Chapter 24

Mia

“Seriously, Ares, if I fall, you will never hear the end of—” I hiss between my teeth, struggling to walk with my heels.

“We’re almost there,” he assures me.

“Why did I choose those shoes?” I grunt, and it makes him chuckle.

“Look good in them, princess. Here, one more step.” With one hand on my lower back and one holding my hand, Ares leads me God knows where after making me swear to close my eyes for the whole drive. The tiny green butterflies of my strappy heels won’t make it, but they were worth it. I look bomb with them on.

“That’s it, alright, open them.” His hand resting on my hips behind me.

I take a deep breath and slowly open my eyes, bracing myself for whatever Ares has planned. The sight that greets me is nothing short of breathtaking.

“Oh my god, Ares,” I breathe out, struggling to keep my excitement in check. “What…how…?”

“You like it?” Stepping next to me, his gaze stares at me as if he’s studying my every move. I let out a dramatic sigh, feeling like I’ve just stepped into a high-fashion fairytale. The space is enormous, with high ceilings and big windows letting in an abundance of natural light. The walls are a soft, calming gray, providing the perfect backdrop for the vibrant clothes and accessories that fill the room.

“It’s for you, princess. You said you needed a place to work sometimes outside of the house. I found this place a few months ago,” he explains, his voice faltering a bit.

A few months ago? He already knew he wanted to keep me back then…

“This is perfect. I can’t believe you did this.” Turning to him, my hands land on his chest.

“Well, I got help, and I called Kiara a few times to make sure you’d like it.” He grins.

What? He called my seventeen-year-old sister? My dangerous, moody, mountain of muscles husband took the time to call my sister to make sure I would love this place? And just when I thought I couldn’t fall in love with my husband even more…

The centerpiece is a long marble counter, topped with an array of accessories—glittering jewelry, stylish sunglasses, and other fashion essentials. I let out a delighted laugh as I spot the seating area, beautifully styled with plush chairs and a chic coffee table. I mean, come on, someone pinch me, please? Even if this is the opposite of his rustic style, there’s still some touches of wood and metal here and there, reminding me of our home.

“I could sit with the clients here and show them the clothes I selected for them here,” I point at the dressing area, “Ares, I don’t know how to thank you; this is perfect.”

I turn to him and fist the hem of his suit, pulling him toward me and crushing my lips to his. A low growl comes out of his handsome lips, and I suddenly feel like I’ve been sunburned, his gaze dripping on me like lava.

“I wanted it to be perfect for you.” His nose touches mine. “Glad you like it, princess.”

“I’ve always wanted to have a place of mine to work and have clients. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” I kiss him once more, this time holding nothing back.

Ares’s phone rings and breaks our kiss. “Damn it,” he says, taking the call, “yeah, alright, she’ll be there in five,” he says, his hand stroking the side of my throat gently.

I love when he does this.

Gentle, yet rough.

Like a china doll in the hands of a bear.

“Ash and Carter are downstairs to get you home.”

I nod, then just before leaving, he stares at me with a spark in his eyes and lifts my hand to his mouth, leaving a kiss on the inside of my wrist.

“I’ll see you tonight, big guy.” I smile, biting my lip.

“See you tonight, princess.”