Page 77 of Beneath Scarred Vows
I look down at my drawing, considering his question. "Permanence, maybe? Something that endures despite everything. Fire, war, time—after everything, it's still standing."
Something flickers in Ares's eyes.
"Like you," he says softly.
The words hit me with unexpected force. I've never thought of myself that way—as someone who endures, who remains standing. I've always felt more like ruins than a monument.
"I don't know about that," I murmur, focusing intently on my sketch to avoid meeting his gaze.
"I do," Ares says with quiet certainty. He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine where they grip the pencil. "You're still standing, Katerina. After everything, you're here. Drawing. Creating beauty."
I look up, unable to resist the pull of his words. The man across from me is not the cold don who rules with fear. He's the passionate lover who consumed me so completely just days ago. He's raw and genuine.
"So are you," I tell him. "Still standing."
A shadow passes over his face. "Barely," he admits. "Sometimes I think I'm just going through the motions. Leading because I have to, not because I know how."
It's such a stark admission that I'm almost shocked by his realism, and I find myself reaching for his hand, squeezing it gently. "You're doing better than you think."
The corner of his mouth lifts slightly. "Am I?"
"Would I lie to you?" I ask, a teasing note entering my voice.
His smile widens. "No, I don't think you would. Now, please keep drawing," he says suddenly, gesturing to my abandoned sketchbook. "I meant what I said—I want to watch you."
After some time, the food arrives. It's a beautiful spread of cheeses, olives, dips, salads, and fruits. It reminds me of Kalamata, and it makes me smile as I eat.
"So," Ares says, wiping his mouth with his napkin. "We're going somewhere tonight."
"Really?" I say, taking a drink of my iced tea. "Like actually Leaving the property, together? Where?"
"It's a surprise. It's different. Probably a place you've never been to before."
"I see. Is this part of your—what did they say—refocusing efforts?" I ask.
He nods. "Yes, for both of us, I think. It'll be good."
"Can I have a hint?"
Ares smiles, his eyes shining with that dangerous edge I've come to crave.
"No." He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. "But wear something you don't mind me ripping off."
27
KATERINA
My hand rests on Ares's arm as we descend the stairs. My red dress clings to every curve of my body, highlighting my breasts in a way that draws Ares's gaze repeatedly. I catch him looking again, and a thrill runs through me.
It also doesn't help that I've decided to do something I've never done before. Something that's surprisingly making me feel bold and daring, there's nothing between the fabric of this dress and my bare skin.
No underwear.
Nothing.
I would have never thought I'd do something so crazy, but Ares seems to stir up raw, primal things in me while also giving me the courage to explore them.
I mean, he did tell me to make sure what I'm wearing is okay to ruin, so I'm just a good girl following the rules, and giving him a bit of easy access while I'm at it.
