Vengeance (Updating Weekly)

Part 30

"I've been worried that my feelings for you are stronger than your feelings for me," Atticus' words surprise me. "I didn't want to get ahead of myself, but I don't think I have to worry anymore."

"Of course not," I shake my head. "Why would you think that?"

"Well, I've known you a lot longer than you've known me — not directly, but because I've had to watch you. I feel like I've known you for years, and you're only just starting to get to know me."

"You probably do know me better than I know you, but that's okay. I feel like I've already gotten to know you as a person... I mean, with everything that we've had to deal with already. It's just the more— I don't know, superficial stuff that I'm still learning, like your favourite colour and what you do for fun."

"My favourite colour is green," he chuckles. "I don't do much for fun. I work, go to the gym, and sleep."

"That's all? You don't watch sports or play video games?" I blurt out the most stereotypical men's interests I can think of.

"I watch football sometimes, but only when Angelis wants to."

"You need to have more fun."

"So do you," he gives me a pointed look. "Besides reading and watching TV, I don't think you have a lot of fun, either."

"Alright, we need to have more fun," I correct myself. He's right.

"I honestly don't think I know how to have fun."

"I don't think I do either." Getting drunk the other night was probably the most fun I've had in a long time, and the day that followed was torture. "You know who knows how to have fun? Catarina."

"Oh, yes," Atticus chuckles. "She's always having fun."

"What would Catarina do to have fun here?" I scan the area, trying to see things from her perspective.

"She would swim."

"She would," I agree. She'd jump in the water just to piss Santos off. "We should do it."

"Should we?" he hesitates. I nod my head eagerly. He glances over at the water. "We should, shouldn't we?"

"We definitely should."

He lets out a deep sigh, getting up out of his seat. He looks surprised at his own choice, and I don't blame him. This is definitely not something I would usually do, either. But that's the whole point. We discard most of our clothes on the chairs, joining hands at the back of the boat.

"Ready?" he asks. I shake my head.

"I can't believe I'm doing this."

"Are you ready?" he tries again. This time, I nod my head.

We count down from three, jumping in together when we reach 0. The water splashes around us. It's warmer than I expected, but still not comfortable. I come back up for air, Atticus following suit. Water drips from his hair. My heart still thumps with adrenaline.

"That was fun!" I grin. He laughs at me.

"Come here," he takes my hand again, pulling me into him. I wrap my arms around him, pressing my lips against his in a joyous kiss. His smile is still plastered on his face, and I can't wipe mine away either. I snake my legs around his waist. He holds me up my butt, his hand squeezing my left cheek. Our kiss turns more and more hungry as the second pass. I swear, I could stay here forever.

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The sun beams down on us, warming our bodies as they lay intertwined on the lounge of the yacht, both of us still naked from the night before. Atticus' fingers twirl through my hair, the only sound to be heard is the birds chirping above us.

"This is perfect," he says.

"This whole date was perfect," I respond.

"I'll take you out again next week when this is all over."

"Don't remind me," I scowl. "Let's just lay here in peace."

"Sounds good," he chuckles. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"I loved it. I love being with you."

"I'm glad," He presses a kiss against my forehead. "You make me so happy."

I couldn't get more comfortable if I tried — wrapped in his arms, surrounded by his warmth. It truly is perfect. I couldn't choose a favourite part of this date if I tried. He's spoilt me. The whole night was beautiful. If only it lasted longer. I can't help but complain when it's time for us to leave. We're back at the harbour, dressed in the same clothes we wore yesterday.

"I can't believe we have to go back already," I grumble.

"The faster we get through today, the sooner we can be back in bed together," Atticus points out. We walk hand-in-hand over the pier, heading back to the main building. "When this is all over — when Vassilis is dead and everything is settled again, I'll take you on a trip somewhere."

"Well, if we went with my plan—" I cut myself off, already regretting my words. Atticus pauses to look down at me, a deep scowl on his face.

"You gave me three days, Erin," his usual serious tone returns. "At least give me the chance to find another solution."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Because there's always a chance that you're plan doesn't work, and we never see each other again."

"I know, I'm sorry," I repeat. "You're right. I shouldn't have brought it up. I just... I can't wait until this is all over."

"It's okay, I get it," his eyes fill with sympathy. "Just three days. Give me three days."

"I will," I nod. "I will. I didn't mean to push you."

"No, it's okay. I didn't mean to get mad. I just don't want you in danger."

"I know," I give him an apologetic smile. I need to be more patient. He's only doing what he thinks is right, and I shouldn't be trying to stop that. I would love it if he found another way to do this, I just can't see it happening. It's good that he has hope. It's good that he cares about me enough to postpone his goal, just to keep me safe. Prioritising his dates may have been an issue in the past, but it definitely isn't one now. "I really, really like you, you know?"

And just like that, his happiness returns. I can't say I'm in love with him yet, but that's definitely where we're heading. He walks me up to my room, reluctantly leaving me with a hug and kiss. He's just as unhappy to part ways as I am, but we both have to get cleaned up. My excitement is replaced with fear the second I notice someone standing in my room. My heart almost jumps out of my chest.

"Jesus Christ," I exclaim. It's Angelis, patiently waiting at the dining table. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

"I hope you had fun on your date," he says.

"Thanks?" I questing his intentions, still not sure why he's here.

"I didn't mean to scare you, but I've been waiting for you to get back."

"Clearly," I snicker. "What's going on?"

"I agree with your plan."

"What?"

"Your plan — using you as bait. It's the best way to go about it. You're his weakness. They're not going to come up with anything better."

"You agree?"

"Look, it's really fucking risky, and I don't want you to get hurt, but if it's what you want and you're willing to do it, then I'll help you make it happen."

"Are you serious?" I ask. "Your brother won't like it."

"He'll live," he gets up out of his seat. "Meet me in my room in 30 and we'll start planning. Make sure you shower. You reek of sex."