🌹 s e v e n
♛
Had she been staring at him for more than a minute? She didn't know. But what she did know was she was starting to accept that there was no way out of Aidoneus' hold. She just have to know where this would go.
She shied away from his touch, she couldn't handle his intense gaze. She looked at the moon instead and let out a breath. The silent night accompanying them. And as she looked at the moon that night, she came to a decision. She only prayed this would go well.
"You really wouldn't give me up?" She saw him nod, although his face looked solemn his eyes was set in that familiar look of determination. "And you really wouldn't let me go?" Another nod, she sighed. "Okay."
"Okay?" He asked like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I clearly don't have the choice whether I could go home or not, so I'm giving you a chance Aidoneus." She looked at him and it was her first time seeing such a hopeful look on his face that she couldn't help but feel bad... almost. "This doesn't mean I'm giving up in wanting to be freed. I'm giving you this chance because I know no matter how hard and set you are on keeping me here, I know you're a good man and you wouldn't ever hurt me." Physically that is. She had cried because of him. "Because if you wanted to, then you should've hurt me already. You should've done it while I was so adamant on going home. You could've hurt me. But you didn't. You couldn't. So I'm giving you this chance." She willed herself not to crumble under his intense dark orbs. "Make me happy. Make me stay. Don't prove to me that I'm wrong about me not capable of loving you, prove to me that you're right about you being truly capable of loving me. Prove to me that you love me. Make me love you Aidoneus."
She didn't know how it happened but she was sitting there and the next thing she knew she was on his lap and his arms surrounded her, making her feel safe and warm and lovely. She sat there, her whole body stiffening but her insides were a total mess, screaming for her to wrap her arms around him too.
He let out an audible sigh. And it sounded a lot like a sigh of relief. "Thank you love." He squeezed gently, letting her know he was indeed grateful. "I wouldn't fail you. Not when you're giving me a chance that I don't deserve. Aiyana Selene Blumstein, I would make you love me. And if I fail, you could always push me to drown in that angry river." She didn't know if he was kidding.
"You're crazy."
"I'm serious." She pulled away but he only cupped her face and leaned his forehead on hers, her eyes widened from the proximity. He closed his eyes and let out another sigh. "Drown me. Kill me. I don't care what you do to me after. What purpose do I have to serve later in life if I couldn't even make the only woman that I love happy? If I couldn't even make her love me?" Her heart skipped a beat. And she hoped he didn't hear the drums inside her chest.
He opened his eyes, his dark orbs staring with a look so profound she almost forgot how to breathe. Why does Aidoneus always looks at her like he wants to worship her? Why does he always looks at her like she was some goddess he would praise?
"You don't know how grateful I am my love. Thank you. I'm not good at this but trust me, I'm gonna do my best to win you over." She had never seen a man as determined as Aidoneus. And she was afraid, this man was dangerous. Not because of his reputation but because of what she can see in him. Despite being the villain the people had unsuccessfully drilled into her mind, she can see goodness in him. She can see a broken man, one that could only be fixed by love. He was her crush a long time ago, he was also the same man she gave lavender roses too when in truth she needed the flowers more than him, she had been enamoured by him the first time too and now this. He's the man who will do anything, maybe even grovel and kneel before her just to make her love him. She was terrified because without him even knowing, she was beginning to harbor feelings for Aidoneus again just like before. But where before was only an innocent crush, now the feeling was more intense. She didn't know how to describe it, the only thing she knows is no man had ever made her heart race. Only him.
He was danger, so why does she feel so safe with him?
"Y-you can let go now." She whispered, her voice faltering at how close they were. How was she so comfortable with him? Her mind wanted him to go away but her body didn't want him to let go of her.
"Can I hold you for a moment love?" His voice was deep, filled with emotion. His dark eyes staring into her blue ones, his body hunched as he desperately tried to reach out and hold her as she scooted away slowly, afraid he might hear her heartbeat. Aidoneus looked so lonely, so alone, it was the most beautiful heart wrenching sight she saw. How can someone be so beautiful when he's sad?
"Okay." Before she could think about answering, her mouth already betrayed her. And it was like he was waiting for her permission, he pulled her closer, his arms wrapped around her small form like a blanket in a cold winter night. Aidoneus was warm and hard against her, she haven't felt this comfort in her life. She scooted closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and she could hear his breathing, could feel his heart beating.
The river below serenaded them, the breeze whispering in their ears making her shiver and he gladly pull her closer. She closed her eyes as she felt a wave of drowsiness seep into her system starting from her heavy lids.
He kissed her head and she was too tired to argue, so she let him be. His hands went to her hair and where before she felt sleepy now she was sure she was going to fall asleep in Aidoneus' arms. He rubbed his hands on her back, his lips grazing the crown of her head as they let the night drag on. The stars twinkling above, the moon, big and was looking down as if saying he was right about the both of them being together and the river gently gushed, narrating a tale untold. And as she fell asleep that night, she realized how right it was to fall asleep on the arms of death.
She woke up feeling better than last night. The party and Delian long forgotten as she remembered Aidoneus. How hopeful, determined and sincere he looked. How handsome he was. It was illegal to be that handsome.
She slapped her face once. Now was not the time to fangirl over her long time crush also known as her kidnapper.
She sighed as she got out of bed. Aidoneus must have put her to bed last night. She admired how respectful he was towards her. Never did he tried to take advantage of her despite the fact that he was in love with her. And love comes with lust. If it was another man, she might have been sexually harassed by now.
She was still in her gown the night before. She went to her bathroom and freshened up. Now wearing a cream sweater and jeans that she retrieved from the huge closet, she roamed the house until she found herself in the kitchen looking for some ingredients to cook for her breakfast. Is Aidoneus home? Perhaps she should make him one. She decided to keep it simple, bacons and eggs. She knew Aidoneus liked coffee too so she should make that. She shook her head, she was acting like his wife. She reached out for some pan inside the many cabinets of the kitchen. She jumped once, twice, wanting to reach for it. When she couldn't reach it, she grabbed a stool by the counter, stood on top of it and picked up the pan. She shook her hips side by side feeling happy at her success. She has such shallow happiness.
"What are you doing my Lady?" A voice that belonged to an old man asked behind her. She turned around her eyes big, she saw an old man who watched her quizzically and Aidoneus whose lips was quirked up in amusement, and for a moment she had forgotten that she was standing on a stool, her feet slipped sending her flat on the ground the pan clanking on the floor.
She waited for pain but a deep voice woke her instead as she opened her eyes. Aidoneus had caught her, preventing her from probably loosing a tooth and breaking a limb.
"Be careful my love. Are you okay?" He whispered, his voice soft and full of concern, his arms still coiled around her. She gulped, every inch of her is pressed against his hard muscles.
"Uhh..." She didn't know what to say.
"Forgive me my Lady, are you alright?" The old man spoke. He wore a suit, his expensive looking cane making a sound as he worriedly walk towards them. She pushed Aidoneus away from her but he was not having it, instead he held her close.
"I-I'm fine. Who a-are you?" She hoped that didn't come out as rude.
"Love, meet Charon Price. My assistant." Aidoneus introduced. "But he wouldn't be any longer for scaring you like that."
The old man only shook his head while smiling softly at them. "I apologize my Lady, I didn't mean to scare you." He looked like he could be her grandpa. He has this welcoming look on his face.
"It's fine. Really. Nice to meet you Mr. Price."
"She's a lovely girl my Lord." She blushed.
Aidoneus looked proud. He nodded, "You're dismissed for today Charon."
The old man bowed in respect and quickly made himself scarce but not before sending her a soft smile in which she couldn't help but smile back.
"Are you really alright love? Nothing hurts?"
She faced him and took his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze to assure him she was fine. "I'm fine. I'm just going to make breakfast. What do you want?" She figured she could just ask him what he wants for breakfast but his reply surprised her, even when it shouldn't.
"I don't eat breakfast love." How unhealthy was that?
"Well you're going to now. Sit." She moved on to the ingredients she laid on the counter when she realized how rude she sounded. She looked at him and apologetically spoke, "Please?"
Aidoneus smiled.
They spent that morning in the kitchen, eating, talking, staring. He mostly did the staring, she was too shy to look at his intense gaze. She couldn't handle that.
When they finished eating, Aidoneus' phone rang. But he made no move no answer it.
"Aren't you going to answer that?" She asked as she started to collect the plates.
"No. Let me help you love." Aidoneus stood up, helping her.
"It's fine. The call might be important." She knew in his line of work, any calls meant business. Aidoneus doesn't like playing around, he couldn't just give his number to some people for fun. He was an important person and everyone who isn't blind can see that. He exudes power and wealth everywhere he goes. Every story that was etched into her brain warned her about how dangerous and powerful he was but the most dangerous man she knew rejected the call, "Let them be my love. I want to spend the whole day with you." pushed her aside gently as he started washing the dishes that they used. She could only stare at him, not knowing what to do, what to think. She believed the stories alright, there were proofs but those that told the story didn't know Aidoneus, didn't live with him. She did and staring at him she realized his eyes weren't always angry and hateful like what they said, they were sad.
"Let me help you." As she reached for a plate, their fingers brushed against the bubbles. Perplexed with the sparks she felt, she looked at him as if he knew the answer. Did he felt that?But he too was already looking at her. His midnight eyes a shade darker as he looked at her, his jaw clenched.
He definitely felt it. Like what she always feel everytime their skins brushed.
She cleared her throat as she continued washing the dishes like nothing happened. Because nothing happened.
They washed the dishes together in silence when Aidoneus' phone rang once again.
"Pick it up Aidoneus. It could be an emergency." He sighed, wiped his hands, turned around and she could hear him mumble something along the lines of, "I only wanted to be with my love. Whoever's calling me is dead."
She almost laughed, but she settled with a smile as she looked at him. Who knew Aidoneus could be adorable?
He picked up his phone and answered it. He didn't even greet whoever it was on the other line. "State your business." He moved away from her and she continued with the dishes. She thought he had walked away for some privacy but when she felt his arms around her and his head on her shoulder she knew then that he didn't really want to leave. She didn't move away, her heart doing somersaults inside her chest.
Aidoneus was silent as he listened to the other line. She heard him groan as she dried the last plate and set it aside.
"Fine. I'll be there." And with that he ended the call.
She turned around and face him only to find him frowning. "I really want to spend the day with you love but my presence is in dire need at the office. I have to go."
She only smiled. "It's fine Aidoneus. We could still spend the night together." Before she could stop herself, she had already said that outloud and much to her horror of how wrong it sounded. "Uhh, I mean, when you come home, not like what you're thinking, not like that. And it's not like I know what you're thinking," she paused, she wanted to save herself from the embarrassment but it looked like she embarrassed herself more as she saw Aidoneus let out a soft laugh. It was her first time seeing him like that.
"I know what you mean love. I promise I would come home to you and then we could spend the night together like what you're thinking. But it's not like I know what you're thinking, right?" He teased earning a blush from her.
"Uhm, don't you have work to go to?" Can he please just go, she wanted to save herself from further embarrassment.
He pull her closer to him, embracing her and kissing her head softly. "I'll see you tonight my love."
♛
Aidoneus wasn't home yet. It was already 10 in the evening. She couldn't sleep too. Sighing, she got out of bed and made her way towards the balcony. She sat there and stared at the countless stars. The moon had robbed the sun of its light, shining brightly upon her as she smiled towards it. It was such a lovely night but it would be even lovelier if Aidone--
"Why are you out here love?"
Her eyes widened in excitement as she turned around and saw Aidoneus standing there in his business suit. His tie loose and the first three buttons of his black shirt was unbuttoned like he was ready to undress and sleep after a tiring day. He looked so unhinged, but he managed to look so beautiful. He looked so handsome. Never had she encountered a man this handsome in her life. What did his parents do when they conceived him?
"Aidoneus." He moved towards her and took a seat by her side. He stared at her, waiting for her answer. "I can't sleep. I-I was waiting for you." She whispered the last part to herself but with the silence that surrounded them she was sure he heard it. And she confirmed that when she saw him smile.
"I'm sorry I came home late. There were... just a lot of things going on." He explained, not wanting to explain further. And she respected that. He didn't want her to feel burdened by his problems.
"You could talk to me anytime you want." She offered and he gave her a grateful smile as he looked away and stared at the stars instead.
She sensed that something was bothering him. He looked like the man from the stories she heard, not the Aidoneus she had come to know. He looked upset, angry and hateful. Poor stars, they were the receiving end of his glare.
"Do you watch the stars at night Aidoneus?" She wanted his eyes to soften again. At her question, he looked at her.
"Not really." He answered.
She made a 'tsk' sound. "You're really missing out on something so beautiful."
"I think not." She looked at him only to see him staring at her. His eyes as dark as the night was now staring at her with admiration.
Her cheeks went scarlet as she cleared her throat. "M-my favorite one is Virgo. You see that constellation up there with one big lucid and bright blue-white star?" She pointed to him and she could feel him nod. They were too close but she didn't pay attention to their proximity, too transfixed with her story. "It is said to be the grain of wheat that Virgo holds in her hand. That star's name is Spica, it's 600 times brighter than the Sun. Imagine if it's the same distance as the Sun is to Earth? We would probably be blinded by its light." She knew she was rambling now, excited about the topic of constellations.
"But why is it your favorite?" She heard Aidoneus ask.
"It personifies Persephone, Goddess of Spring. Her mother grieved her absence that she neglected her role as the Goddess of Fertility. People suffered because of that, that Zeus decided to intervene. Hades, Persephone's husband and Demeter, her mother, decided to compromise after knowing Persephone ate the pomegranate seeds at the underworld. She was to spend half of the year with her mother which led to believing Summer and Spring was born and the other half of the year she'll spend it with Hades in which Fall and Winter was believed to have begun. Virgo can only be seen around Spring and Summer and it'll be gone from the night sky on Fall and Winter." She smiled as she explained.
"What happened to Hades and Persephone?" She was surprised that he was still listening. The people whom she shared the story to would never bother listening and would be sleepy by the time she finished the story. Aidoneus though, looked so interested.
"Hades was enchanted by Persephone the first time he saw her that he decided to take her to the underworld and she was enamoured by him later on. He remained faithful to her, waiting for her return everytime she ascended and spend the time with her mother."
"Didn't he feel lonely?"
"He must have been. Being away from the woman he deeply loved for a long time, it must have been agonizing for him. Hades was the epitome of darkness and grief. He would spend his time with Persephone only to grieve when she returns to the upper grounds again. Imagine doing that for the rest of your lifetime? But of course, it's all a myth."
He felt his hand seizing hers. She looked down to see that he had intertwined their hands. "Aidoneus--"
"I wondered what he thought when he first saw Persephone then." He started.
"That she was beautiful and he wanted her to be his wife. He wanted her to rule by his side." She answered, pausing for a while when she realized that Aidoneus had asked the question because of how similar their situation is. She too, like Persephone, was kidnapped by a man who claimed to love her. "What did you think of me when you first saw me Aidoneus? What did you feel that you have to go beyond morals to the point of kidnapping me?" She didn't said it out of spite, she asked out of curiosity.
He tucked a strand into her ear, squeezing her hand gently in his. "You were dancing with the children then. Your white dress, your flower crown, your eyes, your smile, everything about you, you were so beautiful my love. I had never been in love before and I didn't know what I was feeling. But if what I was feeling was love then I'd gladly risk everything to be with you. I never prayed. But I did that day. I prayed to whoever was listening, 'Please don't let her be in love with someone else. Please let her be with me.' And when I followed you for two months, I was sure I was in love with you."
"H-how?" Her heart was beating wildly in her chest by now, she was afraid it would come out.
He gently caressed her cheeks and took her right hand into his chest. She followed the movement and under her palm the strongest and untamed heartbeat laid beneath it. She looked at him to find his eyes sad but he smiled at her. Aidoneus looked so broken she wanted to fix him. "That was dead before you. And when you came that never stopped beating."
How could someone feel so strongly for another? How could he love her so? When they barely know each other?
His heart was beating even wildly than hers. "Aidoneus I--" She paused, not knowing what to say.
"It's okay love. I promised you I would make you love me." He smiled causing her to smile too.
His eyes went to her lips then back to her eyes again. She was almost sitting on his lap, her hand on his chest as he kissed her palm, while his other hand caressed her cheek. Slowly, he leaned in. Her eyes fluttered close too enchanted by this moment. She could feel his breath on her lips. She felt his lips brush against hers but before they could end what they started, series of barks were heard and they quickly pull away from each other, the trance broken.
"Spots." Aidoneus groaned. The dog barked and made his way to them.
"His name is Spots? Not Drogo or whatever demonic name there is?" She asked incredulously.
He pet the dog, rubbing his hand on his head while laughing softly. "No love, his name is Spots and he isn't some demon, he's the demon."
She let out a chuckle and she saw how Aidoneus eyes soften immensely at the sound, almost like he was watching her dreamily. "Why Spots?"
"Because he always finds everything and everyone. He can spot them as long as you tell him who to find. He's reliable. He's my best friend." Her heart had melted at his words and at the sight. Aidoneus, the most dangerous man she knew was petting his dog while asking him who was the goodest boy of all.
She let them play, her watching everything. Unconsciously, she was smiling the whole time.
"Love?"
"Hmm?" Aidoneus was smiling. He scooted closer and picked her up, she let out a squeal of surprise as he deposited her in his lap.
"Aidoneus?" She scolded half-heartedly. His arms only went around her as he kissed her head.
"I missed you." He confessed.
She didn't know what to say to that. She had missed him too but she was still in her right mind and she didn't want to embarrass herself like what she did earlier that day.
"Love?" He called some time later.
"Yes?"
"I was meant to tell you something earlier before I got side tracked."
"What is it?"
"Pack your bags." She pulled away from his embrace and stared at him confused. He's not letting her go home, right? Because that wouldn't be Aidoneus.
"What?" She asked. He kissed her cheeks and whispered in her ear, earning a shiver from her.
"I'm taking you to Paris."