Ares took me shopping. It came out of the blue, and he did most of the selection, surprisingly picking things I would usually go for.
The colors, the styles. It was almost as if he was second-guessing me. He picked dresses, a lot of dresses that put the ones he got for me at the King’s estate to shame.
I had already packed a handful of clothes, but it seems I might have wasted my energy because this alone was more than enough.
We reached another section, where bikinis were on full display. There’s no way he’s gonna—! Oh dear... he’s doing it!
Ares King was hand-picking bikinis for me. Why am I even here if he clearly has everything under control?
I eyed the staffers on standby, and they shared looks, smirking and blushing, probably murmuring to themselves.
Being the nosey ant I was, I neared them, acting like I was just passing by but slowing my steps.
"It’s Ares King and his wife!"
"I have only seen them on TV!"
"Oh my god!"
"Shhh! Are you trying to get us fired? We’re on special duty!"
"Gosh! He is so romantic... He’s picking everything!"
"She doesn’t need to lift a finger. She’s so lucky!"
"Ugh! The dream."
"Such a beautiful couple!"
I had no idea why a shifty feeling followed me as they praised us as a couple. I should be elated that they were buying the idea, and we didn’t even need to stick close to each other like glue, but I just felt straight-up uneasy.
I released a breath, feeling heavy, but not by this but by the words Tori told me earlier. It’s haunting in the worst way possible.
I don’t believe it.
I don’t believe for one second that I’ve fallen for Ares because it was stupid and stood against everything I told myself not to do. I mean, I’m fine with my body not listening to me and acting like a horny slut because God knows sex with Ares King was both heavenly in a way that would suck your soul and revive it.
But having my heart getting in the mix of all this? That was a big NO NO!
So I thought of something to use to test myself and make sure I was still on track, and not waving towards a cliff. I thought it was stupid at first because Tori clearly acted like it was, but now I have no choice.
Rather than spend the entire day mulling over something non-existent, I wanna work with action and get rid of this bite.
"Honey!"
Ares turned, and I came at him in a heartbeat, going on my tiptoes despite my heels. I kissed him. I didn’t go for a touch or a socially acceptable appealing sight. I went for the ones you would only see behind closed doors that ran beyond the lines of PG.
I don’t mind the audience because I had a goal. I kissed him not just for the sake of desire but pouring my soul into it, just to check for that spark, but I got lost amidst trying to set some grounds. I got drunk.
Ares’s hands were everywhere, appropriately, but I don’t know for how long because it seemed like I had awakened the beast, and I second-guessed the thought of an audience.
We might give them far more than a kissing show.
I drew away, standing a foot from him, as I tried to catch my breath, whilst trying to keep myself still and not jump at this mountain of a man.
See! No flowery feeling or any shit like that. I don’t love him.
Ares licked his lips as if he still wanted to taste me. "What was that for?"
I shrugged, feeling a surge of positive energy flow through me. "Nothing. I just thought you were totally kissable right now. You look appetizing picking things for me."
He pinned me with a dark look. "You should know how to finish what you start."
"Would you let me...?" I asked softly, taking a step closer. "Or is it gonna end up with you being in control?"
I rasped when he tugged me close, pressing my body into his until I could feel his wood. Dear god, is this devil always aroused? I should say the same for myself, because my panties are ruined.
Ares leaned toward me, and I closed my eyes in bliss. "How else is it gonna end?"
He released me but smacked my ass the next second and resumed his attentive shopping.
I stood there like a spicy hot sauce, red from head to toe. This doesn’t count, right? I’m simply embarrassed and not... Whatever! I don’t wanna think about that shit anymore.
After shopping, we drove to the airport, and all through my uneasiness only grew. I thought I had cleared it, but it seems like there might be more tests to do.
I mindlessly rub against the ring on my finger, trying to ease my breathing.
I sneak a peek at Ares at my side, going through his iPad. I wonder how a workaholic like him was gonna handle a honeymoon. Is he gonna spend it working?
What if... What if this honeymoon was all for the sake of the public, and when we get there, we’re just gonna chill, or will it be like a real couple’s honeymoon? Romantic and all that shit?
Oh my god, my head is spinning. I kept thinking of several possibilities, and now I’m gonna have a headache.
"You’re nervous, why?"
Ares’ abrupt question made me flinch, mostly because his masculine voice was like an electrifying wake-up call.
"I-I’m not..." I said.
Ares didn’t need to say any other words; the shift in the air was enough to tell me my ass was gonna suffer.
I cleared my throat. "Can’t blame me. Of course, in my life, I did picture a honeymoon, but not a fake one to entice the public. I don’t know what to expect, and that suspense is killing me."
"This is as real as it gets, baby."
"W-What?" I stuttered with wide eyes.
Real.
I swallowed a lump in my throat, trying to calm the storm of nerves going wild.
A smile dragged on Ares’ lips enough to make his dimples show, and I almost fainted from the loss of air. God, he’s so handsome.
I quickly looked away, and thankfully, the car came to a stop. The door was open for me, and when I stepped out, I froze when I saw Reed.
Okay, this day just wanna bite me in the face to no end.
"H-Hey..." I said, fixing a smile, but I already made this awkward because he didn’t return it.
"Mrs. King." He took a step back, not meeting my eyes or returning my friendliness.
"Mr. Cross," I matched the same energy and rounded the car to Ares.
I get that what happened that day was hauntingly embarrassing, probably because he might have heard a few soundtracks, but that doesn’t mean he should give me the cold shoulder. He still had his job and life.
I threw a look over my shoulder, and Reed was looking at me right then, lingering and more intense than he had ever.
I stiffened when I felt Ares’ hand on the small of my back, so I broke focus, trying not to read any meaning to that gaze as we neared the private jet.
~☆~
"You haven’t told me where we’re going?" I asked, trying to ignore the fact that we’re up in the air and I don’t know the destination.
"Why spoil the surprise?" Ares said, amused eyes glued to his screen.
"You’re basically kidnapping me right now, you know."
"Are you here against your will?" He peered at me through his lashes. "Though being tied up doesn’t seem like a bad idea."
"W-We’re on our honeymoon, which means you better treat me with respect. Isn’t that how this works?"
Or whatever this was...
"I much prefer disrespect as long as my cock is inside you."
I gasped because the hostess was in the middle of pouring champagne for us.
"Honey!" I scolded, looking at the hostess, but she did her business and left professionally.
I took half of my champagne in one go.
"You need to relax."
"I’m relaxed!" I snapped, feeling like my skin was gonna leap off my bones. "I’m just itchy because I don’t know where we’re going, that’s all." I looked out the window.
"Are you sure that’s all?"
"What do you mean?"
"This isn’t the first time we have travelled."
I suddenly recalled the times I went on a business trip with him. It rarely happened, and when it did, the space was always suffocating because he insisted I sit across from him. I couldn’t even focus on typing and kept sweating my palms off.
Ares tapped his lap, and I snapped out of it. He had set his laptop aside, and now he was watching me intently, waiting for me to move.