Code name: Athena [18+]

Code name: La ragazza con lo champagne

•Arabella DiStefano•

"I see you've taken a special liking for Mariano," I told pouring wine into a glass before handing it to her.

The woman in front of me cleared her throat "He's a really kind man," her cheeks turned slightly red.

A smile played on my lips "He is indeed. What's your favorite thing about him?"

"How he is so loving towards everyone and is always there if you need his help," she replied looking down at her glass. "I also like it when he plays with Viola and Serafina..." her voice was shy.

"Darling, you don't have to be shy about it; I'm happy you like him," I poured ginger ale in my glass and took a sip. "Mariano is a good man and he has been through a lot in the past three years."

Her eyes immediately met mine "What? What happened to him?"

"I don't think that's my story to tell, darling," I rubbed her right arm to ease her. "He'll tell you when he's ready."

Aurore nodded and stayed silent for a moment, something seemed to be boggling her mind "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, darling."

"Do you think he likes me back? If he doesn't I don't want to keep on bothering with my advances..." Aurore is one of the most confident girls I have, her skills are unmatchable and she's even helping Viktor and Angela, train the others; seeing her like this is odd for me but endearing in some way because that's how Mariano behaves too.

"Why don't you go ask him yourself?" I looked over her shoulder to find Mariano with my son in his arms. The twins are currently asleep upstairs; Mariano has a really organized schedule when it comes to his babies.

"But what if he says no?" she took a big sip of her wine.

I picked up the bottle from the table and filled her glass halfway "Do you prefer going to sleep at night with the torture of not knowing what his answer is? Or asking, getting your answer and moving on if you don't like what he has to say?"

"Okay," she took a deep breath "I'm gonna do this." Aurore threw back the wine like it was water; the French have some amazing talents.

From my right periphial view I saw Apollo approaching me "What are you plotting?" his left arm laced around my waist.

"World domination," I smiled seeing Mariano and Aurore going into the house.

"You're hot when you get all dominatrix and stuff," he told as our gazes met. "You look gorgeous, Arabella. I feel like I don't say that enough."

My face turned hot "Thank you, Apollo," he leaned down and pecked my lips. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, princess," my husband scooped me up and sat at the head of the table with me on his lap. "I've never been more proud than right now," his right hand stroked the side of my thigh. "What you're doing for these girls is unbelievable; it would've never crossed my mind. Such an idea could only come from a brilliant mind like yours," Apollo's gaze was soft, pulling on my heartstrings.

"For years I dreamt about meeting girls who have been through similar stuff as I have so I could let them know they're not alone, that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel," tears welled up in my eyes. "They're precious to me," my eyes scanned the place; every girl seemed to be enjoying themselves "and I will give them the love, support, and affection they need; I won't ever give up on any of them because they're all worth it," my voice cracked. "You gave me all of that, Apollo," our eyes met as he wiped my tears away with his thumbs, carefully. "Thank for every ounce of unconditional love and support," sobs left my mouth as my arms embraced him in a tight hug. "I love you more than anything in the world."