Athena's Pov

I was pleasantly surprised by finally seeing a girl my age at the Gala. I usually like being in an older company but the judgmental people here made me feel a bit out of place.

The girl probably noticed me in the mirror but she was busy washing the hands of the infant in her arms so I decided to initiate a conversation myself.

“Hi, I'm Athena.” I smiled at her, walking towards the washbasin next to hers.

She looked up from the little guy and mimicked my smile. “I’m Adeline. You can call me Addy.”

“Is that your cousin?” He was blonde so that couldn’t be her brother. “The little man looks so adorable in that tux..” I complimented.

I don't like kids but their cuteness does cheer me up. Those who don't melt from the innocence of a child are true heartless people —which I'm not.

I think kids are nice when you don't have to deal with their responsibility- Why do I sound like some certain people I hate?

Adeline looked visibly flattered by the compliment. “Thank you.” She says then lets out a nervous laugh. “This is actually my son.”

“Oh.” I was a little taken aback but managed to not make it too obvious. “By any chance… Are you related to Lucius Storm?” She could be the girl Zephyr told me about.

“Yes. He's my dad. Have you met him?”

“I kinda did…” I replied, turning back to get some tissues.

“He's a little reserved, I hope that didn't come across as rude.” She says moving on to wash her son’s mouth now as he seems to have some sort of chocolate all over himself.

“Oh no it's fine. He didn't say anything to me.” I laughed it off.

Adeline had gone a bit awkward after that so I decided to change the subject. “I haven't seen girls our age here? Is there some secret area where you guys have gathered which I'm not invited to?”

“Alessio no.” She scolded her son who was trying to grab her hair then looked at me again. “Actually nobody likes bringing their girls to such parties until they're of age.”

“Why though?”

She shrugged. “I'm not sure either. Maybe because they're too protective or maybe because the men here are literal wanted criminals.”

“Then our families must be chill with risking our lives.” I joked.

She shook her head and reached for some tissues to dry off her son. “Well my brother said when you have instilled fear in your enemies, you don't care about being among animals because you know they won't dare touch you.”

“That makes a lot of sense.” I agreed. A thought then crossed my mind. “You must be a big thing then? I mean your family must hold a rank or something.” I was curious about how the Mafia world worked.

She chuckled and Alessio giggled seeing her. “My father's a boss. Of the USA to be specific.” She told me. “I didn't ask what Mafia you belong to.”

I took a moment to think about it then replied. “I'm not sure but we're from Greece. I'm from the Konstantinos family.”

“Oh okay. I don't think I know them.”

I nodded and just then I noticed baby Alessio trying to reach for me. A smile appeared on my face and I neared him. His hand landed on my forearm and he tugged at it, indicating me to forward my hand to him.

“Oh no-” Addy was too late with the warning.

“Ouch!” I whined and hurriedly but gently freed my hand from his hold.

“I'm so sorry, he’s teething and tries to chew on everything he sees.” Adeline apologized, looking guilty.

“It's fine, he’s just a baby.”

“Ya… anyways if you need any help, let me know.” She says and adjusts her son on her chest like she's ready to leave.

“Actually I do need some help.” I stopped her. “Do you happen to know the host’s son? Reign Astor?”

Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked at me confused. “Yes I know him. Why? What happened?

“Is he a nice guy?”

She gave me an uncertain nod. “Depends...”

“I'll take that as a yes.” I chuckled. “Actually I’ve heard a lot about him and wanted to meet him. We're the same age so you know… I was hoping something could happen…” I playfully winked at her.

Her face morphed into a weird expression. “Um you must not know but he's actually-”

She couldn't complete her sentence because we heard a knock followed by Hades calling my name sounding frustrated.

“That's my…” I pointed at the door but didn't know what I should call him. “Cue. I should leave now. Bye Addy.”

I didn't take more time and immediately moved to the door but before leaving I turned back and waved at the baby. “Bye bye Alessio.”

“Bye Athena.” Adeline replied as I walked out.

“What took you so long?” Hades asked, irritated that he had to wait so long.

“Found a cute guy.” I joked.

He took that completely seriously and halted, possibly to go inside and check. Luckily Adeline was walking out as she was finished as well and I pointed to the baby in her arms.

“I'm talking about that infant. Try to trust me a bit, I'm not that bad that I'll cause problems at the Gala I've been literally so excited for.”

He sighed. “It’s not about trust, we’re just worried about you.”

————

“Where's Tristan?” I asked grandpa as Hades dropped me off to him.

“With Ares.”

Displeasure crossed my features. “Tristan’s getting along very well with Ares.”

“He just wanted to get himself another serving and Ares was going that way.” He explained.

Tristan and I weren't allowed to wander off so he had to stay with the man he hates —because he was my foe.

“Can I go grab something too?” I asked him with an excited smile which probably looked suspicious.

“No, let me finish my food then we'll go together.”

“Please grandpa, it's right there.” It was in fact quite far but I hoped grandpa would be convinced because Tristan and Ares would be there.

“There's so many-” He paused and dropped his voice. “Criminals here. I can't let you go alone.”

I rolled my eyes. “You really think someone's gonna attack me in this huge ass fancy Gala?”

“Hades wouldn't have told me to keep you close if that wasn't the case.”

I stood up from my seat beside his. “He said that because he doesn't trust me. You should! I've decided I'm going alone!” He was about to argue when I cut him off. “Eat your food old man, I'll be back in a minute.”

I almost ran away from him before he could say anything and to my relief he didn't follow me, probably believing I was actually only going to grab a bite.

In reality, I was here on a mission and I was determined to get my hands on the target.

After asking two waiters I was finally able to find the Astor heir —as the internet called him. I don't know if it was my sexual frustration or if he actually looked so appetizing.

He was leaning on a pillar with a phone pressed to his ear as he talked into it with a quite pissed off look on his face. His other hand was shoved in his pocket and he looked so unbothered by the people in the party. His confidence was so hot.

I casually walked towards him. This was the perfect opportunity as he was standing all alone. He was already in the process of ending the call and by the time I was in front of him he hung up and pocketed his phone before looking at me questioningly.

I gave him a small smile and very politely spoke. “I hope I’m not bothering. If you're busy I could…”

“It's fine.”

Fuck that voice! I can't stop my mind from imagining scenarios where I could hear that deep muscular voice in a different context.

“You must be Athena Konstantinos.”

“You know me?” I was pleasantly surprised.

“We're hosting the Gala so I must know most of the people here.” He replied ever so neutrally.

“Oh you're Ethan Astor’s son?” I pretended to be shocked.

“Yes. Reign Astor.”

“It's nice to meet you, Reign.” I said ever so sweetly and brought my hand forward.

“Likewise, Miss Konstantinos.” He took my hand like a gentleman and drew back quickly.

When a few seconds of silence followed I immediately filled it. “There's not many people my age here so when I saw you I thought I should say hi.”

He slowly nodded. “I hope you're enjoying the party.”

“I am, it's really beautiful.” I said and gave him another smile.

“You're Zephyr’s daughter, right?” I nodded at the question. “I must say he did a brilliant job at keeping you hidden all these years.”

“Ya…” I let out a breathy laugh.

Everyone believed whatever story Zephyr fed them about my former non-existence in his life. I wouldn't tell them otherwise. I don't care.

“Aren't you getting bored?” I asked, making it seem casual. “Do you wanna maybe dance?”

His eyes didn't turn the slightest bit excited as he kept looking at me. “I don't like to dance, Miss Konstantinos.”

He wasn't really playing his part and I was left to do all the flirting myself so I tried again. “Alright then, let's find something else to do. How about…” I leaned closer to him. “Do you wanna grab a drink? You must know some way we could without the adults interfering?”

He heard me with the most irritating look of indifference on his face. Then casually leaned back on the pillar and some unwanted distance was created between us again.

“I don't drink anymore.” He told me. “If you want one you can just grab a glass from a waiter. Nobody here cares if you're underage.” I was kinda pissed at his lack of friendliness but remained calm and decided to try one last time. “If you don't drink then I could settle for a cup of coffee as well.”

The flirtatious look I gave him was enough to make it clear what I was hinting at. But to my surprise his demeanor still didn't change even for a second.

“Since we’ve gotten quite frank now, Miss Konstantinos…” He regarded me formally. “Now might be a good time to mention I have a girlfriend. Who I love dearly. I'm sure you didn't know before approaching me.”

The embarrassment I felt had me stand still in front of him. It wasn't my fault because I couldn't have guessed but I usually start flirting after finding out if the guy’s single, I wish I had followed that strategy this time around as well.

“I- I really didn't know.” I said awkwardly. “I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“It's okay.”

He neither caved in nor shamed me for approaching him. I was so glad that he behaved maturely, understanding it was an honest mistake.

I was planning my exit when suddenly a guy approached us with baby Alessio in his arms. He nearly shoved the crying infant in Reign's arms who took him without question.

“Take your little demon, I gotta go pee so bad!” The guy told him and without even looking at my direction he left hurriedly.

“Alessio baby, why are you crying?” Reign asked to which the infant obviously didn't reply.

Reign rocked him in his arms and patted his back as the baby grabbed his collar and wiped his face on his expensive tux while crying like he just found out Iron Man dies in the end. Reign wasn't bothered by the tears, saliva or the running rose getting on his clothing and simply focused on calming the baby.

Since that guy was blonde and Alessio was blonde I didn't think twice before asking. “Was that Adeline's boyfriend?”

The smile that Reign was offering to Alessio instantly dropped and he looked at me with displeasure clear on his face.

“I'm her boyfriend. That's my friend Leo.”

I’ll die cringing tonight. I had told Adeline that I was gonna hit on her boyfriend. That must be what she was trying to tell me which I didn't stay to hear. This is so embarrassing.

“Oh um I just met her once in the bathroom earlier so I didn't know.” I tried playing it off but I was internally cursing myself for ever coming here.

It was weird that a dark haired couple had a blonde baby. But who am I to judge? Maybe one of them coloured their hair or maybe Addy had a different baby daddy or maybe one of them had blonde DNA in their family. Who cares?

Alessio hadn’t stopped crying yet. “I think he needs Addy, I should bring him to her. Aella loves me but Alessio's more attached to his mama.” I didn't need the last detail but okay.

I sighed when I realized the awkwardness was going to be over as he was walking away but then I noticed he had stopped and was glaring at something far away.

I followed his gaze and found Adeline standing there laughing as she talked to a guy. A guy who happened to be my best friend and was holding a blonde baby who was wearing a light pink frock similar to Addy's dress. That must be Alessio's twin.