Betrayals Aftermath

ARTEMIS POV

The tears streaming down my face hindered me from seeing properly and I didn't stop even when I fell down, when I bruised my thighs and knees, when my heels broke, and even my ankle got sprained. 

I didn't stop when the security men tried to stop me, rather I fought furiously, slapping and hitting them until they released me. 

I ran through the pain, numbing everything else around. I didn't know where I was going but I needed to be far away from him. 

I didn't know how far I had gone from there when the rain started, it was almost like even nature felt angry with what Aiden did to me.

The rain poured heavily on me, drenching me like a wounded cat and I sat down with my wounded heart, the scene in which I had met Aiden where he had been kissing another girl. 

Hot tears that contrasted with the rain against my skin, started flowing down my cheeks, the rain washing it off. The rain soothed my throbbing heart and whimpering slightly, I lay by the side of the road in a curled up position, trying to warm myself. 

After a while, a black sleek car pulled up beside where I laid. I saw black shoes first but I was too tired and weak to see who it was. 

"Artemis," the gruff voice called out just the same time my vision blurred. I didn't stir, was far too weak and cold to do so. Then I heard hasty footsteps and soon the rain droplets no longer hit me. 

A man's hands soon enveloped me, carrying me up bridal style and instinctively, my arms circled around his neck, taking his scent in. 

"Hey, it's okay, you'll be okay," a deep voice whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

"Aiden?" I managed to choke out, my eyes too heavy to look the man in the eyes. 

"Wrong guess, Artemis," the man's gruff voice sounded again. 

I bit the side of my tongue hard realizing that it was none other than Aiden's brother, Kane. 

'He didn't come after me,' I thought, fresh new tears rolling down my cheeks. 

"How did you know where I was?" I managed to ask, opening my eyes ever so slightly to look at his face. His features were chiseled, his jawline strong… almost like Aiden. 

"Shh, you're shivering," he replied, his tone gentle.

As he held me, another man I hadn't even noticed took the umbrella from him, holding it steady above us.

His gaze held mine, and for a moment, I forgot the pain I had felt when I saw Aiden kissing another woman. 

"Let's get you safe, okay?" he said, turning on his heels. 

In no time, I was carried gently into the car, cuddled hard against Kane, trying to somehow get warmth from him. 

"Turn off the AC," he said to one of his men, and in no time, the AC went off. 

"Kane..." I called out weakly, my voice barely audible but I knew he heard me. 

"You'll be fine, I promise you," Kane's deep voice reassured, his warmth enveloping me.

Kane's perfume had a nice fragrance and it somehow comforted me, even if it was for a moment. 

"Wh-why?" I stammered, my voice cracking as I pulled back, a little forcibly to stare at his face. 

Kane's grip on me loosened a bit . "You think I'd leave you out there, hurt and alone? Not on my watch, Artemis."

I tried to lift my head, but exhaustion won. My cheek rested against Kane's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

"Aiden..." I whispered, the name tasting bitter.

Kane's voice turned cold. "He's going to regret what he did. I promise you that."

The car's silence was filled by the soft hum of the engine and Kane's gentle breathing. I felt his chin on top of my head, a gentle gesture.

As warmth seeped into my chilled bones, my eyelids drooped. "Thank you, Kane..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Sleep, Artemis," Kane replied softly. "You're safe."

The darkness claimed me soon after. I didn't know how long I had slept but I woke up when Kane tried to carry me out of the car. It was still raining when we got there. 

"Let's get you warmed up," he said as he walked through the doors and into the elevator. 

The elevator stopped on the highest floor and as soon as the elevator door opened, a young woman whom I suppose was the housekeeper greeted him. 

"Good evening sir," she said, curtseying a bit 

"Good evening, Catherine," Kane replied, his voice warm as he gave her a small smile. "I didn't think you'd still be here."

"I had rounded up late and then the rain..." she trailed off there, hoping he'd understand. 

"Hmm," he hummed, his grip on me a little more tighter. "This is Artemis. She'll be staying with me for a while."

I was suddenly aware of the fact that I was still being carried, so I tried to come down but I felt a pinch on my thigh, forcing a sudden yelp from my lips. 

"Sit still," he muttered, nuzzling his nose in my damp hair. I shivered on impact. 

"I'll prepare a bath immediately sir," she said, turning on her heels to go do what she said. 

As we entered the penthouse apartment, I marveled at the sleek, modern decor. Aiden had a really nice apartment but Kane's apartment reflected life. I didn't get the chance to admire properly before Kane carried me to a spacious bedroom.

"Let me help you, sir," Catherine offered, but Kane shook his head.

"I've got this, thank you."

He gently laid me on the bed, pulling off my soaked shoes. Catherine handed him a towel, which he used to dry my face and hair.

"Change into something warm," Kane instructed, handing me a plush robe.

I nodded, still feeling dazed.

By the time I was done changing, Kane had disappeared to heaven knows where, returning with a steaming cup. "Hot tea," he said, helping me sit up.

The warmth spread through my chilled bones, reviving me.

"Better?" Kane asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude.

Kane tucked the blankets around me, his fingers brushing against mine. "Sleep tight, Artemis."

"Wait a second, I chose your brother over you…"