Forgotten

-Chapter 42-

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LEOS POV

*This is a flashback to after Athena and Leo had sex*

She has fallen asleep in my arms. Her golden locks draped over my shoulder. Her face soft and peaceful. She was truly the most beautiful being I've ever had the pleasure to lay my eyes on. And I had just claimed her. My cock was inside her. I was kissing her soft lifts, touching her smooth skin.

A foreign feeling rushed into my veins, and I tried hard to shove it away. It refused to give up, trying to force its way into my heart. I sighed in frustration and then gently moved Athena's hand and head off my chest, careful not to wake her. I stood up and crept outside to my balcony. 

The sky was lit up by a full moon and millions of twinkling stars. I leaned against the railing, letting my head hang below my shoulders as I screwed my eyes shut in though. Athena. Athena. Athena. She clouded my every thought. Her bright green eyes. Her earth-shattering smile. I threw my head into my hands and growling in frustration. What the hell is wrong with me? 

I needed a distraction. I crept back into my room, took a fleeting glance as my sleeping wife, and exited without a single sound. I walked down the hallway, enjoying the complete silence. I ended up in the liquor cellar, led by mu subconscious. I yanked one of the cabinets open and took out my strongest whiskey. Pouring a bit into one my crystal glasses, I sat at one of the barstools. The whiskey was gone in one gulp, so I poured another. And another. Until my mind was foggy. 

I stumbled around, searching for a stronger liquor. Athena was still on my mind like a leech. I needed to pour salt on it. I needed more alcohol. "Damn, buddy what's got you like this on your wedding night." I stumbled into a wall and pushed off it to turn myself around. Angelo stood at the doorway, his arms crossed over his broad chest and an amused look on his face.

"Get out." I growled. As I nearly tripped face first. "I think I'll help you back to your room first." He reached for my arm, and I yanked it away. "I don't want to go back there." Angelo looked at me curiously.

"Why not?"

"I can't face Athena right now."

"And why's that?"

"Because."

"Because why, Leo?"

He was pressing and I don't know why. It was rather irritating. I ignored his question, turning away. "Come on buddy, I'm your best friend. You can tell me anything." I turned back around and saw Angelo had seated himself at the bar and started pouring himself a gin and tonic. "I can't." I muttered. How do you explain that you have to kill the woman you just married and made love to.

Angelo stared at me with sad eyes. "You love her, don't you. And you're afraid to admit it because you've never felt love before." I scoffed, throwing my hands in the air in disbelief. Of course he came here wanting me to admit I loved her. What a preposterous thing to accuse me of! I don't love anything. I don't even know what love is. "I care for her, Angelo. I'm married to her, I have to."

Angelo tsked me, whirling the glass in his hand, "You love her. And you won't admit it. You're scared, I get it. I was to. And then I met Sofia." My head snapped up. "You lover her?" I asked. "Of course I do, she's amazing. And so is Athena."

"She's my wife," I roared, "don't you dare speak of her that way!" My tone came off more slurred than intimidating and I slumped down in my stool. Angelo smiled, "See, you love her." I shook my head defiantly. Sure, I quite like the noises she makes when I pleasure her. I find joy in hearing her laugh when someone says something funny. I like her smile a bit. I admire how much she cares for Aries. I find great pride in her determination. Her stubbornness. Her fight. But I don't love her. That's a silly thought.

Angelo sighed before standing up to leave. My mind was running wild, combining sober thoughts with drunk ones and creating a web of thoughts. "Wait." I whispered loud enough Angelo could hear. He stopped and turned around slowly.

"What does love feel like?"

"Unstoppable. Like an itch that won't go away unless you stop worrying about it and just let it go."

His metaphor was too much for my drunken brain, "Stupefy that, please."

Angelo sighed, "Love is that feeling you are feeling right now. The one you can feel creeping into your heart without warning. Love isn't preventable, Leo, it just happens."

I stared at my closest friend, my mind blank. The feeling trying to rip its way into my heart reminded me of its presence and for once I let myself feel it. Slowly, it crept into my heart, then made its way up to my brain. Then a singular thought formed, and I sat there in complete and utter shock. "I love Athena."

Angelo smiled, "I thought so." And then he left me to revel in my newfound feelings. I sat there in shock for several minutes, allowing myself to process. I've been beaten. Manipulated. I've murdered. I've tortured. I've watched my father die before me after telling him to burn in Hell. I've done all that without a hint of guilt or remorse. And now, here I sit, in love with some woman who broke her way into my heart, unallowed.

I slowly made my way back up to my bedroom. I opened the door to find the woman I loved fast asleep, basking in the moonlight. Her soft features were lit up perfectly, highlighting everything beautiful about her, which was everything. Her naked chest rose and fell slowly, and the softest snores escaped her soft lips. I really did love her. 

I crawled back in beside her, taking her small body back into my arms. She sighed deeply as she nuzzled herself into my neck. I stayed frozen, staring at the ceiling. I loved her. But she didn't love me. She hated me. I don't blame her; I've done the most horrible things to her. No doubt she wants to kill me. So unfortunately, the games must still go on, even if my heart shatters and breaks in the process. But is that happens I'll just become the cold, emotionless man I once was. And then I'll be fine again.