18 Chapter Seventeen

Athena's POV

''Welcome to Rome.'' One of the stewardess starts to say once we get down from the private jet. I smile at her and she returns it warmly. Alex has step down from the stairs earlier than me—leaving me behind.

I look around at the terminal, squinting my eyes to avoid the sun from burning them. Instead of trying hard to look up at the clouds, I end up looking down at both of my feet—following Alex's steps.

He stops walking which cause me to bump into his hard back, ''Fuc—'' I rub my throbbing forehead, ''What is your problem, Alex?!'' I groan in frustration when he turn around and face me with a smirk plastered on his face. I snort, ''Yeah give me that idiotic smirk because that's what I really need right now.''

Alex lifts down his shades, ''Princess, what's with the foul mood?''

I cross my arms, looking up at him. From the pressure that I am pressing on my chest, he seems to feel attracted. He peeks down but only to look up again, the smirk never disappearing from his face, ''Well?'' He raises an eyebrow.

''I know you want these babies but you're not getting them.'' I teasingly press my arms harder and he seemed to notice because he looks down and a frown shows up on his face. My hands move up to cup my breasts and he looks up, meeting my eyes. I can see that he seem nervous by the way his lips twitch.

My lips curve up into a victory smile before walking away, hands still holding up my breasts. Once I know that he's not following me, I put my hands down and walk proudly. That guy can't control me and he never will. I thought proudly to myself.

I notice that I am completely lost when a group of people starts to walk out from the arrival gate. Some people pushes me which cause me to lose my balance but I immediately take a few steps trying to regain them. Looking up at the group, seeing that they are walking out in a hurry. I furrow my eyebrows, ''Nice welcoming, I like it.'' I mutter to myself, tugging onto my shirt.

''You basically don't know anything about Rome.'' I hear Alex say from behind. I turn around, seeing him tilting his head—staring right into my eyes.

Alex ruffles my hair, making them look like a messed up bird nest, ''Te compadezco.'' He says under his breath which cause me to blink a few times. Did he just say something that I don't understand who did I hear him say crap?

''Excuse me?'' I pull my hands away, ''What did you just say?''

He raises an eyebrow at me, keeping quiet for awhile, ''You don't know Spanish?'' He finds it a bit shocking that I don't know Spanish. Before I could even open my mouth to answer, he cuts me through it, ''Wait, what language do you know?''

''English?'' I reply in a duh tone.

Alex shakes his head in disapproval, ''Are you kidding me, Athena?'' Then he lifts his head up, laughing unknowingly, ''The goddess of wisdom isn't full of wisdom after all.''

I find myself nearing him before our face are inches apart, ''I just have the courage to kick your dick.'' Then I step back on my heels, smiling like an innocent girl.

He finds himself smiling too, ''That's quite the courage, princess.'' I look down to see him holding my hand and before I can pull my hand away, he has already walk away—still holding tightly onto my hand. I can't help but notice how sparks fly between us.

I look up, trying to look at his face, searching for any peek of nervousness or discomfort but he shows off the same expressionless expression. He looks anywhere but at me so I decided to look away from him, ''Where are we going?'' I finally ask.

''To our car.'' He replies shortly. We are walking out to the exit, not even bother to get our luggage because we don't even have one! Note the sarcasm.

Keeping quiet until I find the sunlight once more. We have finally step out of Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport, well not exactly since we are at the exit. I look down—still looking at our entwined hands together.

I was wrong when I thought we were waiting for the cab when he started to pull me toward a black Maserati Quattroporte. I shiver when I remember myself reading an article about the top 10 most expensive sedans.

Alex let go of my hand and I suddenly have the urge to pull his hand back but of course, being the realistic me, I didn't. I hold both of my hands together, trying to remind myself that I can't just hold or touch him whenever I want to. Six months, Athena. Come on! Keep up.

''Come stai, Andrei?' He speaks up, shaking hands with the man in front of us with black suit and tie who I assume is Andrei.

Andrei smiles before nodding at Andrei, ''Tutto bene. Lei, signor Herrera?'' He replies. I stare at both of them unknowingly. I think that I should have focused in Italian. This isn't helping me right now or will ever help me in the future.

''Bene.'' Alex clears his throat before answering. He turns his head, looking at me, ''Hai sentito parlare di mia moglie, giusto?'' Pointing his index finger toward me.

Andrei nods his head once more, ''In effetti. Le novità.'' Then he looks at me, a smile plastered on his face, ''Hello, signora Herrera.''

''Um—'' I scratch my arm lightly, ''Hi.''

''Com'è stato il volo?'' He asks.

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion, ''I—I don't speak Italian.'' I stutter as I shake my head lightly, ''Do you speak English?''

''Certo.'' Andrei chuckles, looking at me, ''How was the flight?''

My eyes widen before letting out light laughter, ''Oh, it was alright. I mean, it was good.'' Then realisation hit me. God damn it, I swear Thor always come late during the time I needed him most. He could have hit me earlier or harder with his sledgehammer, ''How come you don't speak English earlier?''

''I'm Italian.'' Andrei replies, ''And signor Herrera is fluent so he let me speak Italian because I feel much more comfortable in my own language.''

Alex clears his throat once more beside us, walking to the other side, leaving me hanging, ''Forza andiamo, Andrei.'' He quickly step inside and close the door.

Andrei gestures me to get inside after opening the door. I hesitate at first but I step in afterwards, meeting Alex who is now playing with his phone. I try to peek and I can see that he's messaging someone. Before I could get the chance to see who, he has already move his phone away and glare at me.

''Don't your mother tell you not to invade other people's privacy, princess?'' He turns his body around so that he is facing me—not letting me peek through his messages again.

His eyes are still on mine, ''So it's a no then?'' Raising an eyebrow after not getting the answer he was expecting.

I let him win in this so I sit back and cross my arms. Andrei shortly enter. He starts the engine before turning around, looking at both of us, ''Dove, il Signor Herrera?''

''The Westin Excelsior.'' Alex replies without looking away from his phone.

Andrei turns around once more, facing the steering wheel as he starts to drive away from the airport. I watch as he drives in a regular pace. My eyes wander around out through the window, seeing Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport from afar. Slowly, the airport starts to disappear from my sight.

''La moglie non so Italiano, sir?'' I hear Andrei ask, trying to break the silence.

I may not understand a word he is saying but I know he is asking Alex because Alex clears his throat beside me. Trying my best to not pay attention as I keep on staring outside, ''No.'' He chuckles a bit, ''Cosa ne pensi di mia moglie, Andrei?''

Andrei suddenly let out a hearty laugh, ''Lei è perfetto per voi.''

Alex joins him afterwards which cause me to turn and look at him. He is looking directly toward Andrei but once he caught me staring, his smile never disappear, ''What's with the look?'' He smirks.

''What are you guys talking about?'' I raise an eyebrow.

''Nothing. Men jokes.'' Alex shrugs, the smile turns out becoming a bit playful, ''Do you really want to hear?''

My eyes widen before I shake my head, ''God no.'' Deep inside, I know they're not talking about men jokes. It's obvious they are talking about something else. I should really learn Italian, it could come in handy during times like this.

''Lei è un po' rumoroso, non credi?'' Alex asks Andrei but his eyes are still on mine.

Andrei laughs once more, shaking his head as he focus on the road. I glare at Alex, ''I swear if you say something bad about me, I'm going to shove your dick down your throat.'' My voice came out a bit threatening and I can see that Alex finds it as a joke.

He laughs. My heart softens when I hear to his laughter. It wasn't as evil as I thought it has always been. It was heartwarming and sexy at the same time. My anger died deep down. He peeks through his thick eyelashes, ''I'd love to shove it down your throat instead.''

My cheeks heat up immediately and I turn around, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Andrei seems to hear the whole conversation as he let out a light chuckle. Alex still hasn't stop laughing but as time passes, his laughter dies down. I keep quiet until the car comes to a halt. Andrei turns off the engine and I find Alex stepping out of the car.

I pursuit afterwards, looking up and find myself staring at The Westin Excelsior with my own eyes.

''We're here.'' I mutter to myself.

Alex cracks his neck, ''Grazie, Andrei.''

''In qualsiasi momento.'' Andrei replies shortly after.

Alex walks past me, glancing my way, ''Come on.'' And he steps inside, leaving me staring at his back. I follow afterwards, entering inside. My whole body is greeted with the cold air-conditioned room. I breathe out, feeling the comfort welcoming me.

I see Alex is now talking to the receptionist. He nods a few things at the receptionist. She starts to chuckle and Alex just smile at her. He turns around, looking at me. He gesture me to come closer. At first, I try to look around and try to deny but I did as told, ''What?'' I ask him.

''Nothing.'' He replies then he turns around facing the receptionist again.

She smiles at me and I gladly return her smile. Once Alex has given his debit card and has signed a few papers, the receptionist hands over the room's card. I find myself zoning out because I feel Alex touching my arm, ''Huh?'' I frown.

''Come on?'' He raises an eyebrow before walking away toward the elevator.

We step inside and before the elevator doors could close, another couple steps inside. Smiling at each other. The man has his arm all over her shoulder, holding her tightly in his embrace. She seems comfortable as they whisper into each other's ears. She starts to chuckle when he said something.

I shift uncomfortably at my spot, hitting Alex accidentally on the arm. He glances my way but he looks away immediately.

The man pecks her on the forehead which happens to be right in front of my eye. She turns his head after awhile and start kissing him on the lips. I bite the inside of my cheeks, trying my best to look away. It makes me feel uncomfortable to look at a couple kissing each other, especially when I'm with my so-called-six-months-husband.

They have reached their floor once the doors open and they step out, never breaking the kiss.

I clear my throat once the doors close again, leaving only me and Alex. When I turn to glance at Alex, he is leaning his back against the walls, looking at the doors sleepily. His eyes looks like they could shut any minute now.

The sound of the elevator causes both of us to break from our trance. We step out and by my surprise, there is only one room available. One large door comes into view and I look around to see if we are in the wrong floor but Alex walks ahead and raise the card onto the door's access.

The two doors start to unlock and he pushes it slowly, stepping inside. I follow quickly before he closes the door. I look around, my eyes wide at the interior. A big hanging chandelier in the middle and a mahogany coffee table nicely put between two handmade sofas. They came in dark red colour which somehow attracts me.

I step in a bit more, seeing that there's a balcony right near the windows. The curtains has been lifted up so the light could easily pass through. My eyes wander around to the expensive looking gold sculpture on one of the coffee table.

''Wow.'' I mutter under my breath, letting out a deep sigh.

Alex walk past me, laying his body on the one of the sofa. I let him as I walk around to find another door. I push it open and a king sized bed came into sight. Behind the king sized bed, there's a yellow curtain hanging tall and nice to make it look exclusive and classic. On the side of the bed, there's two table lamp. In front of the bed has a fireplace. The side seems to be made out of nicely sculptured stone.

I walk toward the bed, touching the soft mattress. I feel attracted immediately and I wanted to just jump on the bed and sleep all day long but another part of me wanted to stroll around Rome. It's not that I get to come here everyday so let's enjoy it while I can.

Walking out to the front again, I see that Alex has his eyes closed. His chest raises up and down slowly, according to his breathing. Remembering what happened last time when I went near him, I don't really want to take my chances so I take the long way toward the balcony.

I push the two doors open and I am greeted with the noise of cars honking, people talking. My eyes closes as the wind starts to blow and nicely touches my skin. It makes me feel like I like it here already.

Walking back inside, I look up at Alex who is still in the same position. I poke at his chest, ''Oi.'' I say loud enough but he just frowns before his face falls back to normal, ''Oi.'' I repeat as I keep on poking, ''Oi, oi, oi, oi, oi—''

He cuts me off by pulling me toward him, making me stumble onto his chest. He groans but opens his eyes and look straight into mine. My eyes widen as my breathing stops. Alex blinks, ''If you wanted to sleep with me, you could have just ask.''

''T-that's—''

He cuts me off once more, ''Yeah yeah, keep on denying. I know how much you want me eh.'' A smirk appears and I feel like I want to slap his face to snap him into reality. He is so full of himself.

I roll my eyes before pulling myself up but he keeps on pulling me toward him so I end up not moving anywhere. His grip on my wrists tightens, ''Uh-huh, keep on trying, princess. You're stronger than that, right?'' He just grip onto me like it means nothing—all of me trying to pull away seems like I'm not making any effort at all.

''Let go of me.'' I press my lips into a thin line.

Before Alex could say anything, my stomach growls loudly. My eyes shut close, hiding the embarrassment. When I open them, I find Alex staring at me in surprise. He chuckles afterwards, letting go of my wrists, ''You could have just said that earlier.'' He breathes out.

''You could have just let me go earlier.'' I roll my eyes.

''You could have just ask.''

''You could have just let go.''

''You could have just pull away.''

''You could have just let go.'' I repeat.

''You could have just—'' He stops, ''Whatever, let's go.'' And he starts to stand up, messing with my hair.

I stand up, following behind him, ''Eat right? Right? Right?'' I follow him like a lost puppy as he pick up the room's card and his phone. He glances at me but he looks away afterwards—not saying a word at all.

Once we step out of the hotel, we start to walk left.

''Is it near?'' I ask him.

He shrugs, ''Maybe.''

''Maybe?'' I raise an eyebrow, ''Are you sure?''

''I've been here. During friendly matches, tournaments, for fun.'' Then I decided to keep quiet because he won't really give me the answer I needed anyway. I pout before crossing my arms and just watch out the surroundings around me. People walking around, some of them are laughing and some are just walking in a fast pace.

After five minutes of walking, a restaurant finally come into view.

Ristorante Moma.

My soul seems to jump in joy once we step inside. The smell of pasta, grated cheese and black peppers somehow attracts me. I find myself sniffing the smell and I smile to myself unknowingly. Alex finds a table for us to sit and he sits down, putting both of his hands on the table.

I sit the opposite from him, so that we are face to face.

He looks around until a waitress walk toward us, smiling, ''Pronto per l'ordine?'' She asks.

She takes out her notepad, glancing at both of us as she hold the pen near, ''Tagliatine di seppie al vapore con crema di piselli freschi, mele e Pecorino per me.'' Alex answers before looking at me, ''What would you like?''

I look around in confusion, not really knowing what to order, ''Can you just order for me?''

''Filetto di "pescato" con verdurine di stagione e salsa al prezzemolo per mia moglie.'' Alex looks at the waitress once more, ''E due bicchiere d'acqua.''

She writes it down on her notepad before walking away toward the counter and go serve other customers. I move my gaze away from her and look out at the window, seeing people busy walking around. It makes me wonder why I don't travel around frequently.

''What did you order for me?'' I turn to ask Alex.

He looks up, ''Filetto di "pescato" con verdurine di stagione e salsa al prezzemolo.''

My eyes blink in confusion, ''Filetto di—what?'' I shake my head as I see him grinning, ''What's that?''

''It's grilled catch fillet with parsil sauce and seasonal vegetables.'' He replies.

I just shrug.

When our food arrives, it doesn't taste as weird as the name so I decided to finish it all since I'm hungry. Alex eats his food without even glancing my way. He keeps on focusing and chewing—looking anywhere but me. I didn't mind though, I don't like it when people stare whenever I eat.

Alex pays for the bill and we step out of the restaurant after. We walk side by side, heading to the other direction of the hotel. I wanted to ask why we are heading the other way but my mouth clamp shut and I just follow him. If we get lost, it's his fault and I would put the blame on him.

But you know me, I can't end up feeling curious, ''Where are we going?'' I rub both of my hands together as I look up—seeking answers from him, ''This is the opposite direction to the hotel.''

''I know.'' He shrugs. That's it? He knows? That's all he could say?

''Alex.'' I call out his name and he glances my way as a sign for me to continue, ''How many languages do you speak?'' It makes me wonder. Of course he knows English, Spanish and Italian. Maybe there's more?

''English.'' He smirks at me—teasing me with the only language I can speak isn't helping.

I roll my eyes, ''Come on, be serious.''

''Spanish, Italian, French, Tagalog and Russian.'' Alex looks down on his feat as we keep on walking.

My mind seems to be blown by how many languages he can speak. Italian and French may seem similar because they are quite familiar but they are two different languages. I mean, how high is his IQ? He can speak six languages including English. And me? I can speak one.

''That's...'' I furrow my eyebrows, ''A lot.''

''Yeah it's quite a lot. I've lost track on Russian though.''

''Are you fluent with all those languages?'' I keep on questioning, not even bothering to notice that I am now standing in front of him and I'm starting to walk backwards.

''Yeah. It took me awhile to learn but I'm fluent now.'' He looks down at me. Something flashes in his eyes but they quickly disappear seconds after.

We are walking slowly so it's easier for me to walk backwards. I raise my index finger to ask another question but my back hits into something hard and I turn around, looking at the figure behind me. He is now bending down, picking up his phone.

''I'm sorr—'' I started to speak but when the person looks up at me, my eyes widen and my mouth stops processing the next words.

His eyes widen at me. We both stay that way for a few seconds before both of us say—

''You?!'' At the same time.