Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 178 - 176: I can’t help it

"Take."

Athena eyed the bag suspiciously but accepted it. She walked back to the bed, sat down, and slowly opened it. Inside was a small box.

Her breath stopped when she saw the brand. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Tiffany... and Co?" she whispered.

With trembling fingers, she opened the box. And she almost fainted.

The necklace inside was pure diamonds, breathtaking in its brilliance. But what truly made her feel dizzy was the small card tucked beside it, two pieces ever made.

Two in the entire world?

Athena stared at it, her mind racing. How? Where on earth did he get this kind of money? Her gaze lifted slowly to Azrael, something new dawning in her eyes. Had she been underestimating him this whole time?

Curiosity finally won. "Azrael... where did you get all this money from?"

He smiled, calm and unbothered. "I have a few companies under my name. My mom was a businesswoman, she had three companies, and they’re all under me now. I also have my own personal businesses." He paused, then added casually, "And my dad is... very rich. Though I don’t rely on his money, but he does help sometimes."

Athena nodded slowly, processing everything. Then she stood, walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"Thank you," she murmured into his chest. "So much."

He rested a hand on her back. "It’s okay."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a half-smile. "You know I might actually get killed for wearing any of this, right?"

Azrael laughed again. "I’ll protect you."

She shook her head, amused... and then suddenly paused. "Wait... are we going out?"

"Yes."

Her eyes lit up. "Where?"

"You’ll find out when we get there."

She groaned loudly. "You’re doing it again."

He just smiled and turned away, walking toward the door.

"Azraaeeel," she whined, following him. "Please. Just tell me."

"No," he said lightly. "You’ll see it soon."

She huffed. "Fine."

He stopped at the doorway and looked back at her. "I’ll get dressed and wait for you in the living room."

Athena nodded, smiling brightly. "Okay."

The moment the door closed behind him, she squealed, unable to contain herself anymore. She grabbed the dress and spun around the room, swaying it back and forth, joy written all over her face.

Her smile softened as she hugged it close.

Azrael is going to be the death of her.

FEW MINUTES LATER

Athena stepped out of the bedroom and into the living room, her heels clicking softly against the floor, like she was afraid the moment might shatter if she dared make noise.

The dress clung to her like it had been made with her body. The diamonds along the side caught the light with every step she took, while the shorter side revealed her thigh just enough to tease. The deep V-cut framed her chest beautifully, leaving her cleavage bare and unapologetic, the fabric resting against her skin like a secret meant only for one pair of eyes.

Azrael was standing near the window when he turned. And then he froze.

His breath hitched. His eyes moved over her slowly. It was the kind of look that devoured without touching, that made her skin feel warm everywhere his gaze lingered.

His lips parted slightly, and for a moment, he forgot how to speak. Athena stopped a few steps away, suddenly very aware of herself. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks heating.

"Y-you’re staring," she murmured.

Azrael swallowed hard. "I know."

She shifted her weight, shy but smiling. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

He took a step toward her, then another, until he was right in front of her. "Because," he said softly, "I don’t think my heart is prepared for how beautiful you look."

Her heart skipped so hard it almost hurt. "Azrael..."

"You’re so unreal," he continued, eyes dropping to her cleavage for a while before returning to her face. He sucked in a sharp breathe. "That dress on you... it’s dangerous."

She laughed nervously. "You’re exaggerating."

"I’m really not," he replied, shaking his head with a small, helpless smile. "I picked the dress, but I didn’t imagine..." He stopped himself, exhaling slowly. "You’re making it very hard for me to behave."

That only made her blush more. "I thought you said you had good self-control."

"I do," he said, then leaned closer, voice dropping. "But you’re testing it. And I think I’m going to fail darling."

Her fingers curled lightly into the fabric of his shirt, seeking balance. "You’re the one who bought it," she teased softly.

"And I’m suffering the consequences," he said with a quiet laugh.

He lifted a hand, hesitating for half a second before brushing his thumb gently along her waist, as if asking permission. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she looked up at him, her eyes scanning him from head to toe.

Azrael was wearing a white shirt, that clung to his lean body. Half of the button was undone, his well toned chest was on display, making Athena want to run her hand on them.

He paired it with a black pant and black shoe. He brushed his hair back, leaving a few strands to fall over his face, which somehow softened his looks.

"You look incredible too," she said, almost shyly. "I didn’t even get to say it."

His brows lifted slightly. "Yeah?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Very... unfairly handsome."

That earned her a warm, genuine smile, the kind that softened his features and made him look younger somehow. "Then maybe we’re even."

He rested his forehead against hers, their noses almost touching. "Are you comfortable?" he asked quietly. "The dress, the shoes... everything."

She nodded without hesitation. "I am. And I love it even more because it’s from you."

Something tender flickered in his eyes at that. "Good," he murmured. "Because I don’t think I could handle it if you didn’t."

She smiled, heart racing, as she whispered, "You’re still staring."

He chuckled softly. "I know," he said again. "I just... I can’t help it."