Kyle Ethan’s POV
“So, what’s your next plan?” Gino asked.
I smiled. “To marry her after college graduation.”
I struggled to hold back my laughter as he suddenly choked. “What? Getting married right after college? You’re too fast, huh? Are you afraid someone will just snatch her away?” He grinned at me.
I shook my head. “Nah, it’s not about that. We’re both headed in that direction anyway, so there’s no need to prolong it. If I could have married her right now, I would have done it.”
He nodded approvingly. “You’re really head over heels, huh. Well, let’s see what Dad will say about that.”
I fell silent. I had also been thinking about that. But I knew I wouldn’t have a hard time getting Uncle’s approval.
“What are you willing to give for my sister to be happy?”
We were currently on the veranda. I glanced at Nicole who was by the shore.
Nicole was summoning a ball of poison in her hand, surrounded by a mixture of black and lilac colors.
Meanwhile, Miley was simply watching her, hugging herself. She might be feeling cold, and it seemed like she was communicating with Nicole through her mind because I saw Nicole nod.
On the other side, Reiri kept running to catch up and fight with Hiro. But to her dismay, she couldn’t catch him and ended up face-first in the sandy beach because of his strength when he pushed her. Hiro quickly rushed to her side. I saw him mouth an apology to her.
However, Reiri almost screamed when Hiro suddenly lifted up into the air. Then I saw Vince smirking, while Steph just rolled her eyes at him.
I looked around and immediately noticed the scattered royal guards, protectors, and vampire hunters in the vicinity. They were just being their usual selves.
“I am willing to give everything I can and have, even if it costs my life. Just for her to be happy and safe.” I took a sip from my glass, my gaze still focused on the beach.
We had been here for a while now. According to him, he wanted to have a man-to-man talk with me.
He chuckled. “Silly. Do you think she would still be happy if you weren’t around? Yes, she would be alive, but it would be like she’s dead without you.”
This time, I faced him again. But before I could react, the chair he was sitting on was already empty.
I turned around, and he had his back facing me as he closed the door. I just shrugged. Sometimes, he’s weird.
“Don’t you know that eavesdropping is bad?” I could only hear the sound of the strong wind brushing past.
“It seems like we’re the ones who need to talk, Kira,” I said once again as I poured myself another drink. I knew he had been lingering around, waiting for the right moment to talk to me.
Out of nowhere, someone landed from the rooftop in front of me.
“I think, that’s a good idea.”
***
Gino’s POV
Damn! I almost forgot about Athena! We had plans to meet tonight.
I quickly made my way to one of the cottage houses some distance from the beach house. I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to Kyle when I suddenly remembered Athena.
I have already made up my mind. I’m going to confess my feelings to her. It’s now or never.
My breath hitched as I reached the place. I held onto my head and mildly massaged my temples. I might have had a bit too much to drink. Athena might not believe what I have to say if I’m in this state.
Why did our conversation and drinking session with Kyle have to be so enjoyable? But because of that, I also realized that my sister is in good hands. Dad and I won’t always be by her side to protect her.
But now, I’m confident because I know he can, and he always will.
I looked up as the door suddenly opened. It was quite dim in this part, and I didn’t bother turning on the lights.
The first thing that caught my attention was her red hair and her green eyes, which widened as she looked at me. She seemed to have had a few drinks as well.
“Gino,” she called out.
I walked towards her. As I approached, I reached for her hand and kissed it. “Athena, I’m glad you came.”
She smiled shyly. That’s one thing I love about her— innocence. “Of course. So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?”
I took a deep breath before pulling her to sit on the bed that was in the cottage. Well, this wasn’t an ordinary cottage. It was almost fully furnished.
“I...” I tightened my grip on her hand. “I just want to tell you that I like you. Oh, no. Scratch that. I love you. I don’t know how or when it started. I just suddenly felt it, and as the days go by, I can’t help but look forward to seeing you. This feeling is foreign to me, and I’ve never felt like this before. I even tried to stop it because I thought it might scare you. But I just can’t.”
I almost ran out of breath due to the speed and uninterrupted flow of my words. If Dave were here, he would probably have disowned me as his best friend.
She didn’t say a word. I was just staring into her eyes, which had initially captured my attention. Those eyes that I could never get tired of looking at, even throughout the night. Those eyes that seemed to have so much to say.
But I almost jumped in surprise when I felt her hand gently caress my cheek.
“Then don’t,” she whispered.
I furrowed my brow. “What?”
She smiled, but there was something different about her smile this time. “Then don’t stop it. Because honestly, I don’t want you to stop it either.”
Before I could even respond, her soft lips silenced me. It felt like I was becoming even more intoxicated by her kiss.
I was swept away by the kiss we shared. Slowly, I began to lay her down. I was waiting for her to stop me, because I would if that’s what she wanted.
But she didn’t, and pulled me even closer to deepen the kiss.
Everything happened so fast. I just found myself on top of her, thrusting as fast and deep as I can, while she keeps on chanting and moaning my name. It serves as music in my ears.
“Faster, Gino,” she pleaded, and I oblige. Her eyes were closed, and she was biting her lower lip.
Goodness. That’s turning me on.
I could feel her nails digging into my back, but I didn’t mind. I was too focused on the beautiful sight before me, still unable to believe that we were making love at this moment.
“Ohhh! Gino, please! I’m almost there!” she shouted, which made me smirk. I had no idea that behind her innocent face, Athena could be this wild and passionate in bed.
With one more hard and deep thrust, we both reached our climax. I felt weak as I laid beside her, resting my head on her neck. I wrapped my arms around her soft and delicate body, reveling in the intimacy we had just shared.
“Shit!” I groaned in frustration as she turned to face me. I looked down and saw that her full breasts were just inches away from my face.
“Ready for round two, honey?” she asked in a seductive tone.
To be honest, I had been surprised by her words and actions since earlier, but I didn’t care anymore. As long as it was her I was making love to, nothing else mattered.
“Hell, yeah.” In an instant, I was on top of her again, ready for another passionate round.
***
Queen Cassandra’s POV
“Are they asleep already?”
Zach turned to me and nodded. “Yeah. I just checked each room, and they were all there.”
“Before we came here earlier, we saw Gino enter his room,” Nathalie informed, and I just nodded in response.
“So, when is everything going to happen? So, we can prepare,” Nick asked, his eyes fixed on the map in front of him.
“Tomorrow,” Zach answered, his determination evident on his face. I turned to look at him, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“Copy. We need to get this done as soon as possible,” Conrad added, and we all nodded in agreement.
My husband stood up and walked towards the window, gazing up at the bright moon. “We should kill him again.”
I let out a sigh. “Yes, this time we need to make sure it’s permanent.”
Silence enveloped the whole room. We needed to find a way to prevent him from ever coming back.
If it’s not us, I’m certain that the younger royalties will be the ones to put an end to you for good, Hans Croven.
***
Third Person’s POV
“Is everything and everyone ready?” he asked.
“Yes, master,” his right-hand man replied with a bow.
“Good. You may go now,” he dismissed his servant, who quickly left the room.
Moments later, the large door in front of him swung open once again. “Any news?” the newcomer asked eagerly.
“Yes. Tomorrow will be the day,” he informed.
A wicked grin spread across the newcomer’s face. “I can’t wait to see them again. Their greatest downfall is about to happen.”
He noticed a figure hastily retreating from the area, unable to escape his gaze. He knew it had overheard their conversation, but there was nothing it could do about it now.
As his companion turned away, about to leave, he uttered words that made it pause in its tracks.
“I’m sure all of them will have priceless looks on their faces tomorrow.”
His devilish laughter filled the room.