Chapter 44: Chapter Forty Three

Athena

I could only stare blankly at Eros, my mind struggling to process the bombshell he had just dropped on me. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came. Nothing. It was as if the revelation had wiped every coherent thought from my brain, leaving me utterly speechless.

"Come again?" I finally found my voice, though it emerged as nothing more than a whisper.

Eros studied me, concern flickering in his eyes. "You're not going into shock, are you?"

"No. No, I'm not going into shock. At least... not yet," I muttered, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Are you seriously telling me that I have more than two people to worry about now? Okay, forget Scarlett... Two people?"

"Athena, you're starting to scare me," Eros said, reaching across the table to place his hand over mine. "Breathe. Calm down."

"Calm down?" I repeated, my eyes widening. "Don't tell me to calm down. I've lived with Alfred for four years, and he absolutely hates me. I always wondered why he was so cruel... and now I know."

Eros frowned. "You think he became Beatrix’s driver just to get close to you?"

"Wouldn’t you?" I countered. "If you wanted revenge, wouldn’t you get close to your enemy’s daughter and wait for the perfect moment to strike?" I paused, inhaling a shaky breath. "I have to admit—his patience is impressive."

Eros said nothing, just watched as I struggled to steady my breathing. Maybe I was on the verge of a panic attack. Who the hell knows? I thought I had escaped the frying pan, but I never realized I had jumped straight into the fire.

"Relax," he murmured. "Maybe you're part of the reason he took the job, but he probably has other motives too."

"Like stealing from Beatrix?" I asked, arching a brow.

Eros scoffed. "Or making her his golden ticket out of here."

A sigh escaped me as I lifted a hand to rub my aching chest. It was so unfair. Was it a crime to be James Carter’s daughter? No matter where I turned, someone was out to get me. I wasn’t safe—at home, at school, anywhere.

"Maybe the only place I’d be truly safe is in a coffin," I murmured. "No more people coming after me. No more memories of James. No more nightmares... especially the nightmares."

Eros tightened his grip on my hand, holding it firmly this time. "You're safe now," he said, his voice steady. "And I won’t let anything happen to you again."

I gave him a small, tired smile. "I know. Thank you."

Eros nodded, his expression hardening. I knew exactly what was running through his mind. Scarlett had made a reckless move, and while he was willing to hold back—for now, as I’d asked—he wouldn’t forgive. He wouldn’t forget.

This wasn’t over. Not even close. Not by a long shot.

I exhaled, feeling something shift inside me. For the first time in what felt like forever, a small flicker of hope surfaced. I had no idea how Eros planned to protect me, but one thing was certain—he was my best shot at staying alive.

Eros glanced around the café. The place was empty now, the quiet pressing in around us. With a sigh, he pulled out his wallet, fished out a few bills, and tossed them onto the table.

"Let’s go," he said, rising to his feet.

I stood as well and followed him outside. The rain had stopped, but the air was damp and cold, sending a chill through me. Wrapping my arms around myself, I kept pace with Eros until we reached the car. A sigh of relief escaped me as I slid into the passenger seat, the warmth instantly wrapping around me.

"Julien, turn on the heater, please," Eros instructed, shrugging off his coat.

"You don’t have to do that for me," I said.

"Not for you—I’m freezing," he replied.

"Oh," I murmured. "Sorry."

"Don’t apologize," he said. "Now that you’ve been fed and clothed, the only issue left is where you’ll stay."

"Right." I hesitated. "I don’t know."

"I do," he said simply. "And that wasn’t a question."

I blinked. "I see."

"You can stay with me," he offered. "The place is big enough that we might not even run into each other."

"What?" I stared at him, stunned. "I can’t. That’s not possible."

"Why not?" He frowned.

"Because it’s your house. If Scarlett finds out I’m living with you—"

"Can you stop thinking about Scarlett for a second?" he cut in, his tone sharp. "You should be worried about yourself."

"I am worried about myself," I shot back. "That’s exactly why I can’t stay with you. She might send someone after me. I’d like to live as long as I can, thanks."

Eros scoffed. "Don’t you think you’re overreacting? Stop being such a drama queen."

I turned to him, my frustration boiling over. "You have no idea what it’s like to live my life," I snapped, scowling at him. "I have to look over my shoulder like a criminal on the run. And unlike you, I don’t have the luxury of pretending I’m safe."

\~~~~~

Eros

Athena Sanderson was an enigma. A puzzle I had no real interest in solving, yet I couldn't help but be intrigued. Any other girl would have jumped at the chance to stay at my house indefinitely, but not her. Fear of Scarlett outweighed the curiosity I could see flickering in her eyes whenever she thought I wasn’t looking.

It was just as well. Leonardo had already made his disapproval clear when I asked for his help in finding her. I doubted he’d appreciate me bringing her to Villa Isadora now.

The black luxury car glided through the quiet streets of Crescent City, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between us. The lingering scent of warm pastries and coffee from our late dinner at Maison Amélie hung in the air, yet the tension between us was heavy, thicker than the night itself. It was suffocating.

I drummed my fingers against the leather armrest, stealing a glance at Athena. She sat stiffly, her gaze locked on the passing cityscape outside. She had outright refused my offer to stay at my house, leaving me with no choice but to find an alternative solution.

With a quiet exhale, I retrieved my phone, pressed a contact, and lifted it to my ear.

"Good evening, this is Pierre at The Aureum. How may I assist you?"

Leaning back, I let my voice come out smooth and composed. "This is Eros Belmonte. I need a presidential suite ready in the next fifteen minutes."

From the corner of my eye, I caught Athena’s sharp intake of breath, though she said nothing. I could feel her glare searing into the side of my face.

"Of course, Mr. Belmonte," Pierre responded promptly, his tone shifting to utmost professionalism. "Would you prefer the Laurent or the Bellemond Suite?"

"Whichever has the better view." I replied coolly.

"That would be Bellemond, sir. Floor-to-ceiling windows, city skyline, private terrace—"

"That will do. Ensure the room is fully stocked. I want it perfect by the time we arrive. I’m bringing a guest." My tone left no room for error. "And as always, I expect discretion."

"Absolutely, sir. Consider it done. The suite will be ready upon your arrival. Enjoy your stay at The Aureum."

I ended the call and slipped my phone back into my pocket with the same effortless ease I carried in everything I did. Only then did I finally turn to Athena.

She was staring at me, arms crossed, eyes flashing with irritation.

"You don’t have to do that," Athena muttered, breaking the silence.

"Do what?" I asked, my lips curving into the barest hint of a smirk, though my tone remained neutral.

"Book a suite at one of your obscenely expensive hotels like it’s just another Tuesday." she said, exasperation clear in her voice.

I turned my head slightly, taking in her exasperated expression. "Would you rather I let you wander the streets at this hour?"

"No, but—" she started, only for me to cut her off smoothly.

"You didn’t have to refuse my offer to stay at my house," I pointed out, my smirk deepening. "But you did. So here we are."

"I could have booked my own hotel," she shot back.

I arched my brow. "At this hour? After a long dinner?" I let the question hang before adding, "Besides, you don’t have a dime to your name, remember? Let’s not be stubborn, kardia mou."

Her jaw tightened. "Don’t call me that." She was irritated, but I caught the flicker of something else in her eyes—something dangerously close to amusement. Of course. I’d forgotten she was half Greek, like me. 

She understood exactly what I had called her. But what puzzled me was why I had used the endearment in the first place. I’d never called any woman that before. So why her?

I only chuckled, the deep sound filling the car. "Suit yourself."

She huffed. "You offered to let me stay at your house, and I refused. That should’ve been the end of it."

"It was," I replied. "This is the alternative."

"A ridiculous alternative," she muttered.

"A practical one," I countered.

"You don’t have to take responsibility for me, Eros." Her voice was quieter now, less defensive.

"I don’t. I choose to." My tone was final, unwavering.

That seemed to silence her. I liked it. Athena exhaled sharply and turned back to the window, refusing to engage further. But I didn’t miss the way her fingers curled against her lap, the way her shoulders remained tense despite her outward calm.

I wasn’t the type to let things be, but this time, I let it slide—for now. I’d won this round.

The rest of the drive continued in silence, thick with unspoken words. When we finally arrived at The Aureum, its golden-lit exterior standing against the night sky, the doorman was already waiting.

Julien pulled the car to a smooth stop. I stepped out first as he opened my door, and before Athena could protest further, a well-dressed concierge approached.

"Mr. Belmonte, the suite is ready," he informed me.

I nodded, then turned to Athena. "Looks like your suite awaits," I murmured, extending a hand toward her. "Shall we?"

She didn’t respond immediately, but I caught the fleeting glance she cast my way before stepping out of the car. I followed at a measured pace, watching as she squared her shoulders and walked inside, acting as if this night—this entire exchange—hadn’t thrown her off balance.

I smirked to myself.

Oh, but it had.

And she wasn’t the only one.