Song: Be Alright by Dean Lewis

What grade are you in?

Athena's POV

A few days has passed and well things between me and Max were still the same. I mean after the kiss we shared in the kitchen the other time, we went back to the way we were. It's always like that, he gives me these kisses that makes my head spin and leave me wanting more. What am I thinking? Nothing can happen between us. I'm here for my brother's future and I can't be selfish.

I can't selfish in the sense that if I ever break this contract, I won't get any money for my brother. After all, I agreed to all of this for him. Why am I constantly having to convince myself of that? I have to be strong.

Finally getting off of my bed, I rolled my eyes at my thoughts. Every time that I'm alone or not doing anything, I end up thinking about these things. It automatically comes to my mind and I can't help it.

I was soon interrupted by a knock on my door. "Come in," I said as I started tying my hair into a bun. "Max," I said, almost in a whisper, as I saw him pushing the door open. "Good morning," he said as he made his way towards me. "Uh good morning. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at work? Did you need something? Did I do something," I started rambling. I don't understand why I'm getting nervous.

He chuckled at my reaction. "What's getting you all riled up? Anyways I need to talk to you," he said in a serious tone. "So I'm going out of town for a few weeks it might also be a month. I don't really know for sure," he said making me frown. "And you are telling me because," I asked him as I wasn't really sure where this was going.

"Well I'm going with Pegasus. I'll be helping him for the meet ups he has. I'm leaving tonight," Max said. Suddenly, I couldn't help but feel sad. I didn't want him to leave. It's not even for a short period of time, it's like for a month.

"Oh yea that won't be a problem," I lied as I smiled at him. "I was thinking that maybe you would like to join me there," he said and I felt a sudden rush of excitement flow through me. It took everything in me, not to start jumping of joy.

"It would be good. My mom will also be happy and that would help make her believe our pretense even more," he said. At that moment, I just wanted to slap my forehead in frustration. "Obviously," I said as I sighed.

"Oh and where are we going exactly," I asked as I didn't know what else to say. "There are a few places. Italy, France and some other countries," he said. As soon as I heard that, my mouth dropped almost touching the floor. "ITALY," I screamed out.

"My ears, woman," he said as he covered his one ear. "I'm sorry. Anyways I'll started packing then and what time is the flight," I asked all excitedly. "Just let me know when you finish getting all your things packed," h said and I nodded.

"If you need me, I'll be in the study," he said as he got up from my bed. "Oh, by the way, cute pjs, little dove," he said. My eyes widened as I realised that I was just wearing a baggy shirt that was like a dress on me. I even had no bra on. How embarrassing!

After brushing my teeth and getting a shower, I asked Maria to bring me my breakfast in my room because I had to pack. I have always wanted to go to Italy. It's been on my bucketlist and now I'll be able to wipe that out. It's also going to be my first time travelling.

I can't wait to taste the food, to see the architecture, to visit the churches and for sightseeing. Looking through my closet, I picked up my only two pair of jeans that I own and almost all my shirts.

After putting all my clothes on my bed, I started folding them neatly. Shortly after, I heard a knock on the door. "Come in," I said as I continued folding. "Still packing, little dove," said the voice from behind. I immediately recognized his voice as he always manage to send shivers down my spine.

"Yeps," I said as I watched him take a seat on my bed. "Done with work," I asked as I walked into my closet and coming out with my pjs. "Yea all done, so you seemed very excited to go to Italy," he said and I nodded.

"It's been on my bucketlist. I can't wait to eat pizza from Naples and watch the sunset at Positano," I said dreamily. As Max was quite the entire time, I looked over at him to see what's wrong, when I saw him staring at me.

"What? Is there something on my face," I asked as I rubbed my face. "No no it's nothing," he said and I just shrugged. Both of our attention was caught by a sudden knock on my door. Maria popped her head in. "Mr Knight, your mother is here," she said before leaving.

"Let's go see her," max said as he got up and grabbed my hand. Following him downstairs, I saw his lovely mother. "Athena," she squealed as she ran towards me and hugged me. "Hi Lucy," I said as I smiled at her. "Wow mom your son is here too," Max said making me and Lucy laugh.

"Oh honey," she said as she hugged him. We then talked for a while and I eventually had to continue packing. So I went back upstairs to finish it.

After another half hour, I finally finished packing. I went downstairs and saw Max getting his suitcases downstairs. As I reached the end of the stairs, Max sensed me approaching as he turned to face me. "Are you done with packing," he asked and I nodded. "Okay then you can go and get ready, we will be leaving in an hour," he said making me smile.

At that moment, I felt my heart flutter as I realised that I was really going abroad, I was going to get on a plane. I'll be travelling for the first time. I just felt a rush of excitement inside of me. I couldn't help but smile.

I don't know why but I just ran towards Max. He looked confused as I approached him so I just chuckled at him reaction. As I reached him, I snaked my arms around his torso, given that I'm way shorter than him. For a few second, he stayed frozen in place but he then relaxed and hugged me back.

"Thank you so much for taking me with you," I said as I felt like I would burst out in tears, of happiness of course. "Travelling has been just something I've always wanted to do," I said as I buried my face in his chest. "No need to thank me, little dove" Max said as he stroked my hair. "Still thank you so much," I said again. He just chuckled at my words. "Well now go get ready," he said before placing a kiss on the top of my head. I smiled and nodded as I pull away.

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Hey guys, Happy New Year. Hope you enjoyed your New Year.

Here is a new chapter for you guys. I'm sorry that I haven't been uploading much lately. I have been spending time with my family and didn't really have time to work.

But now I'll be doing my best to write more and more.

-Love Mokshda