~REID
I shifted in my seat, trying to adjust my tie as if it was the bane of my discomfort. My eyes flicked to Athena who was quietly sat beside me, her eyes fixed on the passing cityscape outside the window, as if they were art pieces being shown off. The soft glow of the streetlights danced across her face, highlighting the sharp angles of her cheekbones and the full curve of her lips.
Despite my best effort to look away, I couldn't help but to swallow thickly as my gaze drifted further down her body. The black strapless dress on her body was like a siren's call, drawing my attention to the creamy expanse of skin above the curved neckline of the dress.
I continued watching like a pervert as her breasts rose and fell with each breath she took, the fabric straining to contain them. I felt a stirring in my groin, and I bit down on my lip as I tried hard to contain the obscure feeling that was blooming within me.
She looked effortlessly beautiful tonight.
My hands clenched into fists, the leather creaking beneath my fingers like a death grip. I was trying to be good, to keep my distance, but my body was betraying me. The way the dress hugged her curves, the way her dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, it was all doing things to me and I wouldn't think twice before bending her over the backseat, but I couldn't, because I had thought twice.
She tore her gaze away from the blurry cityscapes as her eyes flicked towards me, and for a moment, our gazes met. I saw a flash of awareness, a spark of attraction before she looked away, her cheeks spotting a rosy dust.
I leaned back in my seat, trying to put some distance between us but it was no use. The scent of her perfume, sweet and floral filled the air and was invading my thoughts with its temptation of wanting to do things to her.
I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto Athena's side profile like a hawk swooping in on its prey. My voice was low, but with an undercurrent of warning that made the air vibrate with tension. "Athena." I called. "You're only to speak when being spoken to, and if my parents doesn't ask you anything, you don't need to say a word."
Athena's gaze didn't flicker from the view outside the car, she continued to stare out the window, her profile had on a mask of indifference, not acknowledging my presence, my words, as her eyes were glued on some point beyond the glass. Her shoulders were squared, her back straight, but I could sense the tension radiating from her like a palpable force. The city lights danced across her face which casted an eerie shadows in the hollows of her cheeks, making her look like a marble statue, cold, beautiful and unyielding.
An irked feeling rose up my guts as I wasn't used to being ignored, and this new attitude she was putting on was like a match struck against the rough surface of my control.
"Athena." I growled with a daunting tone which was like a crack of thunder in the stillness of the car.
She scoffed, a tiny, derisive sound that made my eyes narrow into slits. Who did she think she was? My jaw clenched as I wasn't a fan of her newly acquired personality, the muscles in my cheeks flexing with tension because I call the shots here.
"Athena, I'd suggest you throw that attitude out the window." I advised, my voice dripping with irritation.
Her head whipped around and I took in her contrasted eyes which flashed with so much… hatred? "Or what? You'd gouge my eyes out or put a bullet in between my eyebrows?" Her voice was laced with sarcasm, but beneath it, I detected a hint of hurt, like the faintest whisper of a scream.
I was taken aback by the tone of her voice and by her choice of words. I've only known the girl for a little while and I know she doesn't get upset, she was always so cheerful and...composed. So, I must've done something wrong.
I reached out to her with my hand closing around her jaw like a vice, I turned her face towards me, leaving just few space in between our faces. She felt so small, so fragile, and yet, she was like fire in my hands, her skin burning with a quiet fury made the compartment around my heart fissured.
"Tell me, what's wrong." I demanded, my voice low and rough which made her shiver slightly.
Her glossy eyes flashed up to mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of vulnerability, like a crack in the armor of her control. "Y-you didn't keep your promise." She whispered, her voice barely audible, a soft melody that sliced through my defenses like a knife through silk and I wasn't liking it, I detested it.
My gaze drifted to her lips which was painted in a deep, luscious red, like a sinful temptation that I was trying so hard to resist. I couldn't think of anything other than claiming ownership of her mouth, marking her as mine and doing sinful things to her. The thought of having her lips on mine made my pants strain, and I knew I had to stop having these lustful thoughts about her.
I let go of her jaw, my fingers lingering on her skin for a fraction of a second like a brand that left a lasting mark. I didn't apologize to her after listening to her complaint, I couldn't because I never apologize to people and I'm not about to start now.
"I'll adjust." I simply told her, my voice even as my eyes locked onto hers, like a challenge thrown into the face of fate.
The silence in the car was oppressive, a heavy blanket that suffocated us both. I let it stretch out as the only sound that was being heard was the soft hum of the engine and Athena's gentle breathing.
Then, without looking at her, I reached out for her hand with my fingers closing around her wrist like a shackle. She didn't pull away, she didn't flinch, but I felt a tiny tremble in her pulse which made an askance smirk find its way to my lips.
I brought out the little case from my chest pocket which was a velvet box that whispered a soft hum of splendor and luxury. I opened it, the ring glistening in the dim light like a promise of fire. Athena's eyes widened and her gaze locked onto the golden band, the lone stone sparkling like a star in the dark as I slid the ring onto her finger which fit perfectly like the idea of the golden craftsmanship was inspired by her, and was made solely for her.
The ring was a masterpiece, a golden band with a stone that seemed to shift and shimmer in the light, like the moon on a summer night. Athena's eyes sparkled, her face alight with a quiet wonder that made my chest ache in an uncomfortable way. She admired it, her fingers trembled as she slowly turned her hand sideways with the ring glimmering softly.
The appreciative look on her face made me momentarily forget the lies, the deceit, the reasons behind this farce. All I saw was a girl whose left eye shone like smoky quartz stones that seemed to hold a thousand secrets within its depths. And her right eye, gleaming like lush forests of the tropics which was vibrant and full of life.
Her eyes were like a treasure trove of wonder, which both drew me in with an irresistible allure and I was captivated by the beauty and mystery that shines through them.
But reality snapped back into place and I dropped her hand, my fingers tingling with the memory of her soft skin against mine. We sat there in silence for a moment, the tension between us thick and heavy till we got to my parents house.
"Behave when we're in." I whispered in a low rumble as my words came out like a caution.
Athena nodded, her eyes still fixated on the ring with a soft smile playing on her lips. I felt a surge of tension as I stepped out of the car, the cool night air which felt like a welcoming slap on my face.
I turned, offering Athena my hand which she gladly took, her fingers were warm against mine as we both walked into the lion's den, the grand entrance of my parents' house which loomed before us like a next level challenge.