AthenaMy alarm clock shrilled through the air. With a groan, I slammed my hand on it and stumbled out of bed, wanting nothing more than to sleep just a bit more. Staggering my way into the bathroom, I stood before the sink and splashed some water on my face. Memories of last night plagued me and I shuddered. Last night had been close, too close. I had to be careful. As I splashed more cold water on my face, whatever sleep that was left slowly faded away. It was a work day and while I hoped I would get a day off, I didn't think Luciano would be keen about it. Whatever kindness he had yesterday had obviously expired. I couldn't count on that. I dragged myself into the shower, did my hair, and grabbed myself a sweet black dress. It hugged my waist rather firmly and draped in layers against my backside. The neckline was my favorite- and Luciano's favorite if we were being frank- a sweetheart neckline. Propped up my breasts like a gift to humanity. I dashed out of my room through the
Athena I sat behind my desk, rubbing my thumbs together as I considered what to do concerning Giorgia. I had made a damned mistake. How the hell hadn't I noticed that she was tailing me? How had Cole not noticed it either? That sucked really. What the hell had I been focused on that I hadn't seen Luciano's bitch sniff around me? Who else aside from Luciano, my mind countered and I sighed. What the hell do I do now? Whether she succeeded or not, the doubt had already been planted in Luciano's mind. He hadn't said a word afterward, but whatever naughtiness had remained before Giorgia burst into the office was gone when she left. I had to give it to her, the bitch was persistent. Damn, I had never met anyone so damn irritating as she was! Who the hell did she think she was? Fucking Cleopatra?! Whatever the hell she was, I had to find a way to mislead her. Chances are she would still have me followed. The best thing I could do to catch her in her own game was to make her believe sh
Athena The next day, Luciano dropped me off at the office, his words lingering in the air as he mentioned meeting someone. Reluctantly, I stepped into the elevator, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. As the doors closed, I contemplated the events of the previous day and the consequences of my actions. So many people to worry about. Giorgia, Luca, Marcus …Ah shit Marcus. My mind wandered to Marcus, who had suffered at Luciano's hands. A pang of guilt flickered within me, but it quickly faded as I reminded myself of the bigger picture. Marcus was merely collateral in this dangerous game, and my focus had to remain on fulfilling my mission and protecting myself. Hell, he was part of the mafia too so if anything, he may have deserved what was coming. Right? Okay, perhaps he did not. Ah shit, I was being such a weakling. I'd drop by on the fifth floor, check him out, see if he was fine like Luciano claimed, and get the hell out of there. When the elevator doors open
Luciano Sitting at the top of the luxurious resort, whiskey in hand, I found myself lost in the vast expanse of the midday sky. Thoughts whirled within me, a storm brewing in my mind. Betrayal—a poison that could taint even the strongest bonds. If my suspicions were correct, then I was bound to face it soon within my own family. There was a nasty fucker selling me out to the Castello. That could be the only explanation. I took another swig of my drink, looking for the familiar whiskey burn to help me keep my senses. Luca must have noticed how sour my mood was. He sat across me on a recliner, his eyes wide with curiosity as he took in the expression on my face. "Is there trouble?" Luca inquired, curiosity tinged with concern evident in his voice. I almost laughed at the use of words. Is there trouble? It had been a childish thing Giorgia used to say when we were younger. The streets of downtown Italy were never friendly. Not even to children. I couldn't count how many times I
Athena I reached for my phone and dialed Frederick's number, my fingers trembling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The images of the men I had seen with Luciano at the gala a few days ago were fresh in my mind, and I knew Frederick was the key to unlocking their identities. As the call connected, I quickly sent him the pictures, my voice filled with urgency. "Frederick, I need you to look into these men. Find out who they are and if they have any connections to the mafia. It could be crucial in unraveling the truth about Luciano." There was a brief pause on the other end before Frederick responded, concern lacing his words. "Athena, how are you holding up? This investigation is dangerous, and I worry about your safety." I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before replying. "I'm fine, Frederick. I've been cautious and discreet. Luciano has no reason to suspect me. I've managed to keep up the façade and gain his trust. For now, he's completely fooled." There was a hint
Athena I placed the file on Luciano's desk, satisfied with completing the task at hand. As I turned to leave, a sudden warmth enveloped my waist, pulling me back into his embrace. Well, that was new. Surprised by his touch in the professional setting, my body tensed for a moment before I relaxed into the sensation of his hands gently caressing me. I looked down at his face and was even more surprised. A playful smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as our eyes met, exchanging a silent invitation for teasing banter. "Looks like someone's in the mood," I chuckled, reaching for his hair so I could run my hands through it. He closed his eyes and hummed softly. I had found out how much he loved it the day before. My face reddened as an image of his face buried between my thighs. He had such a wicked, cruel tongue. I loved it. We always danced on the edge of boundaries though. It was a delicate balance, a secret language shared between us. As if neither of us wanted to take thi
Athena “Luciano?” I called, a frown etched on my face. I was pressed. If I didn’t make it to the bathroom in the next five minutes, my bladder was going to fucking explode. One might think, just go anyway. And oh I would have, I definitely would have hauled my ass out of bed and relieved myself, except for one teeny, tiny problem. There was a hundred seventy-poundound man on my chest. And he was very heavy. I tapped Luciano again, shaking at his shoulders. We were in my room and last I recalled, I had gone to sleep alone the night before. After the whole episode with Giorgia, he had been in a foul mood all through the rest of the day. That meant I got yelled out and he pushed me aside as if I was some piece of discarded rag. That made me mad as hell. Why the hell was he taking his anger out on me? I wasn’t the one who made Giorgia betray him or some shit like that. Later that night he had approached me and well, I was fucking pissed to cuddle and shit with him. If he would trea
Athena The rest of the ride was spent in silence. For someone who was meant to be tactful, I seemed to be having zero success in doing that. But hey! How was I supposed to know he had childhood trauma? It wasn't like it was written in his case file or all over his forehead. And in my defense, I had meant it as a joke. A rather expensive joke, but a joke still. Oh, who was I kidding? He was pissed. And I had no idea how to break through the stupid walls he had erected this time. Hell, why was he even mad at me? If anything, he was the one who gave me childhood trauma. He killed my father! The only person a fifteen-year-old girl had in the entire world. I deserved to be mad at him instead. "Will you step outside? Or are you determined to spend all day in the vehicle, Miss Gonzalez?" Luciano spoke from outside the car. I hadn't realized we had arrived or that he had exited the car. Fixing him a glare through the window, I stepped out and folded my arms. "I'm Miss Gonzalez now?