Page 76 of The Cursed Chalice
Who the hell is Cherry? Why did he answer that so easily?
“Cherry was before I met you.”
I shrug and look away. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“Right, next question?” He rubs slow circles on my ankle.
“What do you do for work? Are your parents alive?”
He kneads the bottom of my foot, and a little moan escapes me. “I’m an arms dealer, and yes, both are alive. Our relationship is strained.”
“Really?” I should ask more about his parents, but his tone tells me I should leave them alone.
“One more question.”
Maybe I should ask him if he wants kids? Or what his favorite meal is?
Then he reaches up to his face with the back of his hand and wipes the hollow, scarred cheek. I know what I had to ask.
“How did you get that scar?” I wait patiently, hoping that I hadn’t crossed a line.
He calmly utters, “A bad family dispute. Some fights leave scars.” He touches his face lightly. “Does my scar bother you?”
“No. I told you, it gives you character.”
His brows raise. “Character?”
“Yes, a dark and sexy character.” My cheeks feel a little hot.
“You don’t say.” He moves forward, rubbing his nose gently against mine. My lips brush his —
The door slams open. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Hecate stands with Nisa, who is peeping from behind her.
“What?”
“A groom is not supposed to see the bride before a wedding,” Hecate screeches.
Ares rises and puts on a shirt. “Hey, Cate, let me talk to Nisa. Raya will be out in a bit.”
Hecate throws her hands in the air. “No one cares about traditions anymore.” She moves out of the doorframe, leaving Nisa standing there, pulling at her fingers.
“Come in.” Ares sits at the edge of the bed.
Nisa’s lips tremble, like she’s about to cry. “I didn’t mean to get us into trouble. I’m sorry, Raya.” Her shoulders crumble, her knees wobble, and she collapses to the floor, crying. Both Ares and I run to her.
I draw her into my arms. “Shhh, it’s not your fault.”
Nisa hiccups as if she had all these tears bottled up. “People always do bad things to me. I’m so…”.
I pull her into my chest and rock her. Ares is on his knees and cradles me while I hold Nisa.
“Please don’t send me back to the home. I’ll be good.” Nisa wipes her eyes.
“Enough.” Both Nisa and I look up at Ares.
Ares’s eyebrows furrowed, and his face was taut. “You are part of this family. In some months, you will be Nisa Kallistratos.”
