I placed a hand on my waist. "I didn’t realize we had come to a decision."
"I made a decision as your husband."
I clenched my teeth. "Reed stays."
Ares leaned back on his seat, eyeing me closely. "Why?"
"Because if it weren’t for him, I would be dead," I said, the memories of that day coming through.
"He put you in a dangerous position."
"I was the one who wanted to drive, and it’s not his fault, and speaking of accidents, Athena clearly thinks otherwise, do you?"
Ares narrowed his eyes. "What did she tell you?"
"Nothing actually. I was hoping to hear your side of the story. Is there something I should know, honey?"
"No. There’s nothing you should worry yourself about."
My hands fell freely on my sides as I neared his table and placed them on the cold surface, leaning forward.
I can’t tell if he’s lying. His face was as stone cold as the North Pole.
Ares held my gaze, and in a matter of seconds, my heated glare of questioning crumbled as flashes of that night in the gallery came through.
My breath came off harsher, and I’m affected faster than a lightning bolt, and the air grew tight, compressing my chest.
It’s becoming harder to play this game of endurance. I was close to my breaking point. There wasn’t a minute that went by that I didn’t yearn for his touch, even his fucking breath on my skin.
I’m at my wits’ end, and my desire to see Ares in frustration was snapping.
"It’s a full house down there. I thought you liked your privacy," I said, hoping to ground myself before I did something stupid. "Down there is transformed. Are you sure about that?"
"I am. June is the best."
That doesn’t answer my question. I knew that it was odd Ares would allow someone or people into his personal space, but I also knew he’d need a solid reason.
"CAT! GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!"
Athena’s yell snapped me out of it.
"What is she even doing here?" I mumbled under my breath. "It would have been much better if she weren’t. Don’t blame me if I punch her in the face for getting on my nerves." I pushed off the table and walked out, slamming the door shut behind me.
Thankfully, I caught Reed at the end of the corridor as if he were waiting. I hurried to him.
"I thought you would be gone by now," I said, a smile playing on my lips.
"I was hoping to see you first before I do."
"Oh? What’s up, Mr. Cross?"
A grin spread on his lips. "You look better."
"I feel better too, but there are days I barely sleep, but I make it work."
"Why?" he asked as his face contorted in worry. "Are you okay?"
"Just slept on the wrong side of the bed."
He waited as if he wanted me to say more.
"Ares snores, and he’s giving me sleepless nights," I blurted.
Reed’s eyes widened momentarily in shock before he blinked. "That’s... um—"
"Heartbreaking! I know. All that sexiness only to ruin my beauty sleep."
Reed cleared his throat.
"I’m fine," I assured him. "And I’m glad you are too."
I eyed the faint scar on his cheek, a sinking feeling settling low on my stomach.
"That makes me feel better. I should um go..."
I nodded, trying to ignore the ache of him leaving. I wonder when I’ll get to see him again. "Say hi to Nico for me."
"Should I?" he teased.
I grimaced, "No!"
"CAT!"
"Ugh!" I growled.
"Seems like there is so much waiting for you."
"I’m gonna pull all my hair out at this point. There’s Athena and meeting the in-laws. I’m nervous to the bone to the point it feels like there is a danger sign at the top of my head."
"I’ll be there to protect you," he said out of the blue. "Even though I’m far away."
"Would you look at that? Are you gonna go against my husband’s orders for me?"
"I will if it’s the right thing to do."
"Relax! It’s only a ball..." I pushed on his arm lightly, but he didn’t look amused, and that made me tense.
My smile faltered, but I kept it fixed. "Thank you, Reed."
"You’re welcome," he said before leaving.
I rubbed my arms, feeling a dreadful feeling take over me. Maybe I should call Gramps and Granny to check on them. I already made another payment, so I wasn’t worried about anyone storming the farm to harass them.
What could this feeling be about then?
Shaking the thought off, I walked down the stairs.
"Took you so long," Athena said, smirking. "I was hoping you’d take your time."
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, there she is!" June said excitedly as he came forward. "Time to get to work."
~☆~
After June was done, I could barely recognise myself.
I slid my hands up and down my hourglass figure. My gown was dark pink, embroidered with rhinestones from the start to the finish. The thin straps and neckline were trimmed with the stones too, and it glittered in the lighting in a mesmerizing glow.
There was a rose design on the left side of my hips attached to a veil that could be held with my arm if I chose. The finishing touches of my gown were a long, daring slit cutting up to my thigh.
I had applied body highlighter oil on my collarbones, cleavage, shoulders, arms, and legs.
I admired my mask with sparkling stones. My hair was styled in a low bun with the baby hairs slicked in curves.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps, and as it got closer and closer, my pounding heartbeat drowned out the noise.
A shadow grew from the hallway, and my breath turned brisk, only to be momentarily gone when I set my eyes on Ares, and my knees also buckled at the dashing sight of him.