Alpha’s Rue: His Shunned Luna (Athena Enchanted) novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188

Damien is great company in the car, I get to listen to his choice of music, which happens to be almost identical to mine and my Noah’s, so I enjoy it a lot.

When we get to River’s, the turnout shocks me. There’s barely anyone here, just about three of the workers, yet not a single client. “Damien,” I pause, alarmed by the situation. “What happened? You said River’s was doing great, so why in the Gods green earth is this place empty?”

Damien laughs, “Relax, we don’t open for another few hours. It’s a new policy, started three nights ago just like Noah suggested last time.”

“Right,” I nod. “That slipped my mind, most of that night is a blur, I was so drunk I don’t remember much.”

“Your forgotten plan worked,” he smiles, gesturing around the place which is spotless and empty. “I have investors begging for scraps of Rivers, and demand is high. There’s a waiting list again, and people are booking months in advance. I’m actually thinking of opening a restaurant to go with River’s, there’s a space in the building across the street that would be great for that.”

“Damien, look at you starting a franchise,” I say, my words filled with pride. I knew River’s had potential the moment I heard his plans, and now that he has the right people around him, it’s becoming everything he thought it would be.

“Yeah, I figured this might be it, you know?” He shrugs, smiling shyly. “I mean, I have shares in Vale properties, and companies, but River’s? That’s for my kids, I want them to enjoy the same luxury I did, and for them to be proud of their dad.” He says, “I also want to do right by River, affirm she didn’t choose wrong.”

“Aww,” I swoon. Damien and River had their son young. Damien is my age, their son is four, he was likely eighteen or nineteen, when their son was born and River was no older than twenty.

“That’s why I was getting you flowers on Kingston’s behalf,” he says. “He happens to have shares in that building, and there’s a long list of contenders looking to rent the spaces there.”

“That’s amazing, I’m proud of you,” I tell him, I know Kingston doesn’t cut corners, but I don’t mind getting on my knees and convincing him to rent out the space to Damien. It’s more of a treat for me, and besides, what good is it having a Luna for a friend and sister-in-law if I can’t do this much? “This is a big step, I hope you get the building, D. I’ll have a chat with King.”

He smiles, no words necessary.

We are interrupted by one of his managers, “Boss, you’re just in time, new stock arrived.”

“Excuse me, A. I’ll sort this out.”

“Take your time,” I sigh. “I’m here for your wine.”

“I’ll have someone bring you a bottle,” he laughs. “You can control the music from your phone if you’d like.”

And with that, he’s gone.

I sit myself, and soon, a whole wine bottle is brought to me, vintage. I spend my time sipping wine and humming to the soft melodies blasting through the speaker while I text Noah. She’s still at university, but she promises to meet me at Rivers later in the evening, so I guess I’m staying.

Damien checks in on me in brief intervals, feeling guilty for leaving me unattended, but I’m fine, my mind feels clearer with every sip. When he is finally finished with the new stock, he joins me at my table with lunch, practically forcing a burger down my throat.

1/2

• 25 BOMUS

“Aeliana,” he coos, wiping sauce off his fingers. “Is everything alright between you and Kingston?”

I nod, “Yeah, it’s great.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I laugh. I don’t know why he is suddenly so inquisitive and serious, Damien is rarely this serious about anything.

“I hope you know that if something is bothering you, you can tell me, A. We are friends, and I love knowing my brother isn’t so perfect.”

“I know, D.” I nod, “Trust me, everything is okay. Why are you worried?”

“He bought you a car,” he says, watching me closely.

I nod, “That he did.”

“Was it an I fucked up and I need you to forgive me car? Because you didn’t seem very excited about it.”

“I am,” I force a smile. “I swear I love the car, but I’m having one of those days. Maybe I miss him.”

“Aeliana,” he says quietly, shaking his head. He isn’t buying the bullshit I’m trying to serve with that half-truth.

“I’m just a little tired,” I sigh. “I didn’t sleep much last night.” Or at all.

He nods, “Why don’t you rest in my office? You look ready to drop.”

“It’s fine, I’ll rest at home.”

“You’re tipsy,” he reminds me, sliding his key card over the table to my side. “I can’t let you leave this way unless I want River widowed, so go up and rest.” He orders, sounding so much like his brother. “There’s a bed, got it for River to nap in.”

“Okay,” I grab the key card. “Just don’t tell Kingston, please? I don’t want him to worry.”

Damien mimics zipping his mouth, “You got it, A.”

I grab my phone and take myself up to his office. I take off my shoes and lie down, hoping to get some sleep, but 1 just can’t. No matter how hard I try, I’m unable to rest.

My mind constantly jolts awake the second I start to fall asleep. I keep my eyes closed though, pretending to sleep just in case Damien checks in, and in that, I manage to catch a few seconds of sleep, seconds that turn into minutes, and minutes that refuse to turn into hours.

2/2

+25 Bonus