Appointed by a Billionaire to be his Heir's Girlfriend

Chapter 6 - Athena/Nate

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

I smiled triumphantly to myself as he drove along the avenues of New York.

"Park Slope, okay? I assume you know where I live since you're so sneaky enough to learn about my living condition." I said as I stared out to the well-lit streets of the city.

It wasn't much of a long road trip since his driving is so fast. He know better so he went out first and held open the door for me.

I got out, "Thanks for the ride."

He smiled at me, "You're always welcome."

"Nate, go straight home, will you?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders.

I turned away to get inside the apartment building but he grabbed my hand and even before I could protest, he kissed me on the cheek.

"Thanks for the night, Warden." He whispered and he got inside his car and drove away.

I was left dumbfounded on the sidewalk, my cheeks burning.

-Nate Van Warner POV-

Hah! That kiss will do. With my expertness in this field, I'm sure any cheek kiss will make any girl flush.

I need to do my plan slowly and surely because this girl is so different from the rest I've encountered. She's smart but that won't be a problem.

My phone rang I took it. It was Alex.

"Come on, bro! 40/40 club in 20 minutes! It's Bliss' birthday bash. You coming?"

Bliss is Alex's girlfriend for almost a year. I'm really amazed at him for sticking up with one girl for a long time.

I smirked. It seems like I won't be following my warden's orders tonight.

"Sure, man. Since when did I refuse such a treat?"

"Hurry up! Almost everyone is here!"

That's when I heard the loud pounding music before he hung up.

For a second, I thought of telling it to Athena. She is technically my girlfriend now but I shrugged the thought away.

I need to loosen up a bit, after the stiffness of the formal dinner with dad.

This is going to be another party. Bring it on.

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

I startlingly woke up to the loud pounding on the door.

Shoot! It's almost noon, I realized after looking at the alarm clock on my bedside table.

Gee. How stupid of me not to set my alarm clock.

I trot to get the door, only to see a man in tinted shades and black suit smiling at me politely.

"One minute, please." I said hurriedly and shut the door.

I took a quick shower and pulled a nice set of clothes from my old wooden closet: a short-sleeved white turtleneck and jeans. That'll do. After brushing my teeth, I went outside to go inside the glossy black car waiting for me.

After minutes of driving, the car halted.

I went out into the busy and crowded fifth avenue.

I am actually standing in front of the high Pierre Hotel.

The man a while ago led me up the floors. A penthouse.

Oohhhh. I was dumbstruck at the size and grandeur of the Van Warner penthouse. Seriously, why the hell it's so big?! After all, they are only four in the family. Nate's older sister is boarding a room in NYU.

Am I actually staring at the whole New York?!

I mean, seriously, this penthouse got one good 360-degree view of the whole city. It's just...beautiful

So this is the place Nate lives? Hmm. He isn't around though. But well, for all I know, he could be sleeping idly in one of those sixteen bedrooms.

"Oh dear, are you Athena?" said a pretty woman with dirty blonde hair and green eyes. She must be in her mid thirties.

"Yes." I answered.

She smiled at me, "I'm Charlotte Cutler. Just call me Cha, okay? I'll help you dress for today's mixer.

"Oh. Thank you." was all I could say. She seems to be kind enough.

"From what you're wearing, I'm betting you've got a simple wardrobe?" she said as she led me to the expensive-looking black leather couch.

"Yes. I really can't afford to buy designer's clothing." I admitted. She doesn't seem to be insulting me. But I remembered that particular secondhand Chanel bag I bought from a sale. IT has been a prized possession since then.

"Yes. That is why I'm gonna help you buy everything you need for tonight's mixer." She said as she showed me a couple of platinum credit cards.

I swallowed. I've never used a credit card in my life. Beside, why am I seeing four credit cards wherein one could do? I mean, it's just one set of dress!

"Are you serious?" I asked.

"Oh yes, dear. Don't worry. I'll help you. Now come on. We've got a big shopping day!" she chirped and I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

-Nate Van Warner POV-

The sun is already high when I woke up.

I groaned. I've got one serious headache. It's Alex. If he hadn't tempted me to push my limits when it comes to drinking last night, then my headache won't hurt this bad.

I opened my bedroom door and walked the hallway.

I almost reached the living room when I heard Athena's voice. I stopped and hid myself in one of the tall Doric columns and listened.

"Are you serious?" she asked in an unbelieving tone.

"Oh yes, dear. Don't worry. I'll help you. Now come on. We've got a big shopping day!" Charlotte answered her.

Oh. So that was what they were talking about.

I showed myself and I saw Athena's eyes widened the moment she saw me. She quickly looked away and I can't help but laugh. Naturally she'll look away. She's a good conservative girl. She wouldn't let herself stare at me especially now that I'm shirtless. Well it isn't my fault that I don't wear pajamas to bed.

"Good morning, Charlotte." I addressed the woman and she politely greeted me back.

"Good morning, warden!" I greeted her brightly.

"Good noon." She corrected, still looking away.

I smiled. She's really an interesting girl.

"Well, Sir Nate, we've got to get going." Charlotte said to me as she stood up and Athena followed.

I went for the refrigerator in the big pristine kitchen and grabbed a bottle of iced coffee.

Charlotte and Athena were already leaving the room and getting to the door.

I laughed quietly. Athena was still looking away, facing the boring velvet walls.

"Enjoy your day, Athena! I'll be looking forward to seeing you later!" I called out as she closed the mahogany doors.

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

Gee. He's such a nasty asshole! What the hell is he thinking?!Trying to stain my innocent eyes- seriously! Is it really his hobby to go around his house half-n***d?! And to think he knew I'm coming over.

I've never done shopping. It's true I've helped Chloe shopped for a hundred times, if you even call it shopping. I only look around every time but Chloe was always kind enough to buy me a top or a skirt few times. I rarely wear them, afraid that I might ruin the fragile clothing.

We've been to Barneys, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choos, Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen house, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale, Saks, Marc Jacobs, Hermes, Chloe and more in SoHo.

I had my mouth gaping all the time Cha laid clothes for me to try on! Gee. These stuffs are so freaking expensive!!!

Mr. Charles told Cha to buy me a first few sets of clothing. Cha had me to try on cardigans, khakis, cargo pants, miniskirts, leggings, jeans, tops and dresses. You get the idea.

"Want to take a break?" she asked me after going out a random boutique I didn't look what.

I nodded.

We had Frappuccinos in a nearby coffee shop.

"Seriously, why do we need to do this?" I asked, sipping my beverage.

"Of course, you are Sir Nate's girlfriend. You need to dress well." Cha answered kindly.

I peeked at the dozen paper bags beside me and I shook my head in disbelief.

"It's almost 5PM. We need to get your dress. Your mixer will start at eight o'clock, yes?" she asked as she took a last sip.

I nodded and we collected our bags and went out again.

We stood in front of the Chanel fashion boutique. And I felt like slapping myself. CHANEL?! Seriously.

"Don't worry, Athena. I'll go in and get your dress for tonight. Then we'll go back to the Van Warner penthouse, okay?" she assured me as she went inside.

In a matter of five minutes, she was back and I was curious enough to ask her about the dress.

She laughed, "It'll be a surprise! Wait 'til you see it! It's lovely!"

-Nate Van Warner POV-

"You must be really a handful, Nate." Bliss teased as sat beside Alex on the couch after putting a tray of smoothies on the table.

Alex laughed. We are currently at Bliss' brownstone.

"Man, your father finally got you!" Alex joked as he grabbed a glass of watermelon smoothie. He curiously took a sip.

"It's no joke, Alex. I mean, what is my father actually thinking by getting Athena to be my girlfriend?!" I bellowed as I grabbed a melon smoothie.

The two laughed some more.

"It works to my advantage though. Alex, your suggestion is ingenious!" I said as I sipped on my drink.

"Nate, don't be too hard on her. She's still a girl." Alex said kindly.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Bliss, there he goes again." I told her girlfriend.

Alex is really sensitive when it comes to girls. He really gives them respect and tender loving care. He could be an ambassador advocating women rights.

Bliss chuckled, "Don't blame me again, Nate. It isn't my fault your bestfriend is all touchy when it comes to girls."

"No, it is. He used to be like me until he met you." I said in a teasing tone as Bliss hit my head.

"I'm really looking forward to your show later at the Mixer." Alex said enthusiastically.

"Shut up." I muttered. I do not even know how to deal with this indirect announcement. If Athena is my date for the evening, that is like publicly shouting she's my girlfriend.

"Speaking of the Mixer, we've need to get ready!" Bliss exclaimed, forcing us to get up from the soft couch.

"Oh come on. It's only 5." I mumbled, checking my phone. There were a lot of messages: "Who would be your date this evening?" Gee. I never thought so many people would care. I erased them all.

"Go on, sweetheart. Get ready. We'll leave later at six." Alex assured her as she squeezed her hand.

Bliss kissed her on the cheek, "Call me if you need anything. I'll be in my bedroom."

She disappeared upstairs.

"Seriously Alex, you really got the right girl, eh?" I teased him.

"Yes and it'll be good if you try getting serious with the Athena girl too." He teased back as he threw a couch pillow on me.

"Yeah. When hell freeze over, that is." I threw him back the pillow.

"I'm sure that won't be that hard. Didn't you just tell she is indeed interesting? Well, she's a beauty too."

"No way I'll fall for her. It will be the other way around." I assured him.

Alex snorted, "You never change, Nate. Still the bad boy."

"Of course." I said with an evil smirk.

He shook his head in response.

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I quickly took it.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"Athena! Please don't tell me you aren't going to attend the mixer tonight."

It was Chloe, in her fashion-panic mode.

"I'm actually attending." I said quietly. I didn't tell her about the deal I made with Mr. Charles since he told me to keep it a secret though he allowed me to tell the fact I am his son's boyfriend. I never got the courage to tell it to Chloe though. She might think I'm totally crazy. But I'm going to tell her today. Maybe even right now. She's my bestfriend and she's done enough to prove it.

"Seriously? You are going to attend! Yay! I can't believe it! Oh my God! Do you have a dress? I could lend you one." She gave squeals of joy and chirped excitedly over the phone.

"Gee, Selene. Don't be too excited .It's not like I won a nobel prize. I have one. Don't worry." I told her.

She laughed. "Okay, okay. Do you want me to come over your place to pick you up?"

Ever the generous Chloe. It isn't fair to her I'm not being a good friend by keeping things from her. I must tell her.

"No thanks. I can manage. I'm going to tell you something. Can you promise to not laugh and believe me?" I asked her, my heart starting to beat faster in nervousness.

"Huh? Of course. Of course." She said.

I took a deep breath. I need to tell her right now.

Then I heard her mom called out her name over the phone.

"Sorry, Athena. Mom's calling. I'll see you at the mixer. Bye." She said hurriedly and hung up.

Gee. Her mom's always in wrong timing. What now?

Cha called me and she made me sit down in front of the vanity table in one of the vacant rooms in the Van Warner Penthouse.

She did a total make-over on me. She'd applied liquid foundation and some weird powder that made my whole face glimmer under the lights. She used the shimmering eye shadow, eye liner, false eyelashes and mascara. She carefully took care of my thick eyebrows and lined it properly with brown eyebrow liner. She put on light rogue and a light shade of pink lipstick. She was doing my make-up for an hour and a half but when I saw my face in the mirror, I really became beautiful and glowing but the make-up looks like a light layer done in ten minutes, not an hour and a half.

She started doing my hair. She started curling my brown hair in gorgeous beach waves. As a finishing touch, she braided a section of my hair. It looks pretty.

"Now, the dress." Cha said as she put out a Chanel black bow mini dress from the bag.

My eyes widened.

"Is that a dress? It's barely a dress." I commented. I mean, judging from the length of it, it looks like a long blouse.

"That's why it's called a mini dress, Athena." Cha laughed.

"It'll be freaking cold with bare legs exposed!" I defended, eyeing the piece of clothing suspiciously.

"Don't worry dear, you'll wear tights." She assured me.

The dress fitted quite comfortably and it's just adorable when I put it on with the black tights.

"Don't tell me I'm going to wear 3-inch pumps again!" I groaned as I caught the sight of a box of jimmy choos.

Cha laughed again, "No? Then I won't tell you. Not 3-inch, 4." She corrected and gave me the box.

And I want to threw those shoes away.

I wore them quickly.

"Wait for Sir Nate in the living room, if you please. I'm leaving. Smile, okay?" Cha said kindly as we both walked to the penthouse living room.

-Nate Van Warner POV-

In a matter of ten minutes, I am finished: the white long sleeve shirt, the gray vest and the black coat and pants.

I got out of my room and went straight for the living room where I saw Athena was waiting.

I smiled. She's pretty, again. Well, she's always pretty.

Gee. What was I thinking?!

I noticed her look up when I entered the room and stood up.

"Turned to a swan again, Warden?" I teased her and she threw a crabby glare at me. Ooh.

"What the hell took you so long?!" she exclaimed as she went towards me and grabbed me by the arm and we both strode out of the penthouse.

"I didn't mean to. You see, after getting home from Bliss' brownstone, I dozed off." I said honestly.

"Dozed off?! The mixer starts at 8PM and it's already 5 minutes before time!" she muttered. I smiled to myself. She's like my mother nagging me to do things properly.

"Well excuse me if I am not used to being an earlybird. Besides, everyone arrives fashionably late at parties. No one likes being the first to come, okay?" I told her. Well, it's practically the truth.

She seemed to consider it, thinking she's never attended parties before.

We reached our car and as she required me to, I opened the door for her.

While we were inside the car, she never looked at me, she was looking agitated and somewhat irritated?

I sighed. Does she totally hate me that much?