“I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t have such shitty taste in boys, Zara.” Dad sighs.
“What exactly is your problem with Ares? What has he ever done to make you hate him so much?” I ask.
“He’s a De Bellis.”
“You can’t hate someone because of their last name,” I tell him. “That’s not fair. You haven’t even given him a chance. And just so you know, his parents like me. Cammi and Vin have both said I’m welcome in their home anytime. And yet, I can’t bring Ares here because you’re an overbearing… something from theold ages. You can’t choose who I date. I go along with everything else you want me to do. But this? It’s not your choice.”
“Zara.” My mum eyes me with pity.
“I’m fine. I’m going to bed.” I walk upstairs and head to my suite.
I can hear my mum yelling at Dad again. And when I get into my bedroom, I lock myself inside and look at the bed. I want nothing more than to lie under my covers and cry. I force myself to go to my bathroom, wash the makeup off my face, and brush my hair. Then I sit on my bed and do the one thing I think will help me not totally fall apart right now.
Ares answers my call on the third ring. “Hey, hold on a sec.”
There’s a lot of noise, and I can see him walking through his house.
“Okay, that’s better,” he says, closing a door. I glance behind him and realise he’s in his bedroom.
“I’m sorry. Were you busy? Shit, I forgot your family was over.”
“It’s okay, I’ve had enough family time. What’s wrong? Why do you look like you’re about to cry? What happened?”
“I…” I stop and take a deep breath. “I called you because I thought maybe if I spoke to you, I wouldn’t just lie in my bed and cry all night.” I’m really trying to change, to fix myself. Even if I know I’m depending on Ares to help me way more than I should.
“I’m glad you called. Did something happen to set you off? How was dinner?”
“My dad tried to pimp me out to Ewen Atwood.”
“He what?” Ares’s tone changes. His jaw clenches. “What the fuck, Zara?”
“He suggested Ewen call me to arrange a date.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. I was in shock.”
“You didn’t think to tell the guy that you already have a boyfriend?”
“I didn’t think my dad would ever do something like this. I didn’t know what to do.”
“You’re not going out with Ewen Atwood,” Ares says.
“I have no intention of going out with him. Besides, he’s gay.”
“I know. But if anyone can tempt a gay guy to try a woman, it’s you.” Ares smirks.
“Thanks?”
“Is that why you’re upset?”
“My father tried to pimp me out. So, yeah, it upset me. But it’s not just that. He really doesn’t like you. He’s going to do anything to stop me from seeing you.”
“The only person who can stop you from seeing me… is you, P. We’re not going to let anyone come between us.”
“You’re right.”
“I usually am,” Ares says.
