Alex

 

“It’s been three years! Why don’t I have grandchildren till now Alex? Are you impotent? Should I adopt one for you?” Mum takes a jab at me and I grind my teeth so hard.

 

Don’t get me wrong,  I love her. But she can be extremely annoying.

 

“Should I leave?” I threaten her, making her pass her glass to Dad who just shrugs.

 

Eli King may be ruthless but his wife has him wrapped around her finger. He would never take anyone else’s side.

 

Love whipped.

 

Makes me sick to my stomach but I love it for them.

 

“I’m sorry dear. But you know I’m right. It’s  been too long!”

 

“How can they have kids when they can’t even come to a function together? Makes me want to smoke a cigarette but I made a promise and you’re making me want to break it!” Nana complains, joining the wagon of torture Alex day.

 

“I had work. Noah will bring her.” I respond flatly.  Ignoring her threat to start smoking again when her heart is already weak.

 

“There she is!” Mum’s voice beams making us all turn to where she’s rushing to. This is one thing I’ll never understand.

 

How the fuck does she have my entire family wrapped around her finger?

 

I fix my features into something less irritated and more presentable as my mother rushes toward Athena, all smiles and warmth.

 

My jaw tightens. It never fails to amaze me how effortlessly she wins them over. Even Nana—who barely likes anyone—is practically beaming at her.

 

Athena walks toward us with slow, measured steps, her posture perfect, her expression unreadable.

 

I have to give it to her. She plays her role damn well. It’s a pity our marriage has been a secret.  My family thinks it’s because I want to protect Athena but in truth, it’s because I don’t want any fuss when I marry Leah.

 

She will be my wife. She’s the only one who knows of my condition and is still willing to stay by my side. I bet if Athena knew, she’d run for the hills.

 

Leah will have to work hard to get on their good side. But that doesn’t matter. She’ll be my wife soon enough, and they’ll have no choice but to accept her.

 

Athena stops a few feet away, her gaze darting toward me briefly before looking at my mother, who pulls her into an eager embrace.

 

“There you are, dear. You look beautiful.” My mother fusses, adjusting Athena’s jet-black hair as if she’s truly her daughter. It makes my stomach turn.

 

Nana steps closer, her green eyes scanning Athena’s face. “Are you feeling alright?”

 

That makes my blood boil because I notice it too. The sadness in her eyes and honestly,  it’s fucking ridiculous!

 

We made a deal so why does she look like she didn’t see it coming?

 

Athena blinks, caught off guard. “Yes, I—”

 

I don’t let her finish.

 

Wrapping an arm around her waist, I pull her flush against my side, ignoring the way she stiffens. I dig my nails slightly into her waist to keep her positioned and plaster a smile on my face.

 

“She’s just tired from work, right, sweetheart?” I say aloud.

 

“Don’t fuck this up,” I murmur low enough for only her to hear.

 

Athena nods stiffly, her lips pressing into a thin line.

 

Nana scoffs. “Work, huh? That’s no excuse. You’ll make an excellent doctor but I want to see great-grandchildren before I die.”

 

Athena’s body jerks slightly against mine, but I hold her in place.

 

“I’m serious,” Nana presses, her gaze bouncing between us. “It’s important.”

 

“Well,” Noah, who I didn’t notice was standing with us chimes in with a smirk.

 

Of course, he stayed back so she could walk in alone to avoid misunderstanding in case word goes out that she is my wife.

 

Ever so considerate and devoted sometimes I wonder if it’s me he’s related to.

 

“They could always just divorce if they don’t plan on having kids. That would make things easier, wouldn’t it?” Noah laughs.

 

But he’s laughing alone because everyone else is quiet.

 

A topic forbidden in our family. I glare at him to shut up.

 

“Divorce? From a Kings bloodline?” Mum laughs. Pausing.

 

“That would be the death of him!”

 

“Don’t joke about such things, Noah! You know how much we value family!” Dad joins in and I almost roll my eyes.

 

Nana is quiet, and I can feel her eyes on me. So I chuckle, deliberately lighthearted, turning to Athena.

 

“We would never. If it happened then it would be because she got tired of me!” I throw in the Joke, tasting the waters.

 

“Well, you better pray that doesn’t happen!” Mum warns.

 

I hold Athena’s gaze, my grip on her waist tightening as I silently dare her to play along. But Athena, stubborn as ever, remains quiet. She doesn’t smile, doesn’t nod, doesn’t give in.

 

My irritation spikes.

 

I exhale sharply, forcing a laugh that sounds a little too strained.

 

“Excuse us for a moment,” I announce, steering Athena away from prying eyes before anyone can question our sudden exit.

 

We don’t stop until we’re out of sight, down an empty hallway lined with dimly chandeliers. The second we’re alone, I slam her back against the wall.

 

Her breath hitches.

 

I lean in, one hand bracing beside her head, the other gripping her waist with more force than necessary.

 

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Athena.” My voice is low, threatening. “What the fuck did I tell you to do?”

 

She tilts her chin up, defiant. “I didn’t realize I was required to laugh at your every joke.”

 

My eyes rake over her now that I can finally get a proper look.

 

Fuck.

 

That dress is lethal.

 

Silky, fitted, teasing just enough skin without looking sloppy.  It clings to her like a second skin, highlighting the soft curves I’ve had beneath me more times than I can count….

 

What am I doing? I shouldn’t even be staring in the first place!

 

Why did you then? A little annoying voice taunts me but I brush it off.

 

My fingers twitch, my anger shifting into something else entirely.

 

I watch her throat bob as she swallows, her breathing uneven. She’s trying to keep herself together, but I see it.

 

The way her hands fist at her sides. The way her lips part slightly when my thumb brushes over her hip, barely there.

 

She’s not unaffected.

 

Good.

 

If I’m going to suffer through this night, then so is she.