Page 30 of Major Penalty

Ares shifts, grabs a water bottle from the bag, and cracks it open.

“Everyone, drink some water.” His voice leaves no room for argument.

Every single kid reaches for their bottles trusting whatever he tells them to do, it’s for a reason. And that does something to me.

I watch quietly as they all sip from their water bottles.

“I have another game for you,” he tells them, his voice softer now but still carrying that edge.

“What?” The kids perk up immediately.

“I’m looking for the prettiest flowers in the park.” Ares leans back slightly, tilting his head.

Gasps. Excitement. Screams of “I can find them” and “No, me!”

Ares lifts a hand, and the kids go quiet again.

“You can all find them. But you know the rules.”

“Stay where I can see you,” the kids shout in unison.

“That’s right.” Ares nods.

“Are you going to give them to Miss Irene?” Viki asks with a giggle.

“I am.” Ares nods with a small smile. My eyes snap to his, my lips parting to suck in more air. “That’s why I’m looking for the prettiest ones. Can you guys help me?”

"Yes!" they all shout together, eyes locked on Ares, waiting for his signal.The moment he claps his hands, the kids explode into action—scrambling, sprinting, rushing off in every direction to pick the best flowers they can find. And just like that, we’re alone.

I stare at him, forcing myself to speak.

“You’re good with them,” I say, my voice softer than intended. Ares flicks his gaze to me, and under the weight of his stare, I shift slightly on the blanket. “And they trust you.”

He leans back on his hands, head tilting as he watches me.

“It took a lot of work,” he says.

“You’ve been coming here for a while, haven’t you?”

Ares exhales slowly, but it’s not that usual detached calm he hides behind. And it’s not the teasing edge he’s used with me before, either.

This is different—quieter. Raw.

“I know what it’s like,” he murmurs. “To feel lonely, scared, and so fucking angry you don’t know what to do with it. To look around and realize there’s no one there for you.”

His words settle deep in my chest, heavy and real. This is not what I expected from Ares. I didn’t even know this side of him existed. I want to ask him why. I want to ask him how long he’s been doing this. I want to know everything. But I hold back.

I can’t push too hard. I’ve seen how he shuts people out. I can’t rush this. But God, how I want to know what’s inside his head. What made him this way. What’s happened to him that he hides so well behind that tough exterior. I want to see the parts of him that no one else does. If I want to understand him, I have to tread carefully. I have to make him feel like he’s in control, like he’s the one who’s wants to open up when he’s ready, not me pushing him.

Ares’ voice breaks me out of my thoughts.

“Where did you grow up?” His voice is casual, as if it’s no big deal, but there’s a look in his eyes that tells me he’s waiting for an answer that matters. It’s not just small talk. It’s not just him being curious.

“Here in LA,” I reply, wondering why I feel as though he’s looking for more than that.

He hums, testing my answer, but he doesn’t press. “What made you want to work as a PTA for the Panthers?”

I pause for a second, unsure of how much to reveal. From what I’ve seen, Ares is dangerously perceptive and observant, so I choose my words carefully.

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