"Apologies, milady, they could have seen you there."
Nico?
He held me tight, back leaning against the wall as he poked his head to peek. Thankfully, there was no sound of footsteps approaching, which meant they hadn’t seen me, and Nico arrived on time.
"I-I can’t keep doing this."
I heard Theo speak; he sounded anxious. I can’t believe he’s in a relationship with Agatha. I’m trying to convince myself that what I saw was maybe my mind playing tricks on me, but the moment Agatha spoke back to him, that thought went out the window.
"Don’t be like that, my love."
I shivered in disgust, and I think Nico shared that thought too, when his body stiffened.
"Agatha, I—"
"Come with me."
I heard the door slam shut before the tires screeched out. Nico released me, and I looked to find them gone.
"H-How do you know I was here?"
"Experience, milady. Trying to avoid the case of you slipping out the back door. I cannot disappoint the boss again." He adjusted his tie. "Reed can do that as much as he wants, but not me."
Cocky.
"So you parked at the back of the store and not the front."
"Exactly."
Unbelievable.
"You know this guy?" he asked. "Enough to follow him like some detective?"
"Y-Yeah, I know him. Theo Mercer. I just... I can’t believe he’s—"
"Whatever you saw, you never did."
"Excuse me?"
"No one’s gonna believe you anyway." He walked past me.
"Agatha is clearly cheating on Ares’ dad with someone old enough to be her son. Doesn’t that bother you?"
"That’s none of my business, milady. This Theo is a grown-up man and a genius..." He shoved a cigar between his lips. "Some genius."
"We should tell Ares."
"And tell him what?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but he didn’t let me.
"Don’t waste your breath. Plenty shits happens in families, and this is none of your business as much as it’s not mine. So, can we please go now?"
I clenched my teeth. I hated that he was right in some way.
"Well? It’s getting late. You still have shopping to do."
"Theo..." I began. "He’s starting to seem suspicious. He keeps turning up where I am, and I know it’s probably like a coincidence, but I think it’s not. It’s creeping me out. And now he’s probably in some acquaintance with Agatha... that alone disturbs me."
For a minute there, I discerned Nico might be agreeing with me, but the bastard chuckled as if he found something funny.
"Congratulations, milady, I think you might have a stalker. I never thought someone else would take that title."
"I’m sorry, what?" I blinked, confused, at his last statement.
"If Theo’s bothering you. We’ll deal with him, but what you saw... don’t go telling."
"Deal with him, how?"
"In a way, you won’t have to be creeped out again. Think of it like a restraining order." He lit the end of his cigar with his Zippo, smirking.
~☆~
I’m still uncomfortable by what I saw... but I had to set it aside and focus on making this dinner before it gets too late. I already spent too much time shopping.
The rest of the day, Nico and Reed kept stealing glances, not in their usual disagreeable way but like they were speaking with their eyes.
I shook my head. Focus, Catherine. I got down to cooking, despite how tedious it was, I always enjoyed doing it because it reminded me of Granny. I played some country music as I swayed my hips, using the spoon as my mic.
I set the dishes down, proud of my display. I may have cooked too much, but nothing beats this spread. Not even Ares can resist. I used the lighter to light the candles before grabbing the best wine I could find and two glasses.
"Perfect," I said, checking the time. "Shit!" I hurried upstairs to shower and change.
After an hour or so, I began to think that maybe Tori was right.
I stepped closer to the mirror. I was wearing one of the lingerie in Ares’ closet. It was a nightdress, light and see-through. A lace traced the neckline, sleeves, and hem. Paired with a silk robe that draped my shoulders.
I had combed out my hair, and it had more waves, resting on one side. I picked a matching red collar with a ribbon. The finishing was my light makeup.
This definitely gives romantic dinner vibes.
I got overly excited, and now I stood there like an actual wife waiting for her husband to come home for dinner.
I didn’t know why that thought made my heart race wildly. I placed my hand on my chest, hoping to calm down.
"What am I doing?" I said, closing my eyes, feeling like I may have gone far.
However, when I opened my eyes and looked at my reflection, I told myself four words to make me feel better.
"It’s for the contract."
I fixed my smile and went downstairs, checking the time. It was almost 10 p.m. the time we agreed on. Ares was always punctual, which meant any time now, he would be here.
My nerves skyrocketed to the point that it felt like my heart was gonna jump out of my chest. To calm myself down, I filled my glass with wine and took little sips.
It transformed from sips to large gulps when it got past 10. Ares was never late to anything. He was the master of timekeeping.
I grabbed my phone and texted him.
Me: It’s already past ten.
Me: Where are you?
Me: Are you busy?
The texts were not seen but delivered. I told myself I was getting worked up for no reason, so I waited.
It was 12 a.m. now. I had already finished a whole bottle of wine.
Me: Did you forget?
I stared at the last text I sent him two hours ago, yet to be seen.
My shaky eyes settled on the dinner spread, probably all cold now.
3 a.m.
I dropped my phone and grabbed another bottle, not bothering to use the glass anymore.