“I’m in a good fucking mood,” Ares practically slurs the words, which proves he’s fighting against sleep. “Don’t jinx it.”
“You’re on hydration duty.”
Ares takes thirty seconds to reply.
“What?”
“You make sure Dolcezza drinks water and her electrolytes,” Zander emphasizes. “You always forget her health is a priority.”
I catch onto the movement on Ares’ side, how his head lifts. His eyes are barely open, as though the lids are too difficult to keep up.
“I do try.”
“No, you don’t.” Zander may sound tired, but those words are stern and clear. “I feed her and make sure she’s taking her meds. Warren makes sure she has some lunches in her lockers when he’s not busy being a hidden bodyguard. You don’t do either. Neither did Domino. It was written in the report.”
Report.
That had to be the official written requirements and expectations that led to the Ruthless Kings being solidified into their positions. Everyone thinks it’s a lie or mocking joke, but there are criteria that need to be followed every year. It’s exactly why, some years, the incentive for being ruthless to your Maiden rewards you.
In other instances, it ruins your entire chance to maintain those royal statuses, despite having all the right qualifications in the Empire department.
Ares breathes loudly.
“You hacked the system.”
“I acquired valuable information to ensure I can maintain my Ruthless King of Havoc title for another year,” Zander corrects. “I did that after I masturbated to you fucking Sweet Dynamite senseless in the closet. The skylight is a good angle, if you ask me.”
“Perv.”
“I would refer to my possessive overprotective qualities as being a qualified stalker,” he offers as an alternative. “Remember to do your duty.”
“Fine,” Ares grunts while his head falls back onto the pillow. “Let me have an arm.”
“Hmmm.” Zander’s thinking about it. “No.”
“Dick.”
“Tell me something new.”
“You were watching us on your phone?” Ares decides to ask instead.
“No, in my office. The hidden one. That you haven’t seen, obviously.”
“Are you going to show me?”
“It wouldn’t be hidden if I did, stupid.”
“You’re only saying that because I’m not the one you’re wishing will find it,” Ares grunts.
“See? You’re smart when you want to use that gifted brain of yours for more than analyzing your angles for the best million-dollar pose.”
“Fuck you,” Ares huffs. “Okay, let me hold her hand.”
Zander’s on another thinking tangent.
“Fine.”
“Thank God,” Ares groans. “We’re gonna have to share her often if it means I’m getting some good sleep.”