I am sooooooo sorry for my miserable updating skills. It's been a hectic three months. I promise though that the last few chapters will be out ASAP. Enjoy this short one, the next one will be much longer!

NICO

Through the remainder of the fashion week, Thalia and I barely spoke. I was made acutely aware of how well she could avoid me when she made sure she was only ever around me when it was absolutely necessary. The rest of the times she made excuses like she was going over to see her dad and her brother, or Annabeth, or Silena. We were only ever in the car together when we made our way to the venue and then she had her iPod on or kept her nose buried in some book.

By Thursday night I had had enough, she approached me once I was done securing the jewels for our last show to tell me where she planned on going to avoid me.

"Hey, boss just wanted to tell you that I was going out with Annabeth and Silena, don't wait up." I glanced at her feeling very irritated, "Why do you insist on suddenly only calling me boss?"

Her eyes narrowed, "Because that's what you are and forgive me if I want to actually try and maintain a proper working relationship."

"Is that why you have ignored me more or less the entire week?" I shot back at her.

"Since when was it an obligation for me to talk to you, I don't remember it being part of the job description?" her eyebrows rose incredulously.

He stared at her for a second and then decided it wasn't worth having this argument again. She was already trying to alienate herself this argument would just push her away some more. He looked down to his feet and sighed deeply all the fight in him left along with the air.

I didn't bother trying to mask the pain I felt at her behaviour I just nodded resignedly, "Okay, I'm sorry you're right. I'm going to go over to my apartment tonight, the hotel chairs can't really substitute for a bed. I'll see you here tomorrow morning if you still feel like working for me, of course I can handle it if you decided to leave earlier. Don't bother trying to checkout or anything; I'll sort that all out before I leave. " Her expression remained blank which only made his chest constrict more. Maybe she really didn't feel anything maybe he imagined those times when he'd be deep inside her as she was ready to climax and he'd kiss her softly as she gazed up at him with so much passion in her eyes.

I started to talk away but I stopped suddenly and I wanted to turn back. She couldn't be this cold and detached, I couldn't have imagined everything. But what if I had? What would I see if I turned back now; a smile, a sneer, a look of pity? I wasn't brave enough to find out; I kept walking out of the venue and made my way home.

THALIA

Why the hell was this so hard? I'd been ignoring him since I found out about the new girl in his life on Sunday. Silena had urged me to speak to him, she had been trying to get me to talk to him numerous times and right now, I didn't really want to talk to someone who was on his side. Technically, he hadn't done anything that bad but the lies and the ease at which he seemed to be delivering them made me see how dangerous he really could be.

He was a womaniser and Lord knows he had the looks for it but she didn't want to get caught in the crossfire. She was looking for someone serious she'd had enough flings in her life, Nico included. Did he even count as a fling? He'd been with her through some of the most trying times in her life and at a point she thought he cared as deeply for her as she had started to for him but then the whole pregnancy thing happened and she had been forced to see that their affair could and probably would be misconstrued to the public as her being a gold digger trying to win the affections of a wealthy bachelor.

She was not a slut and she would hate to be misconstrued as one. Still even if it was what her logic and reasoning decided was best, it was still hard to watch him sigh and an air of defeat, very uncharacteristic of him, that seemed to settle around him. He looked back up and she could see the dejection in his eyes. His eyes seemed darker than they already were if that was possible and they seemed heavier. It tugged on my heart strings to see him looking so rough; there were bags under his eyes, his skin looked pale and he wasn't cleanly shaven as usual. I am doing the right thing, I know I am I told myself over and over but as I watched him trudge away from me, I couldn't stop the gasps that escaped from my chest or the tears that threatened to fall down my face.

I knew Silena hadn't left yet and I couldn't face her knowing that I had been ignoring her almost as much as I had been ignoring Nico. I waited for a few moments before hurrying off towards the door. I needed this night out with Annabeth and I needed it bad.

Xx

"So, are you ready to talk about what's been going on between you and Nico?"

Thalia glanced up at Annabeth who was dabbing her cheeks with blusher as they prepared to go out. "Hasn't Percy already told you?" Not for a second believing that Annabeth didn't know most of the details.

Annabeth shrugged, "Well if I have it from one side, it's good to have it from the other but the truth is, I don't have it from either. Percy claims he had no idea what's going on, except the obvious that Nico is like head over heels fo-"

"Look Annabeth I already know about this girl and their explosive marriage in fact I know that he is going to see the parents sometime this week and everyone's ecstatic and everything but I don't want to hear about Nico at all."

I turned round and took in Annabeth's confused face, "what on earth are you talking about?"

"Look Annabeth I'd rather not talk about this so can we drop the Nico subject, please?" Thalia practically begged. Annabeth seemed hesitant to let it go but she could see how much I wanted it so she shrugged and decided to get one last word in, "Whatever it is that's bothering you with him you need to talk about it. You wouldn't be in this state if you didn't have some sort of feelings for him."

I remained quiet and continued with my makeup, but inside I was in a heated battle with myself. I didn't have feelings for him, I couldn't. We'd only known each other for five months. But you've slept together and your life has only got progressively better since he came into it. Yes but that's only coincidental, sure the sex might have been explosive but how did I know he wouldn't just realise that he's young and he's absolutely gorgeous so why settle down so early? Maybe because he has never shown such a shallow side, in fact he's been nothing but a gentleman to you even in bed.

I shook my head vigorously to stop the flow of thoughts going through my head, now wasn't the time. I was going out for dinner and drinks in Paris, the city of Love but the sad thing was, I was going with a girl. Annabeth looked at me strangely, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah everything's fine, "I dropped my makeup and walked over to her full length mirror fully dressed. I did a once over of my outfit. The black sequined dress fell about mid-thigh and hugged my curves appreciatively leaving little to the imagination. I paired them with blood red patent stiletto pumps and red lipstick. The look was sultry but respectable and perfect for tonight.

I had convinced Annabeth to come out with me and some of the other supermodels I worked closely with that weren't vapid and shallow. It was all in an effort to get Mr Di Angelo out of my head for good and if I could kick it with a hot French guy to get my head off the very hot Italian one that was a bonus.

The first part of the evening was fun, all us girls were knocking back tequila shots and letting loose eventually we moved off to the dance floor together and danced recklessly in the middle of the crowded French club. Eventually the girls started getting picked off one by one until soon enough it was Annabeth and I who were left on the dance floor. Annabeth was a little tipsy but she had turned down every guy - and there had been more than I cared to count- who had come to ask her for a dance. I on the other hand had danced with a few guys who were sexy but I didn't want to leave Annabeth on her own for too long, also none of the guys had really been my type. At some point

I returned to the bar to get a few more drinks and that's when I spotted Percy walking onto the dance floor towards Annabeth.

I panicked for a while hoping he wasn't here with Nico and craned my neck trying to scan the crowd looking for a tall dark haired man. Once I was sure he wasn't in the vicinity, my heart returned to beating at its normal pace so I walked up to the couple who were busy making out on the dance floor. "Hi Percy, what are you doing here?" I shouted over the music pulling him away from his girlfriend.

"Annabeth invited me," he answered looking sheepish as my gaze turned into a glare. I shifted my glare to Annabeth who also looked sheepish and raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on Thalia we haven't been out together in ages and I wanted you to stop worrying about me and go have fun!" she explained. I glared at her some more before rolling my eyes at the two of them, "Fine, Enjoy your evening I'm going to go get another drink." I threw them a fleeting smile but now I felt a little bit lonely.

I stood at the bar waiting to get a drink when a guy walked up to her. "Bonjour Madmoiselle," he began, I glanced over at him and tried not to let my expression show my surprise. He was attractive, very attractive – almost as attractive as Nico. I tried to stop the thought but it had already taken root in my brain. It didn't mean I couldn't enjoy this guy's company. I smiled easily, "I'm sorry but I don't speak French" I explained hoping he could speak English.

"Oh, An American," the guy said in an extremely French accent, "Could I possibly buy you a drink?"

I smiled, "Sure."

His name was Louis and he was 27 and had recently broken up with an old girlfriend. We talked for a short while and then we danced. We were pressed pretty tightly together for some of the slower songs and eventually he whispered in my ear, "Would you like to go outside?"

I nodded with a smile and he took my hand and led me out the door. As soon as we were outside he pressed me against the wall of the dark alley and began to kiss me urgently. I was so stunned I couldn't push him off but eventually I tried to and he refused to budge. "Stop, I don't want to do this," I murmured from between his lips pressed firmly against mine.

I panicked slightly when he didn't stop so I pushed him more forcefully which effectively stopped his advances. "Is there a problem?" he asked genuinely confused,

"Yes, I don't really want to do that tonight," I tried to speak firmly but my voice wavered a little.

"Of course, my apologies mademoiselle I misread your intentions, shall I call you a taxi?" he asked genuinely apologetic.

I nodded, not trusting my voice to come out right. He went to the front of the street and hailed down a passing cab. I texted Annabeth to tell her I was going back to my hotel and then I told the driver my address and relaxed slightly.

The ride was only a few minutes so I didn't have time to do much thinking except to relive the shock that I might have been raped this night. I had finally successfully forgotten about Nico till I entered the room to find it empty and I saw a note with an envelope and a little black box.

I picked up the note first.

Dear Thalia,

You've been distant this week and I don't understand why but if this is what you want then so be it. The room is already checked out for tomorrow at 1.30 pm all you have to do is pack your stuff and leave. Jacques has a car on standby for you for anywhere you would like to go but not to the closing of the fashion week. It seems you have made your choice and it doesn't involve me so do me this favour, please. We only have a few designers and my father will be there tomorrow so I will have everything under perfect control.

I called the man for the RayBans advert and he has my permission to use my photograph, my father seemed to think it would be a good idea to do a little endorsement especially for one of his favourite sunglasses brands. Your dad seemed to be in agreement too, but the rest is up to you. I left his card in the envelope also with your parting salary and bonus, and your termination contract. The last thing is a present for you from the company, of course, to thank you for your service and wish you the best in your life and any decisions you decided to make.

It has been splendid working with you and you will be missed. On behalf of Uncle Pluto's Gem Emporium and Jeweller, good luck and goodbye to you Thalia Grace.

Yours Sincerely,

Nico Di Angelo,

Boss and Friend.

The tears ran silently down my cheeks, this is what I wanted wasn't it? I got exactly what I wanted; Nico had stopped chasing me and I had quit as his secretary. I looked into the envelop and nearly fainted at the amount on the cheque. This was easily five times my usual salary he had to be crazy. I dropped it and picked up the long black box. Inside it was the most beautiful bracelet I had ever seen. This could not have come from the company, it wasn't possible. The tears seemed to come faster and instead of being happy that my wish had been granted I could think of nothing more but the statement;

Be careful what you wish for.

NICO

My phone rang as I opened my suitcase and got out my pyjamas. I checked the caller ID briefly and then switched to Italian as I spoke to my dad.

"Nico, how are you and how are the preparations?" he asked going straight to the point.

"They're good, everything is in perfect order and the jewels are still safe and sound."

"Excellent, I agreed with Gaia that because Zeus, Don and I are coming with our families it would be more in our interest to have the lunch at her home rather than a restaurant."

"That sounds reasonable, what day have we decided on?"

"Sunday, she's leaving on Monday evening."

"Okay, that's good dad." I was silent for a few seconds, "Thalia quit and I'm back at my own apartment."

"What happened Nico?" he sounded genuinely concerned.

"Well, I'm in love with her and well she thought or she thinks I only like her because of the uh, other benefits." My voice was thick as my body seemed to clench with the pain of having your heart in pieces.

"I'll be over in a few minutes," my father answered.

"Okay dad." It was times like this that made me cherish the role of my dad. He was one of my best friends and I was happy to have him with me.

I heard the door open and close and my dad entered the room with his vintage Bourbon and two glasses and he poured each of us a generous portion.

"So Nico, tell me the story." He spoke in Italian.

I started from the top right down to what had happened this evening at the rehearsal switching between English, French and Italian constantly.

Once I was done with the story and my third glass of Bourbon my father remained silent for a few more minutes. "She thought the girl, Beth was an older woman and she thought you'd been sleeping with her instead of being at your job."

"Why on earth would she think that?" I asked still baffled.

"You came in late, probably a bit rumpled and flushed. Then you don't make it explicit the girl you're talking about is nine, she's a woman child, and they jump to the most ridiculous conclusions sometimes." He explained calmly.

Suddenly her weird behaviour made a little sense, "But why was she so angry, she refused my advances first?"

My dad sighed, "Nico when you declare our affections for one woman, sleeping with another one doesn't ever bode well."

"But I never told her I loved her. I only told her she wasn't just my assistant, she was my friend." I explained.

"It doesn't matter child, you will learn eventually. Although I must add she is being a touch stubborn."

I raised an eyebrow, "Okay extremely stubborn." Pluto conceded.

"I am going to try one more time, if she doesn't agree I'm letting her go. However, I need your help with something before the brunch on Sunday." I said this and I wanted to mean it but I was in Love with her, letting her go didn't mean that was going to stop.

THALIA

I glared at the security guards who refused to let me into the venue. "You saw me here every day!"

"Mr Pluto Di Angelo de authorized your access so I'm sorry madam; you are not permitted into the premises." The guard explained with a look of pity in his eyes.

I huffed and got back into the town car, I rattled off Silena's address happy for the first time that she had not been displayed today. I didn't bother ringing the bell or knocking on the door as I barged into her house.

Piper who was sitting on the sofa in the living room watching television just looked at me strangely. "Is everything alright Thalia?"

"Yes, where is your sister?" I responded with a scowl on my face.

Piper didn't look convinced, "She's in the kitchen."

I stomped into the kitchen and Silena barely looked up from the Macaroons she was making even as I yelled "He revoked my access!"

"I thought you quit."

"Yes, but I agreed not to leave until after I had finished the last show and then he wrote me this letter and today I find out my access has been revoked!" I rant as I toss the letter towards her.

She picked it up gingerly, trying not to stain it and peers at it, then she dropped it on the table and returned her attention to her macaroons. "Seems to me like you got exactly what you wanted, what's your problem exactly?"

I faltered then, she was right and I knew it. I sighed in defeat, "I don't know."

Silena looked up at me, "Actually Thalia you do know. You want him but you're too stubborn to admit it, funny it's usually the guy who needs to open his eyes and grow up."

"But he has his mystery woman that his dad is ecstatic to meet; I'm not going to be anybody's mistress. Our families have a brunch tomorrow and I'm pretty sure the woman is going to be there."

Silena stared at me like I was proclaiming the presence of extra-terrestrial beings. "I'm guessing you haven't spoken to him about this woman?"

"Why would I? It would just make me sound whinny and jealous. And by the way I do not want him." I replied indignantly.

Silena shook her head, "It's clear that he wants you so you can't blame the guy for wanting to make sure he can try to move on with his life knowing that the woman he loves doesn't feel the same way." She turned away from me and resumed her baking. I stood there just watching her for a few moments.

It was clear that she thought I was the one at fault here but why did she? All I was trying to do was make sure I didn't get hurt.

I stood in the kitchen for a few more moments as I was about to leave Silena spoke again, "Don't lose something remarkable because of pride Thals and don't be so quick to judge" She hadn't turned to face me so I stared at the back of her head for a few more seconds before I walked out the door.

It was too late now anyway, Nico had someone to move on with. I was going to try to find a job once I got back home then I was going to enjoy my youth before finding a husband and settling down for good. I had my life all mapped out but it was too easy to imagine him as my husband. All I had to do was remember all the times he'd taken care of me like at Christmas, or even when I had to miss work because I was ill.

Thalia groaned as she felt her stomach lurch at her sudden movement. She hadn't been able to sleep all night and she was pretty sure she had emptied her guts by now. She text Nico to say that she wouldn't be at work and the response she got was immediate. "I'm on my was darling."

No sooner than twenty minutes later he had used her spare key to unlock the door and was striding in to her bedroom. "Thalia" he said with a small voice as he walked up to her and placed his hand across her forehead.

"What are you doing here?, go back to work" she argued. Nico smiled softly at her before answering with a smirk, "Not a chance Thalia."

She proceeded to pout as he walked back into the kitchen and tinkered around for a few minutes before returning with some fever medicine, a bowl full of soup and a bowl of water and a cloth.

He forced her to finish the soup (which she had to admit had been delicious) and then he did the same with the medicine. All the while he sat there telling her stories as he ran a cool cloth across her head. By the time he was done with all this, she felt herself drifting off to sleep.

When she awoke a few hours later he was still there reading a book and she had to admit she felt a million times better so he got her some real food and by now she could sit up in bed and converse with him properly.

Thalia could not remember ever feeling so cared for. He had stayed until the evening when Jason was due to come back and before he left he kissed her firmly on the lips, "Get well soon Thalia."

Suddenly my whole dream didn't look quite as perfect as it once had. At least the new girl Nico was with would be treated like an angel. I shook my head to rid myself of these thoughts, I had done the right thing and I was sure of it. I decided that I will be completely pleasant to his new girl and wish her all the happiness I knew Nico would give her. But even saying that made me feel slightly sad that it wouldn't be me.