Page 82 of Alpha Marked

A knock sounded on the door, and River broke the kiss.

"What?" he called.

"Your phone meeting starts in five," called Theo.

"Coming."

He kissed River again, wondering if he would ever want to do anything but be in bed with her once they were mated.

"Do you promise not to do anything more than go to your studio and come back?" asked Ares.

River nodded. "Promise."

A memory stirred, and his eyes narrowed on her.

"What?"

He let his erection press into her. "Don't bring any of the toys in your nightstand. You won't be needing them anymore."

River's mouth dropped open, and her cheeks flushed.

Ares smiled and pressed his lips to hers.

Before she said a word, he turned and left the room.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

True to his word, Ares sent Theo, Santiago, Drew, and Lachlan with her to her studio. It was stupid, beyond stupid. But she didn't fight it because, surprisingly, it made her relax a fraction to have the men with her. Especially knowing her attacker knew where she might be. Hopefully, he wouldn't expect her to go home after being in the hotel for the week. Or better yet, hopefully, he'd gone back into hiding after the defeat.

In the past week or so, she'd been with them all she'd grown to like Ares' men. But more than that, she'd grown to trust them.

After packing up everything she wanted to take to Canada, she'd gone to her bedroom and emptied her nightstand drawer into a trash bag. She'd been mortified Ares had found her little stash but also aroused at the idea he would fulfill whatever she wanted from now on.

Now, sitting back in her room in the suite with Bianca, an assortment of room service meals sitting before her, she couldn't help but admit being away from Ares had caused an ache inside. He may have a million things going on, but she'd thought he might at least call or text her once during the afternoon. And when he hadn't, she'd found herself missing him.

"What do you want to watch this time?" Bianca asked.

"Something violent." River scanned the assortment of food and chose a fry.

"Really?" said Bianca. "I'd have thought after your night at the opera, you would want something tamer."

River snorted. "Like what? Hallmark?"

Bianca giggled.

The door to the bedroom opened, and Ares walked in. He noticed the half-dozen carts of food and then looked at River.

"Hungry?"

River huffed. "Yes. I just couldn't figure out what for."

He nodded. "I need to dress for the dinner meeting."

Bianca stood and crossed to the door. "I'll go check on Zeke."

Ares stepped to the side and let her go before closing the door behind himself.

River watched him for a moment, and he shucked off his coat. Tension surrounded him that hadn't when he'd left earlier.

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