Love Invalid

So, I met him at the bar. I don't even know, but how can I resist those beautiful blue eyes and sexy jawline?

Of course, he was glancing my way, but I tried my best to play hard. Unfortunately, that failed, which leads me here-in well, an agreement.

One simple goodbye kiss made my life hell yet heaven at the same time. Heaven because I get to live with a sex god but hell because I have to deal with the devil, how ironic.

Who would thought that a Spanish sex god could become the devil? Not really the devil, but... you'll have to find out.

Love, Athena

Athena

''What the fuck!'' I shout as loud as I can when I see the sight in front of me. My eyes widen in anger when I see him kissing his own co-worker. See, seeing your boyfriend making out with someone else isn't really a great view, but I find myself relief at the same time.

You see, Jeremy—my boyfriend has been cheating on me for the past two years since we've both finished college. I gave him a second chance—wait, no, I gave him exactly three chances, but he just has to go around and ruin those chances.

''Athena, it's not what you think.'' He steps away from his co-worker as he walks toward me.

Oh well, first, let me introduce myself. My parents gave me the name Athena because they thought that I would grow up with wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic welfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, craft, and skill. They thought I would match the goddess of wisdom, Athena.

Unfortunately, from all those meaningful meanings, I only got stuck with one—courage. My mom's Greek, so she used to tell me stories about mythology when I was little, but I myself don't really give a damn about Greek mythology. I only know one, though, Cupid, which is Eros, and Eros, which is Cupid. Make sense.

I'm the only child, and in my situation, my parents spoiled me. They feed me with silver spoons and treat me like a princess. I got everything I wanted, and people at school used to envy me, but I really don't care. I just don't care what other people think. Up till now, I have been the same.

''Well fuck you, Jeremy. You have been saying that for the past two years!'' I throw my hands up in the air. True though, every time I caught him cheating, he would be like Athena, it's not what you think. I wasted two years with him, and I just realize that he's a piece of shit, useless and hopeless.

''Athena, wait. Let me explain.'' He grabs me by my arm, but I push his hand away.

''Ew, don't touch me. Get lost, Jeremy, we're over.'' But his grip only tightens, which makes it harder for me to get away from him. I try smacking his chest, but he won't budge.

''This is a mistake. She's nothing. You're everything to me.'' Jeremy smiles, trying to make my heart skip a beat but no, not anymore. That's not working because I feel disgusted by his touch.

''Look, asshole.'' I snap my fingers in front of him, ''That is exactly what I have heard for the past two years, can't you find a better punchline?'' With a kick to the groin, he let go of me before falling to the ground. I smirk at him before looking at his co-worker, who has been sitting at the same spot.

She avoided my eye at all cost, so I just decided to let it slip. I walk out of his office. I feel lightheaded, as if every problem has been settled. I breathe in, trying to find a source of happiness through this break-up. This is what I wanted, right? For the past two years, this is what I have been waiting for. Well, I had the chance to break up with him in the past, but... I still loved him back then.

I realize how my love was a waste.

I pick up my phone as it keeps on ringing. Looking down at the caller ID, I roll my eyes, knowing that Joanna is calling me, ''Yes, Joanna.'' I walk down the New York City street with people passing me. This has been my daily routine—walking to Jeremy's office every lunch hour so that we could have lunch together. It looks like it's no longer included in my routine.

''I have news for you, Athena.'' She says from the other line.

''Oh, please reconsider if you are asking me to spy on Kim Kardashian because that's not going to happen again.'' I roll my eyes, ''We both know what happened before.'' I shiver at the thought of me being pushed to Kim's breasts; not only that, but she wasn't wearing any bra at that moment, so... let's just say I washed my face more than ten times but still feel disgusted.

Come on. She was sweating.

I hear her laughter from the other side, ''Good old times, Athena.''

''I swear if you were at my place, I would have clapped with joy.'' I say annoyingly, ''So what's the news, Joanna?''

''Do you perhaps know Alexander Herrera?''

Alexander Herrera, I thought to myself. ''No, who is he?''

''He's a footballer. He's from Spain, but he was raised and educated in the United States.'' She continues, ''There's something about him, something... odd.''

''Odd?'' I snort.

''Exactly, Athena.'' I hear something falling from the other line, and I wouldn't bother asking because I know Joanna since she's my boss and she would end up breaking at least one glass a day, I don't even know, don't ask, ''Alexander has been single for the past three years. He's good looking, rich, and he has done a few photoshoots to be at the front cover of the magazine, but how come someone like him ends up being single?''

I furrow my eyebrows, ''Maybe he has a few one nights stands that you don't really know about.'' I mean, I work at Published—a publishing company, and we tend to get different gossips from different celebrities every day. Joanna seems to be satisfied with her occupation now. She has no problem with spreading other people's gossip, whether they are right or wrong.

''If he has a few one-night stands, we would have found out about it.'' She groans slightly.

''Maybe... just maybe... he's gay.'' I throw my hands up in the air injustice, thinking that was probably the right thing to say. Why would she care about a footballer anyway? Many other celebrities have tons of gossip, so why would she want 'the footballer'?

''No, he can't be.'' Joanna gasps in horror, ''He... can't be gay?''

''Joanna, how is this even news for me?'' I arrive at Published, and the receptionist smiles at me, and I gladly return her smile before I head into the elevator.

''I thought you would want to volunteer and check him out for me.'' She says quite slow. I know whenever she does that voice, she needs my help.

I chuckle lightly, ''Not a chance. I'm not interested with some footballer.'' I walk out as I reach my floor, ''I'm here, by the way.''

''Good! We can discuss further. Get to my office now.'' And with that, she hung up. I stare at my phone before putting it down with my coat and my handbag. When I look beside my computer, I can see a photo of Jeremy and me hugging each other. We looked so happy back then. Well, it looks like I was the happy one.

I take the photo before shredding it into pieces and throw it into the bin.

I get on my heels as I walk toward Joanna's office. I see her wearing her glasses as she stands up. Her eyes brighten at my sight. Joanna is ten years older than me. I turned twenty-four three months ago.

At least Jeremy gave me a Tiffany & Co necklace. I guess that will also be going to the bin.

''Where were we?'' She raises an eyebrow at me.

''About Alexander Herrera.'' I sit down in front of her, the Mahogany table separating us.

''Right.'' She adjusts her glasses, ''Are you interested in my offer, Athena?''

''No.'' I answer immediately, ''I'm not interested. What's so special about him anyway? He's just a footballer, Joanna. You never pay much attention to sporty people.''

''I found out that he has been quiet recently, so we need to spread gossips, news!'' She claps her hand, ''But since... you're not really interested, I don't have the right to force you.''

''Now, if you'll excuse me.'' I stand up, walking out of her office, and heading back to my desk. I sit down with a loud sigh. I never thought that I would feel empty somehow.

Okay, let me just be honest, I'm sad. I'm upset that Jeremy cheated on me. Three times. I kept on giving him a chance, but he never appreciates me, not even once. I feel stupid. I knew better than to let him stay in my life.

I look down at my phone to see him calling me. The call ended, and I can see that there are fifteen miss calls from him. I smirk unknowingly. This is all repeating. The same old shit. He's going to keep calling until I pick up so that he could say he's sorry and that he would never do it again. Within a few months, he'll do it again.

I press the lock button to turn my phone off. I sigh once more before checking on the latest mails I have.

Work hours have definitely ended, and everyone is walking out of the office. I look up to see people organizing their files and papers before shutting down their computers. I look back down at my screen, seeing that I am half way to finish my article. I save my article before shutting the computer.

''Athena, going home?'' I hear the familiar voice, and I turn around to see Vivian.

''Yeah, not really going to stay up late today. How about you?'' I look down to see her holding a mug of coffee. A deep sigh came out from her mouth, ''Tough day?'' I add.

''Exactly. God, I feel awful.'' She takes a sip of her hot coffee.

''Not as awful as I am. Jeremy cheated on me.'' I pick up my handbag and my coat.

''Again?'' Vivian raises an eyebrow at me, and I just shrug it off before walking toward the elevator.

Vivian and I have been close ever since I work here. Not the best friend material, but we are friends. She's a great person. She has been there for me whenever I need her, and she knows a lot about Jeremy's schemes. That pathetic cheater.

I tie my hair up into a high bun before walking out of Published. The sky isn't exactly dark, yet I just look around to see people walking in different directions. I stand there, for god knows how long.

I walk away toward the other direction from my apartment. My hand holding tightly onto my coat. In case I get cold, I have a backup.

When someone hits me by the shoulder as he passed by, which causes my phone to drop on the ground. I turn to look at him. He just glances at me before walking away again. I stare at his back before groaning in frustration. I pick up my phone to find the screen cracking a little.

Well shit.

I keep on walking and walking until I find something that attracts my attention—a bar.

It isn't packed, which is good. I take one last look, and without me realizing it, I am already pushing the door and stepping inside. I sit near the counter, looking at the bartender. I put down my handbag and insert my phone inside. I leave my coat on my lap.

''Vodka,'' I mutter lightly, and the bartender just nods at me.

I cup my cheeks before sighing again. I feel like a lifeless person. Quote the sarcasm. After a few minutes, the bartender serves me my vodka, and I immediately take a few sips. I feel the liquor go down my throat, and I somehow enjoy the burning sensation. After I was done, I order another one and another one. I really lost count.

I take a sip as I breathe out. From here, I can feel someone watching me, so I turn to see a gorgeously looking guy just staring at me. Call him a creep or what, but he's as hot as a motherfucker. I look away, but I still feel his eyes on me, so I decided to look at him again.

My eyes decided to travel down his body, and I can see him wearing a plain black shirt. When I look up into his eyes, I find him smiling. Uh, a sex god just smiled at me? I immediately look away.

I try to take another sip, but a pair of hand stops me from doing so. I look up to see the same guy from before. I furrow my eyebrows at him, ''Oh, who are you? My mother? Go away.'' I say roughly before taking my glass. I hear him chuckling as he takes a seat beside me.

''That has been your ninth glass.'' He says from beside me.

I don't care, now fuck off. I keep on drinking until the glass is empty.

I was about to order another one, but he stops the bartender from coming. I glare at him, ''What's your problem?'' But he just smiles at me. Now, this is creeping me out.

''You shouldn't drink too much.'' He shrugs.

''Why would you care?'' I roll my eyes before laying my head on the counter. I breathe out, ''Today was as tough as shit.'' I mutter under my breath.

He chuckles, ''How come?''

I sit up straight, suddenly feeling the urge to explode and tell him everything, ''I found out that my boy—wait no, my ex-boyfriend cheated on me. For the third time!'' I groan, and I find him chuckling again, ''Is it that interesting?''

''No, you're just cute.'' His blue eyes are enchanting. I never get to watch his every feature, so I look at his nose, not even a slight crook. I keep looking as my eyes move down to his lips; they are small yet wide at the same time. Perfectly shaped. The pinkish color makes me feel attracted that I could—no, don't think about it right now. He's a total stranger.

I snort unknowingly before looking away, ''Yeah, right.''

''No, I'm serious. The way your face flushes red when you talk about him, it's cute.'' I find him smiling at the end. What is with this guy and smiling?

''You know, I feel stupid for trusting him. I loved him, and this is how he repays me?'' I groan in anger, ''He's a dick. A fucked up dick.''

''You said he cheated on you three times. How come you guys just broke up now?'' He tilts his head a bit before putting his head on his knuckles and his elbow on the counter. It gives him better access to look at my face.

''Well, it's because I trusted him. Two years went to waste.'' I shrug. Why am I even telling him this? I don't even know him!

''I don't know why he cheated, but if I were him, I'd stay and be loyal to you.'' He replies, and that makes me laugh unknowingly.

''Oh my god.'' I clutch my stomach, ''Those are the same words. I'll stay and be loyal to you.'' I mimic Jeremy's voice before laughing again, ''Dickheads. Look what happened now? Loyal, my ass.'' I roll my eyes.

The stranger beside me laughs this time. The way he laughs enhances me. Oh my god, I need to stay away, or I might end up ripping his shirt off, ''You're funny.'' He says out of nowhere.

''Right, what are you even doing here?'' I look at him dreamily. Is it just me, or is it because I'm drunk? I don't even know.

''I don't know... I just needed a less cramped place.'' His voice came out a bit hoarse.

''What's your story?''

''What story?'' He raises an eyebrow at me.

I lean in closer, ''People who go to bars are people who live in sorrow. So what's your story?'' I see his breathing seems to stop as he just looks into my eyes. I lean away from him, and he clears his throat immediately.

''I don't have a story.'' He looks away from me.

''Everyone has a story.'' I pat on his shoulder. What the hell?

He laughs, ''I don't.''

''Fine, what's your name then?'' I narrow my eyes at him.

God damn it, stop it, Athena!

''Alexander.'' He tilts his head as he smiles.

Alexander... I've heard that name before. I swear, but... um, Alexander, Alexander.

''I've heard that name before.''

Alexander looks down, and I can still see the smile on his face, ''I'm not the only one named Alexander.'' He looks back up, ''What about you? What's your name?''

''Athena,'' I mutter.

''Like the goddess? Goddess of wisdom?'' He raises an eyebrow at me.

''Exactly. Not really filled with wisdom,'' I complain to myself. I arch my back in surprise, which causes him to back up a little. I just ignore his reaction, ''You know what, since you're here. I might as well use you.''

''Use me?'' He chuckles again.

''Yes, use you. You,'' I touch his shoulder, ''My friend is going to prepare yourself because you will be listening to the longest story of your life.''

His smile widens, and he didn't say a word afterward, so I take my cue to continue.

''Okay, so when I was born, my mom said I did not cry at all. I don't believe her, of course. The doctor thought I was insane, but I cried a few seconds afterward. Unfortunately, I grew up to be insane.'' I hear him chuckle, but I go on, ''When I was six years old, I ate a condom.''

''You ate a what?'' He leans in as he frowns.

''A condom.'' I shrug, and I can see his lips curve up, and his eyes brighten in amusement, ''Well, consider myself lucky that it's an unused condom, or I might have swallowed some crazy shit...'' I shake my head, and Alexander just laughs beside me, ''I didn't exactly eat it. More likely, chewed it. It was some fun chewy rubber.''

I glare at Alexander, ''Don't judge me; I was six.''

''Well, when I was six... I never ate a condom.'' He chuckles again as those words slip out of his mouth.

''I feel matured by then.'' I reply sarcastically, ''I didn't even know it was a condom. Not until I turn thirteen. I had my first period then. Being the lucky me, I had my period in gym class while we were running. We were all wearing yellow shorts.''

Alexander holds his hand up, ''So let me guess; they laughed at you?''

''You're half correct.'' I mutter, ''I had a crush on this gorgeous guy, and he was the first one to see me having my period.'' I throw my hands up, ''Sweet old memories. At least eating condoms hasn't become my habit.'' I say, and Alexander just smiles.

I take a moment to look at him, ''You smile a lot, don't you?''

He smiles again, this time revealing his perfectly straight teeth. Alexander just shrugs it off, and I look away from him. I pick up my handbag and my coat before standing up.

''Where are you going?'' I hear him ask, but I just walk out until I feel the cold breeze.

''Athena.'' I stop my steps when I hear him call my name. Even in the dark, he looks like a god. I love how my name slips off his mouth perfectly. It didn't really take him much effort to say my name; it just came out nicely.

''I like your eyes...'' I mutter lightly before grabbing his face and pull him until we are inches apart. I feel the tint of excitement in his eyes, but he replaces it with a shocked expression, but then came his signature smile.

''But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.'' I let go of his face before returning to walk away, but he holds my arm, stopping me.

''Where are you going?'' He asks once more.

''Home?'' I question him back.

''How?'' I feel like I want to slap his face but let's just ignore that intention.

''I can take the bus.'' I yawn loudly, and he just smiles at that sight, ''Or walk home.''

''It's late.''

I slowly hold his hand to make him let go of my arm. I look up at him, um, I didn't realize that he's six-foot-tall. Me being five foot six isn't very useful right now, ''It was nice talking to you, Alexander.'' I smile widely at him.

Before I could walk away, I feel his hand wrap around my waist, and he pulls me closer until his lips are brushing against mine. My breathing seems to come to a halt when his soft lips touch mine. My eyes widen in shock, but slowly, my hands move up to his neck. His smooth, moisturized lips move softly against mine. It leaves me wanting more.

I deepen the kiss, and he gladly leans in. Alexander seems to pull me closer because I started to feel his arms wrapping around my waist. Lucky me for having a small figure.

I don't really remember anything next. I don't remember getting home.

I just remember the softness of his lips against mine.