He can be possessive all he wants when it comes to the outside world, but he doesn’t get to do that with me and Chance.
Zara made it clear that she doesn’t want to choose, and if Ares gave her an ultimatum, he might have a bad surprise.
I don’t want to see my best friend get hurt, but he needs to understand that Zara’s happiness is mine and Chance’s priority, and it should be his own too.
He also doesn’t get to judge us for what we do in bed.
The ride home is a short one, and I’m relieved when neither of my parents’ vehicles are anywhere in sight.
They were going to the same fundraiser Scott and Kelly were attending at the Country Club, so my bet is that they either got a room there or they went back to their office, where they stay more often than at home.
Usually, that bothers me. Scott and Kelly might be causing problems for Zara, Chance, and Ares by being too involved in their kids’ lives, but they meddle because they care.
To my parents, I’m not much more than an asset, like the artwork or the stock portfolio they invest in.
For once in my life, though, I’m glad my parents don’t care that much about what I do. I’m tired, and all I want is to go to bed with my girl in my arms. Without parental prying eyes, I don’t have to worry about whether Chance is going to join us. That isn’t really a hypothetical though; if Chance had wanted to sleep alone, he would have dropped us off and gone home.
“Does anyone need a snack before we head to bed?” I ask as I grab a few bottles of water from the fridge in the kitchen.
“No, thank you.” Zara yawns. “I’m beat. But I need a shower before bed. I smell of exhaust fumes and grass.”
She accepts the bottle of water I offer her and then heads toward the stairs.
“Not so fast.” Ares steps in her way, his arms crossed over his chest and his usual scowl on his face. “We have a lot to talk about.”
I open my mouth to tell him that we’re all too tired to talk, but Zara is quicker than me to react. It shouldn’t surprise me after seeing what she’s capable of on the racetrack.
She’s also not easily intimidated, and that’s as hot as her sexy body and her beautiful face.
“The shitshow we’re in is still going to be here in a few hours, Ares. Right now I’m too tired to even care, to be honest.”
“Fine.” Ares bites out. “But I’m staying here tonight. If you think going to bed will get you out of an uncomfortable conversation…”
She crosses her arms over her leather clad chest, mimicking Ares’s stance. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” She snorts. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go upstairs.”
He moves out of her way, and I’m hot on her heels, followed closely by Chance.
“Are you two trying to sneak into bed with Zara?”
She turns to return Ares’s glare over her shoulder. “They are coming to bed with me. You have two choices. Join us or shut the fuck up.”
Chance and I grin at each other at the way Ares’s jaw hits the floor.
“No? I didn’t think so. Good night, Ares.”
She climbs the stairs without another look at him.
“Well, fuck.” I say to Ares. “You know where my room is if you change your mind. If not, there are plenty of guest rooms. Pick one and we will see you tomorrow after practice.”
Zara
I’m furious and exhausted at the same time. That isn’t a good combination, especially when guilt is part of the mix.
I exhale, relaxing just a fraction when Lev closes his bedroom door behind him.
“Your brother.” I bite out, looking at Chance. “I love him to death, but sometimes I swear to God.”
Chance chuckles. “You aren’t the only one who feels that way about him. He’s a good guy; he would do anything for the people he loves. But he can be such an asshole.”
