"WHAT? No! Why would you even ask that?"
Tori raised her hands in defense. "I had to, given where this talk is going."
"Where exactly is it?" I asked through clenched teeth. "We’re basically on the same pace here. I’m not speeding towards a cliff or diving into a sea of sharks."
"Right.. Right... whatever you say, I totally understand." She scratched the bridge of her nose.
"Tori... I. Do. Not. Have. Feelings. For. Ares."
"Alright! That’s good because of the contract."
I sighed. "Besides the contract, I can’t just... those things get you nowhere."
"We’re talking about Dan now?"
"I spent five years devoting myself and trying so hard to make things work."
"Okay... we’re talking about Dan."
"All I want is to liberate myself, and for once want something for myself, and I’m not gonna be ashamed."
Tori nodded. "In the process of wanting, don’t fall."
"I won’t... I already know how it ends when I fall. Deja vu is not gonna meet me ever again."
"Okay, sorry if I came in too strongly, I’m just worried, you know."
"I know." I held her close. "So, um, hypothetically you saw something wild... like on a whole different level, and you reacted to that moment, which is totally normal, but then later you found out there was a reason for that wildness... and—"
"Okay, okay! Your hypothetical sucks. Whatever it is, just tell me straight, before my brain melts off."
"I saw Ares do something."
"Like what?"
My mouth opened, but the words didn’t come out.
"Like some mind-altering action?"
"Yes!"
She rolled her eyes. "Geez! Why am I not surprised? So did it change your feelings—desires for him?"
"To be honest, I don’t think it did," I confessed.
It was something that had stuck with me the entire day, and when Reed mentioned how torn Ares was about my accident... everything just... transformed.
I have worked with Ares, known him for three years, and nothing ever scratches that man. I’m more stunned by this than anyone.
"And there was a reason for that mind-altering action," I added.
"There was a reason? Then it’s solid."
"Yeah?"
"So what are you worried about then? It’s not like he killed someone or anything."
"Ha ha ha."
"What was that sound?" she asked, but then her eyes caught something. "Is that an apple tree?!"
She was already scurrying towards it, the worker filling baskets with some juicy-looking apples.
I was about to charge ahead and stuff my mouth, but my phone rang. It took a while before I pulled it out of my pocket.
These jeans are getting tight!
Shit. That one thought echoed when I saw Devil Husband on my screen.
I just stared at it, a cluttered look on my face, and when the call ended, a sinking feeling overtook me.
Was I really that eager to hear his voice?
I was hoping I’d spend the entire day thinking about myself and what I’m gonna do, yet one call, I’m already... drawn.
No matter how much I played that nightmare, it was just that... a nightmare.
God! I’m so hopeless.
"What kind of husband leaves his wife in bed?" I blurted the moment I picked.
"You sound angry, baby."
I shivered as his voice vibrated through the speaker. Lord, this devil had a sexy voice. I can see why he doesn’t speak too much. He could have all the ladies dropping their panties on the first bass.
"Angry? Nope! We are in your parents’ house, and we need to convince them, remember? Even though I can’t make them like me."
"I had to leave. It was important."
"Was it about the security breach?"
"Yes."
"What did you find?" I asked, trying my chances with Ares.
"Nothing useful yet."
"Will you keep me updated?"
"You’ll be bored."
"Try me."
I could feel him smile from here.
"How’s your tour around the farm going?"
At first instinct, I looked around swiftly, but the building was far away, so how could he tell? Or maybe Reed told him about my location.
"What am I wearing?" I asked, having no idea why I did that, but there was an exhilaration at the thought that he was watching me right now.
"A blue short-sleeve shirt and jeans."
My heartbeat raced. "Are you spying on me, honey?"
"Yes, baby."
I nipped at my lower lip. "You’re being bad."
"Am I?"
"You might get punished, honey."
"You can try."
The image of Ares being tied up sent my lady parts into an overload, and I can’t tell if I’m sweating all over or just dripping in arousal.
I flapped my shirt for some breeze. "It’s so hot right now, and I feel like taking my shirt off. I need dresses."
"Already taken care of."
I licked my lips as silence fell over the line. Even though I couldn’t tell where he was, I could feel the intensity of his gaze burning hotter than the sun.
I placed my hand on my neck, the effect cooling me in some way.
"So where exactly are you? How are you spying on me?"
I could hear his breath as he replied. "Guess."
I noted the amusement in his voice, and I smiled.
"I’m not much of a guesser," I said. "I might give all the wrong answers."
"Right answers only."
"What happens when I get them wrong?"
"Don’t."
I gulped, already picturing the way he would make me pay for that. My ass does not want to get burned in this heat.
"Y-You still haven’t told me your wish. Or have you forgotten, honey?" I switched.
"No."
"Tell me what you wish for, then. It’s better than playing a guessing game. At least then I won’t get punished."
"I wanna kiss you."
My heart skipped a beat. "Kiss me?"
"Yes."
That was simpler than I thought.
"Mua!" I kissed the phone. "There! Happy? Or do you want it directly?"
"Not there."
"W-Where then?" I asked in a raspy voice.
"Your pussy."