Whatever your plan is, I don’t care. Get out

Athilda's pov

I dropped my phone and rolled my eyes. Get along? Please. That guy's a walking headache.

First of all, I do not want to go to that dinner. I can already hear the same old nonsense; how I still have not moved on from Lucien, how I'm still single, and the worst part? They might even try to match me with Enzo again. That's gross.

Secondly, I am sure my sister and Lucien will be there too. I really do not want to see them. I am not bitter, just annoyed. And, for the record, I have moved on, okay?

I let out a deep breath and gathered my things from the locker. Once I had everything, I walked out… Only to find Enzo leaning against the wall, arms crossed like some actor.

He was wearing a crisp white polo, sleeves rolled up, paired with black pants. Ugh. Why does he have to look so clean and attractive today?

I gave him a glare and tried to walk past him quickly, but of course, I felt his hand catch my arm.

"What now?" I groaned. Why does this guy love grabbing me like that? What is he trying to prove?

"Let's go together," he said. "I don't know where your house is."

"Ever heard of Waze?" I snapped back.

"I didn't bring my car," he mumbled, biting his lower lip and scratching his neck.

Damn. That move should be illegal. So unfair.

"Oh, and now that's my problem?"

"Yep. Let's go," he grinned. "You drive or I'll tell your parents you tried to seduce me because you're desperate for my sperm."

I smacked his arm. "You're disgusting! Ugh, you're seriously impossible. Fine! I'll take you, but I'm not going to that dinner."

I stomped off, and of course, he followed.

"Talia's going to be there…" he said quietly.

That stopped me in my tracks for a second, but I recovered quickly and kept walking.

"That's exactly why I don't want to go. She and her husband will be there," I blurted out without thinking.

Crap.

Why did I say that?! Now he's going to think I'm bitter or still hung up on Lucien. Ugh!

"Why?" he asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"Duh. For your information, her husband is my ex-boyfriend. Or should I say… my ex-fiancé!"

Enzo's eyes widened. "What? Seriously? That's a plot twist."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Can we go now, Mr. Gossip?"

We finally made it to the parking lot. I jumped into the driver's seat and he got in on the passenger side, still smirking like an idiot.

"Hey, wipe that smile off your face. You're annoying me," I snapped.

"Still bitter over your ex-fiancé, huh?" he teased.

I raised my eyebrow at him. "Wow. That's rich, coming from you, Mr. Still-in-love-with-my-sister."

He moved quiet and looked away.

I laughed. "Haha! Speechless, huh? Boom."

He turned to face me, suddenly serious. "And how are you so sure I'm still in love with her?"

He leaned in closer, eyes locked on mine.

I smirked back, refusing to back down.

His breath smelled like mint. He was really close now. I leaned in too.

"Secret," I said with a mischievous grin, and blew a soft puff of minty breath right in his face.

I had just chewed mint gum earlier, so yeah, I came prepared.

"I'm not in love with her anymore," he said, leaning away from me and fastening his seatbelt.

"Liar. Jerk," I muttered with a smirk as I started the engine.

The whole ride was quiet, except for the low music playing through the speakers. I caught myself glancing at him from time to time. His eyes were closed, and he looked like he had dozed off. He seemed exhausted, yet still managed to look ridiculously handsome. How is that even fair?

I let him sleep. No need to disturb him. But the moment we arrived at the mansion, I reached over and nudged him.

"Hey, we're here."

He blinked his eyes open slowly, and I swear, I had to gulp. His eyes were soft and sleepy, the kind you usually only read about in romance novels. The kind of stare that makes your knees a little weak.

Lucien was good-looking, no doubt. But Enzo… Enzo had this magnetic charm that felt like he was always flirting without even trying.

"Get out now. And good luck. Do not cause any drama there. My niece is inside," I reminded him.

Sure, I did not care about how my sister and Lucien felt anymore. But if Enzo even dared to mess with my niece? War.

"Uhh, of course. I'm not that immature," he said while adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his hair.

He was about to open the car door when I stopped him. "Excuse me, what do you mean let's go? I told you, I'm not coming in."

"Come with me. I have a plan," he said with a sly smile.

I paused. That did make me curious for a second… but I quickly shook my head.

"Whatever your plan is, I don't care. Get out."

"Please. Just cooperate with me," he said.

I went silent. The way he said please… like it was hard for him to even say it. Like he hated asking, but needed help this time.

Should I give in? I mean… I kind of felt bad for him. Of course it would sting to see the woman he once loved all happy with her perfect little family. But it would hurt me too, seeing Lucien and my sister smiling like I never existed.

Life really knows how to kick us when we're down, huh?

"Fine," I said with a sigh. "But you better make sure I benefit from this plan of yours."

He grinned wide, too wide, and before I could react, he leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

I froze. My whole body tensed. I was not expecting that. Not even a little. What the hell was that?!