Aidoneus was battling putting on his suit in the men's restroom. He tossed out his bloodied plaid shirt for Peter to take.
" Áde gamísou* Zen" he cursed as he switched in the small stall. Aidoneus had to go out and visit someone who owed their family, he hopefully wished it wouldn't end up the way most of his visits do, but unfortunately for Aideonous it did not pan out well for the receiving party.
Peter took the shirt and discarded it in the trash. Next came Aidoneus's jeans that were torn at the knees. He wished his boss wouldn't fight unnecessary
* Áde gamísou*: Fuck you*
fights, but Aidoneus won't let Peter intervene when he's in one of his moods. Aidoneus flung open the bathroom door and slicked back his hair.
"Is it me or is it incredibly hot in here" he said exasperated. Peter pointed to Aidoneus's eyes.
"You might want to calm down, I know parties aren't your thing, but your glowing eyes might make people question if you're on drugs ". Peter chuckled to see Aidoneus so flustered. He knew his boss didn't like parties, so he tried to help provide some humor to calm his nerves.
"I will fire you" he glared at Peter. Aidoneus closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He stepped up to the sink, turned on the cool water that started steaming once it hit his hand, looked into the mirror and tied his tie. He cupped his hand and splashed some water on his face, using the leftover water to fix his hair. Peter came up with a paper towel and handed it to him You got a little blood on your neck kýrios*". Aidoneus took the paper towel, damped it and wiped off the contents where Peter pointed.
"Agapi̱té fíle* I'm sorry you know how these things make me feel, it doesn't help that I had to do that last minute job before we arrived," he stated while pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Ola kalá*" Peter said while nodding slightly at Aidoneous. Aidoneus placed his hand on his bodyguard's shoulder before leaving the bathroom. Peter trailed after him.
As they stepped out of the bathroom, they were greeted with loud clamoring conversations of the ball's attendees and a light classical piano playing in the background. Aidoneus adjusted his tie, irritated already by the noise.
"Whoa, these arrangements are so pretty! "One guest said. "Yea, leave it to the Doukas brothers to spare no expense. The blue is so subtle but so pretty"
*kýrios : Sir, Agapi̱té fíle: Dear friend, Ola kalá: All Good *
Aidoneus slyly walked up behind his guests. "Thank you, I chose them myself" he said in a low cold tone to throw them off. The guests jumped and scurried off; they knew who belonged to that voice. A smile crept across Aidoneous's face.
"Aidoneus!" boomed Zen when he saw Aidoneus across the room. He took long strides across the ballroom floor before his brother could rush off. Hera trailed behind him gracefully with her gown flowing behind her. Aidoneus lulled his head back and rolled his eyes.
"Peter, Skótosé* me before he gets here" he pleaded in a fake tone to Peter. Peter chuckled.
* Skótosé :murder*
Kore was so taken aback by the venue when it was all up and running, she didn't notice a bulky man with a beautiful, graceful women walk past her.
"Kore!" a familiar sweet voice said. She turned to see Iris making her way over to her in her beautiful white dress that stopped just at her knees. "You look so stunning, oh my gosh! That lace design is to die for" Iris said as she walked up to inspect Kore's gown.
"And that cardigan is chefs-kiss" Iris made the motion with her hands. "Thank you, Iris, I appreciate it" Kore smiled slightly.
"Your flower arrangements are the talk of the ball" Iris playfully nudged her. Kore could already feel the eyes fall on her.
"Who is she? Why does she look like that?" she overheard someone. Kore clenched her fists, forced a smile and walked towards the refreshment table. She's going to need a drink or two to survive this night.
"Zen, I'm in no mood to deal with your antics now" Aidoneus said pinching the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a frequent action throughout the night, but he did not expect it to start this soon. Zen reached out and grabbed Aidoneus' hand, staring at the recently added scars to his hands.
"Brother.... let me go..." Aidoneus coldly said with his eyes narrowing towards Zen. Zen inspected Aidoneous's hand closely. "Brother, if you don't need to get your hands dirty on the job then don't. That's what the help is for" Zen nodded towards Peter.
Aidoneus snatched his hand away from Zen. "You never call Peter the help" his eyes slightly flickered a light turquoise. Zen smiled inside, he knew his brother loved to get a rise out of him, but it was so much easier to get a rise out of Aidoneous, especially when it comes to respecting his 'employees.
"Now that we have you here Aidoneus, Hera and I would like to speak with you" Zen smiled.
Hera stepped up and wrapped her arms around Zen's bicep. "I'll speak Zen, I already know you want to get your payback on Aidon because of how he acted at home earlier" Hera let out a sigh with a gentle smile. Aidoneus adjusted his tie.
"Only for you, o fílos mou* "he slightly tilted his head into a bow for her.
"Well, your little friend you sent my way never showed up" she frowned. She noticed a slight change in Aidoneous's mood. He went from annoyed to annoyed and, should she dare say it? Sad? Aidoneus straightened himself up.
"I'm sorry you lost out on a customer and more importantly, I'm sorry I wasted your time o fílos mou".
*O filos mou: My friend*
She smiled and asked. "That's quite alright, I'm not desperate for business and it allowed Hestia to play dress up" she chuckled "Unfortunately she got a stomachache from the sweets and chose to stay home today. What we really want to talk to you about is a little issue with the Hyperion family" she said shooting Zen a slight glance.
Aidoneus let out a frustrated sigh. "Seriously, now?" and folded his arms to listen to Hera, but noticed a young woman behind her with pink-red hair walking to the refreshments. Everything that was said then was tuned out.
"So, can you do that? The Hyperion's have a lot of men running it, but we unfortunately need it shut down and soon. They threaten to take over more territory and the fact they're using our funds that they're stealing from others to do so cannot be tolerated" Hera finished. She noticed that Aidoneus wasn't paying full attention to her. She felt agitated. She absolutely loved Aidoneus and how he occasionally would fawn over her, even if it was just to get under Zen's skin. She tapped her foot.
"Aidoneus! You wouldn't have been bothered if you stayed and finished the meeting earlier", she huffed. Zen placed a hand on Aidoneous's shoulder.
"I can take the disrespect Aidoneus, but you do not disrespect my wife" he tightened his grip on him. He was recalling Hippio's words about beating respect into him.
Aidoneus looked down at Zen's massive hand on his shoulder and then looked at Zen. Peter stepped forward; he knew he couldn't do anything, but he was prepared to go down for his boss. People started murmuring in the crowd and soon they all felt their guests' eyes on them.
He took a deep breath and removed Zen's hand. "I understand and I will look into this. Send me the details please" he said through gritted teeth. Even though it killed him to not fight back, Aidoneus didn't want the night to be cut short. He let go of Zen's hand and walked past them. He needed a drink.
Kore heard some commotion behind her, but she ignored it. She really needed a drink to calm her nerves. She picked up a fancy glass filled with champagne, she took a sip and made a sour face.
"Oh, that's strong" she said. She heard a chuckle behind her. She spun to see Aidoneus with a sly smirk on his face.
"Hello Iris... and Kore?" he cocked his eyebrow at her.
"Oh, hello sir!" Iris quickly bowed. Kore looked at Iris and then back at Aidoneous. She sipped her champagne, "It's just Kore, no question mark" she said slyly. Iris was taken aback by Kore's response; she's never heard anyone talk to Aidoneus like that before.
"Ooh, feisty much? He tilted his head inspecting her outfit up and down. Kore felt her face turn red.
"Yes, I need to be, I hate parties, but my career depends on me being here to apparently, what? Amuse Mr. Rich pants over here?" She gestured up down to Aidoneus's all white fit.
"Oh my, Ms. Kore, you... you don't speak like that to him" Iris whispered to her.
"It's quite alright o fílos mou" he chuckled. He walked up to Kore and took her glass, put it up to his lips and drank the rest in one gulp. Kore turned even more red and looked downwards. 'What in the world is this guy'.
* o fílos mou: my friend*
"Sorry panémorfos*, I too dislike parties and my brother has been on my nerves." He gently pushed by Kore. They both quickly glanced at each other as he put his hand on her bare shoulder, both felt a slight shock from the touch. He smiled ever so gently which made Iris freak out internally
*. panémorfos: beautiful, exquisite, sublime *
Aidoneus handed Kore another glass. Kore accepted, keeping quiet. She doesn't know why but she started to feel something in her chest. Aidoneus leaned against the wall by the refreshments and sipped on his glass. Kore caught herself looking at him. He didn't seem like a fancy rich man to her, he seemed like he was a puppet in someone else's show.
Zen saw the whole ordeal from across the room. He clenched his jaw.
"What's the matter dear?" Hera asked while looking through her clutch purse. She looked up to see what Zen was looking at and where Aidoneus went off too. Her eyes started to glow a slight gold.
"Stay here" Zen whispered in his wife's ear. He walked off leaving her to stare at the new girl. 'Who is that woman' she seethed to herself. She didn't like how casual Aidoneus was with her. Hera's never seen him that comfortable with anyone, not even her.
Zen walked up to buffet section and pulled a waiter to the side. "Who's that woman" he pointed out Kore. "I... I don't know sir; we were told to let the florist come in because Aidoneus listed her on the list" the waiter stammered.
Zen patted the waiter on the shoulder and slid him a hundred dollars. "Find Minithe and have her go over there" he said and walked off to meet back up with his wife. The waiter didn't hesitate and headed to find the ex-girlfriend of Aidoneous.
Peter walked up and stood next to Iris who was spying on their boss and the new girl. "She's like a female version of him, right?" He whispered into Iris's ear causing her to jump.
"Oh my! Peter when did you get here?" She was beat red from being caught. He chuckled.
"Maybe... just maybe he'll finally get what he deserves?" Peter slyly said shooting a glance at Iris who was still fidgeting from being caught. The two saw a woman start to angrily cross the ballroom floor. She was dressed in a low-cut dress that had a slit on the side that went up to her waist, her red hair fell to her waist like dead straw, it was Minithe.
"Gamóto!" Aidoneus said startling Kore. He got up from his position and grabbed Kore by her arm gently. "Please follow me, I do not wish for you to get drug into this" he said while slightly pulling her to him.
* Gamóto: Fuck*
She snapped out of her trance, "What the hell? Let go of me!" she said pulling away from him. He looked at her unaffected and let her arm go. He noticed, even though he was gentle, he still left a small red mark. He narrowed his eyes at the thought he just hurt her.
Kore winced slightly from pulling away, she didn't mean to react this way, she was nervous and didn't know this feeling she was experiencing, she turned to notice the woman making her way towards them, it was his ex, she now understood what Aidoneus was trying to do and felt terrible for overreacting. She saw the pain on his face, it utterly crushed her on the inside. She knew that feeling far too well.
She had to think fast. She grabbed Aidoneus by the hand and drug him onto the dance floor, they hastily walked past Minithe who looked shocked as they shoved their way by a small crowd.
Aidoneus laughed, "My, my! I didn't expect this from you" he smiled while taking her hand into his, placing the other on her waist. Kore kept her mouth shut tightly while turning almost the color of her hair. Aidoneus heard a small "woohoo" from the corner of the room. He glanced and saw Peter standing there like a statue.
Minithe stormed up to them, the other guests moved out of her way so as not to get knocked over by her fury. Aidoneus pulled Kore into him more closely.
"Minithe can't you see I'm busy?" he said coldly while slowly dancing with Kore. He could smell a wonderful floral smell coming from Kore which was making it difficult for him to focus.
"Aidoneus! You're still mine, why are you dancing with the help?" she tapped her foot angrily. Kore felt Aidoneous's mood change, she felt the emotional coldness come out as he narrowed his eyes towards Minithe. He stopped dancing and glared at his ex.
Kore pushed away from Aidoneus and stepped between them; she looked up at Minithe who several inches taller than her.
"You need to back off! People like you are utterly disgusting, judging people based off their work?! You were lucky you have no clue what it's like to claw your way to your dreams" Kore crossed her arms and glared at the angry red head. Minithe scoffed.
"Dear, no one cares! Do you not see who's in this room? All millionaires, all rich while you stand here sticking out like a sore thumb, attempting to "claw" your way onto my man" Minithe turned her nose up at Kore "Let the adults talk pipsqueak" she shoved Kore out of the way and walked up to Aidoneus. Kore lost her balance and fell onto the floor. Peter swiftly stepped onto the dance floor and headed towards the trio.
"Aidoneus" Minithe threw herself on him. "Let's go talk, there's to many haters here who want to get between us" she hissed looking down on Kore. Aidoneus was ridged to Minithe's touch. His jaw was clenched in anger, the air on the floor started to get hot. The guests were whispering 'She deserves that" "Yea who does she think she is? Getting all comfortable with Minithe's man." Peter arrived to help Kore up off the floor.
"Dear Peter, please take the trash out where it belongs" Minithe said while caressing Aidoneus's chest. Kore saw the look on his face. She knew if he moved now, he would lose all of his temper. She would if she was in his shoes.
"Minithe, the only trash that needs to be taken out of here tonight is you" Kore said while brushing herself off.
"Thank you... for helping me up" Kore looked at Aidoneous's bodyguard "Peter?" she asked, remembering Aidoneus calling his name in the shop. Peter blushed a little from hearing her say his name, he couldn't put his finger on it but there was something about Kore.
Minithe chuckled "How rich, the help telling me where I belong" she laughed out loud. "Peter suits you better than my handsome Aidoneus" she said while rubbing his chest. Kore felt a rage burn in her. The flowers in the room started to tremble ever so slightly.
"Green does not look good on you Minithe, as a matter of fact" Kore crossed her arms "It makes you look chunky," Kore scrunched her nose at Minthe "And it's making you smell awfully bad," she waved her hand like she was shooing away a bad smell. Aidoneus laughed. Minithe turned to him shocked. The whole room chuckled a little bit towards Kore's insult. Minithe stomped her foot and walked up to Kore, slapping her across the face.
"You better watch your mouth," she said pointing a finger in Kore's hand printed face.
"I see you get your nails done down at the Claire's nail salon. Isn't that "Cheap?" Kore shot back while rubbing her cheek, she was sweating, the room started to spin a little bit with how hot she was feeling. Minithe quickly put her finger down and turned red in anger.
"Oh! It's like Christmas up in here, you're green and red!" Kore chuckled while still rubbing her sore cheek. Minithe was seething. She heard Peter let out a laugh behind her. She pulled her hand back to slap her again, she was stopped by Aidoneus, his touch scolding her hand causing her wince in pain. She looked at him teary eyed, his eyes fixated on her glowing a faint turquoise.
"Guards!" Minithe yelled as she broke free from his grip "Get this sorry excuse of a trash bag out of here" she folded her arms and looked at Kore like she won.
"She's my guest, don't you dare touch her" Aidoneus hissed towards the men heading towards Kore.
"Enough Aidoneus" Hippio's interjected. "She needs to be taught a lesson; she needs to learn to be respectful towards those who are above her" Hippio started walking up to them.
"Of course, you have something to say Mr. Hippo" Aidoneus rolled his eyes at his brother "After all Minithe and you had quite the talk last time I saw you two, or was there no time for chatting?" He said cocking an eyebrow at Hippio.
Hippio had his jaw clenched and fists ready to go. To disrespect his name in front of all these people was not going to fly.
Zen sat in the back studying Kore. Hera nudged him "This will bring an end to the ball, and we need to donations sýzygos ándras*" she whispered, she secretly wanted to see this unfold.
*sýzygos ándras: Husband*
"Enough!" Zen boomed. "I will not have a ridiculous squabble at our ball that we put so much time into" Zen stood up and walked over to his brothers. Kore saw the man and rolled her eyes.
"You mean all the time us help put into it" she whispered under her breath. Zen was next to Hippio in seconds. Both looked like a security barricade dressed in white. Minithe stood next to them and gestured for Aidoneus to join her. Aidoneus walked over to stand by Kore, he gently grabbed her chin and moved her head around to inspect her face.
"She leaves, I leave" he said bluntly, moving his hand away from her face. Minithe scoffed. She didn't understand why he was so adamant on being around this unexceptional woman.
"Fine, fix your attitude and you can stay" Zen looked down on Kore who stood there meekly. She got the feeling he was studying her like Aidoneus was in the shop, but not in a playful way. "Apologize" he said a smile crept from his mouth.
"She will not" Aidoneus stood in front of her. She couldn't see anything, the heat in the ballroom started getting unbearable. 'Curses for being so short 'she thought as she started fanning herself. Zen smiled even more.
"I wasn't talking about her" he set his eyes on Aidoneus, he knew if he made him apologize in front of all these people, with the reputation he had, there would be a major blow to him that Zen would relish for years. "She's your guest, you take responsibility of her actions."
Aidoneus dug his nails into his palms and clenched his jaw. 'All for standing up to you this morning' he let a sigh out and took in a deep breath.
"I am sorr-" he was cut off.
"I'M SORRY!" Kore jumped in front of Aidoneus. She bowed to Hippio and Zen. "I have a mouth I get in trouble for. My boss tells me all the time "Kore if you can't say anything nice at all don't say it'" she nervously laughed. "I promise I'll be calm the rest of the night. I'm sorry Minithe" she bowed to the snickering red head. It hurt Kore to apologize for to these people, she normally wouldn't have but something in her was telling her to protect Aidoneus. 'I'm used to always being in the wrong' Kore lifted her head and met the brother's gaze. A chill ran down her spine.
"Thats good enough for me" Zen turned to walk off. He would have preferred for Aidoneus to apologize, but now that this woman has done it, everyone will be talking about how Aidoneus couldn't stand up for himself. Hippio scoffed and followed his brother.
"We're not done here...." Minithe pointed at Kore.
"Minithe!" Hippio snapped and gestured for her to follow him.
"I'll call you later my love!" Minithe blew a kiss to Aidoenous who turned his head away from her.
Kore's heart was racing. She didn't notice how much in danger she was till the brothers left. She placed her hand on her chest to try and calm herself down, the room was spinning, her palms were sweaty, and she felt her knees starting to give out. A gentle hand placed itself on her waist to hold her.
"Shh... éro̱mai*" Aidoneus said while slightly touching his forehead to the back of her head. He normally wouldn't have let anyone do this for him, but he felt grateful for this. He knew he would have destroyed this hall if he had to apologize publicly to his brothers, and he would have murdered Minithe for marking Kore's face. He vowed to never let Kore be in that position ever again. He felt another small shock while touching Kore, like something was awakening in both of them.
*Éro̱mai: love*