Page 66 of Shadowed Bond

“Not really. Now eat.”

I’m beginning to realise that when it comes to food, Ares definitely isn’t going to let it slide. So I pick up my fork and begin eating; only then does he seem to be satisfied.

I look around the table; I kind of like the big family. I smile faintly, realising that back home our table of four will now become three… Selene… Helios… Please bless them with a child…

I look over at Skyla and Royce as he kisses her forehead, clearly mind-linking her.

A big family is nice, I say to Ares.

Don’t get too happy; they can get fucking annoying.

I raise an eyebrow and glance at him. You find everything annoying.

He simply gives me that look of his. I only find annoying things annoying.

Just admit you love them dearly, I push as I take another forkful of food.

Don’t have a choice. They keep existing and bothering the fuck out of me, he replies. You trying to start something, Princess?

I’m trying to get you to admit your feelings, I answer with a challenging smirk.

I can admit I care for you.

That throws me, not expecting him to say it outright. His hazel eyes are now locked with mine, and my heart betrays me, speeding up.

What’s wrong, Princess? Can’t continue the challenge you started? he asks. The noise around us seems to fade, and his hand suddenly rests on my bare knee, sending a shiver through me. Want me to repeat myself, Princess?

Judging by the way his mouth curves slightly, he knows exactly what effect he’s having on me.

“Ares,” I warn softly.

His fingers brush my inner leg, and I swallow.

“What?” he asks, cocking a brow, that faint, playful glint in his eyes now darkening. His hand slips beneath my dress and a rush of pleasure hits my core. I clamp my hand over his wrist, but he’s stronger, and his fingers graze my inner thigh, and his gaze drops to my mouth.

I lick my lips; suddenly they feel extremely dry, and that is all it takes.

Ares stands suddenly, his chair scraping back, and everyone looks up at him.

“Ares?” Scarlett asks.

“Need a minute,” he says.

“For what?” Carter asks.

“For you to mind your fucking business,” Ares growls.

Liam sighs. “Ares,” he warns.

“What? He asked,” Ares grunts, taking my hand and pulling me up before I can decide whether I should look composed or let him pull me along. But I find myself following him without a fight.

“Ares, where are we going?” I hiss as he leads me out of the dining room and down the hallway.

“You started it,” he says, looking down at me, and that look in his eyes makes my core clench, realising exactly what’s on his mind.

“You cannot be serious; our entire family is here,” I hiss. Although the thought of him pulling me close and kissing me seems to be overruling all logic in my mind.

Ares pushes open the bathroom door and, pulling me inside, shuts it behind us and slides the lock into place.