Chapter Fourteen
ARES
I ’ve never been good at waiting or thinking things through, especially when I was younger. Apollo always blamed my recklessness on being the impulsive younger brother. I realize there’s truth to that statement, but I’ve grown since then—I take more time making decisions these days.
Except when it comes to Kyra.
I can’t help the possessive asshole that comes out of me. Everything about her calls to me. She’s my sunshine mixed with a little hurricane. I physically ache for her, and I hate it. This isn’t a feeling I’ve felt before. I’m a man obsessed, and it’s only been two weeks of allowing her back into my life.
It’s why I’m pretending to be busy at my work laptop while standing at the kitchen island. Men are moving around me. Half a dozen strangers are assembling furniture and painting walls. And every fucking piece is something she picked out. Everything she suggested.
Her first few suggestions were fine, though a bit generic. She was sharing ideas she knew I would like for a bachelor pad. A few weeks ago, those ideas would’ve been perfect. It wasn’t until her eyes lit up with ideas on what she would do to the space if it were hers that I took more notice.
I paid attention.
It was like a switch had flipped because I realized then how badly I wanted her in my space. I wanted her to invade every corner of my life like she was my mind. Getting rid of the boyfriend was something that solved itself easily, and quickly. I was grateful it wasn’t messy, and he wasn’t an issue.
Kyra living in her sorority house was the bigger issue at the moment. It wasn’t going to work for me, not when I wanted—needed—her in my space. I know how important the Omegas were to her. She has responsibilities and loves being a legacy. I just need to come up with a plan.
There are more important things to her. Like the summer program. I could probably make a few phone calls, but I know she wouldn’t want that. She can also do it without my help. I see the determination on her face and the way her eyes light up when she talks about ancient history and exploring the places I’ve already been. It’s the same way I get excited every time I get to go back. I can never put into words the connection I feel walking the same paths I know someone else did over two thousand years ago, to feel connected in history like that and know that only time is the thing separating us.
She loves history, and I know just how to help her without going behind her back. I pull my phone out of my pocket and send a quick message to my assistant.
Me: I’m taking a personal week next week. So take an extra week of paid vacation. Nothing going on at the moment.
Jules: What’s gotten into you?
Jules: I mean, thank you.
Me: Actually, make that two weeks.
Jules: Are you dying?
Me: Enjoy your extra paid vacation time, considered it a random bonus.
Jules: Are you sure?
Me: I’ll talk to you in a couple of weeks.
Jules: Thanks boss.
The next part of my plan comes into play. I swipe over to Kyra.
Me: I know what will help you.
Kyra: What are you talking about?
Me: You need another “in” and I’m going to give it to you. I know you already turned in your application for the summer program, but I know what will give you an edge.
Kyra: I’m listening.
Me: My assistant is on vacation and I could use help at the auction house.
Kyra: I’m not an assistant nor do I have time between school and the games and everything else.
Me: You want to bump elbows with people who can help you with both the summer program and “everything else”
Kyra: What would I need to do?
Me: Do some of your research and study time at my office, the opportunities will present themselves.
Kyra: What’s the catch?
Me: You don’t believe I would do something nice just because?
Kyra: I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Me: What is that supposed to mean?
Kyra: I don’t think we should spend time around each other alone right now.
That wasn’t going to work for me. I could pick up what she was hinting at.
Me: I’ll be on my best behavior.
It was a lie.
Kyra: Can I think about it?
Me: You can think about it on your way over to the auction house after your afternoon class.
Kyra: I’ve got plans at the library.
Me: See you soon.
Kyra: What?
Kyra: No.
Kyra: Ares, I’m serious.
I leave her on read.
If she thinks she’s going to blow me off, she’s got another thing coming. I close my laptop and slip it into my work bag. The building manager already knows I’ve got a crew working up here, and the security is top-notch. Still, I let the guys know I’ll be back in a little while, not that they’ll still be here when I plan on returning.
* * *
Stalking is just being stealthy while approaching your target. It doesn’t sound so bad when you look at the basic definition of it. It’s not my fault I find myself hiding in the shadows of the library watching and waiting.
Kyra glances up and I wonder if she can feel my eyes on her. She types up something at her laptop then writes something down on the piece of paper next to her. She taps the tip of her eraser to the table before placing the pencil down and standing up. Her eyes move to her laptop screen once more before moving away from the table.
I keep to the shadows, walking alongside her as her eyes scan the rows looking for something in particular. I wait until she turns down one of the rows filled with history and geography books. Her gaze moves across the first few shelves then she steps closer, her finger brushes a few spines looking for a specific book.
My eyes glance down at the book in my hand. It was a lucky guess it might be one she would want to use. One of the ones I’d suggested on Ancient Greece. I’ll take it as a sign. Fate. I was correct.
Kyra steps closer and mumbles. “Where is it?”
I step softly behind her. “Looking for this?”
She spins around with a gasp. “Damn it, Ares. Stop scaring me like that.”
A smirk covers my face as I hold out the book to give it to her—as if it were that easy.
Her eyes narrow, and she reaches for it, but I raise it up out of her reach. “What will you give me for it?”
“Please give me the book.” She groans and places her hands on her hips. “This isn’t a game, Ares.”
“Sure it is, princess.” I bring the book down in front of her face until she grabs hold of it.
Only, I don’t let go. I slowly raise it up higher until she’s forced onto her toes. She doesn’t let go. Both of our hands are on the book, and I can’t help the smile that grows on my face.
If it weren’t a game, she would’ve let go by now. She could still let go and walk away, but she doesn’t. I take a step forward, pressing her back into the shelves. Her eyes widen as they look up at me.
“What’s it going to be, Kyra?” My hand teases the edge of her skirt, rubbing circles on her outer thigh. “What will you give me?”
Kyra sucks in the edge of her bottom lip briefly before slowly releasing it between her teeth. “What do you want?” She swallows.
I lean my face close to hers, then close to her ear. “What if I want everything?” I pull back slowly, my lips brushing across her jawline. “What if I want you?”
“You don’t mean it.” She shakes her head. “It’s all games with you.”
“Do you think last night was just a game?” My hand moves slowly from the side of her thigh, to the front. My fingers toy with the hem of her skirt as I move my hand between her legs, slowly. “Did you think I wanted to stop?”
Kyra’s lips part in a silent gasp and she holds her breath. Her face grows red. The flush stretches down her neck and across her chest. She slowly exhales and I can practically feel her heart beating faster.
“The thing about being back in these stacks, is all the shadows.” My hand creeps up slowly. “Nobody can see us.” She whimpers out as I brush my knuckles against her. “Do you want me to stop?”
Kyra shakes her head.
I move my fingers, gently pressing against her center. Rubbing softly at her core. “Can you keep quiet?” My lips brush hers. “Tell me to stop.” I rub my fingers more firmly and feel her panties dampen with arousal. “If I don’t stop, you’re mine.” She whimpers. “You want that, don’t you? To be mine?” My lips claim hers and it feels like a thunderstorm behind my eyes. Lightning surges through my body and all I want to do is claim every inch of her. I pull back so I can watch her face as my fingers continue to move.
“Ares,” my name comes out of her lips like a whispered prayer.
My fingers gently rub and place just the right amount of pressure. I swallow her next breath with a kiss, and she moans into my mouth. I’m desperate for her. This gorgeous woman in my arms doesn’t know the power she holds over me. Here I am, wanting to kiss her deep enough as if I’m her oxygen. I want to bury myself so deep she doesn’t know where she ends, and I begin.
“You’ve got to be quieter than that.” I speak between kisses.
She keeps one hand clinging to the book while the other glides across my side then up my chest. Her fingers are digging into me as she comes apart on my hand. My fingers continue until she stills, then I pull my hand out from between her legs.
Kyra buries her face in my chest. “I can’t believe that just happened,” she whispers.
“That was just the start.” I release the book. “Come with me.”
She pulls back and tries to hide from me. My fingers move to brush some of her hair behind her ear.
“Ares.” She tries to step around me, but I cage her in. “I need to go and study.”
“We’re not done here, princess.” I lift her chin and place a soft kiss to her lips. “Fuck, I knew once I kissed you, I wouldn’t be able to stop.”