Shattered Illusions

ARTEMIS POV

Esther was a genius. She knew how to certainly make one look so regal. I stare at myself in the mirror and can't even find Artemis, all I saw was a red haired woman in a smoldering red dress.

There was a party tonight and according to what Daymon told me, it was for the high class and Aiden had wanted me to look in my very best. Not to impress the people but for 'something special' as he had put it.

I felt like he was planning something massive, like a surprise for me but I couldn't tell because he didn't leave any hints.

Aiden was waiting for me at the driveway looking handsome in his dark suit and well tailored trousers. Daymon stood behind him looking good as well. I grinned at Aiden. He smiled slowly.

"I am tearing that off you tonight." He said and I blushed. He took my hand and helped me get into the car. 

Through the ride Aiden kept playing with me, tracing his fingers up my thigh and I had to swag his hand away. He couldn't seem to be able to stop touching me and ....I like it. The way he was smiling had me wondering what was so special to improve his mood this much.

The place was already packed by the time we got there. Loud music blasted from the speaker and I could make out people dancing.

We stepped out of the car and all eyes were on us. Aiden was very popular and one of the most handsome men I had ever seen and I couldn't help but feel jealous when I saw the stares of longing. Aiden ignored them all and wrapped his arm around my waist. I smiled at that.

Kane emerged from among the crowd and Aiden stiffened. 

"Hello brother" he said and Aiden sighed.

"Kane" he said simply and Kane grinned. 

"Your girl looks stunning" he took my hand and kissed it while Aiden watched like a hawk.

"Thank you" I replied not knowing how else to respond with Aiden watching like he was about to slit someone's throat.

Aiden took my hand and led me away making me chuckle.

"You are jealous," I observed.

"Damn right I am" he answered. Someone called him and he turned to me.

"I'll be right back," he said and disappeared among the crowd.

"So your boyfriend is jealous," Kane said behind me and I chuckled.

"He wouldn't be pleased to see you with me you know" I said and he rolled his eyes.

"Come on. I don't mind what he is gonna do. It is worth it" He said and I cocked my head to the side.

"Why are you guys so against each other?" I asked and he smiled.

"His past girlfriend chose me over him, she was a redhead like you" he said. I nodded, I could see why Aiden resented him.

"So you and Aiden huh?" He said. I took a sip of my drink and nodded.

"Yeah. It kinda happened, can't really give you the details but yes I love him" I said. Kane green eyes studied me some more.

"Does he love you too?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yes he does" I answered. Kane nodded and took another sip of his drink.

"Sorry for the questions but Aiden doesn't know that all I want is just your happiness of being with him makes you happy then so be it" he said and I smiled. Sometimes I wondered why Aiden still held grudges with this man. He was so sweet and nice.

"Thank you Kane....for uhh…... .looking out for me" I said and he nodded. We watch the rest of the party in silence. Daymon stood directly behind Kane, and I smiled to myself. Aiden must have ordered him to do so. Knock him out if he did anything funny.

Aiden? Where was he anyway? I didn't even know where to start looking for him in this crowd.

I sipped the drink slowly. Kane stared at me then he extended his hand.

"Want to dance?" he asked. Behind him, Daymon put his hand heavily on Kane's shoulder.

"No can do Kane" he said, sounding quite mad. I sighed and touched Daymon's arm.

"It's okay Daymon. I...."

"Dance with me instead," Daymon said. I stared into those blue eyes to see if he was joking and Daymon I knew didn't joke.

"Okay" I gave Kane an apologetic stare and he nodded and smiled at me.

We headed to where people were dancing and he placed his hands around my waist carefully and I placed mine on his chest. We swayed slowly to the music. Throughout the moment Daymon kept staring at me, he didn't even blink once and I had to fight hard not to flush.

I couldn't even understand what was wrong with me. I had this strange feeling in my belly when I stared into those icy blue eyes.

Thankfully the music came to an end and all my senses came flooding back.

"Where's Aiden?" I asked and Daymon's eyes wandered around.

"Last I checked, he was heading to the storage room" he said and I sighed in relief. I was already antsy at not seeing him. I headed for the storage room, following directions that people gave me when I pushed open the door; nothing prepared me for what I saw. 

There on a chair was Aiden with a naked woman straddling him. Kissing him deeply. Aiden's eyes met mine and he pushed the girl away. But I was already running before he could reach me. I heard him call my name but I did not look back once. I was a fool, a big one to ever believe he could love me.

I kept running till I could run no more. Tears poured down my face when the realization sinked in.

Aiden didn't love me.