A mistress for Aiden Creek

ARTEMIS POV

I eyed the golden watch on the table, pretending to be interested in something else while inching closer to the table. I knew it was wrong to steal but I couldn't help it. I was hungry and I didn't want to die.

I imagined the funeral poster would read thus, 'Artemis Vincent, died of hunger because she didn't want to take a watch that some rich dude left behind.'

I shook my head. Gosh, I needed therapy. Why would I even think that? I eyed the watch again while cunningly looking around. When I got right to the table, I snatched the watch and shoved it into my pocket.

'You did it Artemis. You can buy burgers from Starbucks... you can....'

"THIEF!!" Someone shrieked and I turned to see a huge oaf of a man charging right at me. He was dressed in a black suit and wore dark sunglasses. My survival instincts kicked in and I beelined for the open window.

'If they catch you, you are dead. Fucking run, legs.'

I pumped my legs faster and easily slipped into the window and outside the shop. It was easy now, after weeks of practice. I heard the shouts growing louder and more voices, added with running feet.

'Keep running.'

I ran harder, with all I had but when I turned to look it seemed that they were gaining on me. There were five men now and they were alarmingly close.

'Damn it!'

I turned back to focus on running when I slammed into someone and I let out

I opened my mouth to let out a remark when I stopped. The person in front of me was scowling. He was blonde-haired and he wore dark shades. He held out his hand.

"Hand it over," he ordered, his voice was calm, but I could feel the warning in it.

"Hand what over?" I wasn't going to make it easy for him. I backed away but realized the others had caught up and were blocking any route of escape.

"You don't want my boss to deal with you," the blonde-haired fella said and I raised a brow.

"Wait! You are not the boss" I said, trying to avoid the subject. Blondie didn't take that well because he sort of growled and kept his hands outstretched.

"Hand it over lady," he said and I scowled.

"Like I said I..." I began but before I could complete my sentence or even blink, he grabbed me and pulled me to himself. I let out a scream and struggled aggressively in his arms but he didn't even budge.

"Give me the fucking watch and I'll let you go. If not, you'll rot in prison," he whispered in my ear, and for some reason, only the universe could explain, my body relaxed instinctively to the caress of his voice in my ear.

"No!" I managed to say and he growled. His hands suddenly landed on my thigh and I bucked into him.

"What are you doing?" I said, furious. He growled again and his hands went to my....

"Stop being a pervert!" I shrieked and he shrugged.

"Give me the watch or I'll find it myself. Even if you shoved it up your butt," he said and I sighed. I couldn't let him do that even if the feel of his hands on my thigh did wicked things to me.

"Fine," I said and I shoved my hand into my public region where I hid it. As he loosened his grip, I elbowed him in the gut and broke away but before I could get farther. I felt those familiar arms grab my waist and shove me to the hood of a car bending me over.

"The boss wants to meet you now." He said. He didn't sound angry or annoyed, only calm.

"Let her go, Daymon!" Another voice said and I even turned my head to look. From the voice, I knew it was going to be a handsome guy but nothing prepared me for the awesome sight in front of me. My mouth dropped for a moment.

Dark-haired, green eyes, lean but well-muscled. He was tall, and the suit he wore made him seem more regal and powerful. He had this aura around him. As if the air around him were charged and tense.

"You stole my watch," he said. I scowled at him, struggling against Daymon's hold.

"You don't seem to miss it," I retorted and he shrugged.

"I don't," he confirmed. He reached into his pocket and brought out a cigar. I watched as one of his men handed him an expensive-looking lighter and he lit it. He put the cigar in his mouth and took a drag.

"But you don't steal from me ever," His voice was as cold and bone-chilling as ice and I wondered if I had made a mistake. This handsome-looking man in front of me looked dangerous, like he could wipe me off existence if he wanted to.

"I am sorry, okay. I was hungry. I had no other option," I admitted looking away. Daymon's grip loosened and he let me go.

I spared a glance at him but there was no emotion on his face. So I rubbed my wrist instead, but at that glance at Daymon, I could tell there was a slight

emotion in his eyes, one I would have missed if I wasn't looking, but I couldn't tell what it was yet.

The man in front of me stared at me like a hawk sizing up its prey. He offered a cigar to Daymon who shook his head.

"I want you to be my mistress," he said finally and my mouth dropped open. I let out a short laugh.

"Quite a Hilarious mister. I like the joke. Very very..."

"I am not playing here," his voice was venomous and I shut my mouth. He looked annoyed which only made me angry. Who was he to barge into my life and demand I became his Mistress.

"Can I ask who the hell you even are?" I snapped and those blue eyes glared at me in barely contained anger mixed with cool.

"Aidan Creek," he said and tossed away the cigar.

ARTEMIS POV

Now where had I heard that name? I must have seen it in a newspaper somewhere. I couldn't remember, but from what I gathered he was one the richest men in Florida. Why would he want a thief to be his mistress?

"It sure seems like you must be over in your head. I ain't marrying you, I'll marry a pig first," I said, huffing angrily.

But Aidan stared at me for a full minute, creeping me out, then he finally nodded.

"You'll go to jail then, I'll make sure you get it hard there. Trust me you don't want to see what they'll do to you there," he said and I shot him a fierce glare. He was right. He had influence, I was a nobody. I would be molested there and forgotten.

"Why won't you let me go?" I asked and he raised his brow. That elegant brow.

"You stole my watch woman" he growled. I gave him a stubborn look. It took all my willpower not to poke out my tongue.

"That watch is not one percent of your net worth sir. So just let me go" I said and he nodded.

"Take her away!" he ordered flatly and my eyes widened. Shit! The bastard was serious, but I couldn't give in so easily. I loved making things hard.

One

Two

Three

"Fine, I accept!" I yelled and the guards dragging me stopped. They pulled my back to Aidan who... wasn't smiling. Didn't he ever smile? He looked like I pissed on his shoes

Now I wanna try that.

"I accept your damn offer," I said and he nodded. He pushed back his dark hair and I followed the movement with my eyes.

"Now get her in the car and..."

"Wait!" I said, interrupting him and he glared at me coldly. He didn't look pleased like he was used to people not interrupting him when he was speaking.

Since we are going to be sort of married. I'll interrupt you every single damn chance I get.

"I have my conditions," I said and he nodded. My mind wandered to Daymon and I turned to see him standing there just watching me. He seemed like a nice person. I could feel it. I turned back to Aidan and let out a wry smile.

"So you are gonna be giving me food every day, allowances, you are gonna make sure I have the best things to wear," I said. Aidan's eyes roamed my body taking in my old hoodie and jeans and he nodded.

"Consider it done. Anything else?" He asked and I shrugged.

"That's all I ask, rich boy," I said and he nodded to Daymon. Suddenly I was bent over and I felt the cold steel or handcuffs on my wrist. I bucked like crazy but he held me down suddenly I felt his lips close to my ear.

"Relax, Red. This is to make sure you don't run," Daymon coaxed in my ear and I relaxed again. I glared at him still.

"I am not running away," I snapped. Daymon pushed me into a car and slid in beside me.

"You did try to run," Daymon said. I stared at him with a smile.

"You are scary, wearing dark shades and all," I said. Daymon's lips twitched like he was trying hard not to smile and he didn't, much to my disappointment.

"Less talking Mrs Creek," He said and tapped the driver.

"Maxwell, follow the boss, Tesla," he said and the driver started the car and the car lurched into action.

Wait, did he just call me Creek? As in Aidan Creek.

I sighed and shut my eyes, no longer having the strength to bad mouth. I missed Dad and Mum and if they were alive all these things wouldn't be happening. I reached for Daymon's hand involuntarily and he stiffened but he let me grab it. We just stayed like that, me holding his hand and him keeping mute throughout the drive. I was struggling to keep myself from crying which was why I held his hand. I missed my parents and it was hard surviving without them.

I turned to Daymon.

"How are you Aidan's bodyguard, you're too... sophisticated to be that," I said and Daymon stared ahead.

"I can't answer that miss..."

"Artemis. Call me Artemis," I added. Daymon's eyes met mine before he nodder

"Let's not talk about that," he said and I shot him a glance. One he didn't reciprocate as he stared out the window leaving me with a sigh.

Everyone with their problems.

"So I..." Daymon stuffed my mouth with a rag and pressed it hard. I shot him a hateful glare but he grinned like he was enjoying it.

"There. Shut up. You talk too much Artemis," he said and I stopped trying to speak.

You talk too much Artemis.

Way to go attagirl.

The car stopped and Daymon's face became grave. He grabbed my arms and pulled me out of the car. Quickly looking me all over, then to my lips.

"Don't say anything when I take this off," he said and I nodded.

I wasn't keeping that promise.

He took the clothes out of my mouth and I glared at him.

"How dare..." he stuffed it back before I could say more and I sighed. Taking off the handcuffs, he pushed me forward.

"Walk," He ordered just the same instance when I noticed the house. Never had I seen a house as magnificent, beautiful, and intimidating at the same time. It looked like a suite. Was this where I was going to be living? Daymon prodded me forward and we walked towards the house flanked by my guards. When I stepped in, I was awed and amazed. It looked too splendid to be real.

"Aidan is downstairs, there will be dinner in a while with his parents. There are some things he would like you to know," Daymon said and took out the rag. I widened my jaw to relieve it of the ache.

"Don't ever put that in my mouth again," I retorted instead but he ignored me.

"Go meet Aidan downstairs. That's where your work begins," he said coolly and walked away.

Wait what did he mean by "My work"

Chapter 3: DINNER WITH THE CREEKS

ARTEMIS POV

It took me almost a while to find where Aidan was. Daymon didn't even tell me where to find him. Eventually, I wandered to the gardens and met him there waiting... probably.

"Hi," I said and he turned. How could someone look so hot and cruel at the same time? The afternoon breeze blew his dark hair, making him look more... handsome.

"So here's what I wanted to tell you before we meet my parents," he started, going straight to the point and I shot him a glare.

"Can't you reply with 'Hello'?" I retorted and his eyes darkened. I watched the light go out of them replaced by cold dangerous anger.

"Watch how you talk to me," he sneered. But I didn't care. I wasn't scared of anyone or anything, not even the icy chills of his voice.

"And you don't treat me like a piece of shit too," I replied sharply. Aidan growled, he grabbed me and shoved me to a barn wall.

"You don't understand. You have to get this or I'll lose all I have worked for to my brother," he seethed and I shrugged nonchalantly.

"I don't care," I said and he stared at me. Then his eyes wandered to my lips. Suddenly, I was aware of how pressed he was against me. I could feel every inch of him and I meant every inch. I caught him staring at my lips again and mine parted instinctively but he pushed himself away.

"You have to understand. You are impersonating my old girlfriend, you two look so much alike so I want you to pretend like her as long as you can." He said and I shook my head, trying hard not to laugh.

"So I have to drop my life and play pretend just to please you and your parents?" I asked and he nodded.

"Yes," he answered. I shook my head and gave him my most business-like stare

"What is it in for me?" I asked.

"A million every month and just whatever you want," he said and my lips curved into a smile.

"I am in, just tell me what to do."

When we got back to the house and settled down at the dining I had already showered and dressed up. Aidan had sort of given me lessons 101 on how to be like his girlfriend and it wasn't hard. Funny enough the way he described

her just seemed familiar, like I had met someone like that and had a vague knowledge on how to act like her.

Aidan's dad's beady eyes watched me carefully like he was calculating something. It felt uncomfortable with him watching me but I steeled my nerves and gave them both a smile.

"Welcome Hera," he said and I paused. Hera? I once caught my father mentioning the name to someone and he told me that it was the name he wanted to give to his next child just like how he named me Artemis.

I flashed a smile at him and leaned over and kissed his cheek just like Aidan had instructed.

"It's an honor, Don Carlo. Aidan here has made me very happy beyond words I can't wait to be part of this family." I said and Don Carlo smiled.

Aidan's mother was grinning proudly and it felt overwhelming. It has to take all willpower not to run outside.

"Let's dig in dears or the food will run cold," Aidan's mother said and I stared at Aidan, who gave me a fake smile in return. The rest of the dinner seemed awkward to me. Don Carlo asked me questions that Aidan had prepared me for so it was sort of easy to answer.

Don Carlo scraped his chair back folded his arms and glared at Aidan.

"So when are you gonna get married?" He asked and Aidan's green eyes widened. He turned to me. I smiled like a robot and kicked his foot under the table.

"Soon father. We want to, honestly. We just don't think now is the time" he said and Don Carlo raised a brow.

"What are you waiting for, Amigo? I know you two must have had countless sex and I want grandchildren in my lap before I die. Don't give me bullshit Aidan," He said and I blushed.

Countless Sex? That's not me sir

Aidan's green eyes had gotten colder and I wondered why he hated the idea of being married so much.

"With time father," he stood and kicked his chair back. "Umm Hera and I have something to talk about," he grabbed my hand and pulled me up. Don Carlo grinned.

"Talk about giving me grandkids. Go easy on her boy" he said and burst into laughter at his joke. Aidan scowled and dragged me away. I struggled to keep up with his long strides with him pulling me along.

"Hey!" I protested. "You're hurting me " I cried but he didn't stop walking. "Aidan!" I yelled and he stopped. His eyes eyes were like thunder.

"Calm down. It's just a joke, no need to act like a spoilt girl," I said. Aidan sneered and slammed me into a wall.

"Don't call me that," he growled and my eyes widened. He looked menacing and as if he wanted so badly to kill me.

"Fine fine. I am sorry," he said and the hands pressed against my waist loosened. He turned away and fished into his pocket, probably for his cigar.

He brought it out and sighed when he couldn't find a cigar in his pocket. I handed him the tiger-designed lighter I stole from his room earlier and he stared at him. I shrugged.

"What? It looked nice" I insisted and he shook his head and lit the cigar. "Thief," he said and I smiled.

"Jerk!" I shot back. He lifted his head and smiled--like a wolf.