“All I’m saying is you can’t live in this shadow forever, away from your friends and family, away from the man you love. You’re giving Pedro more power this way.” Gisele counters Athena’s recall of events.

“I know. This wasn’t supposed to be a forever plan, I want Alessio to grow up surrounded by everyone that loves him without us having to look over our shoulders. On one hand I want to bring Pedro to justice the legal way but on the other I want him to suffer, he not only hurt me but deprived my son of his father.”

“Just say the word and I can have a few trigger happy retired veterans knocking at his door.”

“I have a better idea, Pedro is going to come to us and I’m going to put a bullet in-between his eyes.”

“What about Fernando? Pedro’s still his father after all.”

“Only by blood and that’s not good enough to make someone family. I need to clear up a few things, then we’re going home.”

“To Venezuela?”

“No, to Dante.”

1 week later, at Dante’s community centre fundraising gala

“I’m glad you all could make it.” Dante shook the Ruiz men hands with a friendly smile before his eyes lingered towards the woman who snaked her arm around Matias’s.

“So this must be Dante, my daughter surely does have good taste in men.” Adrianna put her hand forward expecting Dante to kiss it, much to her disappoint as he ignored the gesture.

“I’m sorry I was under the impression that Athena’s mother had passed on.” Dante pretended to have no clue about what was going on.

“Well that’s a story for another time. Perhaps you can buy me a drink and tell me all about my daughter and your relationship.”

“Drinks are complementary. Romulus could I have a word?” Dante points in the direction of the bar before requesting Rom’s company.

“He seems rather rude, I’m glad our daughter is no longer with him.” Adrianna comments while watching the men walk off.

“I’m sure it’s just the stress of tonight, Dante is a good man.” Matias defended.

Meanwhile

“What is that snake doing here Rom?” Dante furiously questioned.

“Well we couldn’t exactly leave her alone back home, imagine what chaos she would have caused.”

“Does she know about Athena and Alessio?”

“As far as Adrianna knows Athena is travelling across Europe although she is pushing the subject of her return home.”

“That snake isn’t going anywhere near them.” Dante clenched his jaw.

“There you are love, it’s time for the mayor’s speech.” Crystal comes up to the men and places a kiss on Dante’s check much to Romulus’s disapproval.

Dante’s p.o.v.

I was greeted by a round of applause as Crystal introduced me onto the stage. An endless sea of rich people dressed in their fanciest attire had awarded me with their attention, hanging off each word of my speech.

I had being comfortable on stage, spreading my message whilst schmoozing  the wealthy hoping they would reach into those deep pockets of theirs until I saw a familiar face make their way through the crowd.

At first I thought the bright lights of the room mixed with the alcohol I consumed had me hallucinating until the goddess before me offered me the cutest of smiles along with a shy wave. Her emerald dress accentuated her curves whilst flowing freely against the room’s breeze.

Her hair was tied up and dazzled with jewels and all I could think about was how many times we used my hand as her hair band so it wouldn’t get in the way as she went down on me. It’s safe to say I was in a trance which had me looking like a momentarily fool on stage.

Crystal had got my attention which caused me to make a joke about becoming best friends with the bar tender tonight because of the free alcohol which had the crowd erupting in laughter. I ended my speech and made way through congratulating citizens just to get to Athena, before she disappeared from my life again.

“Dante.” I carefully watched my name leave her lips before curling into a smile.

“God you look beautiful.”

 No other words had being formulating in my brain until realisation hit me, Athena was here and so was her mother. This beautiful reunion had turned into the worst case scenario, I needed to get Athena out of here now.

“Come with me.” I offered her my hand with love in my eyes, after all this time she’s still the one I call home.

“Athena, what the hell are you doing here?” Matias’s voice almost shook the room.

“Athena? Is that really you my sweet baby?” I watched Adrianna rush through the crowd which caused my hand to involuntarily interlock with Athena’s.

“Mom?” Athena questioned in disbelief.

Within the blink of an eye Athena had collapsed, luckily my strong arms had caught her and did not intend on letting her go. Quite the scene had being caused but this wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, soon people were back to making small talk and feasting on hors d’oeuvres.

I had carried Athena to another room and laid her down. Her family were not far behind me as I instructed a waiter to bring some water.

“Maybe you should wait outside.” I suggested to Adrianna.

“I have every right to be here, she’s my daughter.” She back fired.

“Your daughter? The same daughter you haven’t given a damn about in over 20 years? Save me the concerned mother act, it’s a bit too late for that.” I mocked.

“How dare you?” Adrianna came towards me, her wrinkled hand slapped my face. She really was putting on an almost believable show.

“Enough.” Matias shouted as he sprinkled some water on Athena’s face.

I looked at my angel, she was so peaceful in that moment. I had almost did not want her to wake up and face the cruel reality that laid before her. I should seethe at the sight of her, after all she left me in the cruellest way possible but because I know her heart, hating Athena is possible.

“Dante.” There’s my name again leaving her perfect lips although this time there was a shift in her tone, she sounded scared and confused which didn’t sit well with me.

“Hey.” I knelt beside her and stroked the top of her head whilst she looked up at me with pools of regret in her eyes.

Athena tried to sit up on her own but being the attentive man that I was, I helped her in doing so.

End of p.o.v

“You should be dead.” Athena spat these words with fire at her mother.

“It’s a miracle that I came back to my family, back to where I belong.”

Athena got up and laughed towards her mother, with one swift motion she had slapped Adrianna’s face much to Dante’s amusement.

“You should have stayed in whatever hell hole you crawled out off. You’re not my mother.”

“And you three, you knew she was alive and didn’t think of warning me?” Athena turned her attention to her father and brothers who had nothing to say on the subject.

“Did you know?” Athena questioned Dante, hoping he wasn’t another person who had betrayed her.

“Of course he didn’t.” Remus lied on Dante’s behalf.

Dante walked towards Athena and placed his hand on the small of her back, standing tall and protective beside her knowing the worst of the night was yet to come.