CHAPTER 39- LITTLE MISS FURY

How could he? How could they all? His words had brought her heart shattering down in pieces. The revelation he opened her eyes to. How could her father and aunt do that to her? Was she really immature and unfit?

You're not even businesswoman material.

That statement hurt her than anything else in the world. She couldn't stop thinking and sulking all the way to the dinner conference.

Hades was driving and Archie was left at home. She was in a straight blue dress with the top taking the form of a corset designed with several blue jewels and precious stones that twinkled here and here and the bottom a lace skirt. Still she couldn't bring herself to wear a cheerful look, pretend or otherwise. When they arrived, they walked arm in arm through the red carpet that led to the door.

The media called for attention and camera clicked here and there. Bright flashing light that made her squint her eyes painfully. Hades noticed and signaled to a bodyguard to block off the cameras. Son of a bitch. She thought, realizing what he did. The bastard was confusing her. Playing both hero and villain at the same time. Acting like he cared in one second and like he didn't give a crap in the next.  Stop being a fucking hypocrite, Hades!

The hall room was moderately filled with people. Oh wait! Couples. This was no ordinary dinner conference. It was for twos. She looked up at him, surprised.

"What?" He asked, reading her face correctly. "We both know you wouldn't have come along if I told you the actual occasion."

Having nothing to say to him, she turned her eyes forward until they reached their reserved table which was a VIP. Hades kept shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the other businessmen. Mostly new faces she had never seen whilst she on the other hand, was still sour from their argument earlier that night. Speeches were being given on stage followed by deafening applause.

Someone gave a remark on Hamilton's incredible revival all thanks to Lenshaw. The statement tied an awful knot in her stomach. Why was he always receiving all the praises and she all the reprimanding? It just wasn't fair! Tables were served with exotic meals, waiters moved here and there, people chattered and laughed and she felt like she was trapped in the middle of some mindless chaos that she desperately wished to get out of. Everything sucked!

I need a drink...I need Karl. She thought, wearily. If only she had let him come along.

Hades could see she wasn't happy. Her face could tell it all. She was absent minded and barely even present at all. People were eager to come to him but they all ignored her instead. Well she hadn't been doing a lot on building her reputation lately. The incident at the anniversary hosted by her and the mess she made at ADEN's was enough to make people wary of her and no, he wasn't remorseful about his harshness earlier. Someone had to call the proud nightingale to order!

"It's Miss Hamilton!" Gasped a voice.

"Mrs Lenshaw." Her counterpart corrected. "She's married remember?"

"Oh please, a marriage out of the blue calls for suspicions."

"I agree not to mention the fact that she sleeps around with that bodyguard of hers."

It was the table behind them both her and Hades could clearly hear what the women were saying. He could see she was getting uncomfortable. Underneath the table, she tightened her hand on her dress. He noticed she let out a pained whimper at their last statement. To make matters worse these were the two most influential women aside from Vera in the jewel world. Allison must be feeling so heated right now.

"Are you sure?" The gossip went on.

"I definitely am! She takes him everywhere like a Channel purse."

"Spoiled rich girls with everything on their plate."

"She lucky she could afford a knight in shining armor spring into action after the mess she made at her own company's anniversary."

"Right and that mother of hers, Vera. She does everything for her. She irritates me. She's just so incompetent!"

Allison swallowed down the painful lump in her throat. Her head was down, tears trailing. The word 'incompetent' again. She thought, bitterly. At the other end of their table, Hades felt sorry for her in this pitiful state. After the argument at home, she shouldn't have to go through another unpleasantry again. Was this what those people said to her at ADEN'S no wonder she overreacted that much and to think he hadn't spared her the benefit of doubt. Okay maybe he was a jerk at that point. If only she didn't have to keep that bodyguard beside her all the time like a stuffed toy.

"Do you two have nothing else to do?"

Allison raised her tear-stained face, surprised and confused. Was He defending her?

"Oh! It's her husband! You were too loud Emma." The other woman, Gina murmured, nervous.

"We're so sorry Mr Lenshaw. Pardon our ill-manners."

"Indeed." Hades crossed his arms, a frown knitting his brows together. "What did you say about my wife sleeping around?"

His question, captured the attention of everyone in the room as all eyes turned on the two women, who were red faced with embarrassment. This was image tarnishing for the ladies considering that the media was present and yes, He knew what he was doing.

"We...never said that Mr Lenshaw." Replied Emma, keeping a straight face.

"Oh is that so?"

"Yes."

"Ofcourse you had no idea, you were being taped." He said, pulling out his phone. "So admit before things get ugly."

"Fine! Yes we did." Gina admitted.

Coward! Emma thought.

"And you thought it right to just spread mindless and baseless accusations about my wife"

"We're deeply sorry."

"I could sue you two for this. You're well aware right?" He asked.

"Please there won't be any need, we can settle things amicably. We're so sorry sir."

"I'm not the one you should be sorry to."

Allison stared from Hades to the two women, not knowing what to say. She suppose, she should be grateful he was literally being a human shield right now but she knew he would be something totally different by tomorrow.

"Apologize to my wife. She deserves to be vindicated from all these lies." He added.

"Forgive us Mrs Lenshaw."

"We sincerely apologize for talking wrong of you."

"It's..it's fine." Allison waved them off. There wasn't a smile on her face and he loved her attitude at that moment. These women deserved to be put in their place rather than smiling and shaking hands with them. Screw peacemaking! Some people just don't deserve it. He thought.

"Hades what are you doing?" Allison whispered. "You're the one who said I shouldn't cause trouble, what is this now?"

"There's a difference between trouble making and protecting your honor." He simply said.

Right. He was implying the difference between the tantrum she threw at ADEN's and his act just now. From now on, all the suspicions and ill-talks would end. Thanks to media coverage and thanks to....Hades. She looked from the other end of the table, He was busy with the host of the show, showering him his own apology for the inconvenience. An odd warmth was spreading through her.

Why? Why did he whole heartedly defend her like he did just now? Why was he repeatedly using the phrase  'My wife'? Why was her stupid heart refusing to stop racing? Probably because the only other person that had ever stood up for her was her own father after him, she had given hope that any other person would but Hades did just now and this made her all the more further confused.

Will you stop acting like you care? You asshole!

The drive back home was equally as quiet and when they got back, Archie hurriedly ran to the door and barked excitedly.

"Archie!" She carried him up, smiling.

What would she have done without this substitute for Karl? Which all the more made her realize the reason she needed Karl.

"Thank you." She finally said to Hades just before he was out of sight.

"Mmm"

"I...I mean it and I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For the mix up I caused." Allison said.

"I'll cover for the loss."

"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience."

"There's no need." He said, turning around and walking away.

Say it Allison! Tell him! The voice in her head screamed. Swallow that rotten pride and ask him. Okay I'm doing this. Gosh this sucks!

"TEACH ME!" She called out, making him stop and turn around.

"Pardon?" He quirked an eyebrow, surprised.

"I...I want you to take me under your mentorship."

"What?"

"Maybe you were right, maybe there's a lot I should know."

"Allison..."

"Please don't refuse me. Didn't you say that...I wasn't ready? And who's a better person to teach me than you? Help me please." She pleaded.

"I'm not supposed to have you by my side when I work."

"I don't need to go with you. An hour or two a day would be alright. Please..."

Hades concealed a small smirk. The desperation in her voice was....beautiful.

"Fine."

"Thank you."

Bloody bastard! Did he really think he had gotten her to fall on her knees? Far from it. After learning so much from Hades. She hoped to get better than him or atleast up to his level and then, she would have no use for him. Then, she would send him out of her life permanently!

"On one condition..."

"What?" Her eyes shot up in confusion. It better not be something sadistic. "What is it?"

"Sleep beside me tonight."

"What? No!" She instantly flared.

"Your call." He shrugged, walking away.

Asshole. "FINE! Fucking fine!" She reluctantly agreed before picking Archie up. "Make sure to keep a reasonable distance." She added, walking past him.

Hades smiled. "Why? Aren't we supposed to be baby making?"

She gasped, turning around and cutting him an angry glare.

"Was only joking."

"Better!"

Upside down was the ridiculous position this queen of fury had chosen for them. Hades was amused. They slept side by side but she insisted she lied in an upside down position. She was already fast asleep hours later but his eyes were still open and he started taking in her facial features with nothing left to do.  Teach her? He thought. She was possibly trying to play a fast one on him. He smiled. You're an excellent jeweler Allison but her attitude was what He intended to fix one way or the other.

Little miss fury....

He smiled to himself.

Odd rippling....

Cool breeze....

Flora scents...

"You're awake." She smiled down at him.

"Oh goddamn! I thought I'd never see you again." Hades said, relieved as he hugged her. "Where have you been?"

"Someplace...."

"That's not an answer Venice." He frowned. "I got scared..." He admitted, his countenance dimmed.

"Why would you be scared?" She caressed his hair, affectionately, bringing his face to hers.

"I thought I'd lost you permanently and I wouldn't get to see you in my dreams anymore."

"I'm sorry honey."

"Why did it take you so long this time?"

"The happier you are, the less of me you'll see."

"What?"

Venice smiled. "I'm happy you're slowly letting go and moving on Hades. I'm very glad. You're happier these days."

"Says who?"

"Says a ghost."

"You're not a ghost Venice. You're the woman I love."

Venice smiled at him, once again.

"Little miss fury." She said.

"Allison?"

"You've found a new hobby."

"Which is?"

"You enjoy getting on her nerves Hades." Venice laughed. "The poor girl!"

"Poor girl?" He frowned. "You should hear what she says to me but ofcourse not, I forgot you're a feminist."

"Whatever, she's still doing a good job relieving you of stress."

"She adds to my stress levels."

"And you get back at her by teasing and making her cringe. Like with the issue of the leggings?"

"Maybe you're right. It is sort of fun seeing her cringe so much. When will I see you again sweetheart?"

"I hope not. I want you to totally let go of the past."

"Venice you know it hurts as hell."

"Yes but what I also know is that you're not a weakling. I love you Hades more than anything so do me a big favor and head on with your life. Leave everything behind and focus on the future that is to come."

He let out a sigh. "Until then, will you stay a little longer?" He said laying his head on her shoulders, letting her run her fingers in his hair.

"You know I always do. I'll be here all night, till it's dawn....."

THE NEXT MORNING

"Wakey! Wakey!!"

Allison snapped her fingers twice at his face. Hades groggily woke up and sat up on the bed, running his fingers over his hair, tensed.

"Did I oversleep?" Asked his deep and hoarse morning voice.

"No."

"You're already dressed?" He asked, she must be in such a rush to go back home or rather back to that man-toy.

"Yes, so please get ready. I would love to arrive LA before noon."

"Mmm."

"Who's Venice by the way?"

"What?!" His eyes shot up in surprise.

"You were sleep talking. Didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation." She sarcastically remarked. "So who is Venice?"

"Someone I only see in dreams."

"That's weird..."

"Is it?"

"This Venice, what kind of caricature is she?"

What? He found her use of term offensive.

"An imaginary friend then? How childish!"

Hades rolled his eyes and got out of bed.

"You know for a name after a country,  I wouldn't be surprised if she was probably all bonkers and kookie."

"Will you shut up and stop talking?"

"What?" Allison wasn't exactly his reaction. Chill I was only kidding.

"Outside!" He barked. "You can take a car and leave for the airport. I'll meet you there." He said, not sparing her a look before disappearing into the bathroom.

That was...rude! She thought, her eyes still on the closed door. No sound of running water which meant, he wasn't washing up. Weren't they supposed to be talking about a mere dream just a few minutes ago?

What's up with him?