Athena Ramirez
Eros's meeting with one of our investors was just in an hour and since the big discovery, I don't have to hide how I look anymore. Although the arrangement with Eros is still new and confusing but what's certain is that I needed a change of wardrobe and so I asked for directions from one of the staff at the hotel. They directed me to a luxury store and the shop turns out to be the gift that keeps on giving. Eros gave me his black card to use for any emergency and even a change of wardrobe so here I am, Like a kid in a sweet shop, I buy dresses, pant-suits, skirts, tops, jackets, shoes, bags and scarves. I leave carrying six bags of stuff for me. I even got a gorgeous silk suit too. It’s one of those classic once In a lifetime moments. If I had used my card, I would have blown six months of my Salary but heck, I won’t have to shop for the next year.
After running up to my room to change, I come down in a fitted red suit to meet Eros and Magnus Bane for the business meeting.. I’m ten minutes early, so I walk into the restaurant, hoping that the men aren’t here yet. I want a few minutes to compose myself. Get a handle on whatever is happening between us. Things are quickly spiraling out of control with Eros. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but this isn’t who I am. I never leap before I look. I need something to clutch to right now, when my whole damn world feels like it’s been turned upside down.
But of course fuck my luck Eros and Magnus Bane were already at the table.
Magnus is one of our major clients and a huge shareholder in the couple . Through the years have worked for Eros I haven't seen him yet, never met him but have had the pleasure to have spoken to him on the phone a few times and I’ve seen pictures of him before. They don’t do him justice. He’s a hell lot better looking in person.
He’s a big man, about the size of Eros. but with broader shoulders. Long blond hair which framed his rugged face. Despite the tailored suit he’s wearing, he probably would still look better shirtless.
I perceive all this in a distant way, because even though he’s startlingly handsome with beautiful grass-green eyes, he’s just not my type. And even if he were, my heart doesn’t have room in it for anyone else but Eros. I’ve spent the last two years falling for my boss, and the last twenty-four hours have been the culmination of all those feelings.
Eros notices me first. His blue eyes shine at me like a beacon, dimming everything else in the dining room. I can’t look away from him. His eyes devour me. Then he smiles and his crooked smile makes my heart flutter.
Like a proper gentlemen, both men stand as I approach and then and there I could feel the power I commanded in the room. People may say looks don't matter but it does. A beautiful woman can beacon and control any man of her Choice. Why do you think the goddess of love was so powerful. Because she had beauty as her power and the men knelt at her command...
When she was Athena the schoolmarm nobody ever noticed her knew her, she was invincible to them but now they all sing a different story.
Magnus's eyes move appreciatively over my body. “Miss Athena Ramirez. In the flesh,” he says softly. His voice is deep, warm and accented but with a sultry drawl..
A player!!
I smile politely. “Mr. Bane.”
I reach out my hand for a handshake, but he ignores it and sweeps me into a hug. The unexpected familiarity, so unlike the exceptionally polite and distant way the Chinese clients greeted me last night, startles me, but l overlooked his sudden closeness because he is an important client.
“I can’t breathe,” I say breathlessly as I faked a laugh.
Magnus laughs and puts me down. Then he kisses me on one cheek, and then the other. It’s an oddly delicate greeting after the bear hug.
“My apologies, Athena,” he says. “Can I call you, Athena?”
What a beautiful name you've got!
My eyes widen. “Yes, of course. Thank you'
“Good. You must call me Magnus”
“Okay.”
“It’s just nice to put such a beautiful face to the efficient voice on the phone.”
I blush at that, not expecting the compliment. Again, he’s being a bit forward, but I don’t call him on it, out of politeness. Besides, that may be the way they do things. Anyway, he hasn’t really crossed any lines. Eros would certainly step in if he had done that. I glance at him, but he just stands there, flashing me his billion-dollar smile, so everything must be okay.
Both men wait until I sit down before taking their own seats. It’s just the three of us at the table, so I sit between Eros and Magnus. I’m still reeling from Magnus's exuberant greeting, but luckily Eros didn't look disturbed about it infact he was on his game. He jumps right into business discussions, allowing me to sit back for a moment and gather my bearings...
I guess he's not the jealous type.