Maya's point of view

I knew I was taking a huge risk here but then, the will to survive was greater.

Adam was right, without power I was nothing. So now, I needed that sovereignty - the capability to torment him as long as he lives.

That good Maya was gone, I've let avarice take over because I didn't want to be treated like shit anymore; being a villainess sounds much appealing.

But I had no sponsor, no one to support me in this cause of mine. Niklaus who would have done a good job at being my backer sadly, no longer belongs to me.

So now I set my eyes on Eden, he was the only person who disliked Adam and Niklaus all together though he's a good pretender. But the problem? He's a lone wolf, so I need to give him a good reason why we ought to work together.

"Let's get married," I told Eden and saw the confusion on his face, followed by disbelief and finally, shock.

I couldn't blame him, this was a ridiculous request. Moreover, the first time he gave me a proposal to be with him, I threw it into the back of my mind because I was in love with Niklaus.

Now, love could go to hell!

Eden's mouth was agape, it seems my words had a heavy impact on him cause he couldn't find the words to say.

Suddenly, I saw a faint outline of a smile try to pull his lips to the side and I knew Eden didn't believe me, he was about to laugh at me to scorn; he needed conviction.

So I did the most unbelievable thing, something he never thought I would do to him in this lifetime: I took a gamble by kissing Eden.

At first, he stood still like a bamboo tree, unmoving from the surprise. From the contortion on his face, I could tell he was not thrilled by my action but just when I thought he would push me away, his arms went around my waist, pressed me against him as he conceded to my kisses.

I believed I was the one in control until his tongue gained access to my mouth and sucked the life out of me. I had to admit, Eden was a damn good kisser.

When we came up for air, we were heaving as if we just ran a marathon. Still, I hardly took enough air, when he pulled down my head and kissed me once again.

However, there was something different this time. He was testing me to know if I meant what I said or just pulling his legs or fooling around with him.

I responded with the same fervor, kissing him with a needy ferocity that was born out of lust. The earlier kiss had some emotions in it but this one? Just for the fun of it.

I would have gone on with his game if my chest didn't hurt from the dwindled oxygen causing me to whimper and he let go.

Eden stared into my eyes with a blazing intensity which made me a bit shy considering the hot kiss we just shared, but his next comment dashed all my hope.

"You're not up to the task" he declared and stood up from the bench.

"What" I stood after him, "No way"

"What do you mean no way?" He turned towards me, vexed for God knows why.

"I've made up my mind, nothing can stop me now," I told him, hoping I appeared firmer than I looked.

Eden threw his head back and laughed, "You of all people Maya? Ready to marry me all because you can't win over Niklaus and daddy Niklaus has stepped on your ego, so you want me for revenge?" He saw through my plans.

I swallowed, there was no going back this time so I had no choice but to admit it.

"Yes, I want to use you, Eden."

"Then I'm sorry to burst your bubbles but no would do"

"Isn't that what you planned to do with me too, use me against Niklaus?"

His eyes widened, I guess he thought I was that stupid not to notice his intention towards me. Niklaus had warned me times without number the kind of person he was and Eden's intentions towards his past ex's which I was now one.

"We could use each other, Eden. Both of us have a common enemy and together we could win this fight" I lowered my voice and added, "My only condition is that you don't hurt Niklaus and his daughter"

There was a long silence between us, his scrutinizing gaze didn't leave me even for a split second which made me shift uncomfortably on my foot.

Then he trudged towards me till our bodies were touching, he lowered his head towards my ears and whispered, "I'm sorry buttercup but I work alone"

Done making his point, he whipped around and proceeded to leave when I yelled after him, "I know about your father Eric"

Eden stiffened, stopping right in his tracks. He turned around and strode back to me with a darkened gaze that sent chills down my spine.

I unconsciously took a step back, his gaze was murderous yet he covered the distance between us with huge strides, holding me in place before I could move back.

"Who told you about that?!" He snapped furiously at me.

I gulped but his tight grip on my arms hurt to the point that I cried out in pain which drew his attention, he let go at once.

"How do you know about my father? Have you been snooping around me? " Eden towered over me, though he seemed to have calmed down, I still sensed the fury in his taut voice.

I answered briskly, "With Isabella around, there's nothing about the Spencer's you can't know"

Yep, that was true. Being around Eden those past days in the countryside taught me a few things about him nor did I forget to mention, I had glimpsed through a page on his diary he had mistakenly left open that day, I had gone into his room to alert him of Isabella's sickness.

His relationship with Adam was quite cordial, I had been shocked when he had expressed his sheer hatred for the man throughout the page.

So during the chickenpox episode, I asked Isabella what happened to Eden's father and from there, some revelations began to be disclosed.

Isabella was like the Spencer's family private Wikipedia, there was hardly anything she didn't know about them unless the secret was not yet disclosed.

"That brat" he cursed with anger.

"Why don't you want me to join forces with you? I'm not going to disrupt your plan or anything as fine as you don't physically harm your cousin. I just want your power and assistance " I explained.

"Simple," He looked straight into my eyes saying, "You're too softhearted, I can't deal with the likes of you till death does us apart "

Sincerely, I was hurt by Eden's words but I didn't let it show, this was no time to shed a gallon of tears.

"Then why were you hell-bent on seducing me? I knew that was your previous intention"

"Yes, it was " he didn't deny my accusation.

"But now I'm offering to be your wife, which is much better than the hide and seek game you're playing with me" I pointed out.

He smirked, "Yes, it's easier but it doesn't favor me at all"

"What?"

"I intended to seduce you till you were head over heels in love with me, then proceed to use you against Niklaus since he still has this lingering affection for you. But now..." Eden faltered, his gaze running over me in a way that made me shiver.

"You have a motive, which takes your attention away from me" he went on, "Moreover, I never planned to settle down with you. Just wanted a fun that would last as far as Niklaus has his eyes on you and when his interest diminishes, I discard you since you've served your purpose"

My ears rang with his words which made my heart throb, I had really taken Eden for a good friend these past days amid his Intentions - which was why marrying him would have been livable.

Yet both cousins were players.

"Also" he continued, "I want a woman I would own body and soul, not one whose heart beats for someone else while making out with me."

My throat dried up making it difficult to speak. I just kept staring at him like a moron unable to refute that blame.

"This life is not suited for you Maya and don't ever bring on this topic with me. Happy recovery" Eden kissed me on my right cheek and left without looking back.

Making out with him while my heart beat for someone else? How had he noticed that? I had made sure to kiss Eden with the same passion as him, though I could not help but envision Niklaus was the one who had his lips on mine.

I sighed and plonked down on the bench, wiping my face with my palm. This was so messed up, an epic failure. What was I going to do?