Chapter 14

Percy sat next to Annabeth on the couch. She watched TV with the coffee mug in her hand. If you didn't know anything, you would think that she was still the business savvy, strong willed Annabeth Chase with her flowing golden hair and full pink lips. Her lemony scent was also still the same. She casuallyleaned in closer to him, making his heart beat faster and that same tightening sensation in his chest return.

There was another reason he had decided to go along with Solace's proposal. It was to get Annabeth her rightful place in the company, yes—but secretly he knew that he also just wanted to be with her. This gave him an excuse to be with her

every second,

every minute, of the day.

He let his hand brush through her hair in a comforting lovable way.

Percy couldn't help but wonder—if he had gotten to her a little later…would it have been too late?

He unconsciously brought her closer to him—never, ever wanting to let go.

Annabeth looked up at him and gave him another smile—another gentle, sweet smile. She lifted up her hand and ran her own fingers through his raven black hair. Her other hand held his chin so that he looked at her.

"What's on your mind?"

"Nothing much. You should go—get some sleep."

She nodded, turned off the TV and got off the couch. Her eyes went back to him and she leaned down to kiss him on the lips. Percy was stunned to say the least. The sudden feel of her lips on his was as blissful as he remembered.

She pulled away quicker than he wanted, "Goodnight, Percy."

And with that she went upstairs to go to bed.

He stayed sitting there with his coffee in his hands.

"I can't say that I'm not jealous of her." Thalia said, walking from the kitchen.

Percy turned up to her, "Thals—"

"I have never seen anyone love like you love Annabeth. You didn't even act like this with Reyna, Perce. I'm happy for you.." she said with a smile, "I really am."

He returned the smile, then looked down at his hands, "It's not going to be like this forever."

"What do you mean?" Thalia's brows furrowed together-her electric blue eyes narrowed.

"Soon, she's going to remember and she's going to hate me when the time comes…And I'll deserve it."

"Percy..That's just —"

"So that's why," he said, cutting her off, "I'm going to enjoy every second I have with her now. I'm going to take every second of happiness I can get with her before it's over. It's selfish, I know. But, I swear, I..I need her."

Thalia sat on the couch next to him, "Well then, you better keep to that. Simply being around her will help trigger some memories—if not all." She put a hand on his shoulder, "She'll need you too, Percy. I know it. no matter what."

Percy placed a hand on her knee, "And if you don't mind, I'm taking Annabeth back to my apartment. Some of her things are still there anyways."

"Yeah, sure. I think that's a great idea."

"Thanks, Thals."

She nodded and then smiled, "No problem."

Reyna sat in front of the press. Flashes of photos were taken everywhere. She was the new president of Chase Industries, after all. And she wasn't planning to leave any time soon.

She flashed a smile to the paparazzi before reporters started asking questions.

"Mrs. Chase, are you sure in your abilities to take over the company?"

"Yes, I am. Even if I wasn't able, I would still gladly hold the position of an interim CEO until the board selected another. It's the least I could do after my husband's death— may he rest in peace." She let her voice break a bit at the last part.

More camera flashes.

Her caramel eyes looked back at the press. They feigned sadness.

The TV screen shut down. Percy looked from the couch to the jet black haired woman with the remote control in her hand.

She raised it then threw it on the couch next to him, "Less watching. More doing, Percy. I don't even know why you're torturing yourself by listening to that witch's voice."

He let out a sigh, "Well, I need to be aware of what's going on out there, don't I?"

"I guess."

"Is Annabeth still sleeping?"

"She's taking a shower."

At that moment, Annabeth came down with a towel wrapped about her.

"She was taking a shower." Thalia added with a amused smirk from seeing Percy's flushed face.

"Thalia, I can't find my grey sweater. You know where it went?" She bit her bottom lip adorably like she always did when troubled about something. Some things really never changed.

Percy's eyes tried not to dip down from Annabeth's face, as Thalia went upstairs to go find her sweatshirt.

Annabeth turned to Percy and gave him a warm, bright smile, "Good morning."

He lightly chuckled, "Morning." Standing up he went up to her, "Sleep well?"

"Yes, I did."

"Good. Well, I'm ready whenever you are."

She gave him a genuine smile, "Alright."

Thalia then came down with the shirt. She lifted it up, "Found it."

Annabeth held her bag in front of her as she walked up the steps to Percy's apartment. Percy walked up close behind. She suddenly stopped right in front of his doorway.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, sorry." She started saying, pushing her hair away from her face, "It's just that something about this place feels familiar."

He smiled, "Well, that's because you've lived here before." he said as he opened the door open for her into the apartment.

She walked in and set her bag on the couch in the living room.

Percy came up behind her as she looked around.

"Remember anything?"

She shook her head, "Not much."

He let out a soft breathe then kissed the top of her head, "Don't worry. We'll get your memories" He wrapped his arms around her waist.

She turned her head up to him and smiled, "I'm glad I have you with me."

"Me too." he looked lovingly at her then smiled once more.

"I know we just had breakfast at Thalia's, but..you want anything to eat?"

"I'll have some coffee." she said as he led her over to the kitchen. Annabeth sat at the dining counter and rested her cheek on her palms, watching Percy make her coffee. He looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. She smiled back in such an endearing way, it melted Percy inside.

It was happiness he felt— warm, bright and golden.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course." he set a coffee mug in front of her and she took it gratefully.

"What kind of a person was I before?"

He leaned over the counter to be closer to her, "Well. You were definitely special."

Her perfectly knitted brows raised up, "That's it? That's all you got to say." she pushed him lightly.

He laughed then looked her in the eyes again, "You were strong, beautiful and driven."

"Really? I heard I was a bitch."

Percy broke out into laughter.

"What?" Annabeth narrowed her eyes at him, but a smile was on her lips, "Is it true?"

He shook his head, then calmed down, "You'll have to figure that out yourself."

She pursed her lips, "That's your excuse for everything." She turned to him, "At least tell me how we first met."

He took a sip of her coffee, "I saved your life on a plane. That's how we met."

Her silver grey eyes narrowed as if trying to remember, "We met on a plane?" her brow quirked up.

Percy chuckled, "Yes, romantic, right?"

This time she laughed. He loved making her laugh. It was the most beautiful thing to hear.

She took another sip of her coffee, "So, what now?"

"Now?"

"Yeah, what happens now?"

"Taking Reyna on in the company is too risky at the moment. Right now, we stand low for a bit until you recover a bit more with me." His warm green eyes looked at her with utmost sincerity, "But, either way, you're going to have to go back to your father's company eventually."

She smiled, then reached up to his face with her hand, "Can't we just leave my step mother to run the company? We can live together somewhere else. Away from everything."

It sounded like a dream to Percy. But he couldn't take this away from her—that would be too selfish.

He owed it to her to help her get her father's company back.

After all he done, it was the least he could do.

He reached up to hold her hand which touched his cheek, "Maybe, when you have all your memories and you still want to get away, I'll be more than glad to go away with you, Annabeth."

She gave him a smile, "Thank you, Percy. I don't know what I would do without you."

He closed his eyes and let himself lean into her palm. He then opened his eyes and smiled, "No need to thank me, Annabeth."

Her other hand went up to gently push away the slight raven curls at the top of his head, "I also forgot to thank you for saving me from those people who took my memories."

Percy came around the counter and placed his hands on her waist then easily set her up on top of the marble counter.

"I think you forget one very important thing along with your memories." he said looking up at her.

She smiled then rested her arms around his neck, "Oh yeah? And what is that?"

"That I would do anything to get to you—wherever you are— even if you hate me."

"I would never hate you." She said, grazing his face with her slender fingers.

He smiled wide then leaned up to kiss her on the lips once, then twice—a bit longer. Her sweet, lovely pink lips. He could kiss them all day if he could.

Her fingers went down to curl around the collar of his shirt then pull him closer. It was absolute bliss. Kiss after kiss. His heart fluttered in his chest whenever she kissed him back. His hand ran up her side, under her grey sweater.

She pulled away first and set a hand on his chest, "Wait, I have just one other question."

"Of course."

"How in the world did you track me down, take down the whole business—all by yourself?" her grey eyes looked straight into his.

She definitely didn't lose any of her former intelligence either.

He shrugged, "I just managed to do it."

"Percy, the FBI tried many times to get to that man and that underground business. I know, Thalia told me."

"They weren't as desperate as I was."

She reached out to hold his arm, "Percy." he looked up at her again, "I know there's more to it than just that."

Percy let out a sigh, "You really want to know?"

She gave him a nod-her grey eyes set on him.

"Well...When I was about twelve, I was part of a high ranking, renowned gang organization called the Poseidon—I was the boss's second in command."

"So, that's you know how to-?"

"Kill? Yeah." He looked straight into her beautiful eyes and gave her a small smile, "I know how to track people very well—assassinate them. Annabeth, you have to understand, it's a part of my past that I am definitely not proud of."

Annabeth's grey eyes looked back at him with interest at what he was saying, "How'd you get involved?"

"To save a girl I loved a long time ago. They were going to sell her into the same business that you were involved in. So I confronted the boss. He, I guess, wanted me as part of his gang and agreed to let her go if I swore my allegiance."

"My God…How did you get out?"

"I didn't...The boss was killed."

"By who?"

"Me."

Her eyes widened, "You did?"

"Yeah. He was going to break my deal with him. He was going to get to the love of my life and I wasn't going to let that happen. So I succeeded as next in line, but, by that time, I was thoroughly done with the gang—so, I left... Some gang members came for me, tracked me down. But they never got to me. Your abductor, Luke. He was one of them. He knew I killed the boss, so he came after me and I … gave him that scar over his eye."

"You touch her and I will not stop until you are dead at my feet."

"Now, now. Let's not get so riled up, kid. That much anger can be used to so much better use." The man crossed his arms over his chest, "I'll tell you what— I won't touch that little brown haired girlfriend of yours, but in return, you have to join this gang."

The little boy's green eyes looked hard at the man. He didn't know if it was minutes before he responded.

Finally he yielded,

"Deal."

Annabeth took it all in with her silver grey eyes looking straight into Percy's. After he told her everything, she let out a soft, slight breathe.

"You must have really loved that girl."

"I did."

"Did you see her again?"

"Yeah, but.. things—they didn't work out for us."

After a moment of simply looking at Percy, Annabeth reached out and touched his shoulder in a reassuring way.

"That's sort of sad. You went through all that for nothing."

He smiled then kissed her, "I sort of starting to like the nice, clueless, without-her-memories Annabeth"

She playfully slapped his arm, making him let out a chuckle. "I seriously could not have been that bitchy."

That made him chuckle even more. She scrunched her nose and her brows furrowed-her glare on him. Percy then wrapped his arm around her, still laughing, "Don't worry about it. As much as I hate to say it, a lot of guys thought that attitude was pretty damn hot."

"How do you know?"

"Because that's what I thought when I saw you on the plane."

She pushed him lightly in a playful manner as he laughed.

He caught both her hands, "But, in all seriousness, don't worry about it. You were the chairman's daughter. You're able to be mean to people."

"I still feel bad."

His smile was endearing and sweet. With his hands still holding both of hers, he pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips.
"Do you feel better?" he said against her lips.

She smiled, then kissed him back, "Slightly."

Reyna punched in the passcode to her front door to the mansion. The house felt empty. She gave her coat to a maid then walked up the stairs to Aaron's room.

Her son was under the covers sleeping. His face looked so innocent and happy. So opposite of her. She had done so many things— things she was admittedly ashamed of. But seeing her son lying there—knowing that all those things were done for him.

It was all worth it.

She lovingly brushed away his hair from his face, then walked out of his room.

Reyna looked at the other end of the hall where Annabeth's old room was, then turned to go back downstairs.

No matter what, she had to protect Aaron's future—her future.

Arms wrapped around her neck.

A soft breathe against her cheek.

A smile appeared on her face.

"Hey." a silky, deep voice said near her ear.

"Hey." she said turning to look at him.

"What are you doing?"

"Sketching." She looked down at her notebook then back up to him.

"I didn't know you drew."

"I didn't either—until I picked up a piece of paper and pencil a few minutes ago." she smiled.

Percy lightly bit on her ear, "I learn new things about you every day."

She laughed as he planted kisses down her neck, "If this is how you get a girl, I think you need a change of tactic, Percy."

He got on the couch with her and leaned further towards her. He took the notebook away from her and put it on the coffee table before trapping her in between his arms against the tops of the cushions.

Percy gave her a sly smile, "Oh really."

Annabeth gave him a smirk of her own, before grabbing him around the collar of his shirt and pulling him to her. Their lips crashed together.

Her fingers slipped under the fabric of his collar and she undid each button—one by one. Percy's hands went to her waist and his fingers slipped under her shirt, running up the delicious sides of her waist.

She finally got the shirt off. Her fingers ran gently over his chest. Percy's lips went down to her neck, but all of a sudden she sat up, making him sit on the couch next to her. She got on him, straddling his waist-successfully taking him off guard.

He looked at her, but her eyes were distracted by something else.

"Oh gods." She said under her breathe, then gently ran her fingers over his chest and abdomen.

He sat still, knowing what she was seeing.

Scars from knife fights.

Gun shot wounds.

His eyes were on her as she examined his scars. There was history in his scars. Some honorable, some disgraceful.

And he let her see all of it. Her grey eyes scanned over his body with shock.

Percy gasped a bit when her fingers brushed over the stab wound, Luke had given him. It was just beginning to leave a scar.

"Percy, please tell me you didn't get this because of me."

He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, "No, it wasn't. I was already a target like you. Don't worry about it."

She shook her head, "Who-who wanted us killed? Thalia wouldn't tell me."

Percy's eyes darkened. He didn't respond for a while until Annabeth reached up to hold his face in a loving way.

He took her hand and held it close, "Reyna, your stepmother."

"Why would she do that?"

Percy raised his hand and gently brushed away the golden strands of her hair away from her face, "Once your memories return, you'll understand everything."

She looked as if she wasn't going to drop the subject, but thought better and gave him a small smile. Annabeth then let out a sigh—her eyes went down to his scarred body again.

Sadness filled her eyes again and a slight grimace replaced her smile.

Percy then lifted her chin and kissed her again. He kissed her again and again and again.

"Don't worry about it." he said between kisses.

He got on her this time and reached his hand up her shirt and up her waist. His lips caressed hers as he slid off her shirt, leaving her in her plaid pajama pants and bra. His lips dipped down her neck and over her collar bone. Her breathes became heavy and quick as he kissed over the tops of her breasts then down the line of her stomach.

Percy knew he should have stopped at that moment, but he just kept going. She was intoxicating.

He picked her up from the couch then carried her across the living room and up the stairs. He kicked his bedroom door open and let her crash on the bed with him on top of her. His elbows holding him up as to not crush her. Her fingers got to the buttons of his jeans as he kissed her behind her ear.

"Annabeth." He said her name between kisses.

She reached up behind his neck to tug on his raven hair and brought his lips where hers were again.

"I love you." Percy said against her soft, pink lips, "Don't ever forget it.."

A/N: Tanks for the REVIEWS! Makes me sooo happy! If you like this story, Don't forget to favorite and follow!

By a show of hands does anyone feel sympathy for Reyna?

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Yeah, me neither. Hahaha.

Until next time, lovelies :DDD