"H-Honeymoon?" I stuttered, blinking.
"Yes, because it seems like the first wasn’t enough. I suggest this for some time alone to strengthen the foundation of your relationship."
I averted my gaze, looking anywhere but him. A normal couple would have agreed to this, but our case was deeply different.
What’s a honeymoon gonna do? Make us lovey dovely?
"You both have had a honeymoon, right?" Dr. Miller questioned, sensing my discomfort.
"Well..." I began, lifting my shoulders, thinking of a lie. "There wasn’t... but..."
I stalled for Ares to help, but the devil wasn’t in the mood for that.
"There was no time for it. We were very passionate about the work, so we didn’t go on any..."
Dr. Miller took off his glasses as if gearing up for a difficult task. "So there was no honeymoon at all?"
"Yes! But now that you suggest... it sounds like a very great idea, right, honey?"
"..."
Dr. Miller released a sharp sigh, rubbing his temple. "I do hope you put my suggestion into consideration because it’s now a fact that you both need one."
I patted Ares’ arm. "Of course. Very certain."
Dr. Miller passed his gaze between us before shaking his head and writing something in his notes.
~☆~
I pushed open the door, walking out in a hurry like my legs would freeze solid if I didn’t keep them moving.
A honeymoon? A fucking honeymoon?
Yeah right! I would rather dine with Loki, giving him treats as I sip my wine while popping my hips to some good country music.
I didn’t wait for Ares as I walked further and further away until I bumped into Reed.
"Reed!"
"Sorry about that, are you okay?" he asked, his hands on my arms to keep me steady.
I shook my head. "I think so... what are you made of steel?"
He chuckled before his expression softened. "How have you been lately?"
"Why?"
"Just asking..."
"Mmm..."
"Catherine, about that day... it was not what you think and—"
"Oh, it was exactly what I thought it was. You and Nico bullied Theo. I get he’s not a great guy, but the authorities would have handled it; there is a reason they exist."
Why was I even saying this? From the get-go everything was handled without them.
Reed was about to reply, but he shut his mouth, and on cue, I pivoted to Ares behind.
"I’ll get the car ready..." Reed was already leaving.
"Hey!" I called, but he didn’t stop. "We’re not done talking... really?"
I rubbed my forehead as a migraine formed. It was one thing or the other, and we still haven’t gone to the company yet.
My day was horribly shitty.
"Was this your plan? Crashing my appointment and making my day worse? Well, congratulations, you succeeded!"
Ares came closer, and I felt myself unrelaxed. I took one step back until it felt like I was trying to avoid him coming close, which I was, not until my back met the wall behind me.
He just stood an inch away from me, eyes on me like he was trying to get a read on me.
"What did Naomi tell you?"
I couldn’t help it as a scoff escaped me. Out of everything I said in that room, that seems to have caught his attention.
"Why?" I questioned titling my chin. "You said I shouldn’t be troubled, unless there’s..." I trailed when his hand moved.
My back pressed harder into the wall until it felt like I might merge with it. Ares’ hand that had reached out for me paused midway, eyes narrowed. My retreat must have stumped him.
I knew once he got his hands on me, I would submit to this slutty brain and body of mine.
"She told only the truth, as any woman who has been involved would. It’s called girls looking out for girls. But there’s one thing she didn’t anticipate."
His hand dropped to his side. "What?"
"I’m different from her... I won’t end up as she did," I said those words more like a promise to myself never to cross that bridge, never. "Eight more months and we’ll be done, Mr. King. We both get what we want and our happy ending."
Those words felt heavier than anything I have ever said before, but it was the truth.
I walked, and he didn’t stop me, his gaze pinned on me the entire time.
The car ride was a quiet one, not the usual deathly silence but a loud one, as if we both had something to say. It became a bearing contest to see who would first break it.
"I’ll make plans."
My expression twisted into curiosity.
"What plans?"
"Honeymoon."
"I think we should not, we’re not actually husband and wife."
"Dates must be done to create a familiar and more comfortable relationship with the husband and other activities if need be."
Did he just quote the entire clause to me?
When I shift my attention, Ares already has his eyes on me intensely.
Odd.
This wasn’t his usual icy or lustful gaze. This was something... pristine. Wait, wait, wait! My mouth parted as thoughts circled my mind.
Was Ares King looking forward to a honeymoon with me?!
I blinked, hoping my eyes were reading this wrong, but I saw it, a flicker of eagerness.
Holy shit...!
"I take responsibility for your desires and pleasure."
He’s quoting the sex contract now. Is he using those as a way to convince me? What happened to being upfront about it?
The car stopped, and Ares peeled his eyes away, a finger tapping the center console with more pace than usual.
Baffled, I opened the door and stepped out first. I adjusted my bag as I walked ahead. However, when I got to the elevator, Ares was with me.
In a box with Ares King, especially at this time, was far more stressful for me until my head was spinning.
"No, honeymoons..." I said as the door came ajar, then I left.