AFTER THE TRAIL OF ROSES

HAPPY READING Athena Cartier vs Nasir Knights in After The Trail Of Roses. The Dawn... Athena Cartier Pov -Present day- "Sir, madam... welcome home," an elderly woman with partially grey hair, dressed in a blue floral dress, covered in a white apron greeted us with a grim smile on her face as we approach the huge, sophisticated mansion entrance lobby. He nodded and continued with those long confident strides holding the door open for us. I gasped and he turned to look at me, seeing my mouth kept ajar with the lavished interior design like something out of a royal movie. My husband had money. I felt as though I was floating in the air as if everything had been nothing but a dream. He studied my astonishment for a few minutes and I closed my mouth before opening it back again. "Where do we sleep?" I questioned after walking through the huge door and he raised his brows. "My wife sleeps in my bed," he drawled and my mouth fell open again. Surely he doesn't think I'm going to sleep with him. "And why not?" my subconscious asked. "I sleep with my daughter," I said defiantly and his jaw twitched and eyes lowered a fraction "Mrs. Garcia please escort Mrs. Knights to the little one's quarter," he said eyes never leaving mine. "Yes sir," the woman answered and I noticed his eyes dropped a fraction, his lips pressed tightly together in a thin line. "Put Amore to bed," he said. "And see me in my chamber," he added calmly eyes darker piercing into mine then with those same long confident stride he strode away in the opposite direction. Is he crazy? Doesn't he know the time of night it is? Did he not hear me? Does he have selective hearing? What is wrong with this man? A tundra of questions rushes through my mind all at once and I shook my head. A very tired Amore yearned in my arms, snuggling up to my neck and I shifted my attention to her. "This way madam," Mrs. Garcia said and I followed her without a word to the elevator thanking God I did not have to climb those stairs with Amore in my arms. No sooner did the elevator ding at the fourth floor, we stepped out and I followed the elderly woman to the third door on the right mainly focused on how tired my arms are because I refuse to let him take her. Amore was out like a light a little before the ceremony ended and she hadn't reopened them even when the car stopped in front of his mansion a moment ago. My jaw dropped wider to the floor this time when the huge double door opened to the massive gold and white bedroom set fit for a princess with its lavished design. There is a matching upholstered bench at the foot of the bed, a matching chest of drawers to the right of the bed, and a bedside table with a chair on the left of the bed. The plush pink linen looked warm and inviting on the bed and matched the ornate picture frame on the side table by the bed with Amore's pictures and I wondered how they got those. It was versatile and lovely at the same time. My eyes almost fell to the floor with the way my feet sank into the plushy pink carpet. This family had money, there wasn't a doubt. "Madam you must not keep sir waiting," Mrs. Garcia said and I nodded. I'm sure he can wait a few minutes, I thought laying Amore to rest under the warm inviting covers. I removed her shoes, cardigan, and beautiful white dress pulling the covers back over her tired body, I lay the dress at the foot of the bed. I kissed her forehead and smiled, she'll be out for the night with the day she had. I gave her another kiss, "good night princess," I whispered and she curled into the warm covers soundly. I straightened myself thanking god I changed out of that heavy white dress and followed the elderly woman with kind eyes to the other end of the carpeted hall, quickly glancing around. She knocked twice, "you can leave," he instructed. "Yes sir," she answered and opened the door before she fled and I thanked her. My husband has great taste, everything I've seen this far is tastefully aesthetic, antique, and unquestionably fashionable not a penny was spared in the elevated aesthetic with the variety of different textures. His office was no different, everything was in its place and neatly arranged and quite luxuriously furnished. He stood with both hands in his pocket and leaned against his desk when I stepped in. Staring into a pair of cold, fathomless grey eyes, I wanted to cower. "Next time, I gave an order, I want it carried out without any dramatics, no eye-rolling, finger-jester, and insolence," he warned like he was my daddy authoritatively. "And no tears!" he barked. Who does he think he is? My daddy passed a long time ago, I thought and rolled my eyes unconsciously. "My wife will damn well be submissive!" he barked and in an instant, he was standing in front of me, eyes blazing and I did not move. Those dark eyes burned into my skin, cutting me raw, and although I did not though it possible they condemned me. I know I should look away, follow orders and command wages, be the good little wife but I silently returned his stare. Who does he think he's talking to? I stare back at him, "be ready for the consequences my wife," he spoke up calmly although I see a strange look in his eyes like he was fighting with himself, or was he about to fight me? He backed away and sat in his big, black ergonomic tall, leather office chair. "Come here," he ordered tapping his lap. "Get on your knees," he sounded off. "What? No," I said and his brows raised. "Athena," he called my name and I shook my head. He stood back up and grabbed me by the arm firmly and tugged me towards him. With surprise, I tilt my head, mouth jarred, I stared up at his handsome face astonished by those darkening eyes. A part of me wanted to scream what we had agreed upon in the contract but another part of me, that dominant part of me- was intrigued. I couldn't believe it. Never had I ever thought that I would one day suddenly marry a man that I had only met by chance. Possibly this is fate. "Athena," he spoke again, voice dropping an octave making my heartbeat speed up. For a moment everything went silent except for my heart beating hard and loudly in my ears not believing this man wants me over his knees like a child. His voice rang out cutting the shock through my body. "You better listen or I will make sure you do," he ordered and pulled me against his leaned powerful build. ”I'll teach you just how to, listen,” he pulled me back to his tall office chair despite my struggles and bend me over his knee. I was in such shock my body complied before I could process the feeling that came over me. I knew it all too well, I was scared. What is happening? His hand rubbed over my clothed bump and as badly as I wanted to get up and high-tailed for my life, I felt like it was a bad move with the look in his dark grey eyes entrancing me to my place. For a moment there was nothing but silence all around except for the pounding in my chest. I waited in anticipation, unprepared for what he might do, what he might say. My chest rise and fell dramatically- waiting. "You are my! wife. I gave you my last name." Even my heart went silent at one point with the stillness in his chamber until his hand came down with such force that I felt a lusty, powerful, sharp slap across my ass. "Ow..." I whined and felt his hand rubbing over the spot he smacked snapping me out of my daze. What the hell it stung. Was this man beating me like his child? Was he going to beat me as my mother did? Does he think he can beat me into submission? "You better listen, you wouldn't be able to sit at all," he snapped smacking my ass again and I hissed... Until he rubbed over it. "I warned you didn't I?" he said but my breath was stuck in my throat with the command in his voice as the palm of his hand came down again and again. "Ahhhhh, oww," I wailed and he rubbed soothingly over my backside again. I took in a deep breath and hold it hoping it would ease the stinging in my arse just a bit. This was far too outrageous. "Why do you not listen, uh?" he asked more sternly this time and I was wet between my thighs with the strange feelings jetting up in my belly. What was that? "Count for me Athena," he warned with a wicked gleam in his eyes when I look back at him. A chill run down my spine with another strong strike to my backside, he grunted with his burning gaze. "Fi—five," I whimpered on command. Beads of sweat formed upon my forehead as my dark skin paled dramatically. Without realizing it, my entire body had begun to tremble uncontrollably and tears burn in my eyes. "Begin at one," he declared lifting my skirt this time. Didn't he just hit me with five mighty blows? I felt as though I was being swallowed in the darkness again. No matter how hard I tried, there was simply no escape... Was there? "Those were to make you listen, this is your consequence for not doing so," he said reading my mind and rubbing over my flaming backside. God, was I this predictable? Goosebumps raised on my skin with the touch of his and he stroked my arse again. "Fuck..." tears sting my eyes. Fucker, mother fucker! I can't give him the satisfaction of my tears but my eyes sting and my arse burned. "I can't hear you," he rubbed over the stinging arse. A part of me hated this, I wasn't a child. "On—one?" I muttered and felt another striking blow as he held me in place. "Two," I murmured and my toes curled as the seconds tick by. "Thr—three," I whimpered, and it began to dawn on me. "Four," I bit my lip. "Five," it when straight between my tights and he tugged my head back by my ponytail with a pleased smirk on his face. I was numb. "You will do as I say, wife?" He inquired of me and I nodded eagerly seeing stars. "Now go to our room! My. wife. sleeps. in. my. bed," he declared, and I high-tailed out of there like a bat out of hell. "In my bed," I heard his voice eerie behind me. Where was his room was located? I scurried down the hall and then back up with a sting in my arse. Where do I go? ___________ -Three weeks earlier- "Excuse me?" I raised my brows in utter confusion at what I just heard. A few minutes ago I came in from work with my friend Shelda and plopped down on the sofa ready to unwind when there was a knock at my door. I was puzzled at who would be here at this time of the night. I shot Shelda a look wondering if Paul had followed us but she was as puzzled as I was. I walked to the door with her in tow and peeked through the peephole to find a woman and two sturdy men standing there and my heartbeat quickened. Who could it be I thought or maybe they got the wrong apartment. Keeping the chain on the door, I greeted them. "Good evening ma'am." "Good evening my dear, please can I come in," she said. "May I ask what is this about?" "I have a very serious proposal for you my dear and I would like it if we can talk in person," she said. "Proposal?" I asked gaze shifting to the two men behind her. "I assure you, you aren't in any danger." I looked back at Shelda who took a peek as well and whispered "it's Mrs. Knights." "Who?" I whispered still puzzled and she removed the Keychain to let them in. I stepped back when the woman and two men stepped in. "You're more beautiful in person," she smiled and I stared at her. "Who are you? May I ask?" "I'm Mrs. Katherine Knights from the Knights database and group of companies." Everyone has heard of this company so what do they want from me? "Okay?" I said stunned. "I have a very serious proposal, can we sit," she said... "You can't be serious?" I said after a few minutes of listening to her and was unable to cover the surprise in my voice. Since getting in I didn't take a shower or brushed my teeth nor was I ready for this conversation. This was all a terrible joke— No it couldn't be true. "My dear," she began as smooth as silk. Momentarily I thought she was about to say she'd made a mistake and it was a terrible joke. We would laugh and she would leave. "You're going to be the perfect bride for my grandson," she said instead tapping my hand with hers tenderly. What in the world? The more words came out of her mouth, the more they left me stunned in my seat. I wet my suddenly patched lips with my tongue, shifted in my seat, and stare at this woman in utter confusion. I was bewildered and shake my head in denial. No, it couldn't be true but I did hear exactly what she said the minute she took her seat. What in the world? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would hear such words and I blanked out for a moment in my head. "I've watched you for the past two months and I'm convinced it's you," she repeated and I stared at the little old woman with silky, shining, grey hair and wrinkled skin, with very hopeful eyes as if she had grown horns. "Athena my dear I have instilled the best values in my grandson. He's respectful, humble, and will make an excellent husband," she said proudly. I didn't even know how I felt. "You've watched me? Don’t you think that you’re being a little too hasty and impulsive?” "Yes, I've been watching you," she said like it was the most ordinary thing in the world ignoring my other question. I don't understand which part of this she thinks is normal. Never in this day and age, I would even consider something like this ever happening to me."This is an opportunity of a lifetime if you miss out on this chance now, what makes you think that you’ll get another?” she said and I had to admit that she was rather convincing. Seconds tick by as I stare at the dark skin woman who aged well with silver highlights in her hair, dressed queenly, and standing out in my tiny rickety apartment. My gaze flickered to the clock on the water-stained wall, it was too damn late for this conversation and my tired brain, mind, and heart weren't ready. "Ma'am you've got the wrong person, I can never-" I said, pacing now with the way my nerves tingled in my veins and my heart beat speed out of control. Even my brain couldn't process this new information fast enough. My adrenaline level was through the roof. "It is you, my dear," she smiled warily at me. "Please do this for a very old woman, please." She pleaded with so much empathy in her voice that my heart sank for her. "Ma'am I'm sorry, I don't know if I can do this," I said, taking the seat that had been previously occupied by Mrs. Knights. "I know you can, my dear, I just know you can," she patted my shoulder consoling, and I closed my eyes with the way her warmth spread to my heart. This is not how I thought this day would end and getting married to a strange was more than outrageous. It was ridiculous. "How can I?" I said, still stunned at the words coming out of her mouth. "Marry my grandson, he will make you happy, and I will make you rich," she said. "I don't care about your money, Mrs. Knights," "Think about it, my dear, I will reward you handsomely. Athena listened to me, my dear I will take care of every expense from here onwards for you and Amore. Every bill will be settled, and school fees are taken care of- the best schools money can afford. Her university paid in full, and you can return to school as well. Everything will be taken care of for you, and you never have to return to that diner if you do not wish. Your financial mean will now be mine." "How can I do that ma'am, I do not know your grandson. I...I just," I couldn't think of the right words. I glanced over to Shelda, who sat quietly in the corner very much in shock like I was. There was so much to consider. I do not even know this little old woman or where to begin. "Amore never had to go hungry or in want another day in her life. She never has to walk out in the cold unprotected, and the same goes for you. Just say yes." she said calmly catching me off guard again. This is crazy. It must be. Who proposes such a thing? My heart is saying this is ridiculous, but my head says yes, and then there is another part of me that just wants to scream. I don't even know these people. What if they want to murder me and my child? What if this is a way of taking Amore from me? What if it's a cruel, cruel joke because I'm considered poor? 'Why are you hesitating? This is an opportunity of a lifetime Athena,' my subconscious wouldn't leave me alone. "I know what you are thinking, and I can never harm a child, primarily one as sweet as Amore. I can never harm you as well," she said reading my mind. Was I this predictable? was I? Then he must be an ugly, old, dirty man with a huge belly and cracked nails. Receding hairline and a broad flat or beak nose for his grandmother to shove him off like this. This mental image was enough for me to puke but the bile when right back down with her next words. "The very first day I laid eyes on you, Athena, I just knew you would make my grandson a very happy man and me a very happy grandmother. There is such grace, patience, and humility in you it is astonishing to me, my dear," she smiled and took my hand so tenderly I almost cry when I saw the genuine glints in her eyes. "Think about it, my dear. I know you have a lot to consider, just take your time," She patted the back of my hand and kissed my forehead before she stood. "Nothing we discuss here must leave this room," she said looking back at Shelda. She turned in my apartment with the two security she came. "Think about it, my dear. I will give you a week," were her last words before she paused and walked through the door and her security followed. Shelda and I shared a look before her mouth opened. "I know I've been quiet the entire time, but there is a bright side to all this Athena," Shelda said immediately, walking over to the sofa I currently sat on. "You can not be serious," I stare at her, wondering if she is joking. "Bright side to what?" "Hear me out. They are a very wealthy family, and you can get the help you need." "That's your argument for me to marry a stranger. To put my child in a situation, I just don't know how it's going to work out." "That's not what I'm saying, Athena." "Then what are you saying?" "I know this seems a little strange." "A little? You're asking me to marry a man I do not know or never met. What if he's a serial killer? What if he's dangerous or wants to sacrifice me? Kill my child or take her away from me, locked me away," I shudder at the possibilities. "Then make that a part of the contract Mrs. Knights talked about earlier. He can never arm you or Amore." "How can I throw Amore in the middle of this? How can I Shelda?" I said, frustrated with the entire idea of being arranged to a man. "I know you are thinking about Amore here. Then, think positively, a much better educational system-the best schools in North town, the top universities of her choosing, ballet recital will be taken care of, and better accommodations than this dump, no offense. I know you've been saving for a better neighborhood, a much better home, and think of the possibilities you returning to school wouldn't that be incredible? Just think Athena, we can make a list of requirements that they can never breach at all." "Why don't you marry him if it was that simple," I said flabbergasted. "They want you not me," she said. This was too much to keep seated, I take in a breath to calm every alarm this has raised in my stomach and head even the adrenaline rushing in my veins it was too much but standing— did not help. "You can not possibly tell me this is normal, Shelda." "Athena if I did not know Mrs. Knights I probably would not have advised you to do this. The media portray her to be angelic." "Can you even trust those media operatives?" "You got a point there-" "Do you know what type of hell I would be signing up for?" I wrapped my sweater over myself securely and stare at Shelda noting how very different our opinions were and she stared right back at me. I stared at her for a second longer noting she never steered me wrong once, since meetings her. Even though we were different as night and day she wasn't wrong, it was a good offer. But tempting as it may seem I was scared and uncertain. Who wouldn't be? "Promise me you would think about it positively," standing up she embraced me in a tight hug and kissed my cheek. "I have to go, I will see you at the diner," she smiled at me before picking up her purse and walking to the door. "Don't worry Athena, I will always be here," she said and close the door behind her. I've made so many mistakes in my life already that I couldn't put Amore through another. It was a very tempting offer but could I trust these people? Could I? 'It's an opportunity to better our lives woman,' my subconscious states. 'Just look around this dump lady, look!' I slump back on the sofa and huffed out a gush of air. Oh my God! I gasp. Would I have to have sex with this man? Lord have mercy! 'Well... he will be your husband, after all, that is if you go through with it,' my subconsciousness felt the need to inform me and I roll my eyes at no one in particular since I was all alone in the living room. Certainly, this wasn't practical. How can I marry a guy I'd never met, a guy I know nothing about? I sighed deeply. One moment I was worried about my life, and the way I was going to pay these bills, and the next I'm wondering if I should marry a stranger. I did not even ask for his name, what has my life become? 'You were too stunned to think about all that. You need sleep child, decision in a week,' my subconscious drawled and never in my track record would I ever thought I would have a rich old lady in my apartment saying such nonsense. 'Ugh...' This couldn't be real, my very quiet and conservative life- well more like boring, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest. They simply weren't any spice; I wake up, make breakfast for Amore and I, get us ready, take her to daycare, rush to work, pick her up after my shift, make dinner, talk with Amore, eat, sleep, and repeat. 'Then why the hesitation?' my subconscious drawled. What type of people in their right mind asks a person they do not know to marry their grandson? 'Obviously the rich,' my subconscious stated. What a life! With all these conflicting emotions swirling within me. I bit my lip and firmed my chest maybe my life wouldn't be this dull after all... This was absurd. "Alright, I agree."