Chapter Twenty-two

Athena's POV

As soon as Clara walks away, I find myself staring at her son. He is right now sitting on the sofa opposite from me, looking intensely back at me. Moving uncomfortable in my position, I wouldn't dare moving my eyes away from Colton.

His eyes are brown which has a few green specs in them. Once I narrow my eyes at him, he narrows his eyes back at me. Before I could even open my mouth, the sound of the front door unlocking caught my attention.

You may be fooled by his cuteness but he's the devil behind those cute puppy dog eyes.

I turn around, looking at Alex who is now messier than usual. His hair is sticking out in different directions as he lean against the door, his head resting. He has both of his eyes closed as he let out his breath. It looks like he has been holding his breath for the past hours because he starts to breathe heavily.

When he open his eyes, he looks straight at me but only to look at Colton. My eyes follow his gaze and I find that Colton is narrowing his eyes at Alex.

Alex walks closer toward us before stopping beside me. Both of his eyes are still focusing on Colton. I'm pretty sure despite the look he is giving us; his a one hell of an attractive young boy. He'll know enough once he grow older and when he's in high school.

''Who's he?'' Alex leans in before asking me.

I swallow as if I have been keeping something in my mouth, ''Well—'' I look back at Colton, ''He's my cousin's son which makes him my first cousin... I think?'' I raise an eyebrow at him, trying to think whether it was right.

Alex rolls his eyes, ''That doesn't explain why he's here.'' Then he starts to sit beside me, crossing his arms as soon as he drops his full weight on the sofa.

''I have to babysit him.'' I quickly answer.

''You have to what?'' He turns toward me, more like glaring. I find him clenching his jaw so I look at Colton—feeling that Colton isn't really the devil after all. Well he's like the devil's little baby.

''I have to baby—'' I start to speak again but Alex's index finger appears in between my lips, stopping me from continuing. I narrow my eyes at him but take no chance at removing his finger because he did so just a few seconds after.

''I heard that.'' He replies as he sit back, looking at Colton, ''So, how old are you?''

Colton starts to sit back too, not narrowing his eyes at us anymore. He just look at us and let out a deep sigh, ''It's none of your business.'' He says and a smirk appears on his face, ''Anymore questions?''

I turn to glance at Alex and I see his eyes widen in surprise. Well except for me, I've known this devil so that doesn't surprise me. Wait until he hears that Colton once cut my hair. It was against my will. I looked like a dog going through puberty that time.

''Well if you want to stay under my roof, you need to start answering questions properly.'' Alex shrugs. Deep in his eyes, I can see anger forming. He doesn't do well with children and from what I see, he doesn't even like them that much.

When he was holding Giselle, I knew he somehow care for her. He shows actions without him noticing but I did. I noticed. So I know, he cares and he just somehow have a tiny soft spot for children.

''I don't care!'' Colton starts to shout as soon as he stands up—causing Alex and I to look at him in surprise. Yup, this time both of us didn't expect that. Colton groans loudly before stomping his foot and wrapping his arms.

''Colton, sit down.'' I say, trying to hold him down but he removes my hand away roughly. I quickly back up, avoiding any attacks from him, ''Whoa okay, calm down.'' I put both of my hands up.

Alex stands up, now looking down at Colton, ''What do you think you're doing?'' He has his arms wrapped, as same as Colton. Both of them are staring at each other intensely. As if they could start a fire just by looking at each other. Well if looks could kill then they would have died. None would survive.

After staring at both of them long enough—it looks like Alex is trying to train his own son from being disrespectful but then at the same time—it looks like they are having a major argument with each other.

''I'm doing what you're doing.'' Colton replies. That kid's got a point.

''Well I don't like your attitude. Don't expect me to—'' Before Alex could finish up his words, Colton cuts him to it.

''I don't expect you to like my attitude.'' He says. Loud enough as if he is shouting. I don't even know if this kid is six anymore. He doesn't sound like a six year old. Well, he's rude! Doesn't Clara and Clark knows how to train this kid?

Alex furrow his eyebrows before glaring at him, ''I want you to throw him out.'' He says bluntly.

My eyes widen, ''What?'' I look up at him, ''I can't throw him out.'' Shaking my head as I look at Colton; yes he's rude and repulsive but I can't just throw him out. If Clara finds out, she will choke me to death. I wouldn't want my life to end, not just yet.

''I don't care, whatever you do just throw him out. I can't stand handling his attitude or even seeing his face!'' Alex groans in frustration before glaring at Colton once more. This time Colton is stucking his tongue at Alex like a child, ''See!'' Alex points at the kid.

I blink my eyes before looking up at him in disbelief, ''But I can't just throw him out, Alex.''

''Can't you see that I don't care, Athena?'' He questions me. Before he could continue on glaring at me, he looks down, letting out a deep sigh. Then he looks back up at Colton, ''Keep him out of my sight or I'll throw him out myself.'' Alex turns around, but I know he's just trying to hold back his anger as he walks up the stairs.

Leaving me and the devil alone.

Colton furrow his eyebrows before sitting on the sofa, looking down on the ground but there isn't a hint of regret—just anger. He doesn't look like he's going to cry which makes sense because he doesn't cry! He never cries.

''Can you be nice for once?'' I ask him.

He looks up at me, ''I don't want to!''

''Stop shouting!'' I groan, this time I'm feeling the pain, ''Can't you just be a good little kid? Because this is frustrating. You annoy the hell out of me.''

Colton pouts, ''I will tell mommy!'' He starts screaming this time and what surprises me next is that he picks up the cushions on the sofa before throwing it straight at me. One hits my face which causes me to block the next. Colton keeps on screaming—his screams are hurting my ears!

He keeps on throwing cushions at me and I feel it hit my head. The zipper causes the side of my cheek to cut a little. I groan before picking up the cushions and quickly throw them away so that they are out of his reach. Colton screams as he run after them.

I immediately run toward him, wrapping my arm around his body and his arms—stopping him. He starts to struggle to free his arms. He starts kicking my leg and I keep on tightening the grip around him, ''Stop it!'' I shout, ''Colton, stop!''

I hear footsteps behind me and when I turn around to see Alex standing with wide eyes, Colton has already slap me across the face. I let out a gasp and in an instant. I let go of him. He runs away, passing Alex until he is finally out of my sight.

Alex walks closer toward me, letting out a breath through his nose, ''I told you to throw him out.'' Then he bends down, looking at my face. One of his hand touches the side of my cheek, which has a tiny cut caused by Colton.

I seem unaffected by his touch because of the anger raging in me, ''I swear I will lock him out and let him starve.'' I say through gritted teeth. As soon as I try to stand up, Alex holds me down, touching my jaw so that I am facing him. My frown drops and now replaced with a curious look toward Alex, ''What?'' I ask quickly.

''You have a cut—'' He touches the area, ''Right over here.'' His eyes focusing on my cheek.

I roll my eyes, ''Well that explains the devil.'' Suddenly, I fall down on my knees, ''I can't believe Clara even leave him to me! Look at him, he's a freaking satan.''

Before Alex could say anything, the sound of Colton's scream starts to appear once more. I roll my eyes as I stand up quickly and walk toward the back. I hear Alex's footsteps behind me—following. As soon as I reach the kitchen, my eyes widen at the sight. Spoons all over the floor, in all different places.

''Colton!'' I shout Colton's name before walking out of the kitchen and entering the dinner room—seeing Colton sneakily running a pencil on the wall, ''Put that down. Where did you get that?'' I ask as I run after him and take the pencil out of his hand.

He starts screaming once more, trying to reach up for the pencil. I keep on gripping tighter, this time I'm not letting him go even if he wants to stab me with the freaking pencil. Wait no, then I'll let him go. Alex appears and he starts to hold both of Colton's hand.

''Colton, that's enough!'' Alex says and Colton stops screaming but only to push me roughly on the chest and run away. I fall onto the ground, letting out a few gasp. My breathing somehow stops for awhile—feeling affected by the push.

''You okay?'' Alex's hand wraps around my waist, slowly pulling me toward him. I find myself resting my head on his chest, ''Athena.'' He calls out my name.

''I'm fine,'' I cough and I slowly remove Alex's hand from my waist, ''Come on, I need to find him.'' Then I walk out of the dining room before Alex could say anything to stop me.

This time Colton is standing in the middle of the living room. Holding a rock. I let out a breath of relief but as soon as I realise what he's going to do, my eyes widen once more. ''Colton, what are you doing? Put that rock down!'' I say as I quickly walk toward him.

Colton runs the rock on windows, causing it to scratch. I furrow my eyebrows at the sound and I quickly pull Colton's hand but he pushes the rock into my skin, causing me to bleed, ''Colton!'' I shout and let go of him. He is running the other way.

Alex caught him and he tries to struggle free but Alex holds his hands tightly and sit on his legs, stopping him from moving. Colton screams but I run toward him, covering his mouth with my hand. What we're doing right now could not leave any bruises because Alex's grip starts to loosen as soon as Colton stops struggling. He looks up at me, tears appearing in his eyes.

''Oh now you're going to cry?'' I let go of his mouth, ''You need to stop Colton.'' I point at my wrist, ''Look at what you've done!'' Colton looks down at my wrist but only to find it funny, he starts laughing and then glare at me, ''This is unbelievable.'' I continue.

Alex lightly pick up Colton so that he's sitting on his lap but Alex still has Colton's hand—that he won't do anything stupid anymore, ''Colton, what is wrong with you, actually?'' I say, feeling myself out of breath.

Lucky enough for me, the cut on my wrist isn't deep—just enough to let me bleed. The blood isn't much either, just a few drops and the skin shining red. That's all.

''Let me go!'' Colton starts kicking once more and he bites onto Alex's wrist. Alex quickly let go of Colton who is now running up the stairs, as fast as he could. I see Alex rubbing his wrist which has redden a slight bit.

With a sigh, I run upstairs, trying to find the source of Colton's voice. As soon as I open the door which is the door to Alex's room, I hear the sound of someone sobbing instead of screaming or shouting. I let my feet guide me to the sound—not even wasting any time.

Furrowing my eyebrows I see that the door that leads to the walk-in closet is now half open but it's dark inside. The sound starts to get clearer and louder. I slowly slide the door, looking at a familiar figure sitting and resting his chin on his knees.

''Colton.'' I say, my voice sounding out of breath.

Colton looks up but to only sob harder and pull himself deeper into the clothes. I bend down—fall onto my knees—as I try to reach out for him. I lightly push the clothes that is now blocking his face and as I did, I meet his brown eyes filled with tears preparing to be shed.

''Athena,'' Alex calls from behind me but I ignore him as my hand reaches out to touch Colton.

''Hey, it's okay. Come on out.'' I say lightly, grabbing onto his forearm. A tear glides down his soft cheek and his eyes meet mine in an instant. He sniffs before lifting himself up and sliding toward me, ''What's wrong?'' I ask.

I look down to see his nose and cheeks redden—including his lips. His eyes are as wide as a puppy's eyes. They are shining but somehow behind those tears, they held secrets.

''Colton, you can tell me.'' I rub on his back soothingly, letting him to calm down.

His small hands wrap around my neck and he rests his head on my chest near my neck, ''I want daddy.'' He says, softly.

My hand moves up to his brown hair as he snuggle closer toward me, ''Daddy's working, Colton.''

He didn't say a word but he keeps on snuggling closer. Alex knees in front of me, looking right at Colton, ''Let me.'' Alex says, before slowly taking Colton away from me. When I look down at Colton, I see that he has fallen asleep. My heart drops at the sight in front of me.

Seeing Alex slowly rubbing his hand on Colton's back—it's like Giselle all over again. I find myself smiling as I see Alex standing up and walking out of the closet. I soon follow him and see that he's putting Colton on the bed, lightly not to wake him up.

Once Alex has fully let go of Colton, he moves to the side before snuggling onto the nearest pillow. Alex runs his hand on Colton's hand—and once he realise what he was doing, he quickly stand up straight, clearing his throat.

He looks down at his wrist watch, ''It's six already.''

''Two hours of his madness.'' I shrug and his lips curve up into a small smile.

''Well, are you hungry?'' Alex looks down at me.

''No—'' I reply but just in time, my stomach growls—giving me a sign that I am indeed hungry. My cheeks heat up, ''—Maybe a little.''

Alex chuckles, ''Yeah well let's go downstairs. I'll cook whatever you want.'' I nod and we walk downstairs together—we did check up on Colton to make sure he's not waking up any time soon.

He hands me a tissue on the way to wipe off the blood that is now already drying. I didn't bother to put on a plaster or any ointment because it doesn't hurt anyway. It's a small cut, including the cut on my cheek.

Once we reach downstairs, Alex head straight to the kitchen, ''What would you like?'' He turns to look at me.

''Oh yeah, of course you can cook.'' I reply sarcastically before seeing him opening one of the cabinet, ''Well, surprise me then.'' I mutter.

Alex smirks, ''Surprise you?''

I move closer, looking up at him, ''Surprise me.'' I say, my voice low and sounds like I'm seducing him but let me be honest, I thought he was going to lean in and kiss me but he just brush his lips against my cheek, letting me feel his warmth.

Both of his hands move up to touch my arm before pushing me lightly onto the seat, ''Sit back and I'll surprise you.'' Then he walk back to the cabinet, taking out a few ingredients needed. I just roll my eyes and watch him—this is surely a sight I would always want to see.

Without me realising, I have been staring at him ever since he started cooking. I wasn't paying any attention when on what he was cooking but instead, I pay attention on him. Seeing his muscle reflexes whenever he moves around and pick up or open the can, it attracts me.

My eyes widen and blink a few times when I see him snap his fingers in front of me, ''Oi.'' He says.

''—yeah,'' I reply.

He leans back, pointing at the dish he has serve in front of me. I follow his gaze, seeing myself looking at a mouth watering spaghetti carbonara. My jaw immediately drops to the ground as I keep on looking. As soon as I reach out for the dish, Alex holds both of my wrist—stopping me, ''What?'' I quickly ask, sounding a little annoyed.

''You can't just attack the food.'' He shakes his head.

''What do you expect? Me to say my prayers?'' I roll my eyes as I struggle out of his grip, ''I need that.'' I mutter angrily, ''Alex... I'm hungry, please?'' I make one of my cute puppy dog eyes.

He blink, ''Not buying that.''

''Okay, what do you want?'' I ask but both of my eyes are focusing on the food.

''I don't know... a kiss?'' He shrugs but I know he's half serious and half joking.

I quickly peck him on the lips and he seems surprise that he didn't even get to respond. Before he could move his lips on mine, I move away and quickly pull the spaghetti toward me—twirling it on the fork and immediately put it inside my mouth. I let out a moan of satisfaction, ''Oh my god.''

Alex smirks, before resting his elbows on the kitchen counter, ''Do you like it?''

''I love it!'' I say with full mouth. I keep on chewing, ''God I want to marry food.''

''You can't marry food.''

''Well you can't since you're married to me, so nope.'' He shrugs once more but I just ignore him as I keep on chewing. I savour the taste as if I haven't eaten for so long. My tastebuds are exploding from the taste.

Alex just look at me as he eat his own. We both stay quiet, well except for the sound of us moving the spoon and fork on the plate. Once we're done eating, Alex put the dishes in the dishwasher before we both walk upstairs.

I end up looking at Colton who is now on the middle of the bed, snuggling into the comforter. I walk toward him immediately, moving the hair away from his face. I look up to see Alex walking in with a comforter and a pillow in his hand, ''What's that for?'' I ask him.

''I'm sleeping here.'' He points at the ground, ''You can sleep on the bed with him,'' Then he puts down the pillow and comforter on the ground before going down on his knees and putting them in place.

''But—''

He cuts me off, ''Just sleep on the bed unless you want me to keep you awake all night,'' He smirks at the end before laying on his pillow.

I feel my cheeks heat up but I quickly adjust Colton so that he is laying beside me. I lay my back on the bed, facing Colton. He hasn't move much—maybe tired from throwing his tantrums earlier.

Closing my eyes, I soon feel myself drifting into sleep.

Feeling someone lightly moving my forearms makes me frown. I open my eyes and look around the room to see that it's still dark. My gaze drops on Alex who is now facing the other side with one of his hand on his stomach.

I turn to look at Colton who is right now looking back at me, ''What's wrong, Colton?'' I ask, trying to keep my voice down.

''I have been counting.'' He says, his fingers playing with the comforter.

''Counting?'' I reply, touching the side of his cheek.

''How long daddy has been gone.'' He mutters quietly.

''What do you mean?''

''Daddy has been gone for thirty six days...'' Colton looks up at me, ''I miss daddy.''

A tear falls from his eyes as he keep on sniffing. I quickly pull him toward me, ''Come on baby it's okay.'' I didn't want to push Colton to answer questions so I just snuggle him closer—comforting him.

I feel his hand wrapping around my neck and his tears wetting my shirt but I didn't care. He keeps on crying and I keep on rubbing his back soothingly, ''Shh, it's okay, Colton.''

''I miss daddy.''

''I miss daddy.''

''I miss daddy.''

''I miss daddy.'' Colton sniffs.

''I miss daddy.'' He keeps on saying.

Until both of us end up falling asleep.