[Music: Supermassive Black Hole By Muse]
I whipped my head to the sudden company, eyes widening in awe.
A woman stepped forward wearing an all-white outfit—a fitted blazer dress with gold buttons and cape-like sleeves. Underneath, a white turtleneck peeked out, paired with pearl jewelry and long white gloves, completed with knee-high boots.
She took off her cat sunglasses and flipped her straight blonde hair.
I’d kill for a hair like that.
"Interrupting? I was under the impression you were leading the media on with frolics. Imagine my surprise when I see you with a woman in your penthouse. Is the world ending, and I didn’t get the memo?"
I have only seen her in magazines, on social media, and at galas: Midnight City’s goddess and fashion icon, Athena King, Ares’s twin sister.
She flickered her steel blue eyes at me, and I tensed, trying to move, but Ares secured a hand on my waist to keep me still.
"You’re here on time."
Wait... did he... I cast a look at Ares. Of course! His sudden attempt to kiss me was just a show.
I should have sprinkled more pepper and watched until he choked to death.
I peeled his hand off my waist and stepped forward, fixing my smile. "Hi, I’m Catherine, delighted to meet you."
Athena’s lips spread in a wide smile. "At long last, I have met the mystery woman responsible for all the ear-piercing buzz. Lovely to make your acquaintance." She blew air kisses to both sides of my cheek. "Mua! Mua!"
"Likewise."
"Your voice sounds familiar. I never forget a voice. Are you by chance..."
"Yes."
I usually picked up her calls whenever Ares couldn’t.
"Oh my! The secretary... now that makes a lotta sense than my brother wifing up a random woman."
"Apparently, I’m the only one who can walk through the icy territory of the infamous Ares King and come out of it alive."
Athena pressed the tip of her sunglasses between her lips, intrigue drowning her gaze. "Ares, I like her. She should join us at the equestrian."
"I won’t be able to make it."
"What? Don’t tell me you’re standing me up, you buffoon!"
Ares’ silence was all the answer she could need.
"Ugh, fine! Wifey here will join me. I don’t have to suck up to my overbearing brother now that I have you."
"No," Ares replied. "Catherine is gonna be busy with me today. She stays."
Athena dramatically seethed at Ares.
"Actually..." I cut through. "I’d love to go. This is my first time meeting your sister, and I think we should get to know each other more."
"How fantastic! You read my mind!" She did a little jump. "You’re gonna need an outfit for it, so shoppinggggg!" She screeched.
"Athena." Ares’ voice stopped us. "Behave."
"I’ll be good." Athena blew a kiss to him.
~☆~
Athena went on a shopping spree just for riding outfits. I had lost count of how many we had to try, and before I knew it, three hours had passed, and I had bags of outfit I wasn’t sure I’d need.
Finally, we arrived at the private estate grounds with vast acres of open land, a stable, and private riding trails designed for equestrian activities.
The only reason I agreed to this was to get back at Ares, and maybe because I didn’t trust my actions around him. That temptation to get on his bad side should not be addictive, but here we are.
The horse gave a low whicker as I petted him. The moment I strolled into the stables, he caught my eye, and I have been feeding him carrots ever since, like we were best buds.
I giggled when he licked my hand. "There, there, I’ll get you more."
"He likes you..." Athena remarked, stepping forward with her all-white riding outfit. Her taste for white in a place like this was bold.
She kicked the bucket out of the way, grinning ear to ear. "That’s Ares’ horse, the great Duke."
"How majestic, suits him."
"He’s the fastest one we have here, and there is Celeste."
She referred to a white horse just beside it. "A rare breed and my closest companion."
"She’s beautiful," I acknowledged.
She must really have a thing for white.
"Yes, she is," Athena mused, before glancing at Reed standing just outside the stables. "I didn’t expect company from you."
"My bodyguard. I’m not sure why Ares insisted he come. There are no paparazzi here."
"Not at all, this is the safest place ever. I’m sure Ares is just doing his husband’s duties. No matter, I bet we’re gonna have fun!"
I wasn’t as enthusiastic as she was about this, but I admit the excitement was rubbing off on me.
Athena signalled the stable hand to come and take the horses out.
"Have you ever ridden before?" she asked when she grabbed my arm.
"Yes, a lot actually."
We had horses on the farm, and I recalled loving a good old-fashioned morning ride. It was heartbreaking to have to sell them. The money was added to my tuition. I made a promise that I would one day buy them back, but I never got the chance to.
"Then we have no worries. Cat... should I call you Cat?"
"S-Sure."
"Awesome! These are my friends. Clara, Lara, and Zoey. We will all be riding together."
They weren’t exactly the kind of friends I expected Athena to have; they looked too... random? Don’t get me wrong, but I thought her taste would be on the bigger side. Oh, well.
"Hi, I’m Catherine."
"She’s beautiful," the one introduced as Zoey said. "Nice hair."
"Thank you," I replied, playing with the tip of my braid.
"Can she keep up? Because we won’t go easy on her," said Clara. "Shirkers get left behind."
"Why don’t we find out?" I countered.
"Told you she has some fire in her!" Athena pitched.
"She does," said Lara, eyeing me from head to toe in a way that made me uncomfortable. "I have a feeling this will be worthwhile."
Were they looking for a challenge?
The horses were brought, and we mounted them. Reed walked to me. "I’ll ride close by."
"Okay... um... I haven’t said this, but about last night—"
"Nothing to worry about, Mrs. King." He walked to his horse, leaving me hanging.
Ever since today, he has been more distant. Shit! I got him in trouble, didn’t I?
I pivoted Duke to go to him, but Athena’s words halted my actions.
"Don’t get left behind, Cat!"
I sighed, redirecting my path. I’ll talk with him after this.
"How about a game?" Lara suggested. "Who gets to that spot first gets a prize."
Athena gasped. "You read my mind! Cat?"
"That’s—"
The reins cracked through the air, and they sped out. Eager not to get left behind, I followed on the same momentum.
Duke was really fast, but only if you knew how to navigate him, which was a piece of cake.
"Hyah!"
It felt exhilarating to fly through with him. Duke was sturdy, and every movement held strong. The cool breeze kissed my face, giving a ticklish feeling.
I came first in line, leaving the others behind as I threw a look over my shoulder, smirking. How’s that for a shirker?
I faced ahead, urging Duke to keep going.
After what seemed like a very long ride, I came to a stop to catch my breath, dismounting my horse.
I rubbed my butt, groaning. I really overdid it with my sore ass.
Duke nuzzled me with his nose. "You did so well, buddy!" I praised him, taking out carrots from the saddlebag as a reward.
The piercing sound of Clip-clop filled the air, and Athena arrived with her friends.
"And here I thought Ares was the only one who could draw out Duke’s potential," said Athena, dismounting her horse.
"We have ridden too far away," I said, taking a long look around the woods.
I let the excitement kick in too much. I could barely see the stables from here.
"But it’s just the right place." She pulled out a gun and pointed it at me.