“That’s Cave. He chases people in the cornfield. I think that material would make my ass itch. Don’t make eye contact—he’s not friendly.”
I ponder what he means by chases. He hasn’t said much about the place, but I have to admit I’m intrigued. What really goes on here after dark?
“What do you mean, ‘chases’?”
Vero leans forward across the table. “We will need more alcohol for this talk, and I really shouldn’t tell you because it’s top secret. You seem like you could keep one, though.”
I snort at that. My face definitely does not look like it can keep a secret, but since I really don’t like people, secrets are safe with me.
Vero jumps up from his chair and goes over to the bar, where Ares shakes his head and Vero laughs. Ares finally hands over his phone, and Vero types away, then the music changes.
He comes back and sits down, bopping his head along to the sultry beat.
“What’s this song?” I ask.
“It’s ‘Baby Can You Sin for Me’ by Ex Habit. I need to set the mood.”
“Fair enough.”
“I want to chase you,” Vero blurts out.
My mouth drops open, but I snap it shut again to give him a chance to finish.
“I know that sounds super forward since we just met, but something about you calls to me. If it’s too much, tell me to back off and we will be friends—that part is non-negotiable because I like you. Not many people actually want to hang out with me, and if they do, that changes really quickly, but it seems like I don’t annoy you at all.”
I reach my hand across the table and place it on top of his. “You don’t annoy me—I find you refreshing. I honestly don’t likepeople, but you are my kind of people. That said, I may need more of an explanation besides,I want to chase you.”
His smile takes over his face, and it’s gorgeous. How anyone could not like this man is beyond me.
“Want a tour? I can explain as we walk.”
Ares appears at the table and sets a single sheet of paper in front of me.
“Before Vero’s mouth gets ahead of him”—he glances sideways, and I catch the warning in his eyes—“you’ll need to sign this.”
I look down at the paper and then back up at him.
“It’s an NDA. Whatever he tells you tonight stays private.”
I pick it up and scan what is written. I’m not a person who signs anything without reading it first, and something tells me Ares already knows that about me.
“You’re not signing your life away,” he says, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough for me to catch it. “Not yet, anyway.”
With a sigh, I grab the pen. Fuck it—now I am super intrigued about what goes on here after dark that’s so secret they need an NDA.
I sign my name, and Ares picks up the pen and paper, then winks at me. “I hope we get to see more of you around here, Kayla. It was nice to meet you. And Vero, everyone has left now except whoever Vesper has in her sights, so steer clear of her area.”
“That witch scares me. I have no interest in being anywhere near her.”
Ares chuckles. “How about we both take Kayla on a tour? You can explain what goes on here, while I make sure everyone’s areas are shut down.”
Ares offers me his hand, and as he helps pull me to my feet, I realize I am a lot drunker than I anticipated.
Ares
My friends think I have a moral compass. But I don’t have morality; I have rules. I follow them because they’re logical, not because they’re right. Consent is a rule. Safety protocols are rules. I don’t break those, which makes people think I’m ethical. But I’d follow any set of rules.
My morality is a performance, and I’m a talented actor.
