Page 27 of Major Penalty

Ares slowly peels his eyes off me and looks down at Tia. “I’m sure,” he tells her.

I blink as I glance between them, and for some reason, I hate what I see.

I don’t like the way she looks at him, trying to get his attention. I don’t want to acknowledge what this feeling is, and I don’t like it.

He shifts his weight and stands back up, adjusting the small girl on his hip, before adding in that impossibly deep, impossibly steady voice.

“I take them out every week.”

“Out?” I ask, finally mustering the courage to step closer.

“Picnic. Park. Arcades. Sometimes, the movies.” Ares’ eyes return to mine.

“Oh, wow,” I breathe out because I don’t know what to do with this information.

The notion of the same man who held me against an exam table and had me seconds away from breaking apart without even touching me…taking these kids out, spending time with them. Did he get arrested? Is that part of his probation period? It’s the only explanation.

“Well, unfortunately, I have to stay in with the youngest.” Tia pouts with a crooked smile.

Ares doesn’t reply; just nods.

“You’ve got an extra set of hands today, though,” she continues, nodding in my direction, and my stomach drops.

What?

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

“Are you coming, Miss Irene?” One of the kids tugs at my dress.

Oh.Oh, no.

I wasn’t supposed to be a part of this. I was supposed to do my volunteer shift and leave without any new existential crises and run-ins with the man who hasn’t left my thoughts since I first saw him.

And now, I have to spend the rest of the day with him. I have to watch him be something I didn’t even know he was capable of being.

“She is,” Ares replies instead of me, giving the kid a small smile, but his eyes are intense. The kids all start jumping up and down, throwing their little hands in the air.

“Perfect! It’s settled then.” Tia claps her hands.

“I’m so happy you’re coming, Miss Irene!” A small girl with wild curls beams at me before tugging on Ares’ arm. He glances down. “Miss Irene is really nice to us.”

I’m trying to learn their names, but I’ve only been here a few times.

Ares gives the girl a small smile and scoops her into his arms too. The girl’s small hands grip his shoulders.

“She’s so beautiful, too!” She looks at me, beaming.

Ares tilts his head slightly, glancing at me. And the look in his eyes…I feel it everywhere. He considers me before he looks back at the girl.

“Yeah?” he finally speaks.

His voice is lighter like he’s amused.

“Yeah.” The little girl nods. “I want to look like her when I grow up.”

Ares flicks his gaze back to mine, humming.

My breath shudders, and his lips twitch. Barely.

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