The Acquisition of Athena (BWWM)

20; To Exploit

⋜ To take advantage of (a person, situation, etc.), especially unethically or unjustly, for one's own ends. ⋝

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Woods Media Center. Downtown Los Angeles, California.

Taiden couldn't explain how desperately he wanted this. How desperately he wanted to be with her. The feeling was both gratifying and alarming.

More so alarming since his need to be with Athena was incessant. The desire grew day by day. It was frightful to want a woman who he set out to destroy. And now, she could easily destroy him.

How did it come down to this? How did his desire to dominate the industry bring him here? He had wanted to extinguish his competition. He had wanted to take Healdsburg and dismantle it. And by doing so by any means possible.

But now, it seemed he'd lost that desire.

And found a new desire in Athena Reynolds.

Taiden was borderline infatuated with Athena. There was not a woman alive that had captured his admiration like her. He yearned for her affection and devotion.

She was supposed to be a means of getting control of the company. Taiden thought he could manipulate and use her and then cast her away. All he did was manage to tangle himself up in his web of tricks.

Taiden was at war with himself. He needed to finish this. He had to. This was everything he ever wanted to achieve. It was so close. He could have it all. He only had to make his next move. But he was hesitant. Because Taiden knew that the next move could severe his budding romance with Athena.

On the one hand, he could rule the world. Be the leader of the pack. And in the other hand, he could be a part of Athena's world. Where there weren't any glorious titles, but he'd be with her. And that came with a different kind of satisfaction.

And yet, there was no possible way to have both. His options were clear, but his decision was not.

Taiden didn't believe he could turn away from Athena. Despite their initial hostilities, being with her felt exceptional, like nothing else. He'd be a stupid man to ignore it. But one could argue he was a fool for putting pleasure before business.

He was a fool for his endeavors to date Athena. There was no strategic motive behind it. For once, Taiden's intentions were pure. He only wanted to spend the evening with Athena and get better acquainted.

The night had to be remarkable, unlike anything done before. Taiden wanted to show Athena there was more to him than she thought. That he could be a good man, or least be a better man.

Taiden left Athena to tend to business after their impromptu dance lesson. He returned to the media center as quickly as possible. Immediately he riddled off a list of instructions for his assistant to carry out.

"I need a reservation. No later than six tonight." He proclaimed once the elevators opened onto his office floor.

Collin Forrester was there to greet him at once. An uneasy smile on his face as he followed alongside Taiden's quick steps.

"Yes, sir. At your usual place?"

The usual place was an expensive Italian restaurant in Calabasas. It got overcrowded with movie stars and reality-tv celebrities. It was a perfect setting for a woman interested in trivial entertainment matters, but it was not the place for a woman like Athena.

Taiden dismissed the idea. "No. Find something upscale but intimate and private. Exclusive. No Kardashians or housewives."

Collin's reply was swift. "I know of an excellent place downtown. They offer an exquisite private lounge and have the city's best panoramic views. I'll take care of getting a reservation right away. But first, there is a matter of importance I must speak to—" The man rushed out.