Athena's Pov

“What a pleasant surprise.”

I didn't feel the same way he did. I couldn't mimic the smile that had formed on his features as he looked at me with the same kind eyes that I once fell for.

“Um you're… here.” I couldn't form sentences.

If I had met him just a few weeks back, I would've welcomed him and possibly gotten butterflies from the way he’s checking me out right now. But the situation- my emotions were different today.

I now know what we did was wrong. I should've never trusted him and he should’ve never broken my trust.

He gestured to the tray of drinks in his hand. “For some extra cash.”

Richard was a driver by profession and always picked up any side gigs he could to earn extra that he saved for his daughter’s college fund. Another trait of his that I loved.

Today, he was a waiter. And my misfortune had brought him to the same Gala I was attending in a different country than where we both lived.

“How’ve you been?” He asked, looking enthusiastic at seeing me after so long.

“I'm okay… You?”

I was constantly running my eyes around hoping Ares would come get me the very next second. I didn't want to stay here but for some reason I felt incapable of leaving on my own.

“I'm good.” He smiles again. “I really miss you a lot.”

He brought up his hand and gently touched my cheek like a father would do to his daughter. The touch I once found so comforting and safe was making my inside churn now. I wanted to throw up.

“It's been how many years? Three right?” He said and continued. “Look at you, you've grown up.”

“Yes…” I felt like all words were wiped from my brain and I could only stand still in front of him.

“Your face has lost a lot of fat, you look more mature now.” He complimented with a hint of flirtish tone in his voice. “But you're just as pretty as you used to be as a child.” I was still a child but apparently not for him.

His smile suddenly dropped and eyes turned worried as he looked at my face closely. He instantly placed the tray of drinks on the counter next to me and grabbed my wrist.

My anxiety was rising by each second he stood in front of me and looked into my eyes. I was more scared of myself than him. I was worried I'd make the same mistakes again. I'll be charmed by his manipulation and do things just so he doesn't leave me again.

“Are you okay, little doll? You look worn out.” His voice held pure concern.

I don't want to believe him but it's so difficult when he's very gently caressing my wrist and looking at me with so much worry that he'd die if something happened to me.

“I'm fine... I'm just… tired.” I tried gently freeing my wrist but he didn't let go.

“You're not fine, tell me what happened.”

He ordered me like he had an authority on him. I had given him that right. I had always wanted him to act like a father. Demand answers when he knows I'm lying and take me in his arms when he knows I'm disoriented.

“Is it some boy?” He asked me patiently. He's never once yelled at me.

I shook my head so he asked. “Then what? Why do you look so ill?”

“How’s it going with your wife?” I asked instead of answering him.

I shouldn't care what he does in his personal life but I've always found myself wondering about it. He left me when he had a sudden patch up with his wife who he was separated from and I couldn't help but imagine how everything would’ve turned out if his wife hadn't returned.

Richard smiled sadly. “She left again after a few months.”

A weird feeling was bubbling in my chest that I held myself from acknowledging. I shouldn't be happy that he's broken up again. I should wish for his children to have both parents but my selfish side was prevailing. I still liked him. Even after all he’s done to me.

“So you're single?” The question left me on its own.

“Seeing you now, I wish I was.” He dryly chuckled like he didn't find the situation amusing either.

I stayed silent trying to survive the sudden burst of emotions. Richard didn't mind my lack of reaction, he simply took out his phone with his free hand and scrolled through his gallery then showed me a picture.

“That's my girlfriend.”

My heart dropped as I looked at her. She was gorgeous. Her ocean eyes, little freckled cheeks and cute smile were to die for. Her red hair was cut into a bob and beautifully framed her round face.

She was a lot prettier than me. But what had me worried was that she was also younger than me.

“How old is she?” I asked quietly, hoping my judgment was wrong.

“She turned fourteen last week.”

I kept looking at the man in front of me in disbelief as I couldn't believe my ears. Not a single word came out of my mouth as my throat became dry.

This was wrong. This was always wrong.

I was a fool to think I could justify sleeping with men like him.

“Thena,” My eyes moved to my right where Ares was standing now.

He had the calmest expressions on his face, similar to one I had seen on him in the basement. His voice had indifference and he simply stood by me like he hadn't noticed someone was holding my wrist.

Richard was taken aback by his presence and opted to drop his hold and step back to give me some much needed space.

A little bubble of hope formed in me as I realized I was not alone anymore. Ares was here to save me. He'd never shown interest in protecting me but at the moment I didn't care. I'd rely on him because I had no other option.

Without a second thought I moved towards him and held his forearm in quite a hard grip so he doesn't accidentally slip away. Being this close to him brought me comfort that no matter what happened he’ll face it first for me.

I gulped and tried acting normal but the fear of Richard’s presence and comfort from Ares were two colliding emotions which were making me anxious.

“Ares, this is Richard. My friend’s dad.” I told him mustering up some courage. “And Richard, this is…” I took a pause and reevaluated my words but I was far too gone to back off now. “My dad.”

I knew Ares had never accepted me as family, let alone his daughter. But I couldn't care less. I needed his help. Doesn't matter if he hates me.

I could only hope Ares doesn't deny my claim. I wanted him to tell Richard I wasn't alone. I wasn't an easy target anymore. I had someone who loved me. Someone who wouldn't let me fall for men like him again.

Richard was visibly shocked as he looked between us. “Stepfather or something…?”

Ares shook his head. “Biological.”

He was so relaxed with his words and his posture. Anyone would believe the words he’d say. I was relieved he helped me when I needed him the most but I couldn't help and wonder why he's done that?

“You- you never told me about your father.” Richard asked me, having a hard time accepting the fact.

“I told you we didn't live together.” I said and gulped the discomfort. “We do now. He's come back.”

“That's…” He cleared his throat and brought up a fake smile. “That's great news. I'm happy for you.”

“Thank you.” Ares said, placing his hand on mine that was holding onto his arm.

“Um Richard, I'm sorry for taking too much time. I'm sure you have a lot of work to do, I won't hold you back anymore.”

I forced the words out of me as sending him away when we just met after so many years felt… wrong. My brain was constantly replaying the good memories we had together and I had to force it to focus on the truth.

It’s hard to give up a lifestyle.

But what makes it easier is to have people who are there to pull me out of the hole I've dug up myself. I had those people. Grandpa, Tristan and maybe a few more now.

I could change. It is possible. I have to believe it is.

Richard saw right through me but nodded nonetheless. “Alright, I'll see you some other time. Stay in touch.”

“Bye.” Was all I said before he left grabbing the tray of drinks.

I could die from the relief I felt at that moment. I felt a sense of accomplishment to not fall for his words again. I felt like I had done something I thought was impossible for me.

When I realized I still had both of my hands holding Ares’ arms I immediately freed him and stepped back. I started feeling awkward at his undivided attention and how he was regarding me with so much calmness.

I gulped and looked away walking to the bar to sit down on one of the stools. As expected Ares followed behind and took a seat beside me.

I knew there would be follow up questions so I initiated the conversation but made sure to keep my gaze strictly locked to the counter in front of him.

“If it was Zephyr he would’ve killed Richard for holding my wrist.”

I don't know why I said that but Ares' indifference was bothering me more than I could handle. I didn't like how he behaved with me like I'm just a random girl. Like we're not related. Like I'm not his family.

Ares leaned back in his chair and ordered a whiskey before replying. “Do you want me to kill him?”

I was taken aback by his words and couldn't bring myself to answer the question. “Do you even care enough to kill someone for me?”

“What do you think?”

I was heartbroken that he was making me answer my own question. He wanted to hear me say how he has no regard for my existence. He wanted me to acknowledge how he never signed up for my responsibility.

I gulped trying my best to not let my hurt get in the way of our first open discussion. “Judging by how you were encouraging Dan to kill me, how you’d rather see me get raped by him then beg him to let me go and how you showed no interest in why I was so scared of my friend’s father…” I turned to look into his eyes. “You don't care about me.”

Before he could say anything I added. “But you don't have to. I'm no one to you.” I looked away again as a skin crawling tension slowly rose between us. “It just bothers me that you have no humanity. You could at least… for grandpa…”

I couldn't believe my self respect has dropped so low that I was literally asking him to care for me. I was giving him a reason so he'd spare me just a little bit of empathy.

The waiter placed a glass of whiskey in front of Ares which he downed in a single gulp. “I killed Dan for you.”

I still refused to look at him as I muttered. “He was your prisoner, you would've killed him anyway.”

“That's not true. He hadn't served his purpose yet. We needed him for the intel of some underground gangs in Europe.”

“Well then I owe you my life. It wasn't your duty, you saved me out of mercy.” It was a taunt, one that I hoped he’d understand.

When I felt his fingers slowly grazing my arm to bring my attention to him, I slightly turned and found him looking at me with gentler expressions than he had before.

“You know Hades is always the calmest among us.” Was he changing the subject? “But when Zephyr and I are in danger, he loses his shit. He doesn't work well in life-threatening situations.”

“But he was negotiating with Dan just fine.” I argued.

“He was.” Ares agreed. “But at that moment we didn't need to tell Dan you meant something to us. The more he understood he had the key to his freedom the worse it would be for you.”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “No. He would’ve been more on board with letting me go if he knew you'd free him in exchange.”

Ares shook his head and sighed. “That's where you're wrong, baby.”

I stayed quiet to let him explain. “Once we would’ve gotten you, we wouldn't let him walk out and he knew that. The only solution was to walk out with you. If that would've happened no one could guarantee you'd come back fine. And if we didn't let him walk out with you then he would've killed you in spite.”

“Which is why I was trying to convince him that you were just a… mistake.” He said it like the word didn't sound right to him either. “But Hades was not taking my cues and he figured out you're… our daughter.”

For a moment I refused to believe I heard him right. He couldn't be serious. And if he did believe that, why would he say our? Zephyr always referred to me as his own.

I wanted to ask him to clarify but I didn't want to embarrass myself if it was just a slip up. One rejection was enough for the night. I didn't want Ares admitting he still didn't want me like Zephyr now does.

“I could clearly see the panic and fear in Hades' eyes. So could Dan. Last option we had was to buy some time for the perfect opportunity to shoot him. I did what was necessary. I had to save you.”

“So you… you didn't mean all that you said?” I asked, holding my breath hoping I'd hear what I wanted.

He shook his head and placed a hand over mine on the counter. “No, I didn't mean any of it. Your life matters to us. To me.” He broke a small smile. “There's no way in hell I would’ve let him take you away or rape you or murder you. I would've done anything to save you.”

My eyes teared up at his confession. I didn't want him to make a place in my heart and I hated how much I wanted to hug him but it was so difficult to not like him at this moment.

I slipped my hand from under his and muttered in anger. “You could've explained all that after Dan’s death. I kept thinking you were…”

“I suck at communication, Athena. Never had to learn it. People close to me know I care but I understand I should’ve communicated it to you.” His words sounded genuine. “But I promise I'll do better now. Forgive me this time.”

I wanted to pinch myself because surely I'm dreaming. Ares Konstantinos was apologizing to me. The man who I thought could never spare me an ounce of humanity, was actually asking for forgiveness.

“Don't worry I don't hold grudges.” I lied.

“I hope you don't.” He muttered under his breath.

“Can I have a glass of red wine?” I asked him hesitantly. I wasn't allowed to but I hoped he’d let me.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “Now that you know I care about you, you're gonna take advantage of it?”

“No I… After everything that happened tonight, I was just thinking a drink would be nice…” He still looked unconvinced so I added. “It's just red wine, only one glass. It won't get me drunk.”

He slowly shook his head and gestured to the waiter to come close. “One glass of Pinot Noir.”

“I asked for red wine.” I nearly whined as the waiter left.

“It is red wine, just a little less alcoholic.”

“That's cheating.” I protested.

“Don't make me remind you you're just sixteen.”

I huffed and sat back in my seat with a scowl on my face. The waiter quickly returned with my drink and when I took a sip I was actually happy with the premium taste.

“Now if I may ask again…” He leaned on the counter and turned his head to his side to look me directly in the eyes. “Do you want me to kill him?”

“Yes.” The decision left my mouth on its own.

I hadn't thought of getting him killed but somehow my heart said it was the right thing. Richard wasn't the person I thought he was, he didn't deserve to be among us. If it was for me I would’ve forgiven him but I wasn't just a mistake. Taking young girls was his habit.

Ares wasn't taken aback by my declaration and simply nodded. “A quick death or torturous?”

My head snapped to him in disbelief. I hadn't expected him to be so cool with it. And I definitely didn't think I would be planning a murder tonight.

“What do you suggest?” I asked quietly as thousands of doubts crossed my mind.

Ares could be tricking me or he may just be having fun discussing an execution. But most of all, I was confused if I really did want to give out a contract for a homicide.

“Depends on what he's done.”

I knew he'd want to know more. He’s fishing for answers. He wants the details and I'm pretty sure he already has an idea of what would be the reason.

“He's…” I trailed off.

I was unsure whether I should tell him the whole truth or censor some parts out. Or if I should back off completely and run back to my grandpa.

But the brothers already knew the type of person I was. They already have a thousand things to judge me for and think of me as characterless. I might as well give them another truth.

“We were…” What exactly were we? “We weren't together, it was more like…” This is gonna sound fucked up. “He used to take care of me like a father and um… I used to… sleep with him in exchange.”

He inhaled sharply and I saw his eyes change just for a split second before he blinked and they became dead again.

“I think he deserves a torturous death.”

I didn't say anything to that and instead asked, “Do you enjoy killing people?”

He took a moment before answering, “Yes.”

“I knew it's not just out of necessity.” I scoffed.

The immense calm I was feeling now that an extremely difficult situation was over, had me speaking of things I'd rather avoid. I had seen the worse for the day, I was sure nothing could top that.

Just then I realized that my best friend still hadn't gotten here. “Where's Tristan? He should be back now, he just went to the toilet.”

“I texted him to go straight to dad and we'll meet him there.”

“It was fine if he saw all of this, he knows everything about me —good and bad.” I said, sipping my divine drink.

Ares stayed silent for a moment before his second glass of whiskey was brought. “Tristan doesn't have a girlfriend, right?”

I couldn't help but chuckle. “He’s too busy dealing with my shit.”

“So he's never had a girlfriend?” I shook my head. “Any particular reason?”

“He just isn't interested.” I shrugged.

“That’s weird. He doesn't seem like a guy who doesn't believe in relationships. Do you think he might be hanging out with girls behind your back? Or maybe he's gay and hiding it?”

“No way. Tristan never hides anything from me.”

Ares nodded, dropping the subject but said one last thing. “Stay cautious of him. He might not share the same platonic feelings you have for him.”

“I trust him with my life, he won't ever do anything I don't like.”