Chapter 53 - The Line She Won't Cross
Their foreheads rested together as their breathing slowly steadied.
Athena could still feel the warmth of his mouth on hers. The way her body hummed from being pressed against him. The way every instinct inside her wanted to stay exactly where she was.
Silas's hands were still at her waist.
Her fingers still twisted into his shirt.
Neither of them moved.
And that was the problem.
Reality returned in a sudden, painful wave.
Athena's hands loosened first.
She stepped back.
Not far.
But enough that the space between them felt noticeable.
Silas saw it immediately.
His expression shifted.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
Athena swallowed hard.
"I can't," she said.
He didn't misunderstand.
His voice remained calm. "You do not want this?"
Her eyes snapped up to his.
"I do," she admitted quickly. "That's the problem."
She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to settle the storm inside her chest.
"I'm still married."
The words felt heavy. Ugly. Real.
Silas didn't argue.
Didn't try to minimize it.
He simply nodded once.
"I know."
Athena's voice softened.
"I won't cross that line. Not until it's done. Not until it's over."
There was no hesitation in her tone.
Only conviction.
Silas's respect for her deepened visibly.
"You have my word," he said. "Nothing will happen that you do not choose."
Athena nodded, relief mixing with frustration.
"I need to end it," she whispered.
Silas studied her carefully.
"With him."
She nodded again.
"I need to speak to my husband."
Silence hung between them.
This was the first time she had said the word husband since arriving here.
And it felt foreign.
Silas didn't hesitate.
"I will arrange it."