"Ares?" I called, looking around. He should have surfaced by now; it’s been too long. "Ares!"
Oh no. This was starting to feel like those horror movies when—! I screamed when he emerged, and I was swayed backwards.
"That’s not funny!" I yelled, splashing water to ward him off. "What’s wrong with you!"
He went below again, but it didn’t take up to a minute as he resurfaced, threading his finger through his wet hair. Lord. Iced cake shouldn’t look this delicious.
I want to taste him, run my tongue through every line of his muscles until he dries. Ares moved to me, but I retreated until I got to the platform to pick myself up to sit, but he took over, and I was raised like a pillow.
I pulled my wet hair off my face, eyeing him. "How bold of you to show your face. Did you have fun sleeping on the couch or wherever you chose to rest?"
"Catherine..."
"If you wanted us to be roommates, you should have just said so... than going through the trouble to prove that point."
Ares rested his hands on my sides and hoisted himself up. "I don’t know why we’re having this conversation."
Seriously?
"We should. Have you forgotten the conversations about pleasure?"
"This links back to what we discussed, and it already had its conclusion. You knew the rules when you signed the contract. Don’t expect me to bend them." He clenched his teeth. "Again."
I scoffed, looking away. "Yes, you’re right, we have reached a conclusion. Would you allow me to make my conclusion?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Red, Red, Red, Red. Henceforth, we’re roommates on vacation." I stood up and walked out feeling worse than I was earlier.
When I got to the room, I took a quick shower and dressed in a sundress. I was in the middle of brushing my hair when I saw Ares’ bite mark on my neck; it showed his teeth, red and a little swollen.
"Fuck!" I cursed.
Every time he leaves a mark, it’s like I was some steak. Was I even human in his eyes, except a meat ready to fuck and tarnish?
Screw him! Screw this honeymoon! It was all fake and useless after all. I grabbed my wide-brimmed hat and left the villa.
~☆~
I haven’t seen a single soul. There must be staff because there was no way the room was cleaned, and the breakfast was made that quickly. Where could they be then? I have been walking for close to an hour now, but so far, no one has been in sight.
The island was small, and any further walk would be back to the villa. This place might have a killer view, but it was bland, just like Ares King.
This wasn’t a honeymoon; it felt more like a cage. I’m trapped with the devil, and God forbid privacy.
I folded my arms, facing the sea view, the wind coming in strong. I don’t think I can spend another day in this isolation without losing my goddamn mind.
I heard incoming footsteps, and the devil was seen, wearing a fitted tee and shorts. The menacing look in his eyes was quite obvious, and he didn’t seem to hide it.
Good for him.
"Go away," I said, walking, but the strong presence made me turn.
Ares was coming.
"Go away!" I yelled.
What the heck is wrong with him?
"RED!"
It still didn’t work.
"That’s the rules, remember? I say red, and you don’t touch or come anywhere near me. Look who’s breaking it now!"
This isn’t working. Ares won’t stop.
"FUCK YOU!" I ran.
"Catherine!"
I didn’t stop, even as my hat came off. I didn’t wear my glasses, so I was free to run as wild as I wanted without looking back. The cool air brushed against my skin more frequently, and having to run this fast set me free in some way, but it was ripped away from me when strong arms coiled around my waist and lifted me off my feet.
"Fucker!" I yelled, kicking.
Those damn long legs of his, there was no way I could outrun him, mentally or physically. My wriggles became more agitated until he eventually released me.
We both just glared and tried to catch our breath.
"Is it wrong for me to wanna touch you? Huh? Is it wrong?" I exploded, unable to hold it in anymore. "Tell me!" I pushed against his chest, but I was only forced back, and he caught my wrist before I could stumble over.
"What changed?"
"W-What?"
"What. Changed?"
"I-I don’t know what—"
"The contract was clear through and through..." he cut me off. "Why are you fixated on something like this?"
"L-Let me go..." I twisted my wrist to take it away from his grip, but he wouldn’t let me.
"Answer the question, Catherine."
"Let go of me!" I screamed at him.
"Have you fallen for me?" he asked, repulsion taking over his face like I had committed an unforgivable crime. "Have you?!"
Slap!
I didn’t even know when I freed my hands and slapped him with all my might.
When Ares turned his head back to me, I took a step back. He’s pissed. This wasn’t like the last time he was amused by me.
"Over my dead body..." I said, channeling my anger, my entire body shaking as if it’d crumble. "...Will I ever fall for you, Ares King. Never."
"Good girl."
I felt something inside me crack, loud enough that I heard it in my eardrums.
"The moment you do, everything ends. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir," I said, turning on my heel, quick on my feet, and this time he let me leave.
I made sure I was far way, then rounded into a corner. The tears fell faster than I could stop them. I was pitching heavily, like my chest was about to fall off.
I collapsed to my knees, clenching my fist on my chest, my tears dropping the sand.
I cried because I knew it, it was clearer than anything I have ever felt.
I lied.