~ATHENA
'I'll tell Maria to prepare one of the guest rooms, you both would spend the night here.'
Reid father's words still lingered in the air, and I knew I had to play along, to keep up the act, but Reid had a different plan.
"We'll stay in separate rooms." Reid started, his voice firm as he locked eyes with his father. "We're choosing to remain celibate until marriage. I don't think it's a good idea for us to share a room, not yet." He explained which made me feel a wave of relief. I definitely do not want to share a room with Reid, not to talk of a bed. Who knows, he might decide to fulfill one of his threats by gouging my eyes out in my sleep. Even though my eyes only holds disdainful memories, I wouldn't want to lose them, at least not to Reid.
His father guffawed, his laughter was like a crack of thunder, loud and jarring as his whole body shook while staring at his son who still kept his indifference expression.
"You're expecting me to believe that?" He questioned in disbelief. "You're a Gambino, Reid. We have the libido of a stallion, so I don't understand how you're holding up with this celibacy." He finished, wiping the corner of his left eye which had a tear.
Reid's jaw clicked, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger which he quickly masked away. "It's Athena's choice, Papa, and I'll do whatever she wants. She's the one who's important here, not my own desires."
His father's expression softened, a faraway look in his eyes as he hummed thoughtfully. "I remember those days, when your mother began to have me wrapped around her fingers. Whatever she said, went." He sighed, a small smile gracing itself on his lips.
"Exactly, Papa. What Athena and I have is pure love. And I assure you, it's not just about the physical desires and urge. I care deeply for Athena, and I'll respect her wishes." I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, but I kept my expression stoic, my eyes fixated on the tablecloth, trying to come up with a nonexistent puzzle to solve the intricate patterns on the fabric. I tuned out of their conversation, wanting to distract myself from Reid words because I knew it was a show, but a tiny part of me wished it was true.
"Hm, I see. You can have separate rooms." His father agreed and dismissed the conversation with a wave.
"Thank you, Papa."
As we stood up to leave, I felt Reid's hand on my back, a gentle pressure that sent jolt of sparks all over my body. But every time I feel things like these, I'd always remind myself that this was all an act and Reid would never be this gentle, this kind towards me. The fake affections he shows was making the act harder to keep up with, but I guess he doesn't want to give anything away to his parents, especially his father.
Reid followed me to the guest room, his hand lingering on my back until we reached the door. He removed it with a gentle brush of his fingers against my skin and I instantly missed his touch. I pushed the door open and stepped inside as my eyes scanned the unfamiliar room with a mix of curiosity and uneasiness.
"You'll sleep here." He began with a dry tone as he nodded towards the bed. "Maria will bring you the necessary clothes you'll need. I'll be staying in my old room just down the hall."
I nodded in understanding before turning to face him. My throat dried as I locked eyes with him, the grey swirls with a depth that seems to hold unspoken emotions, a canvas of mystery and power, making me feel like he was searching for something.
All of a sudden, his eyes narrowed at me before his hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to his body, his chest firm against my breasts, and I felt a rush of heat and a feeling I hadn't felt before.
What was happening?
His gaze lingered on my chest which rose and fell due to our close proximity. I watched his once grey eyes turned into dark orbs as he stared at my breasts with a hunger that made my breath hitch. I felt a flutter in my chest as his eyes finally met mine, the intensity in them making me feel like I was drowning.
"You did well tonight." He whispered, his voice low and husky which made me subconsciously clench my thighs together. His hand trailed up my jaw, his fingers tracing the curve of my face, before wrapping around my neck in a possessive hold as he brought my face closer to his.
The feel of his hand wrapped around my neck wasn't tight, but it was enough to make me aware of his strength, of the power he wielded over me.
"Don't even think of running away." He growled, his grip tightening around my neck which made me feel the coldness of the silver band on his last finger.
I was taken aback, surprised that he would even think I would try to escape. The thought of it never crossed my mind even though I wasn't living the way I wanted to in his mansion.
I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "I-I won't." I assured with a slight stutter. He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine, before he nodded with an expressionless face. "Good. Because you're mine."
His possessive words made me tense in his hold, making me think back to the night we met, when I had told him I was his. He had gotten upset and told me not to call myself that again, so what changed?
I bit down on my bottom lip as my thoughts were all jumbled together, trying to read the man who was before me, but that task should be included in one of the most impossible things a human could do, because Reid was a blank book.
My bottom lip in between the captive of my teeth drew his attention to my mouth and his grip on my neck tightened for a moment, which made it hard for me to breathe. Immediately he realized what he was doing, he pushed himself away from me as if my touch had burned him. The action both left me feeling breathless and confused.
"Don't do that if you don't want me to bend you over." He warned, his voice dropping octaves lower, before turning and exiting the room, leaving me standing there with a racing heart and an unknown feeling in my stomach and my nether region.