Kill for Love

Chapter 47 - Watch Out

Athena couldn’t believe that Cytherea is now staying at Gaus’ penthouse. It looks more like a penthouse than a private room. Cytherea already explained to her what had happened during the days that she’s gone. She somehow felt glad that a lot of people were helping Cytherea. Not just ordinary people but those who already had a name in different industries. 

‘Cytherea is indeed a lucky girl,’ Athena silently thought. 

They were already inside Gaus’ penthouse, specifically in the living room. They were sitting on the couch. There were slices of cake and two cups of coffee. Her eyes were busy roaming the room and she can tell right away that the man owning the place is a rich man. It might not be decorated extravagantly but then she can tell that the chandelier, pieces of furniture, and the other things inside the penthouse are expensive.

“Hey, Bestie, are you still listening?” Cytherea asked when she saw Athena was busy looking in the room. She was telling her the reason why she ended up staying in Gaus’ penthouse. 

Athena focused her eyes on Cytherea and smiled sweetly.

“Sorry, Bestie I’m listening I was just in awe that you’re staying here.” She wrapped her arms around Cytherea’s waist and put her head on her shoulder. “I’m glad that Gaus and Lemnos are helping you out. I really feel that those two like you,” Athena teased.

“Oh, stop it!” Cytherea slapped Athena’s arm. She didn’t think that the two guys like her. They were people who had a good heart who wanted to help her and she's lucky that she met them. “Don’t put any malice to their intentions, Bestie. I’m just so lucky that they’re willing to help me out.”

“Oh my god, Bestie! Sometimes I don’t know if you are just too innocent or naive. It was too obvious that they like you. Always remember, Bestie, guys won't do you any favor not unless they want something in return," Athena warned.

"I don't think so, Bestie--"

Cytherea was cut off and unable to reason out because of the knock from the door. She stood up and walked towards the door. She opened the door and found Gaus and Lemnos behind it.

"Hey, c'mon in," Cytherea widely opened the door and gave a hug to Gaus and Lemnos. “What are you both doing here?” Cytherea asked while guiding the two to the living room. She pointed to the couch adjacent to the one that Athena was sitting on using her palm. “Sit down, what do you want to drink? Juice, soda, coffee, or bottled water?” she offered.

“Coffee will do,” Lemnos said while going towards Athena and offered his right hand for a shake. “Hi, Athena, I’m glad you’re back.”

Athena stood up and immediately accepted Lemnos’ shake. She suddenly pulled him closer to her which caught Lemnos off guard and gave him a hug. Athena laughed. “You’re so formal, Lemnos. I heard you’re helping my best friend so thank you so much. Let’s be friends too.”

Lemnos face flushed in red and awkwardly tapped Athena’s back. “No worries. I’m happy to help.”

After a few minutes, Athena lets go of Lemnos and goes to hug Gaus too. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Gaus gladly returned Athena’s embrace. The two men went ahead and sat on the couch while Cytherea was smiling while going to the kitchen to get some coffee for Lemnos. “How about you Gaus? What do you want to drink?” she yelled from the kitchen. She was so comfortable with Gaus already that she no longer addressed him formally.

“I’m good with coffee too,” he answered. “Do you need some help?” he offered.

“No, I’m good. I got it covered.”

Cytherea took the glasses from the cupboards. She has coffee already brewed and she just needed to put it on the cup. The penthouse is complete with all the small and big appliances that she can think of. That's why it was so easy for her to be living in Gaus’ penthouse. 

She prepared four cups of coffee and put in on the tray together with the creamer and the sugar. Gaus took the tray from her the moment she reached the living room and put it on the glass center table.

“So, what brings you both here?” Athena asked. She was wondering if the two guys always visit Cytherea.

“I was informed by Lemnos that Carlos did something to you earlier?” Lemnos worriedly asked. He was looking at Cytherea who was sitting beside Athena.

Cytherea looked at Lemnos who was busy putting sugar and creamer on his coffee. She doesn’t understand why Lemnos has to tell Gaus what had happened earlier.

“Umm, I’m good you don’t have to worry about it. I know he doesn’t mean no harm,” Cytherea smiled wryly. She’s unsure if that would really be the case because Carlos became aggressive about asking her to have coffee with him.

“Cytherea, we are looking for Astilbe and everyone is a suspect. Don’t defend anyone that treats you differently and what Carlos did is unacceptable,” Lemnos explained. 

“I’m sorry but I don’t think he meant any harm. Maybe he really just wanted to have coffee with me.”

“Cy, Lemnos is right don't defend Carlos. Now, can you tell me your version of what had happened?" Gaus asked while looking intently into her eyes.

"Well," Cytherea started. "He was okay at first he greeted me and asked me if I can go out and have coffee with him. He gave me his card and said that if I'm free I can always contact him and he will free his schedule just for me. Then he started asking for my number but I didn't respond. I'm not really comfortable giving out my number to someone I just met. Then, Lemnos came well I hugged him as a greeting and that's when his attitude change. He started to ask me questions about why I didn't hug him. Lemnos was there to my rescue.  I don't really think he meant any harm though," she insisted.

"Bestie, you didn't tell me about that is that when you were waiting for me in the lobby?" Athena worriedly asked. She grabbed her hands and squeezed her hands.

Cytherea nodded. 

"I was just uneasy about how he reacted. You see, I don't know the person and it makes me uncomfortable whenever they joke about something. But as I have mentioned, I don't think he meant any harm."

Athena sighed. "Sometimes, Bestie I wanna pull your hair. You're so gullible that why sometimes people take advantage of you. If someone makes you uncomfortable then that person did something that makes you feel that way. It might be harmless in your eyes but who knows what that person is up to? Who knows maybe he is Astilbe?"

"Athena is right, Cy, We have to be vigilant.  We don't know the identity of Astilbe. He might be someone that you know of. Don't worry about Carlos. I will take care of him," Gaus assured her.

"Wait...Carlos? Who is Carlos?" Athena asked. 

"He's the head of the HR department," Lemnos answered as if Carlos is not someone important. He just continues sipping on his coffee.

"Is he the one who also played in the game that you are all in?" Athena asked. 

"Yep," Lemnos answered, popping the p. 

"Don't worry, Cy. I'll make sure that Carlos will not bother you again."