Appointed by a Billionaire to be his Heir's Girlfriend

Chapter 20

Athena Vanderbilt POV

Finally and fortunately, I came back to my senses.

“Stop the damn car, Nathaniel! Take me back there!” I yelled at him. I stomped my foot in frustration.

He just laughed. I gritted my teeth, wondering how he dare laugh at a time like this.

“Look, we have school tomorrow! Besides, Chloe is in the hospital!” I shouted.

“Take the yelling down a notch, warden. We’re in the middle of the road. Dan is there for her. I’m sure he’ll take care of her matters.” Nate said. He began humming a tune. Seriously? Humming???

“Ugh. I left my phone there.” I hissed at him, my temper raging.

“Even better,” he said brightly, and then he tossed his phone at me,” Here, call her through your phone.”

I caught it and dialed my number. It took only one ring.

“Athena! You okay?” Chloe immediately asked.

“That’s a hard question. I’m being kidnapped.” I told her.

I heard her chuckle, “You’ll be okay then.”

I rolled my eyes, “You’ll be okay on your own?”

“Yeah, besides Dan is here. He’ll help me with the discharge paperwork tomorrow.” she explained.

“Okay, good thing he’s there. I got to go now.” I said.

“Don’t act rashly, Athena, okay? Bye.” She said and then she hung up.

Right. I tossed his phone back at him.

“Let’s get this straight. Where on earth are you taking me?” I asked him, arms folded and eyebrows raised.

He pointed ahead and I looked. My eyes widened.

“Why on earth are you taking me to your home?!” I bellowed.

He didn’t answer. He took the car to park. He got out and scooped me up again in this bridal style kind of lift. Then we took the elevator that will lead to his penthouse.

Good thing it’s late already so the elevator was empty. I hadn’t suffered embarrassment.

He only put me down when we finally reached his room. He strictly emphasized I’m not to leave his room. He left the room. I remained standing, my temper almost reaching its limit.

“Want a shower first?” he said, coming back to the room. He was holding some clothes. Yep. A girl’s pajamas and undergarments. I stared at him. Where did he get those?!

I don’t know what my expression portrayed but when he looked at it, he looked amused. “No worries, warden. They’re new. From Nelly’s wardrobe.”

Oh. I hastily took them and went to his bathroom. I took a quick shower, temporarily forgetting my major stressor, namely Nate Van Warner.

When I got out, he was sitting on the carpet, his back facing me, watching the Manhattan skyline. Did I tell you he has this amazing view of the city? These all-glass full-length windows that can make you see everything of New York from above. The lights were off so it was dim in the room and the lights outside looked like stars in the darkness.

I approached him and sat beside him, carefully putting quite some distance between us. He handed me a plate of spaghetti Bolognese, which surprised me.

“Dinner.” He said.

We began eating in silence.

“Did my cooking skills improve, warden?” he suddenly asked.

I almost choke, “You made this?”

He nodded. Right. That had been months ago, when he first made the super salty spaghetti he made for me.

“Not bad.” I muttered. I just remembered I am supposed to be angry at him right now. It was true. It tasted like normal yummy spaghetti.

We didn’t say anything after that. We just finished our dinner in silence. I laid the plate beside me and sighed.

“Let’s get this over with. What is your problem and why did you bring me here?” I said quietly.

Without tearing his gaze from the Manhattan view, he snorted. “What is my problem? You’re seriously asking me that?” He turned to face me, “We were fine, Athena! We were just starting over again and we were supposed to be trying to figure out everything. I know we’ve been like together for… what? 3 days? Since we first came to the deal we’re to date each other. Then Maddie came out of the blue and ruined everything. Weeks passed and you’re not even acknowledging my existence. You threw the flowers. You’re not looking at me. You’re avoiding me, confusing me. Then a few days ago, we made up. But no, before we can even hang out, Chloe got into an accident. Not that I blame her for that. It’s not even a week since we reconciled and a while ago, you’re telling me to get out of your life? And now, you’re asking me what my problem is? I think you’re the one with issues, Athena. What is your problem?”

That was one serious long monologue.

“Look here, Nathaniel. I don’t get you, seriously! You don’t even like me so why the hell do you care if I told you to stay away?! You’re one messed up guy! You weren’t even supposed to be nice to me! You’re a damn player who plays with people’s feelings. ” I told him.

We were now facing each other, emotions running high.

“I don’t play with people’s feelings.” He said quietly, as if I’ve offended him.

I’ve snorted loudly and held up my hand, “Talk to the hand, Nathaniel. I have 127 girls as witnesses.”

“So this is it? You keep bringing up those 127 girls. You’re jealous.” he said.

It was a statement. Not a question.

“Too much ego can kill you. Ugh! I’m not jealous!” I yelled at him.

“Yes you are. You’re being jealous of girls I don’t even remember.” He started to grin now, which made me feel like wanting to strangle him.

“And you say you don’t play with people’s feelings.” I muttered.

His grin faded, “If that is your problem, I’m really sorry. We can do nothing about it. It’s all in the past. I’m trying to be the good guy for you now.”

I blinked. Comprehension is dawning on me. He doesn’t want me to leave him. He said he’s trying to be a good guy now. He asked for his second chance. He gave me my favorite flowers. He said he’ll never let me get away from him again. Does he… like me? I shuddered. No, that’s impossible. Let’s just hope I’m wrong. This will be disastrous if I’m right.

“Wait. Are you saying that you… uh… nevermind.”

The change in my tone of voice caught him by surprise.

“What?” he asked.

“I said nevermind!” I exclaimed. “You’re distracting me from saying what I want! I mean it Nathaniel Van Warner, let’s just go back to our life when we both don’t know each other. Our lives were so much easier.”

I mean it. I know I can be very indecisive. Yes, I know my mind can be a rollercoaster whose decisions can change so fast. I mean, I’m like seeing sense now. Nate and I are impossible. We belong in different worlds. He’s a player. Can I risk my heart for him, if I know he’s very well known for breaking them?

“That’s impossible. Can you just go back to that point in your life if you know someone made everything… better somehow?” he said.

“Better? All I’ve gotten in the past few weeks are tears and detachment. Is that better? I even lost Chloe back then. ” I said. I didn’t mean to mention about Chloe but if I’m angry, my stupid mouth goes free.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly. Pure genuineness.

“Is that all you can say?” I asked him.

“Yes. I am truly sorry.” He said once more, his eyes full of sincerity.

I swallowed, “Okay, hear me out why I want to end this. I just really want to go back to my old life, Nate. I don’t want to go through again what I’ve been through with you. I was hated and ignored by the whole school. My bestfriend left me. I was heartbroken, broken by the only guy I liked. Yes I know it was partially my fault. I ignored you all the time. But it was my way of protecting myself from you. I know I’ve started to like you. It wasn’t in the plan. I was supposed to hate you. I wasn’t supposed to…” I started crying now. He reached out for my face but I raised my hand to stop him. “Can’t you see? Ever since we’ve agreed to this, there was nothing but troubles. For both of us. I want my old quiet life back.”

“We can make this work this time, warden. We can do this. It’s just that… I was so confused then. You were the only girl who made me like that, swear.”

“And how on earth did I confuse you?” I muttered.

He was silent then. His blue eyes went back to staring to the night view. I figured out he wasn’t giving an answer. Besides, I was so embarrassed for admitting he broke my heart to his face.

Ughhh. I give up. At least he was quiet now. I stood up and went to the bed and tucked myself. I figured he won’t let me go home tonight. Might as well sleep through this.

Nate Van Warner POV

“…I was heartbroken, broken by the only guy I liked…”

“And how on earth did I confuse you?”

Athena went to bed already and I still haven’t figured out how to answer her.

My thoughts went back to the time after our fight in Central Park. Yes, deep deep down, I felt empty. I was so agitated all the time. Questions were flooding my mind every second.

Is the kiss really a big deal to her?

Why is she so mad?

And why do I care if she’s mad?

Why is she ignoring me at school?

Why did she give back the flowers?

What is exactly going on inside her mind?

Does she really hate me that much?

Again, why do I care?

There were many unnamed feelings brewing inside me. I was so restless. I can’t sleep because I was trying to figure her out. Trust me, it was difficult.

I was so new to those feelings. Yeah, Athena made it clear I had 127 girls before her. But seriously, my relationships with them were plain and easy. No attachments, except for Maddie. But that was a story of the past we need not to go into.

No other girl, except for the first, made me like this. No one made me this sleep-deprived. No one made me this… lonely when she left me, not even Maddie. No one made me so protective of her. No one. Except for Athena.

I remember my conversation with Alex then. When I finally admitted Athena was special to me. Yes, I figured out that was the truth. I really care about her. I don’t want to hurt her, ever. I want her to be safe, to be happy. Did I want that happiness of hers without me? I swallowed. No, I want her to be happy with me.

Does that attest that I’m in love with her?

I stared at the city lights in front of me. Did I just finally admit I met a player’s downfall?

I took a deep breath. I know, it’s a yes.

Athena Vanderbilt POV

The problem is: I can’t sleep.

Almost an hour has passed before he stood up and joined me on the bed.

I swallowed. Noooooooooooooooooooooo! This can’t be seriously happening!

I felt my heartbeat accelerating as he slid in under the covers with me.

“Isn’t it unfair that you get to stare at the view outside and I get to stare at the wall?” he murmured.

I didn’t answer. My best strategy is to pretend I’m asleep. And hope it’s effective.

Seconds passed. “I know you’re awake.” He whispered.

I knew he shifted his position. I was trying to even my breathing.

What made me give away that I am wide awake was my gasp. A very loud gasp. He wrapped his hand around my waist. And I could feel his peaceful breathing on my neck.

He pulled me closer to him. I didn’t want to say anything, afraid I might ruin this moment. I know I’m yelling at him to get out of my life forever but that doesn’t mean I want that.

I closed my eyes, wondering if this was our last moment together. The thought saddened me.

It seemed like Nate read my thoughts because he said, “There would be no goodbyes, warden. I won’t let you.” He tightened his embrace around my waist as a proof.

“Go out with me.” He said quietly.

I smiled and whispered, “We’re already going out.”

“For real.” He said. There was absolute sureness in his voice.

Seconds passed. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath. I wriggled free of his embrace and faced him instead. Our eyes met. His were illuminated by the lights of the city from behind me. There was nothing in those bright eyes but certainty.

He probably saw confusion in my eyes. “Forget the deal you had with my dad. Forget Maddie. Forget those other 127 girls. Forget all of them. It’s just you and me here.”

No, this couldn’t be. He was asking to be my boyfriend FOR REAL? Does that mean he likes me FOR REAL too?

“I… I don’t “ He cut me off when he put his index finger on my lips.

He took a deep breath. “I don’t know how to start this.” He took another lungful of air.

“I had no idea when did this start. It was probably when you humiliated me in front of Catalina’s junior class, or maybe it was when you first flashed me your smile in the dinner at Carlyle. Or was it when you started to break down in front of me that I felt the urge to protect you by all means? Maybe it was when you said you trust me? Or it might be the time when I saw your happy carefree face covered in icing and lasagna? Or maybe the first time I was able to hug you for a picture? I don’t know when, but it had been building in me, warden. No girl in the history of mankind ever captured me the way you did. You’re indescribable. I know we are complete opposites. I know I am not the best guy for someone as good as you. I know I’m just another damn player who had been with too many women and that I do not deserve someone as chaste and beautiful as you. I know I’m a messed up guy, okay? But you fill this void in me, Athena. You made everything… better. You made me better. Since I had been with you, my old life fell behind. I don’t need the booze, the clubbing, the women, the one-night stands. None mattered except you. And when you left, you left me in pieces. It was bewildering to think that someone, you, can do this to me. I never believed in love that lasts, that is until I met you. So let me finally get this out, I love you, Athena. I love you, more than anything and anyone else. I love you.”

He was staring at my eyes the whole time, devouring them.

I was rendered speechless. The words I wanted to say got lost between my heart and mouth.

Nathaniel Van Warner just confessed he loves me.

I love you, Athena…

Finally…

Tear started to go down. He wiped them gently away. He pulled me into a tight hug.

“I know you can’t answer right now. I know you like me but you hate me. But I’ll wait ‘til you’re ready.” He whispered to my hair.

I tilted my head to firmly meet his eyes. I reached for his face and gently caressed it.

“Will this count as an answer?” I asked.

Then, I leaned closer and kissed him fully on the lips. His response was gentle and tender. He opened his mouth slightly. Not knowing what to do, I mimicked him. Warmth was growing inside me. His fingers laced my hair, just as I was running mine in his. His touch was everywhere. He cupped my neck, skimmed my shoulders. He didn’t touch anything that might get me mad but still, this was altogether a different level of intimacy for us. I started to run my hands over chest. I didn’t mean to, it was just… I don’t know. I barely realized he doesn’t have a shirt. His chest was firm, muscled, and chiseled. I can feel his heart beating under my hand, an echo of mine.

I finally pulled away and met his eyes. His perfect sea blue eyes were twinkling in delight.

“That was some… second kiss. And yes, that counts as an answer.”

I smiled and pinched his nose. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but damn the consequences. I love you, Nathaniel Van Warner. I do.”

Happiness was swelling in me, like I’ve never known. And that was when I’m sure I was with the right person.