Chapter 4

Ares

It’s been two months since we got married and every night, still, Mia escapes to the furthest guest room. And just like on our wedding day, I pick her up in the middle of the night and tuck her back in our bed for her to wake up the next day.

We don’t even talk about it. It has sort of become our routine.

To be honest, I haven’t really talked to her since that day. I go to the club before the sun rises and come back when she’s already asleep. Sometimes, I come home a bit early and see her working out on a mat in the living room, but we mostly ignore each other.

Distance is good.

Distance means I’m in control.

The only time I get with her is when I hold her small body against mine at night. I lay her on our bed and tuck the cover over her. Then I go to my side of the bed, and I remain there unless she entangles herself to me during the night. I don’t touch her and I try not to look at her.

Today was a busy one. I got bad news from one of our men in Louisville. Our warehouse burned last night, and I already know who did it.

Nero.

Fucking Italian mob from Philadephia, who’s getting hungry recently. We got a few of his guys three months ago. Vox took care of them, and Carter made them talk. Nero wants to expand with drug trafficking, and he knows we’re already set up and running here. He’s trying to get us down and collect the dough as if I would ever let that happen. I’ve reinforced the security of all our other warehouses and had a few calls with our suppliers, just making sure everything runs smoothly.

It’s already late, the sun is starting to set, and I think of Mia. I know she’s got a lot of work too, clients calling her from different time zones asking for her to work her magic in a limited time. As Maria reported to me, Mia spends her days working from home, calling her sister at lunch, knitting, reading, coloring or whatever hobby she’s in the mood for, then she works out and goes to sleep. I’ve been told she doesn’t eat much, though. That’s not okay.

I kind of wish I could observe her myself, but I’m trying not to stalk her. Watching her would make me want to talk to her more, and one thing would lead to another, and I could fucking taste the bitterness of betrayal sneaking under my ribcage.

I need to stay focused right now and not get distracted by my breathtaking wife. I’m putting together a team to guard her when she goes out. It’s taking some time because we’re fucking busy with Nero’s moves and I want to make sure she’s in the best hands possible. Normally, Old Ladies don’t need bodyguards when they go out, especially when they stay on the club’s territory, but we got threats from Nero recently, and a lot of them.

Better safe than sorry.

Calling the guys for a meeting after yesterday’s event, I put Vox on a video call. He’s back in Seattle and won’t be here for a few weeks, so we’re making it work this way. The dimly lit room at the club is filled with a mix of leather scent, metal and tension. I sit at the head of the table, fucking pissed at the money we lost last night. My brothers are gathered around.

"Alright, listen up. Nero’s making moves, and we need to shut that shit down before it gets outta hand. Last night’s fire was his fucking message. Now we need to send one back." I inform them, my voice low and steady.

Shadow, with his tall figure, leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "What’s the plan?" I know they’re as angry as me. It took us fucking work to put the warehouse up and running in Louisville, and it all went in flames before we could save anything. At least we have a dozen more spread in the country, but still, I’m fucking pissed.

"We’re gonna catch any men we can from Nero’s crew. I don’t care who it is, if they work for him, we’re taking them. Carter, you’re gonna handle the interrogation. Make them talk," I order.

Carter nods with his usual face, hiding all human emotions. "Consider it done."

Vox's voice crackles through the speaker. "I've got contacts in Philadelphia keepin' an eye on Nero's operations. We can coordinate to hit them where it hurts."

"Good," I reply. "We need to make a statement. Blade, you and Tank will be on the front lines. I want you to scout our territory, take the prospects with ya, find these bastards, and bring them in."

Blade cracks his knuckles. "Got it, boss."

I know I can count on my men and it feels good as hell to know we all have each other's backs. Blade and Tanks are twins; they’re ten years older than me. They knew the club before I became prez, but still, they live by our rules and follow my command. Both used to be in the Army. Tank had shitty PTSD. He recovered but kept the discipline in him. Blade’s more wild; sometimes I wonder if he hasn’t lost the sense of fear, the fucker’s addicted to adrenaline.

Tank, his hulking frame casting a shadow across the table, grunts in agreement. "We'll get it done."

I look around the room, making eye contact with each of my men. "This isn't just about territory or money. It's about sending a message. Nobody fucks with the Raven Sons and gets away with it. We protect our own, and we protect this club.”

“Somethin’ else.” I pinch the bridge of my nose ‘cause fuck, I hate when shit gets personal.

“Keep an eye on the folks you care about,” I warn them because I know Nero doesn’t have rules like us; he’s sneaky and could probably kidnap a woman or a child to get what he wants. “Mostly women, kids. Heard he liked to bargain. Let’s not give him the opportunity.” The air thickens, turning heavy and suffocating. They all nod, their eyes hooded and determined, like mine.

“Alright. Back to work.” I tap my hand on the massive wooden table once, and the guys all leave and go back to their tasks.

I sigh. Shit’s about to get real and violent, and somehow the only face coming to my mind is Mia’s. A protective surge spreads in my chest, making me want to punch something.

I should get back home early today. Just to see her. Make sure she’s alright.

I’ll protect her and keep her safe.

Even if she doesn’t want me to.

Mia

“I don’t know about the blue one; try the red one again,” I tell my sister on the video call we started an hour ago when she asked for my opinion on a few dresses she got.

“It has to be perfect. He’s going to be there and I want his jaw to fall on the floor, you hear me? On. The. Floor,” she chants, agitating her hands while I’m laughing on the bed.

“I know, Kia, but trust me, with the red one, if he doesn’t go into a full coma, then he’s definitely not worth your time.”

“Oh my god, you’re so right,” she giggles. An unusual noise comes out of nowhere. It can only be the main door downstairs.

Could Ares be here early?

It’s been two months since the wedding and I haven’t really seen him. The only contact we had was when he took me back to his room each night, making me wake up in an empty bed every morning. I swear this man does not sleep. I never see him; he goes to work before I wake up, and it feels…lonely.

Why does he do that?

Leaving me all alone, trapped in a fake marriage with no friends or family around. They all stayed in Chicago, which is an eight hour drive. I’m lucky my sister will come visit but I don’t want her to feel obligated to do it when she could be living her life. I’m usually always around people I meet at parties. They’re not real friends, just people I like to have around me. Honestly, my sister is my only friend. It’s sad, I know, but I’d rather have her than a hundred meaningless party friends.

“Gotta go, sis. There’s someone downstairs,” I tell her, concealing my anxiety about facing Ares after so many days.

“You think it’s him ?” She talks about him like an alien coming from another planet and honestly, she isn’t wrong about it. What kind of man leaves you alone all the time but still wakes you up each night to take you back into his bed?

It makes no sense.

I thought about stopping my little nightly escapes after a few days by myself but it was comforting to know that he would still come and get me.

Pathetic. I know, but it’s true. I miss talking to someone at the end of the day.

Facetimes with my sister can only last so long.

“Maybe, I don’t know.”

“Go ahead and tell him he’s stupid to leave you alone,” she says, pointing her index finger in the air. It makes me smile. My sister goes feral when she thinks I’m sad about something. If that doesn’t tell you how kind she is, then nothing ever will.

“I don’t think he cares enough to even listen, Kia.” My voice is surprisingly sadder than I thought. I sigh. “The red one, definitely. Gotta go. Love you, Kia.”

“Love ya,” she answers, blowing me a kiss. I end the call, and walk outside the room to the stairs in my leopard legging and pink crop top. I know they’re a bit much, but I love colors. They make me feel better. Heavy footsteps are coming to me, and before I get the time to register what’s happening, Ares stands in front of me in the wooden entryway.

I forgot how handsome he was. As if it’s even possible to forget him, but still, my jaw falls on the floor at the sight of his tall body filled with muscles and his disheveled short brown hair.

“Hey” I say, trying to keep my voice as unbothered as I can.

He drinks me from head to toe and grunts.

See? Total caveman .

“Put some clothes on and get your ass in the kitchen. I need to talk to ya,” he orders me.

“Wow, what happened to hello? How are you?” Resting a hand on my hip, I hold his gaze from the second step of the stairs. He steps closer, my shoulders stiffening all of a sudden while his massive body towers over me, his musky scent hitting me like a truck.

“Hello, wife.”

I suck in a sharp breath, the air in the room suffocating me.

Wife.

I clear my throat, my palms getting sweaty.

“I’m good in my leggings. What’s up?”

His jaw clenches.

What is wrong with the way I dress? I like funky clothes, sue me.

He doesn’t even answer me; he just turns and heads to the kitchen. Deep mahogany bleeds all over the place with steel appliances. It’s not as big as the one I got back in Chicago, but it’s cozy, warm, and there’s everything needed to cook.

“Sit,” he orders, showing me the stool next to the big island. A metallic light fixture towers over us, creating a warm ambiance around us. I walk to it, but instead of sitting like he commanded me, I stand next to it, unwilling to obey him like a puppy.

“Do you always do that? Boss people around as you please?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“It’s my home, ‘course I do as I fucking please.” He mimics my posture.

“Well, as far as I know, it’s my house too now, and if you think I’m gonna follow you around like—”

“Mia.” He shuts me in, resting his elbows on the counter in front of me, his muscles threatening to tear his black shirt apart.

Stay focused, Mia. He left you all alone. He doesn’t deserve kindness right now.

“I wasn’t done.” Locking my eyes with his emerald ones, I watch his gaze widen at my answer.

Yeah, he isn’t used to people pushing his buttons, well nice to meet you, big guy.

“You can order your staff around all you want, act like the king of the castle at your club, but here, in this house, with me, you can keep your dickhead attitude and shove it up—”

“Careful, Mia…” His lips rest in a thin line as he frowns.

“You left me all alone.” My tone is full of resentment and a hint of sadness.

“Wha—” Furrowing his brows.

“YOU. LEFT. ME. ALONE,” I say louder, putting both of my palms on the counter, anger coursing through me like a waking volcano. The silence in the room is crowding the air like a toxic substance about to suffocate us.

“I didn’t think you’d want me here.” His voice is low, as if he was taken off guard.

“What?” It’s my turn to be startled.

“You’re telling me you wanted me here, princess? Really? When you’ve been escaping our bedroom every fucking night since our wedding? C’mon, give me a break.” He shakes his head while my cheeks turn a full crimson shade.

Yes, no, I mean, I didn’t want to see him but at the same time, damn it. I didn’t think I would be alone here all the time. I thought he would come back and, I guess, talk to me. Is it that crazy to expect your fake husband to have a conversation with you every now and then? And I want to go out, go to the mall, grab a matcha latte, but how can I do it without bodyguards? I expected him to give me protection by now. I was raised the daughter of the head of the Irish Mafia. I never had the luxury of security, if he doesn’t give me one, then my life ends at the doorway. Or maybe wives of MC club presidents don’t need security, what do I know? Everything seems so different here.

“It’s not—” Shutting my eyes for a second, I gather my thoughts. “You haven’t given me any protection. I can’t go out and risk getting shot, Ares. I don’t know anyone here, but I’m gonna die of loneliness if you keep me in here like a damn damsel in distress. I need to see people. I need company. I need to go out.”

“Out?” He lifts a brow while I try as hard as I can to ignore his handsome ice-cutting jaw and light stubble.

“Yes, out. I can’t stay here all day. I’d lose my mind.” I raise my palms on both sides of my face.

“I don’t like you going out of the house,” he mutters blankly.

“Yeah, well, big news, I’m not a piece of furniture you bought and can keep in here forever. If you don’t let me out, I’ll go by myself and good luck finding me then.” Rage takes over me. I don’t plan on escaping, but if he doesn’t give me the option, I will.

“Listen to me, Mia.” Ares' low tone hits me right in the belly, his body moving toward me until his hand grabs my wrist gently, just like on our wedding day.

“You try running away… I’ll catch you so fast you won’t even have the time to step outside the gates.” His green gaze drips into mine. “You want more freedom. I can deal with that. But escaping? Don’t even try, princess. If you want this,” he moves his index finger between us, “to work, then you better learn that I don’t go easy on people who don’t hold their end of the bargain. You married me. I didn’t have to put a gun on your head for it. So stop acting like I fucking did.”

A thousand cursed words are begging to flee from my lips, but I keep them in. He’s right. I agreed to marry him. Only he doesn’t know that I did it to save my sister. I have to stay here with him. It’s the only way to protect her. Like a bird locked in a golden cage. I sigh, thick tears stuck in my throat. I won’t cry in front of him, God, no. He doesn’t deserve to see me vulnerable.

“I told you to come here because we’re having some movement at the club. I won’t tell you much for your safety, but families might be targeted so that’s why I didn’t give you protection the past weeks.” His emerald eyes narrow like he’s coming clean from his awful behavior.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, princess, oh.” A slight grin dancing at the corner of his lips. “You’re gonna have to wait a few more days before I settle a team for you, then you’ll go out as you please as long as you stay in our territory and always with them,” he explains, flexing his hand after letting my wrist go. “It’s not usually necessary but we’re having a bit of an…issue with a gang and I can’t take any risk with you.”

Threats and gangs, words I’m all too accustomed to since my early days.

“Them?”

“At least two of my men with you at all times. It’s this, or you stay here.” I sigh. Yeah, okay, I guess we can call this a compromise. “Maybe we’ll switch to one if things settle, but in the meantime, two of them,” he explains. I nod, my gaze drifting to his large, tattooed hands.

Those hands look like they have killed a thousand men and ruined hundreds of women.

“Alright, one more thing: we’re hosting dinner tomorrow night,” he adds, his voice faltering a bit. “Just my sister and her husband, nothing big.”

“Really?” Joining my fists in front of my chest like I had just been told I would get a present. “That’s so exciting! What should I wear?”

Ares’s brows furrows, his eyes darkening on my short pink top.

“Anything else that has more fabric than this will do,” he says with a sarcastic tone.

Lifting my chin up, I reply, “You can really be a jerk sometimes, you know?” He tilts his head at my answer.

“The fuck you just say to me?” The vein of his forehead pulses with rage.

“Just saying, big guy. You should stop trying so hard. Eyes don’t lie,” I remark, punching him in the gut with my fire. I’ve seen the way Ares drinks me up from head to toe each time he sees me, arranged marriage or not, I know he’s attracted to me. It doesn’t take a lot in life to understand how lust dances in a man’s eyes like a predator ready to feast on its prey. His eyes widen slightly as if he was trying so damn hard to conceal his astonishment. Bet no one talks to him that way here.

Clenching his jaw, he gets closer to me, his scent so close I can inhale it.

“You’re right, Mia,” he almost purrs, lowering his mouth to my ear, his breath hitting my jawline and decorating my skin with goosebumps. “Watching you in those tight clothes every night makes me want to give you a burn so good you’ll forget why you were ever put into this fucking marriage in the first place.” His rough hands drift to my wrists and encircle them.

Just like on our wedding day.

I clear my throat, my mouth suddenly drier than the Sahara.

“But you see, Mia, it doesn’t matter how much fabric you’ve got on your perfect little body ‘cause I don’t plan on touching you. You’re a business deal to me. Nothing more,” he murmurs in a sultry voice hitting me right in the guts, where hatred and lust fight relentlessly.

Of course I am. That’s what you are when you get forced to marry someone else.

You’re a part of a deal.

A chess piece.

Disposable, forgettable, worthless.

I swallow hard hearing the truth I wish I didn’t have to listen out loud. No one likes to know they could disappear the next morning and no one would ever look for them. No one likes to know they are married to someone who doesn’t care about them at all. And yet, that’s my reality. I try to compose myself, removing my wrists from his hold and stepping back. My eyes lock with his, pride pouring out of my gaze as I try to ignore the fire he just set inside my belly.

“Good,” I declare with the rest of the confidence I gather in myself. “That makes both of us.” A switch in his eyes tells me he’s not buying it one bit, but I refuse to admit it to him.

“Yeah, good,” he answers dryly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I hiss in a breath before turning right back into the living room, feeling his burning gaze shooting holes in my back. No matter what he says, I do have an effect on him.

Good or bad, that's what I need to find out.