Chapter 17: Athena Springton

Serenity gasped, clutching the sides of the toilet seat for support. She could feel it coming up and it did. She threw up again. She was far too in pain and dizziness to think clearly. Although Alessandro was behind her all the time, pulling her hair off the way and rubbing her back, she was embarrassed and thankful at the same time.

She knew she shouldn't have watched TV especially after the turbulence, when the back of her head started hurting but she foolishly brushed it off and now she was dealing with the uncalled consequences. This was the 4th time she threw up in the last 2 hours.

"Feeling better?" he asked her slowly.

Serenity wordlessly nodded, too exhausted to reply.

Alessandro snaked his hands under her knees and one around her waist and lifted her up.

"Wai- lemme brush- my teeth" she mumbled, stopping him.

He carried her over to the sink and helped her stand. She quickly did her necessities and even washed her face before giving him a nod.

Alessandro again picked her up and carried her back to her convertible little bed. He carefully placed her down and she snuggled onto the soft seats.

"Do you want anything, love?" he asked.

Serenity mumbled another 'No'

He sat down by her side and ran his fingers through her hair. Serenity let out a mewl of satisfaction and cuddled up to his warm calloused hands.

Alessandro was tense, if he knew she had air-sickness then he would have installed a comfortable bedroom or a small clinic with a doctor on board. He rarely slept on flight so he didn't deemed it necessary to have one but now, he took a mental note to have it equipped to the fullest since he is going to stick his little red head to his side often. She hadn't eaten anything for 5 hours and it worried him that she was in pain and he couldn't do a thing

"Rest a little, love. We would be landing in an hour's time." he caressed her hair, just like the way she wanted.

"T-Thank you, Alessandro" Serenity gave him a worn out smile.

He leaned down and kissed her eye lids, her cute button nose, her cheeks and her forehead. He stopped as he looked down at the soft petals of lips. They looked rather inviting and succulent. He had never seen a girl with such pinkish natural lips before. But Alessandro wasn't someone who would forward such an intimate act without being consented first. His eyes traveled back to her amethyst pool and she was staring at him-nervous and confused.

Her innocence would be the death of him one day.

He planted another kiss on her chin and witnessed her cheeks burning up crimson.

The jet landed perfectly fine. It was a long 11 hours journey. Serenity was drained and jet lagged by the end of it while Alessandro didn't look any different. He delicately assisted her back to the ground.

Her cheeks hurt from blushing too much, Alessandro carried her princess style even if she literally begged him that she is capable of walking herself. He was so caring and territorial.

"We have to go through the airport security checks. It will only take a few minutes" he informed her as they sat down on the car that had come to escort them up to the exit.

Serenity was drowsy so she leaned her head against his shoulder. In such a short span of time, he had grown on her and now the man she used to be terrified of was providing her comfort. Had she went with Alicia on her jet, Serenity doubted she will have this change of heart. Alessandro wasn't as intimidating as she thought of him to be when he treated her with such care and delicacy.

Once all the formalities were complete, they walked up to the Vitali's men who were waiting for them. Serenity's smile brightened when she saw that Simone, Alicia and Antonio were already present.

"Hi!" Alicia waved and gave her a mischievous look.

Serenity bit her lips shyly as she nudged Alessandro to put her down. But the hill of a man didn't even bulge.

"I promise I can walk! Please I am not that sick." she tried convincing him.

Alessandro finally complied with her wishes and placed her back on her feet but his arm around her waist didn't leave.

"Possessive much huh?" Simone teased.

Alessandro gave him a bored look.

Serenity noticed the various men in black suit, guarding the perimeter they were in. The security seemed to be much stricter than they were in Dublin. Italy and America were where the Italian mafia mostly ruled and she didn't think it should come off as a surprise as she had done most of the basic research when she was in the Crystal mansion.

There was a line of sleek black SUV s hailed a few feet away from them. Alessandro guided her towards one of them and opened the door like a gentleman. She gave him a soft smile and climbed in. Just when he was about to climb in after her, his phone rang. He looked down at the screen and immediately tense up.

"Simone" he shouted

Simone was just getting inside his car when he heard Alessandro.

"Yes" he strolled towards them.

Alessandro clenched his jaws and tightly looked at the puzzling face of Serenity who was expecting him to join her in the vehicle.

He turned to Simone, "I have somewhere important to be. Serenity is sick, Call Dr. Benson to be available in the mansion before you reached. It would not be good for you if I find a hint of distress on her face when I come back. I trust you to be in charge of her health."

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on her forehead, "I will be back soon, love."

"B-But where are you going?" she asked timidly.

Alessandro stared at her in the eyes but didn't answer her. Serenity got the memo that it was none of her business; she looked down quietly and nodded her head like an obedient girl.

Alessandro closed the door with a frustrated sigh.

"What happened?" Simone looked at him worriedly.

"I have to go meet Athena Springton at Clayton St."

Simone gaped at him, bewildered "What about Serenity?"

Alessandro raised an eyebrow, "What about her?"

"She is your woman. You claimed her! You cannot just cheat on her!" he exclaimed.

"I do not cheat Simone. You know me better than anyone else." Alessandro started walking away.

"But I don't understand you when you're tangled with Springton. Who the hell is she to you anyway?"

He stilled for a moment.

His knuckles tightened on its accord as he glanced over his shoulder.

"A past I am indebted to."

***

Alessandro never liked unfolding his past to anyone, not his family, not his siblings and definitely not just somebody. There were only two people alive who knew him inside out- his father, Giovanni Vitali and the one girl who had witnessed and consolidated him, Athena Springton.

It had almost been a couple of years since he had seen Springton and he still can blindly point her out in the midst of thousands. She still dressed herself in skimpy tights just the way he remembered and her hair was dyed platinum blonde. She sat regally like a queen with poised etiquette that would have had a royal jealous. He knew she hadn't noticed him yet but then again he could never figure out how her twisted mind works.

The high end restaurant was almost deserted except for a couple of she-socialites who were calmly having some evening dinner. He scanned the people around, nothing suspicious, as he walked in.

"Alessandroooooo!" Athena screeched in an annoyingly high pitched voice as she basically threw herself on him.

Alessandro promptly took a step back having caught completely off guard.

"Oh baby, I missed you so much! When did you get back? Ireland did you good, you look so much hotter now. I can't wait to get you in bed!" she giggled with a seductive smile, pushing her tantalizing body into his.

"What the fuck? Athena! Get off me" Alessandro hissed under his breath.

Athena smirked cheekily, "I know you missed me too. Baby, I know you're upset that I went out with Brandon behind your back but please trust me, he manipulated me. I didn't cheat on you willingly." she pouted, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Athe-"

"I love you so much baby. I miss your touches, your body and our wild amazing sex. I am sorry I would never cheat on you again. Trust me." she hugged him tighter like a possessed wench.

"Athena- What the- Have you lost it?" Alessandro gasped when she kissed his cheek and struggled to push her off.

She leaned forward to his ear, "Play along, asshole. I got people watching me." she hissed back.

Alessandro froze and hesitatingly wrapped his hands around her small waist.

A minute or two later, she pushed him way harshly with a disgusted sneer.

"Ew! I can't believe I did that!" she grabbed the napkin on the table and brutally rubbed her lips.

Alessandro scoffed, fixing his suit and sitting down on the chair. He realized the other two women had left.

Athena pulled out a disinfectant spray from her side bag and sprayed it all over herself.

"I do not have a viral disease Athena." he said monotonously.

"Who cares?" she snapped grimly and sat down.

Alessandro roamed his eyes around noted the change in the environment subtly, "What was that?"

"Mom's keeping a tab on me. She fears that I will do something tragic after what happened last time. I am sure she won't mind me whoring around though."

Alessandro raised an eyebrow.

"What do you steal this time?"

Athena looked offended, "Who do you take me as? A thief?"

He smirked, "Let's not forget our roots, now shall we?"

"I did no such things but..." she drawled, smiling slyly," I do am planning on some tornadoes. You in?"

"And what will these 'tornadoes' do?" Alessandro chuckled.

She twirled a finger around a strand of her platinum blonde locks and pouted innocently.

"Destruction...Big fat Damnation!"

Alessandro enjoyed her wild side. Athena was a different case. She was crazy, hard headed and cunning. If it hadn't been for their past entwined with each other, he would have missed out meeting this wonderful woman. She, just like him, was an enigma. a mystery and maybe that was why they understood each other better than anyone else.

"Okay...Why should I help you then?"

Athena stared at him with a disgusted look, "Help? I didn't ask for your help, loser! It's you who had been pestering me with your debt for almost a decade. Now is the perfect chance to repay me."

Alessandro straightened up, "You mean you're serious about this?"

"O.M.G" she shook her head in disbelief, "Do you think I call you here to gossip nonsense like the high school rumour mill? Puh-lease Alessandro! Of course I am serious."

He frowned heavily, "What are you planning to do, Athena?"

Athena looked away into a distance and a soft smile lifted on her face.

Alessandro was shocked to see a glimpse of vulnerability in her steel grey eyes before she masked it away like always.

"I am going to steal my life back." she whispered back.

"Are you sure you want this?"

Athena blinked rapidly, strutting back from the dim zone. The depressive minute of weakness all gone and now replaced by the confident smart Springton bitchy smile. She smirked and clicked her teeth with her tongue.

"You gotta buy me drinks, Remember?" a wicked gleam appeared in her eyes. "It's going to be a long night, Vitali."

Alessandro rolled his eyes heavenwards, "I apologize in advance but I am not dealing with your drunken ass tonight. I have someone to go back to."

She laughed out loud, "As if you got a choice. Drop me back at Mina's apartment...So the rumors are true, The Ice Prince is finally whipped! You like her, don't you?"

Alessandro didn't reply.

"You know what they say 'Make hay while the sun shines'. Sort out yourself first Vitali before you dragged her in your mess. Girls like boys who are clean."

He ignored her words and rang the bell on the table to call a server. As soon as the waiters approached, Athena ordered beers and whiskies without labeling a name.

"Serenity is going to CPIE. I would like to ask for a favor. Please watch out for her. She is very innocent and gullible. I do not trust Alicia's judgments when it comes to her." Alessandro said.

She groaned throwing her head back "Don't tell me that Medusa of your sister is gonna be there. She is seriously a pain in my ass."

"What's her name again?" she asked.

"Serenity, Serenity Rose O'Sullivan" he replied.

Athena didn't miss the little gleam in his eyes when he mentioned her.

The boy was seriously whipped.

***

Serenity flinched when she saw the price tags on another sleep wear of hers. The dresses they had shopped had arrived and were already placed in her room. She was to pick her favorites first then the maids will arrange accordingly in the wardrobe. She didn't expect the price tags to be so huge. The cheapest T shirt cost a hundred dollars.

She was saddened that she was using Alessandro's money; in fact she found it embarrassing. She had to pay him back somehow but then again she didn't have any money. She only had a few savings in her account and that wouldn't do anything.

Picking up a simple PJ shorts and a white camisole, she dragged her tired feet to the bathroom to freshen up.

It was almost seven and Alessandro still hadn't come back. She had no idea what happened but Alicia seemed to be mad and furious about something ever since they left the airport and Simone had suggested it would be best to avoid her for the day. She found him to be very sweet and friendly, even after a multiple attempt on convincing that she was fine and just jet-lagged, Simone had ordered Dr Benson to give her a full examination.

'I don't want your oh- so- possessive lover to slice my head. I am too handsome to die. It would be an injustice to the female population.' he said earning a giggle from her.

Drained from the long travel, she slipped under the covers.

It was a restless night; sleep came and went in minutes. Serenity was utterly exhausted. She was sleepy but couldn't sleep or she kept waking up every few minutes. She watched the tickling hands of the clock.

11. 12

The sound of the door knob chuckling made her sit up instantly. She let out a startled yelp when a large figure entered the room only to realize it was Alessandro.

"You're not asleep yet? What's wrong, love?" he stormed inside with a frown on his gorgeous face.

" I-It's just jet lag. I am alright." she said.

He sat down by the side of the bed and placed the back of his hand on her forehead to check for any temperature.

"You act like my mama, Alessandro." she giggled lightly. "I told you, I am alright."

"You won't understand, love" he muttered something incoherent under his breath.

"Have you had your dinner?" She asked him

Alessandro nodded. His fingers disappeared through her scalp as he gently massaged them. He head let out a soft purr of satisfaction as he continued, relaxing her nerves.

"Aren't you sleepy? I-Its okay...I can manage myself on my own. You should go and rest. You must be tired too."

He stayed silent but his eyes were on her.

Serenity could feel the heat rising up her neck and her tummy doing funny things at the intensity of his stare. She felt bothered but in a good way that couldn't be explained.

The night was calm and silent just the way the two youngsters were.

She cleared her throat, seeking his attention "Can I ask you something?"

He gave her a curt nod.

" I d-don't feel good using your hard earn money for my clothes. I-I was wondering if you would give me some time to p-pay you back. I-I will try to find some part time jobs and earn-"

"Shut up." Alessandro silenced her with hard eyes " I choose who I'd like to spend my Goddamn money on. You will not pay me back."

She pouted, not grasping the cold look he was giving her, "B-But I feel so bad. It won't even make me sleep properly at night. My mama said that we should never take things for granted and definitely not take advantage of other's kindness. The entire wardrobe cost more than my whole future. Do you know I can buy a dozen of cute dresses for 100 dollars in the thrift store but here they just put a brand tag and announce it for thousands. I even told Alicia to wait for the discounted days but she didn't agree. That was too much money. If you can't let me go out to work then, at least let me do some things for you."

He discreetly rolled his eyes at her absurd rambling. His little red head do not know her worth at all.

"You're exaggerating, love"

She suddenly squealed and sprinted up from the bed with an excited grin. She turned to Alessandro animatedly and clasped his hands in hers.

"I just got a brilliant idea. Alessandro." a chirpy smile glowed on her face.

"What is it?"

"I can work for you." she announced and nodded to herself with a humph!

Alessandro inwardly chuckled at her childish tactics.

"Oh Really?"

"Yes, Simone told me that you have an architectural firm here in Denver. I-I'm not that bad at designing. I could assist you as a part timer but-but that's only if you want me to."

Serenity beamed with a big puppy eyes.

"No-" Alessandro halted as he gave another thought to her request. She was willing to work for him and that could only mean them being together most of the time.

It was a cherry on top. She had only made his plan easier than expected. He needed to figure out his head as well as keep a close eye on her.

"Very well. You can join me after school for a few hours before going home." he gently caressed her hair.

Serenity squealed, bouncing on her bed. She held out her hand and Alessandro clasped it in his as they confirmed the deal with a handshake.

"Now go to sleep. Shss"

She nodded vigorously and slide inside her cover with a satisfied sigh. "Good night Alessandro."

A small smile quirked up on the corner of his mouth as he closed the door, "Good night love"

***

How was it?

Good?

Bad?

Or just meh?

Are you threatened by Athena? What do you think of her?

Drop your national flag people! (and guess what's mine)

Okay so I have decided to open an Instagram account solely for my book and little secret scenes here and there. Follow me there and I will follow you back (LMAO I sound stingy) anyways. I wanted to interact with more wattpaders on other social media platforms. It will be coooooooool guys.

Now the chapters are gonna spice up a lot with high school issues and office steam, possessive misters and jealous chicks!

Thank you so much for all your votes and comments and warm words. I really appreciate it. It makes my day every time.

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