Chapter 25:

Toeing the Line

The hotel bar, much like the rest of the place was extravagant and ritzy. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, jazz music hummed from hidden speakers, and dim lighting illuminated the place. But despite the posh exterior, the patrons of the bar were the exact opposite. One large group of about twenty people rowdily gathered around, whooping and slapping each other on the backs. They all had accents that indicated their deep- southern roots, and gulped back flaming shots, while letting their beer mugs sweat onto the mahogany tables.

It made Ava feel slightly less out of place. This was perhaps the most elegant establishment she had ever stepped foot in (outside of Olympus) and that was a bit intimidating. And Ava never realized how stupid she was for wearing her Camp Half Blood tee shirt in the outside world- it was like flashing a neon arrow to herself for monsters. She had quickly thrown off the orange cotton shirt, and dug through her duffle bag, pulling out a worn black Grateful Dead t-shirt, keeping her jean shorts on, and trading her sandals for her red cowboy boots before heading down to the bar. It wasn't the fanciest outfit she owned by far, but it would just have to do.

But surveying the beer chugging, hollering group, Ava felt a grin grace her lips. The people may have had money (they had to, to stay in a place like this), but they sure didn't have manners. And for some strange reason that was endearing.

"Come on," Nico said, as he pulled her away from the entrance where she was observing the wild group, and over to the bar.

Ava swallowed nervously as the bartender focused his attention on the two of them. She was now completely sure that they wouldn't get caught for being underage, but drinking in it self was a little nerve racking. Ava had been to a few parties with her friends, and was not exactly a stranger to alcohol. But sloppy mixed drinks poured from stolen parent's mickys or cheap wine coolers weren't exactly the same.

"I'll have scotch on the rocks," Nico confidently said, his knuckles drumming on the wood of the bar.

The bartender eyed him for a moment, but when Nico pulled out his wallet stuffed with bills, he smiled and nodded his head.

The bartender then turned to her. "I'll have an… um, seven and seven," Ava said, rattling off the name of the first drink she could think of from watching soap operas. She didn't know why it mattered, but she didn't want to look like a complete amateur in front of Nico. He already made her feel like a beginner in several other aspects of her life.

The bartender returned after a moment with a crystal glass full of amber liquid for Nico, and a tall clear glass with a lime wedge for her. Nico threw down a fifty and sipped his drink, all the while looking like he did this on an everyday basis. He probably did.

Ava picked up her drink and cautiously sipped the cloudy liquid. She had just managed to hold back her gag, but her grimace escaped. Her forest green eyes darted over to catch Nico's amused onyx ones watching her.

She set the drink down and sighed, "So, I'm not much of a drinker…"

Nico's deep chuckle made her feel both giddy and embarrassed, "I gathered that," he said, as he lifted his glass to his lips, taking another sip, his eyes trained on her.

Ava gulped and found herself reaching for her glass again, even though it did not at all quench any kind of thirst she was harboring. It actually tasted quite like what she imagined lighter fluid to taste. She grimaced again.

"How about I order you something that I think would be more to your liking?" Nico offered, the smirk still playing on those sinful lips.

Ava felt her face heat with her blush, but nodded, "Thanks."

"Bartender, may I have a Long Island ice tea please," Nico's deep voice suavely demanded. The bartender, and Ava both knew he wasn't really asking.

A minute later Ava was sipping on a drink that tasted wonderful. Nothing at all like ice tea, but pleasant all the same- it didn't even taste like it had any alcohol in it. And if her mind weren't too busy spinning with her current situation, she would have realized how dangerous that was.

One of the older ladies from the group walked up beside Ava to get the bartender's attention, and shot them a quick smile. She had big flaming red curls and her frosty pink lipstick was smeared. "What brings y'all to Memphis? Going to see Elvis, like us?" she asked in her thick drawl.

Ava grinned, something about that twang felt so welcoming. "Just on a road trip," Ava answered.

"Road trip?" the woman asked, clearly intrigued. "Just the two of you? How sweet! Where ya headed?"

Nico, who had been eyeing the woman suspiciously, evidently decided she wasn't a threat as he answered, "New Orleans."

"New Orleans?" she asked, her foggy blue eyes widening, "We're from Baton Rouge!" She turned to her group and hollered, "Hey Jack, this couple is heading down to New Orleans on a road trip!"

Ava was startled when all of the booze soaked faces turned to look at them, and they all raised their glasses and cheered. She shot Nico a bewildered look, and he just smiled before raising his second glass of scotch, saluting them back.

"Why, don't y'all come on over and we'll tell you all the good places to visit and where to avoid, ya?" The woman asked, already dragging Ava over to the group. "My name is Jan by the way," she said, and Ava looked over her shoulder to see Nico following behind.

Ava continued to sip more and more of her delicious ice tea, and laughed and sang with the rowdy bunch. Nico too seemed to be more jubilant, throwing his raven head back with full- bellied laughter. Forty minutes, and unaccountable number of drinks later, the talk turned to dangerous territory.

"What do you mean, you've never had tequila?" a boy whose name she couldn't remember shouted incredulously.

The table quieted instantly, but Ava was much to dazed and happy to feel embarrassed at admitting her lack of alcoholic experience. "Never," she said, her tongue purring the 'r'.

"Frank, get the lady a shot and some limes," Jan called to the bartender, whom they were all now on a first name basis with. "In fact, get us all some tequila!" she cried.

The group roared its approval.

Under normal circumstances Ava would have been nervous about this particular drink. Her mother did warn her before she started the Academy that nights with tequila always ended with mornings full of vomit, frat boys, and shame. But due to the copious amount of other alcoholic substances floating around in her system, she did not heed that particular warning.

Frank carried over two trays full of shot glasses filled with bronze liquid and a bowl full of limes. Jan grabbed the saltshaker and started passing it around. Ava watched with sparkling eyes as everyone licked their hands and then poured a bit of salt on them.

She turned to Nico, "What is the salt for?"

Nico smiled and inched closer to her, picking up her hand, "It helps with the flavor. You lick the salt first, take the shot, and then bite the lime."

When the saltshaker was placed in front of Ava, Nico lifted her palm and his tongue darted out to lick a small spot on the back of her hand. Ava felt as though a fire had been lit within her. Heat sizzled at the spot where his tongue touched and Ava ached for more. She watched with dark eyes as Nico tuned his focus to the saltshaker and poured a small amount on the moist area.

"Lick it," he commanded, as a shot glass and lime wedge were placed in front of her. She shivered slightly at his order.

Ava tore her eyes away from Nico's equally dark ones to the small pile of salt on her hand. She felt Nico's arm sneak around her waist and gulped. Her pink tongue darted out to lick the salt off her hand and felt Nico's grip on her tighten. She then picked up the shot and then downed it in one gulp, before grabbing the lime and squeezing the juices out of it between her teeth.

Ava looked up to see the entire group watching her. A goofy smile lit her face and she staggered into Nico's side, "That was pretty good!"

Everyone cheered, and Ava watched as Nico downed his own shot, without the aid of salt or limes.

"We have two extra!" Jack cried, examining the extra shots on the tray.

Ava was surprised to see the little glasses slide down the table and stop in front of her. She giggled like Molly and watched as Nico drained another.

"You'll have to have mine, I need to head to the Ladies Room," she hiccupped.

Ava stumbled her way across the room and turned around when she heard cheering, to see Nico slamming down another empty shot glass.

Ava never realized how hard it was to unbutton jean shorts, until she was squirming and struggling with them. She contemplated not doing them back up after peeing, but forced herself to. And after leaving the stall, Ava concluded that this bathroom was the Donald Trump of bathrooms. With gold plated mirrors, and swanky jazz music playing. They even had mouthwash beside the soap dispenser! And Ava found herself for unknown reasons (that would later be accounted to the booze) gargling the alphabet. The lights were making her head spin.

She giggled as she stumbled out the door, only to walk into a very hard chest. Looking up and up, Ava realized she had run into Nico.

"Hey you, what are you doing? This is the Ladies Room," she said, poking a finger into his muscled abs.

Nico smirked, "I was looking for you." He didn't look nearly as far-gone as she did, but there was a sparkle in his eye, indicating that he too was feeling the effects of alcohol.

"Are you having a good time?" Nico questioned, lazily leaning against the wall.

Ava grinned and nodded, "Surprisingly yes!"

She watched as his black brows furrowed, "Surprisingly?"

Ava nodded and started plucking at the leaves of a nearby potted plant, "I was so worried when I saw the bedroom. I didn't think I'd be able to relax knowing that we would be sharing a bed, and I would have to stop myself from jumping your bones."

As if realizing what she had just said, Ava cupped a hand over her mouth and giggled.

The frown on Nico's face disappeared, a Cheshire cat smirk replacing it. And Ava somehow found herself being pressed up against the wall by him. "You don't have to worry. I was going to be a gentleman and take the couch," he said, his breath hitting her face.

Ava's eyes moved from his dark intense ones down to those tempting lips. "But what if I don't want you to sleep on the couch?"

She watched as his adams apple bobbed before he cleared his throat and whispered in her ear, "Then ask me not too," his lips brushing her earlobe.

Her mouth felt dry and she licked her lips, watching as Nico's eyes traced her tongue's movement. His face was so close that she could see the midnight blue ring that hugged his pupil and melted into the dark brown iris. Her eyes then trailed down the bridge of his aristocratic nose to his lips. They were perfect- not too big and feminine, and not to thin and harsh. Just perfectly placed above his strong jaw.

"I really want to kiss you," Ava said, more to herself than to him.

She heard Nico exhale sharply, and looked back up into his eyes, to see what looked like an internal battle going on in them.

"Fuck it," he groaned before crashing his lips onto hers.

Ava's breath was stolen from her, as his body pinned her even harder against the wall. His cool lips clashed against her hot ones, and Ava felt her toes curl in her shoes. One of Nico's hands caressed her face, while the other one gripped her hip. She moaned when he traced his tongue against her lower lip. Ava parted her lips, only to have Nico's tongue invade her mouth.

It was not a sweet kiss. It was raw, hungry, passionate, and even a little angry. His mouth was teasing her to the point where she was squirming, yet his body kept her locked in place. Her eyes rolled back in her head when she felt his knee slip between her thighs, making her hips dance. It was almost as though he was punishing her.

Ava bit on his lower lip and heard a groan rumble through his body, his grip on her tightening. She buried her hands in his dark curls, and pulled away from those addicting lips to place wet kisses up his neck, until she reached his ear. "I want more," she whispered, biting at the lobe.

He exhaled harshly and his knee added more pressure to the vee between her thighs. They stared at each other for a long moment and Ava felt as though the air between them was pulsing with want. His dark eyes, hungry with passion were such a foreign sight, yet it felt right.

"Now what are you crazy kids doing all the way over here," a slurred voice from behind them questioned.

Nico groaned and his eyes lifted to the heavens as if to say 'why now?' and Ava peaked over his shoulder to see Jan stumbling towards them.

"We were actually feeling a bit tired and don't want to be too hung over for the trip tomorrow, so we thought we would head up to bed," Nico said.

Jan stared at them with bleary, narrowed eyes for a moment, before a giant grin spread across her frosty pink lips, "Oh sure, you're tired," she said winking at Ava. "Well make sure to get a good nights sleep," she cackled.

Nico sighed and the hand holding her hip left to grab his wallet out of his back pocket. Ava stared wide eyed as Nico pulled out two hundred dollar bills and handed them to Jan, "For our portion of the drinks," he explained.

"You crazy kids don't need to do that, we loved partying with you!" she protested, but Nico wouldn't budge. Jan sighed and stumbled over to accept the money.

"Well have a good night!" she said, before unsteadily making her way back to the group.

The two stayed frozen for a moment, before Nico tugged on her hand and they silently headed over to the elevator. As the steel doors closed, Ava felt the tension sizzle between them like electricity. It was a tangible feeling, but the two did not move towards each other. Their eyes met, and Ava could feel her body hum in anticipation.

The elevator dinged, and the doors parted, only for Nico and her to barrel down the hall. He dug through his pocket like they were being chased by an army of monsters, and frantically shoved it through the lock. The door opened and Ava was pulled through the doorway by his iron grip. The door closed with a slam, and Ava felt her back being pushed up against it. Her feet left the ground as Nico's hands found the underside of her thighs. She wrapped her long legs around his waist, and pulled his body in closer, hips meeting hips.

Nico's lips met hers again, and once again it was all consuming. His teeth bit at her lips, while his tongued coaxed its way into her mouth. Their tongues engaged in a sensual dance for dominance, while Nico's hips stared rocking against her. She cried out when Nico's hips, and the evidence of his arousal kept hitting that sweet spot, even through their clothing. He pinned her hands above her head and let his lips trail down her neck. Open mouth kisses had her squirming; she thrust her hips, and wrung her hands- dying to participate. But Nico held her firmly in place as his nose skimmed her collarbone and tongue swirled around the neck of her shirt.

"This needs to come off," Nico's hoarse voice commanded. He released Ava's hands long enough for her to help him discard her tee shirt.

She took the opportunity to rid Nico of his own shirt, watching as the black material slid up his pale toned torso. Her eyes gazed at his bare flesh like a woman starved, while Nico fiddled with the clasps at the back of her plain black bra. She let the scrap of material slid down her arms and onto the floor.

And then he stared at her, and once again that powerful feeling filled her. That feeling that she always got when she was with Austin- the triumph at knowing that she controlled his desire. That this powerful emotion that they were experiencing was because of her. Nico pulled her to him with one arm, bare chest meeting bare chest, while the other arm pushed everything off a decorative side table.

He let her sit on the table, her boots dropping to the floor, and legs pulling him in closer. Nico's mouth returned to her neck and trailed cool wet kisses down to her breasts. She arched her back and moaned aloud, as his strangely cool mouth covered a nipple. The heat of her skin sizzled as it came into contact with the cold of his. She reached forward to Nico's belt buckle, as he continued sucking, but was surprised when his hand batted hers away. Confused, but in too much pleasure to care, Ava let him continue his motions, her hands going to his head instead, wrapping her fingers in his hair.

Her closed eyes opened abruptly when Nico's mouth left her breasts, and trailed back upwards to her lips. After one long sensual kiss, he pulled away and stared into her eyes. Their eyes were mirrors of each other- dark and hungry, sparkling with alcohol and desire. She bit down on her lip when she felt Nico's hand unbutton her shorts, but her eyes never left his. She lifted her hips and let him pull the jean off of her, but their eyes still remained locked.

When Ava felt his finger trace a line up her inner thigh though, she was tempted to end the staring contest. Her eyes gazed at him through heavy lids, and she gasped when one finger slid over her satin covered lips. His eyes were getting darker too, and his breaths were coming in quicker pants. The finger that had been teasing the outside of her panties, finally dipped inside to press against her clit. Ava moaned loudly, and dimly heard Nico's harsh exhale before she felt her panties get ripped from her body.

Her closed eyes shot open to see Nico watching her intently. She almost felt embarrassed at how fixedly he observed her, but didn't- this was Nico. And when one of those long pale fingers slipped inside of her, she let herself forget that he was watching, and just feel. Her eyes shut, and head lolled back, as he built a rhythm inside of her. She felt Nico's cool breath on her naked shoulder, making goosebumps prickle on her hot skin.

"More," she panted in his ear, and felt him add another figure and pick up the pace.

Her thighs clenched around his hand, hips bucking in response.

"So close, don't stop, want you inside of me," Ava slurred.

Nico's fingers kept pumping, and when he pressed his thumb against her clit, she felt herself shatter. That spark that he had lit within her flamed under his skillful tending. And Ava felt her muscles spasm and body shudder in the most primal and pleasurable way. She moaned as she rode out her orgasm on his fingers.

When Ava's body calmed down again she looked back at Nico, who was still staring at her with that same intense look. She moved to sit up on the table, and felt his fingers pull out of her. Her body ached at the loss. Her hands, which had been gripping at the table suddenly moved forward to his belt. But Nico once again stopped them. Ava offered him a confused look.

Nico moved forward and kissed her lips once again, but this time more chastely. "When I finally get you in my bed- naked and full of me, you're going to be sober. That way you can remember ever moment, ever feeling, ever inch of me," he whispered against her lips, before nipping lightly at them. He then pulled away from her and shot her a satisfied smirk, before sauntering down the hallway and into the bedroom.

Ava remained slumped on the side table, her heart slowing, and body cooling. She felt uncomfortably sticky and disappointed. After dragging a hand through her snarled hair, she finally got off the table and headed to the bathroom to clean herself up.

After wiping herself down with a wet washcloth, and splashing cool water on her face, Ava leaned over the sink and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her caramel tresses were tangled in a wild mess; her skin was flushed with colour, lips bitten red, and eyes dilated and dark. She looked healthy, but also slightly feral. And that brought a smile to her lips.

But her head ached with the aftermath of binge drinking and confusion. Hadn't Nico said he wanted her? That he would do anything for her? And as much as she hated to admit it, part of her believed that his seduction was just part of a game created to relieve his boredom. He did make it seem like that during the argument with Austin…. So why didn't he just take her? Was alcohol really that big of a factor? Did he really care for her as much as he made it seem?

Ava sighed and hit her forehead against the glass, wincing. These thoughts were all just making her head spin. Now that she thought about it, everything was spinning. And the lights felt overwhelmingly bright. Sighing, Ava pulled on one of the hotel robes, not wanting to reenter the bedroom naked, after being left bare and semi-sated in the hallway.

Ava slipped in the bedroom, eyes squinting through the dark. She stumbled over to where she thought her duffle bag sat, hitting what seemed like every piece of furniture as she went. Digging through her bag, Ava pulled out a plain white cotton nightgown that brushed against her thighs. She let the robe fall to the ground and slipped the soft material over her head.

Ava looked to the bed to see Nico's form. And even though she was particularly good at seeing in the dark, she could not make out if he was sleeping or not. Too tired to care, and starting to feel slightly ill, Ava's feet padded over the plush carpet, and she slipped in the giant bed beside him.

Ava tried not to move, not wanting to wake him, but found it uncomfortable. She was used to her own bed, where she could wiggle around until she found that perfect position of comfort. Just as she sighed in defeat and accepted that despite the giant size and cushiness of the bed, she was not going to get any sleep, Nico's strong arm encircled her waist and pulled her into him. She froze for a moment when she felt him drag her into the contours of his body.

"Relax, and go to sleep," Nico whispered, his voice gravelly with sleep.

Ava felt all her muscles release, and let her eyes droop. His strong arm, and spicy scent lulled her intoxicated mind to sleep.

The next morning, Ava concluded that her mother was partially right. Tequila nights did cause her to end up in a morning full of vomit and shame, but no frat boys. And not to mention, she was mortified. Not necessarily by any events that happened the night before, but most defiantly because of the ones that morning.

She had been sleeping peacefully, curled into Nico's side in that giant bed, until she woke up with her mouth feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. Her head felt like a teen garage bad was practicing in it, and her stomach was writhing in protest at her evening activities. So basically, she felt like shit.

And after ten minutes of lying in the giant bed in agony, not moving a muscle, the nausea hit her. Ava didn't think she had ever run as fast as she did to the bathroom, where she threw up all the contents of her stomach. And to make matters worse, Nico naturally woke up at the sound of her vomit hitting porcelain.

She felt his cool hands pull her long hair back, and touch her forehead, "How you feeling, champ?"

Ava just groaned in response.

Nico chuckled, "I'll go get you some water and Tylenol, you just stay here."

Ava let her head rest against the cool tile floor of the bathroom, briefly considering how disgusting her current position was. She spotted some vomit in her hair and wrinkled her nose.

Nico returned with a tall glass of water and two little white pills, "Here, take these, you'll feel better."

Ava moaned, but sat up and accepted them with what she meant to be a grateful smile. It looked more like a grimace.

"How come you seem fine? You drank just as much as me." Ava asked, her voice scratchy.

Nico smirked, "I am bigger than you, and know my limits."

Ava just huffed in response and fell silent. The atmosphere in the bathroom became tense as the two occupants thought back to their night of passion. Searing kisses, heated touches, moaning voices… Ava waited for him to bring it up- to tell her what exactly was supposed to happen now, but he didn't.

Nico's face just stared at glass shower, his eyes a million miles away. Ava bit her lip, wondering what he was thinking.

"Nico?" she questioned.

He shook his head, refocusing on her. "You should have a long hot shower, it will make you feel better," he said.

Ava frowned. That was the last thing she expected him to say, but conceded- she probably needed one. "Okay."

He stood to his and made to leave, but Ava called out to him, "Nico..."

He turned around, his dark eyes wary, "Yes?"

Ava hated herself for letting the vulnerability she felt seep into her voice, "We're okay, right?"

He smiled tightly, "Of course."

Ava sighed, "Good."

But when he closed the door, her shoulders slumped. Things didn't seem okay.

Two hours later found Ava and Nico back on the road again. It was quiet in the car; the only sounds were of Slash's guitar solos. Ava would have been blind not to notice the dark aura hovering over Nico's head, but she herself was too tired, and hung over to acknowledge it. For the majority of the morning she remained inelegantly sleeping- forehead pressed against the cool glass, and mouth hanging askew. She only woke when a McDonalds bag was thrown into her lap.

The delicious smell of fried fast food made her stomach growl. She looked over to Nico questioningly.

"It will help with the hang over," he informed her sharply, before his sunglass covered eyes returned to the road.

Ava sighed as she munched on her Big Mac. The food felt wonderful, but now that her head was clearing, all the doubts, concerns and worries washed over her. And that was when it hit her. They were not just on a road trip to New Orleans as they informed Jan last night. They were on a mission to rescue her missing boyfriend.

Ava grimaced as she sipped her soda. No wonder Nico was in such a foul mood. The two spent half of last night engaged in foreplay, only for reality to dawn on them this morning. They were literally driving off to find her other man. And Ava conceded that if she were in Nico's position, she would be hella pissed too.

But she wasn't in Nico's position. She wasn't the 'other' person. She was the girlfriend who had just had an orgasm from another man. She had cheated. Ava swallowed, her throat feeling uncomfortably thick. And as much as she didn't regret last night, she wished it had happened at another time. Because she didn't know what to do. Lila was right- she was a two timing bitch. And how would Austin feel when they finally found him and his mom, only for her to inform him that she was with someone else.

Ava set her drink down, "I'm sorry."

Nico's head abruptly jerked over to look at her, "What?"

Ava wiggled a bit in her seat, "I said I'm sorry. Last night never should have happened."

She watched Nico's curious face turn into a ferocious scowl. "Feeling guilty princess?" he spat.

Ava flinched and recoiled back, "Yes."

Nico sighed, and his whole body looked defeated, "I won't tell anyone about it. We can just pretend it never happened."

Ava felt tears well in her eyes, "I will never be able to do that. Every time I look at you, I will remember what happened."

Nico groaned, "Why are you making this so difficult? If you are so happy with me, than why won't you stay with me?"

Ava bit her lip, "Because right now I'm with him. He's not here, but I should be faithful to him. And as much as I want you, I shouldn't be this cruel to him."

"This isn't just lust between us though, right?" Nico asked, and though his tone sounded normal, Ava could feel the unspoken vulnerability.

"No. And from now on there can't be any lust at all," Ava said, her tone final.

Nico just turned up the radio in response.

Ava sighed, waiting for him to respond, and when he didn't she looked out the window to see a 'Welcome to Louisiana' sign.

A/N: Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed the chapter. I didn't plan for a lot of that stuff to happen, but Nico and Ava just went there by themselves…

Pretty pretty please review and tell me your thoughts on the chapter. I am a little nervous about the smut scene.

And a reviewer asked, do I have a regular posting schedule, and sadly the answer is no. I try and write at least 1000 words a day, but I am busy with uni, and work and my fiancé being unwell. So I'm sorry its not consistent, but I try and update at least once a week!

Hope everyone is doing well!

-Nyx