a support.I was silent for a moment when she came out. She was wearing this lacey red gown that molded her body all the right
Artemis POVThe hallway, awash in chaos, found a frozen representation of me. Uncertainty had reduced the strength of my insides. Even as the adrenaline rush of Aidan's protection fueled my very being, my very fear of what would follow stopped my feet in their tracks. There were louder voices now: anger and indignation intermingled. I found myself rushing Aidan, heart pounding away. As I took the turn, he stood toe to-toe with various men, their faces illustrating how morally intense and confrontational the situation was. "Get lost," Aidan growled, barely above a whisper. "Aidan, you can’t just turn your back on this," replied one of the men, sharp-edged. He was the tallest, wearing a dark suit that announced authority. "Hera has powerful connections, and you have to be careful." "Careful?" Aidan scoffed, his temper flaring. "You think I’m afraid of some empty threats? I’ll handle this my way." I edged closer and heard snippets of their dialogue, which made my spine crawl at the
Artemis POVThe hallway, awash in chaos, found a frozen representation of me. Uncertainty had reduced the strength of my insides. Even as the adrenaline rush of Aidan's protection fueled my very being, my very fear of what would follow stopped my feet in their tracks. There were louder voices now: anger and indignation intermingled. I found myself rushing Aidan, heart pounding away. As I took the turn, he stood toe to-toe with various men, their faces illustrating how morally intense and confrontational the situation was. "Get lost," Aidan growled, barely above a whisper. "Aidan, you can’t just turn your back on this," replied one of the men, sharp-edged. He was the tallest, wearing a dark suit that announced authority. "Hera has powerful connections, and you have to be careful." "Careful?" Aidan scoffed, his temper flaring. "You think I’m afraid of some empty threats? I’ll handle this my way." I edged closer and heard snippets of their dialogue, which made my spine crawl at the
Artemis POVThe night air was cool under my feet as I stepped outside the garden, and everything was cast under a silvery glow by the moon. I could not shake the unnerving feeling pressing at my heart since dinner. Aidan's father and his expectations were hovering like a dark cloud above us, and I felt like a puppet in their great play. There was some magnetism in Aidan that drew me toward him, something I could not quite put a finger on. I found Aidan leaning back against a marble pillar, the phone still clutching in his hand. The air was thick with tension as my heart fluttered at the thought of going up to him. Did he feel it too? "Aidan?" I softly called, stepping closer. His head rose, and those piercing green eyes locked with mine. For a moment, everything ceased to exist outside this sphere that encapsulated both of us in limbo and yearning."Artemis," he said, his voice low and sultry, making me shiver. "What are you doing out here?""I needed some air," I swallowed, hoping
Aidan POVThe night hung heavily as we drove back to my family's estate, enshrouded in tension. The showdown with Kane had jolted us, and I could feel the pall of uncertainty over Artemis. I glanced at her: her jaw was set in a determined line, though fear, I knew, lurked beneath the surface. "You okay?" I asked after I parked the car, breaking the silence. "Just trying to process everything," she answered, her voice steady, but her eyes were full of worry. "What do you think Kane meant? That we were in over our heads?""Don't know," I said, raking my fingers through my hair. "But we cannot allow him to scare us. We are stronger together, and we need to focus on Hera."As we stepped inside, it was like suffocation; the grand foyer resounded with the silence of empty echoes. I felt my father's wishes bearing down on me as his wildest expectations presented themselves. I had gone against him, and I was wise enough to know that my father would not bear it lightly.''Let's go talk to hi
Artemis POVI felt each whisper of conversation thrum through the room. Every eye seemed to be trained on me in anticipation of what would unfold next. I noticed that Aidan's jaw clenched, trying to gain control over his anxiety. Hera walked further forward into the party and her smile lit up the room like a bolt of electric tension.“Aidan, darling,” Hera said sweetly, slicing every air with her voice. “I didn’t expect to find you with someone who looks so… so… different from me.” Her eyes shot over to me, and as they did, the rush of anger and insecurity combined in me."Aidan, is this the woman you have chosen to be with? I only hope she understands what she is getting into," she continued mockingly.Aidan spoke with a low but firm voice, "Enough, Hera. You have no rights to be here.""Oh but I do," She moved closer. "See, I came here to remind everyone of that little agreement." She pulled out a document from her purse and waved it like a trophy. "This says you owe me, Aidan. And
Artemis POVI felt each whisper of conversation thrum through the room. Every eye seemed to be trained on me in anticipation of what would unfold next. I noticed that Aidan's jaw clenched, trying to gain control over his anxiety. Hera walked further forward into the party and her smile lit up the room like a bolt of electric tension.“Aidan, darling,” Hera said sweetly, slicing every air with her voice. “I didn’t expect to find you with someone who looks so… so… different from me.” Her eyes shot over to me, and as they did, the rush of anger and insecurity combined in me."Aidan, is this the woman you have chosen to be with? I only hope she understands what she is getting into," she continued mockingly.Aidan spoke with a low but firm voice, "Enough, Hera. You have no rights to be here.""Oh but I do," She moved closer. "See, I came here to remind everyone of that little agreement." She pulled out a document from her purse and waved it like a trophy. "This says you owe me, Aidan. And
Artemis POVThe next few days rolled into a blur of work calls, meetings, and strategizing: Aidan and I finally reached out to our closest friends, determined to spend anxiety-ridden hours seeking out enough people to build a network of support able to help us resist Hera's power. With every discussion, one more layer of the web unfolded before us, and, with the feeling of growing tension as we neared the time of confrontation, I could feel the strands beginning to coil tighter.One evening we had gathered in my apartment. The air buzzed with anticipation, and Aidan, Emily, and Ryan comprising the rest sat serious in the living room discussing what would be the next move with me."I know it's a risky affair," Aidan said in a very firm tone. "But we've got to confront Hera directly. If we let her decide the narrative, we'll never free ourselves from her dictation."Emily nodded with her brow knitted in thoughts. "But what if she tries to retaliate? She has connections in places that ca
Artemis POVNights like these trail, having turmoil and kept whispers that swung clouds around Aidan and me. Hera's oculus, I could feel her weight, and every time I spotted her, a shiver disturbed my bones."Are you alright?" Aidan asked, coming closer and lowering his voice."I am fine," I said while forcing a smile, "just trying to grapple with all of this."With his expression raining, he answered. "I know it's quite some taking in, but remember, we have each other."As the gala went on, I tried focusing on the talks we were having, but my mind would attach itself to the topic of threat on us, as Kane's echoed himself in me. Somehow, it all felt like we were walking on a tightrope, one misstep away from disaster."Let's get some air," Aidan said, finding my hand with his.I nodded, relieved to get a moment away from the crowd. Together we stepped out onto the balcony where the coolness of the night air felt revitalizing against my skin. The sounds coming from the gala disappeared