CHAPTER ELEVEN
ALEXANDRA JONES
IT HAS BEEN A WEEK SINCE THE KISS, AND NOTHING.
He doesn’t have my number and neither do I, part of me is thankful for that. Mostly because if he didn’t text me then id have something to be upset about. I scan each of the new books we have gotten in the delivery before setting it aside, I watch Joey reading another book I suggested him. It was only midday, but I wanted to go home and sink into my bed, but I couldn’t even do that if I wanted to because of the project from Mrs Toffee.
The presentation is due this Friday.
I had nothing.
No ideas.
I told Maxine everything about what happened, and she gave me her motherly advice about how men deserve nothing and that I should be a lesbian instead.
I couldn’t help but give her a small smile.
I should take her advice.
She had been trying to get a reaction out of me all day. Maxine continues stacking the files until the sliding doors of the library opened, I glance up and my eyes widen when I see Ares walking through. I nudged Maxine, and she looked at me before back at him.
I grab the closed sign and place it on the counter in front of me.
“Alexandra,” Ares said, his voice firm and commanding.
I ignored him, pretending to focus on scanning more books.
“Can we talk.” It wasn’t a question; it was just another order. I slammed the book down and looked him right in those captivating eyes.
“Read the sign. Maxine can help you,” I said, trying to sound unaffected. I grab the books in one hand and turn to walk down the library aisles. I could feel him following my every step, but I remained determined to ignore him.
Ignore him.
Ignore.
Ignore.
I reach the aisle and walk inside, putting the box of books onto the trolley. “Butterfly,” he whispers, and I try to focus on my task, pushing the trolley past him.
But he stood in front of it, blocking my path.
“I’m working,” I said, trying to sound assertive. I shove a book onto the shelves and add a small sticker to the bottom of the spine. Turning back to the trolley, I open the next book, grabbing my stamp to mark it with the library code.
“You can’t ignore me forever,” Ares persisted, his voice softening slightly.
“I can try,” I mumble, not looking at him. “This is a good book for you,” I said, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism.
“How to communicate? By Luisa Canny,” he read the title and then pushed the book back onto the trolley. “I didn’t regret that kiss,” he confessed.
“Seemed like you did in the car,” I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.
“I didn’t. Fuck, I loved it,” he replied, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and apprehension at his words.
I slowly turn my head towards him, “You didn’t regret it?”
He shook his head, coming around the trolley to stand in front of me. He pushes my hair behind my ears, “no stupid, I didn’t. I guess I have to prove it.”
His lips descend on mine again, this time with a raw intensity that leaves me breathless. He nips at my lower lip, eliciting a moan from deep within me. Our bodies press together, the heat between us reaching a fever pitch.
“What did I say about calling me stupid?” I whisper.
His hands roam my body, exploring every curve and dip, igniting a fire that courses through my veins. I arch into him, craving more of his touch, more of him. Our bodies move in sync, a tangle of limbs and desire. Time loses all meaning as we drown in the intoxicating taste of each other.
In that moment, I know that I’m lost.
Lost in him, lost in this connection that defies all reason.
And I don’t care. I want this, I want him, and I never want this moment to end. My hands rest on his arms as he pushes me against him.
“How much I miss my teenage times.” Joey speaks from beside us; I push Ares off me, and he smirks stepping back as I face Joey, wiping my lips.
“Joey, do you need anything?”
“Just another book.” He speaks.
I crouch down and slide another book out before handing it to Joey, he watches the both of us, “use protection kids.” He said before heading away to his favourite spot in the library.
“Very mature Joey.” I yell out.
“I should head out, I have to join my brothers at the bar,”
“Enjoy.” But instead of letting me go, he steps closer towards me. Before I know it, he’s turning me around, causing the front of my body to collide against the bookcase. I can feel his solid frame pressed against mine as his hands trail down my waist. My breath hitches, and I can’t tear my eyes away from his intense gaze.
His hand slips into my back pocket, and I gasp softly as he takes my phone. My mind races with questions, but before I can ask, he does something with my phone. A moment later, he slides it back into my pocket, and a knowing smile plays on his lips.
“What did you do?” I manage to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
He leans in, his breath warm against my ear.
“Now I can communicate better,” he murmurs, and I shiver at his words. “See you soon, butterfly,” he whispers, his voice filled with promise and desire.
With that, he pulls away, leaving me breathless and wanting more. As he walks away, I can’t help but feel the electricity between us, the undeniable chemistry that lingers in the air.
ARES NICOLAIDES
I push the heavy door of the bar open, greeted by the loud chatter and clinking glasses. My eyes scans the room, spotting my brothers in one of the booths at the back. I made my way over to them and slid into the seat beside Atlas.
“Damn it! They missed it,” Atlas exclaimed, slamming his fist against the table while Adrian took a casual sip from his beer.
“Where were you?” Adonis asks, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. I waved down a passing waitress.
“Just had to take care of something important,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Yeah, we can tell. Got a bit of something there,” Atlas teased, pointing to my lips. I instinctively wiped my lips, noticing the faint lipstick stain on my fingers.
“Moving on finally? Or-” Adrian began to say, but I interrupted him, not wanting to entertain the thought.
“Shut up,” I retort, giving him a playful nudge before turning my attention to the waitress who had come to our table.
“What can I get ya?” She asks in her charming southern accent.
“Just a whiskey for me,” I reply, glancing at my brothers. “And how about you guys?”
“Are you paying? We’re not as rich as-” Atlas responds, finishing his drink. The waitress chuckles at his remark, charmed by his flirtatious demeanour.
“Yeah, I’ll pay. What do you want?”
“I want two shots of vodka, a bowl of fries, and can you add a burger with that?” Adrian ordered with a grin.
“So, you want a whole meal?” The waitress teased, and Adonis joined in with a laugh.
“Sure, we’ll have two of that,” Atlas said, nodding in agreement. The waitress jotted down our order and left to get our drinks and food.
“One with no alcohol.” I tell the waitress, “that one’s seventeen.” Atlas groans and slides down the seat, with his arms folded.
As she walked away, I slide my phone out from my pocket and checked my messages. “Artemis got engaged you guys.” Adonis speaks, I pull away from my phone.
“To the bartender?” I respond.
“Yeah, look.” He turns his phone around and I see that my sister has sent a picture of her engagement ring.
“Always thought Athena would get married first.” Atlas speaks, “oh they scored!” The whole bar cheers as Atlas takes Adrian beer and throwing it around with the others. Why the fuck did I sit next to him?
“You just spilled that fucking drink on my girl, you piece of shit.” I hear an angry voice shout, and I turn my head slowly, locking eyes with the man and his friend standing next to our table. I couldn’t help but notice the attire of the woman next to him, her drink spilled all over her.
“Get out of my face, man,” I speak, turning back to my phone, trying to ignore the confrontation whilst thinking about what to text Alexandra.
I don’t want to come off desperate or even clingy.
So how should I start it off?
“What did you just say to me?” He spat back, and I felt Adrian shaking his head in warning.
“You heard me,” I said calmly, not wanting to escalate the situation.
How about Hi? No. sounds weird coming from me. I sound like a desperate girl.
He didn’t take kindly to my response, grabbing Adrian’s drink and chucking it at Atlas. “You fucked up,” Adonis snickers.
Enough was enough.
I stood up, towering over the man and his friend, my height advantage intimidating them both. I step into his personal space and without a moment’s hesitation, slammed my fist right into his face. He stumbled, crashing into the bar.
Seizing the opportunity, I grab his shirt, lifting him up from the fallen chairs, and slammed his head against the counter.
He let out a pained grunt, and his friend tried to make a run for it. But I was quick, grabbing the back of his shirt and throwing him back into his friend. With a swift move, Adrian handed me Adonis’ drink, and I wasted no time spilling it over both of them before smashing the glass on top of their heads.
“Come near my brothers again, and I’ll make you eat the fucking glass,” I warned, my voice dripping with menace.
The two men nodded frantically, fear etched across their faces, and they scramble out of the bar, tripping over each other in their haste to escape. The other customers looked on in stunned silence as the chaos settled.
The waitress steps over the glass on the floor and slides me my drink, “Thanks.” I speak, as she hands Atlas his food.
“You want some ice for that, sugar?” She asks me.
“No, I’m good.” She nods her head and walks away.
“How nice it is to have a brother the size of a Viking.” Atlas smiles, shoving a chip into his mouth.
“Atlas, I think you’ve done enough for today.” Adonis speaks, I glance down at my fist, and it was red.
“Anyways-they scored again!” Atlas screams.
Ares (5:55pm): you finished work?
Fuck. Too soon? I begin typing again until I see bubbles appearing on my screen.
Alexandra (5:57pm): heading out soon actually, you still at the bar?
Ares (5:57pm): yeah, rather be kissing you again though just to prove that I don’t regret it.
Alexandra (5:58pm): no one’s stopping you…come over.
Alexandra (5:59pm): I forgot-I’m going out with Catherine.
Fuck.
Ares (6:00pm): where?
Her lack of response gnawed at me, and I eventually decided to switch off my phone after staring at the chat for what felt like an eternity. Why isn’t she responding? I couldn’t shake off the unease that settled in my chest.
“Someone looks angry?” Adonis chuckles.
“What time is your club opening today?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the thoughts swirling in my mind.
“Nine, and we’re fully booked out, actually.” Adonis beamed with pride. For a man studying law, opening a club was just for fun to him.
“Did you invite Elmer like I told you to?” I questioned.
“He’ll be upstairs in the VIP lounge, don’t worry—I got it all sorted,” he assured me.
“Let’s leave,” I suggested, feeling restless.
I stood up from the table and tossed two hundred-dollar notes onto the table to cover our bill. We made our way out towards the car, and I couldn’t help but glance at my phone again—still no response from her. Was something wrong?
Or was I just making excuses to see her again?
The car ride back was filled with tension, and my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her.
What if she was hurt?
What if she was angry with me?
The silence in the car only amplified my worry.