I still don't trust Carter. The fact that he wanted to get hold of the property so badly, I'm sure he'll do anything to change my mind in buying it. After all, he's a Monteiro and a Petrakis, business is his life.

I have to find out on my own. My brother, Mars Adrian will help me appraised the museum. I talked to him last night and he will contact his friend who could help me out.

"Let's order dessert." Carter suggested and opened a second bottle of wine.

The milk chocolate and beetroot cake with ombre icing was so heaven followed by a platter of different flavored ice cream. My eyes rounded seeing all my favorite flavors. Cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, butter pecan, strawberry, pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, mango and cheese.

I was so happy like a kid my spirit lifted up. I was so full but who cares, there was always room for dessert.

"This is a sin, eating too much." I said as I took a spoonful of the cookies and cream.

Carter laughed and also took the same flavor. The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame. "Let's be sinful tonight."

I giggled and tasted the strawberry. "I love ice cream."

His eyebrows flickered a little. "Me too. I tried weird flavored ice cream in different parts of the world."

"Such as?"

"Sampaguita ice cream, it's the national flower in the Philippines."

My lips parted in surprise. "Really? Is it delicious?"

"Umm... yeah. It's like eating perfume."

We both laughed and the ambience became light, calm and easy. It was like talking to Carter was an everyday thing... so normal. He was so easy to talk with and our conversation just flowed easily.

"I also tried squid ink, seaweed, soy sauce and wasabi flavors in Japan."

I bit my lip to stifle a grin. "That is so weird. But I want to try."

His smile widened in approval. "You should... don't forget the bacon ice cream too..."

We could not stop laughing. I'd hate to admit it, but I was enjoying my dinner with Carter too much. I had never experienced it with any guy in my whole life. It was just too weird because he was my nemesis.

First, we shared our food and our dessert. Then we found out that we had a lot in common. We both loved Asian food especially ice cream, enjoyed listening to 90's songs, had a special attachment to animals, watched documentary videos, history and discovery channels.

Our conversation was endless and became very meaningful. We talked about animal cruelty in different parts of the world. We both felt bad about the cruel treatments of elephant being traded, tortured and imprisoned for rides in some countries, the crocodile and dog fightings for money, eating dogs and cats... even human babies.

When our topic shifted to our careers, Carter asked me about my modelling contract.

"Why didn't you ask for advice before signing the contract?"

I drank my wine before I answered. My temple felt hot all of a sudden, I had a feeling that I reached my limit already.

"I was in Paris all alone and I did know anyone there to ask. For once in my life, I was trying to be independent by making a decision on my own, and that was such a stupid thing to do. I was too excited to model for the company that I signed the contract immediately... without reading. Actually I tried, but I could not understand anything. It's like entering a maze." I let out a short laugh.

His mouth suddenly went tight and grim. "It must be too hard for you."

"Really hard. It's such a struggle."

"Did you ask Zion's help?"

"Nope." I said then took another sip of my wine.

That would be the last thing that I would do. Zion was occupied with a lot of things already managing his family and his own business, I did not want to bother him. Besides, Zion was very distant and it was so hard to open up to him. I realized, we were not so close. I never had a conversation with him like I have now with Carter.

He drew his lips in thoughtfully. "What about your parents?"

"They will only worry."

"I can help you if you want. Let's see if we can have it amended."

"No, it's okay Carter. I'll ask my brother for help. He'll be coming home this weekend."

"Mars? He's still a kid. I can help you better Athena. I have a trusted lawyer who can keep the matter very confidential."

You mean, Jenna Justice? I wanted to ask him but refrained from mentioning her. I did not like the idea of her name included in our conversation.

"Carter... you don't have to. You're a very busy person..."

"I can make time. I want to help you. We're friends now, right?"

"Are we?"

His jaw clenched, his eyes slightly narrowed. "Of course. I'm sorry for being such an asshole jerk to you Athena." He leaned closer towards me on the table and continued. "Let me make up for what I did. You can punish me, torture me if you want. If that would it takes for your forgiveness."

"You're crazy." I laughed to hide the effect of his words on me. Punish me... torture me if you want... It brought all my nerves dancing and my cells rejoicing.

Oh gosh... why am I feeling this way. It's so wrong.

I leaned back against my chair trying to get much distance away from him. His gorgeous rugged look, penetrating eyes and delicious manly scent made my mind reeling. There was this sudden tingling sensation at the pit of my stomach that would not let go and that smile that I used to hate suddenly brought glow in my heart.

I did not like what was going on. I would rather have the hating game with Carter than seeing him acting this way towards me. I could not take it. It was not good.

"I'm serious Athena. Let me help you."

I clasped my hands together and looked at him. "I know what you're trying to do Carter. Suddenly you're nice when you learn that I have dyslexia. You decided that you don't hate me anymore. I don't need your pity. That's the reason I always keep my disability a secret because I don't want pity from anymore. Especially from you who used to hate me so much."

He was caught off guard. He held my eyes for seconds while I waited for him to say something. When he did, I was ashamed of myself.

"Why would I pity you? Dyslexia is not a disease. It's not a result of brain injury or a defect. You just see things in pictures, not words and have difficulty in letters, symbols and numbers. Too many people I know who have dyslexia are very successful -- Albert Einstein, Tom Cruise, Pablo Picasso and Steven Spielberg. They learned to cope on it Athena, and I know you did too."

Eintein, that name again. I should look at it later.

"That's what Zion said too."

His laughter suddenly died as he poured wine in our glasses. It must be my fifth or sixth glass of wine already, I lost count. I was feeling so light like a feather.

"Are you really going to marry Zion?" His mouth twisted wryly.

I looked at my engagement ring then showed it to him. "Of course."

"Do you love him?"

A circle of ice ringing my mouth, but I managed to answer him through stiff lips.

"What kind of question is that? People get married because of love."

He nodded and took a big gulp of his wine.

I did the same then put the glass down abruptly. It suddenly did not taste sweet anymore.

"Come, I'll show you something." He stood up and offered his hand.

"Where?"

"Somewhere. Just trust me, Athena."

Can I trust him?

I gave him my hand and he clasped it tightly, drawing me towards him. I did not realize that trusting him changed everything.