Artemis’s POVI jostled him away, my head filled with conflicting feelings of confusion and sexual attraction."Please stop, Kane. Please.” I said in a low manner but I knew he hardly listened to me. Kane’s gaze shifted and locked in the direction of mine and it felt unbelievably intense. It seemed like he was looking for something, but I could not make out what it was. He advanced and shook his head softly, stepping back. "Artemis, I..." he said slowly as I cut him off. "Kane, enough, I'm asking for some distance. Thank you. I didn’t look back as I left him there, still in the kitchen." Why was this happening? I felt angry for my siblings because I couldn’t choose between them. The next morning I woke up pretty beat and spent. I decided to slack for a bit, forever if it were possible. Realities would catch up one day, I was aware, and that day scared the hell out of me. As I took my steps down the steps I noticed Aiden and Kane in the sitting room with the intent focus on me.
Artemi’s pov"Artemis, I need to talk to you," Kane said, his voice low and husky.I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. Aiden stood up and walked over to Kane, his eyes locked onto his brother's face."Kane, can't this wait?" Aiden asked, his voice firm but calm."No, it can't," Kane replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "Artemis, I need to tell you something. Something important."I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation."Okay," I said softly. "What is it?"Kane took a deep breath before speaking."Artemis, I know I said I would fight for you, but I realize now that's not what you need. You need someone who will love you for who you are, without trying to change you. And I realize now that's not me."My heart skipped a beat as I looked at Kane in shock."Kane, what are you saying?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."I'm saying I withdraw my claim on you, Artemis. I want you to be happy, and I know that's not with me."I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I coul
Artemi’s povI spent the next few days in a blur of thoughts and emotions. I wandered the halls of the palace, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Kane's withdrawal had left me feeling both relieved and confused. Why had he changed his mind so suddenly?As I walked, I stumbled upon a quiet garden hidden away in a corner of the palace. I sat down on a bench, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. It was here that I finally allowed myself to reflect on my feelings.I thought about Aiden, and how kind and gentle he had been. I thought about Kane, and how passionate and intense he had been. And I thought about myself, and what I truly wanted.As I sat there, a realization dawned on me. I didn't need to choose between Aiden and Kane. I needed to choose what was best for me."Artemis?" a soft voice said, breaking my reverie.I turned to see Eryn standing before me, a smile on her face."Hey, girl. How are you doing?" she asked, sitting down beside me."I'm figuring t
ARTEMI'S POVAiden's voice was low and smooth as he handed me a glass of champagne. "Welcome to my penthouse, Artemis. I'm glad you could make it."I took a sip, feeling the bubbles dance on my tongue. "It's stunning," I said, gazing around at the opulent decor. "I've never seen anything like it."Aiden smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to create a space that was both luxurious and comfortable."As we sipped our champagne, Kane appeared at my side, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "Artemis, you look breathtaking tonight," he said, his voice low and husky.I felt a flutter in my chest as he took my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Thank you, Kane," I replied, trying to sound calm.The three of us chatted and laughed, enjoying the music and the view from the penthouse. But as the night wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Aiden and Kane's interest in me than met the eye.As if sensing my unease, Aiden leane
ARTEMIS POV I eyed the golden watch on the table, pretending to be interested in something else while inching closer to the table. I knew it was wrong to steal but I couldn’t help it. I was hungry and I didn’t want to die.I imagined the funeral poster would read thus, ‘Artemis Vincent, died of hunger because she didn’t want to take a watch that some rich dude left behind.’I shook my head. Gosh, I needed therapy. Why would I even think that? I eyed the watch again while cunningly looking around. When I got right to the table, I snatched the watch and shoved it into my pocket.'You did it Artemis. You can buy burgers from Starbucks... you can....'“THIEF!!” Someone shrieked and I turned to see a huge oaf of a man charging right at me. He was dressed in a black suit and wore dark sunglasses. My survival instincts kicked in and I beelined for the open window.‘If they catch you, you are dead. Fucking run, legs.’I pumped my legs faster and easily slipped into the window and outside th
Aidan Creek?ARTEMIS POV Now where had I heard that name? I must have seen it in a newspaper somewhere. I couldn’t remember, but from what I gathered he was one the richest men in Florida. Why would he want a thief to be his mistress?“It sure seems like you must be over in your head. I ain’t marrying you, I’ll marry a pig first,” I said, huffing angrily.But Aidan stared at me for a full minute, creeping me out, then he finally nodded.“You’ll go to jail then, I’ll make sure you get it hard there. Trust me you don’t want to see what they’ll do to you there,” he said and I shot him a fierce glare. He was right. He had influence, I was a nobody. I would be molested there and forgotten.“Why won't you let me go?” I asked and he raised his brow. That elegant brow.“You stole my watch woman” he growled. I gave him a stubborn look. It took all my willpower not to poke out my tongue.“That watch is not one percent of your net worth sir. So just let me go” I said and he nodded.“Take her aw
ARTEMIS POV It took me almost a while to find where Aidan was. Daymon didn’t even tell me where to find him. Eventually, I wandered to the gardens and met him there waiting... probably. “Hi,” I said and he turned. How could someone look so hot and cruel at the same time? The afternoon breeze blew his dark hair, making him look more... handsome. “So here’s what I wanted to tell you before we meet my parents,” he started, going straight to the point and I shot him a glare. “Can’t you reply with ‘Hello’?” I retorted and his eyes darkened. I watched the light go out of them replaced by cold dangerous anger. “Watch how you talk to me,” he sneered. But I didn’t care. I wasn’t scared of anyone or anything, not even the icy chills of his voice. “And you don’t treat me like a piece of shit too,” I replied sharply. Aidan growled, he grabbed me and shoved me to a barn wall. “You don’t understand. You have to get this or I’ll lose all I have worked for to my brother,” he seethed and I sh
ARTEMIS POVThe rest of the weeks were just a blur of activities. Me, trying to keep up with the lies and Aidan being grumpy as ever. We even had to pretend for the camera. It wasn’t what I bargained for and being in front of stubborn paparazzi was beginning to tell on me. Every click of the camera gave me paranoia.Aidan had told me not to worry that it would still stop but I was getting wary. I was a small-town girl and wasn’t used to all this glamor and paparazzi. It wasn’t funny at all. The other part of this deal that made me uncomfortable was having to sleep on the same bed with Aidan. It wasn’t so before, I had my room but his father had insisted on it.I peeled my eyes open now watching Aidan sleeping. Even with my resentment I couldn’t help but admire how perfect he looked. In his sleep, I couldn’t find the cynical circles around his eyes. He looked young and at peace, and his hair. I had always wondered how they were so black, like midnight. They cascaded his face and I rea