“Let’s get over this diner,” I rasp, motioning my head toward the dining room where the staff is ready for us, the table filled with silverware, candles and expensive flowers. All chosen by me for her, according to what the investigator told me about her tastes. I don't usually go for that kind of stuff but I wanted…I wanted her to see that even a biker could host properly. I made a few new arrangements to my home a couple of months ago. The scent of the past was still lingering on the walls of every room and I couldn’t picture a new woman walking in there withoutchanging a few things. Changed the sheets, the paints, and the pictures in the frames.
Everything about her had to go.
I needed a blank page to start over with Mia.
To give this a real shot.
“You look stunning, by the way,” I say, realizing I’ve been a jerk to her the whole day, so an olive branch can’t hurt. And also because I was barely able to do anything else today than watching her effortlessly move, her curves bouncing in her dress, making my knuckles white from clenching my fist at her sight.
My wife is a smokeshow, that’s something I won’t argue.
“Oh.” A sultry exhale escapes her lips. She didn’t expect me to compliment her. “Thank you. You’re not too bad yourself,” she answers back, brushing my ego with her sweet voice, taking my breath away as I walk us as casually as I can to the dining room.
Mia
“So?” Kiara tugs on my hand.
“So what?” I fire back with a smug grin. I already know what my seventeen-year-old sister is going to ask. I’m seated between her and my new husband, and still, she can’t wait a second more to get information.
“Ares! Come on, Mia, I need details! He looks like a Viking merged with Tom Hardy. Don’t tell me you don’t see it.” She’s practically jumping up and down in her small black dress, her endless red curls bouncing on her waist and her whisper getting less and less discreet.
“He’s, um…” I struggle to find the right words, glancing over at Ares, who’s deep in conversation with his vice-president and his mute wife. She’s gorgeous with her long blonde hair and a navy tight dress. I wonder if we could be friends; I wouldn’t mind making an ally here.
My gaze drifts back to Ares, his strong jawline, intense green eyes, and the way he carries himself with a sort of mancave energy. Even in a suit, he looks like he could take down an army. The tailored fit emphasizes his broad shoulders and powerful build, making him look both imposing and commanding. He’s undeniably attractive, but saying that out loud feels like admitting defeat. I need a word that conveys what I mean without giving too much away.
“He’s…intense,” I finally say, knowing Kiara won’t buy it.
“Intense?” Kiara’s eyes widens, a sly smile spreading across her face. “You know that’s code for “hot as hell”, right?”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “Something like that.”
She giggles, clearly thrilled by the revelation. “I knew it! I knew it would work out,” she says with a genuine smile, making me remember why I am doing this.
For her, for her safety, for her future.
Even if she’ll never know the truth, I’ll protect her, always. And if the price to pay is to stay married to this man and never find the happiness of a loving home, then so be it.
“I didn’t say hot as hell, Kiara. You’re the one making the interpretation,” I warn her, but there’s no real heat in my voice.
Kiara nods, still grinning. “Don’t worry, sis. Your secret’s safe with me.” I roll my eyes again. I won't get away with it, not with my sister who can read me better than anyone.
“Oh and also, give me what you don’t want. I’ll cover for you,” she murmurs with a wink and a loving smile.
Thank god I’ve got her.
When you have an eating disorder, the most stressful situations are usually the ones when you don’t have any control over what’s been served to you. It was easy to fake drinking the champagne before dinner but right now, I can’t really put the food on the floor and expect to get away with it. And veal stew with mashed potatoes is definitely not on my “clean food list”.
Kiara is adorable, taking a few discreet bites from my plate so people won’t notice I won’t eat tonight, but I get the feeling it won’t be enough. I ate as much as I could this morning, but it’s been hours, and I’m starving.
“You got an issue with the food or something?” Ares's low, commanding voice suddenly echoes next to me, cutting through the noise of the background music and chatter. Both our clans managed to remain in the same room without fighting each other.
“Just not really hungry, that’s all,” I mutter, grabbing my glass of water and avoiding his piercing gaze.
Water is on the list.
Water is safe.
“You haven’t touched anything before dinner started, Mia. You need to eat something,” he insists firmly, his emerald eyes fixed on mine. I feel the heat rise to my cheeks under his scrutiny. Kiara kicks me under the table again, urging me to comply. Reluctantly, I meet his gaze, trying to muster up the courage to defy him.
