Their Wife: Book 2

Ten (Part 1)

"No," Ryder said as he rose to his feet.

He had vocalized what my opening and closing mouth wanted to but wasn't quite able to, as I looked up at the dark-haired man from where I was perched on the bed.

Ares paid him no mind, keeping his attention focused on me. "If..." He started but paused as he seemed to carefully consider his next words. "If you're unwilling, we could hold off for few days, maybe weeks, and try to figure something else out," he said, sounding reluctant even as the words willingly left his mouth. "But if you can, know I'll make sure you make it out of there safe."

I blinked at him. If it was possible for me to be any more surprised than I already was from learning the details of how I was going to get our target's attention, his offer would have done it. It was strange how his willingness to change the plan for my comfort made my trust in him grow dangerously.

I found myself closing my mouth as I become more confident with Ares's reassurance. He said he would keep me safe, his behaviour since I had awoken to him tending my wounds only served to prove that he would. He had already demonstrated it through his actions, so I knew his words carried weight.

But I didn't need his reassurance to go through with the plan. I had my own motivation, my own goal to achieve. I was going to trust Ares but not because he had gained it, but because I wanted to get out of this magical land of magical ways to die.

Really. I just wanted to get back to earth.

If I was being honest, there was a bit of relief that came with the knowledge that I didn't have to make some bold move to catch the man's attention, no I just had to play the role of a drunk and vulnerable girl ripe for the picking. It turned out my target was a predator who preyed on the innocent and vulnerable.

At least I knew I would have no guilt for stealing from him now. I didn't feel any for those who preyed on vulnerable individuals who couldn't walk, let alone consent to anything further.

"If... if it goes too far, would you step in?" I asked looking Ares in his eyes. The lavender no longer reminded me of Zev unless they were clouded in angry.

"What!" Ryder shouted as he turned his heated gaze to me. It was strange to have a look that I had thought was reserved for Ares pointed at me. The harshness made me realize how gentle his eyes typically were when looking at me.

"Yes," Ares answered calmly.

"No," Ryder simultaneously said, shaking his head. "I'm not going to let you victimize yourself for some stupid key."

His words struck a nerve for some reason. I think it was his accusation of victimizing myself. I wasn't going to be victimizing myself, I was going to put on an act to manipulate an asshole. My eyes narrowed on him.

"I don't need your permission," I said, rising to my feet, my eyes daring him to object.

His lips tightened. "Yes, you do," he said, not heeding my warning.

My fist tightened. Raising my head I approached Ares, ignoring Ryder as he stood intimidatingly with his arms crossed. He wasn't my intended target, though, his bag lying on his bed was. It had just what I needed to drive home the point to Ryder. Although it was frightening to do so, I was going to start making the decisions in my life, regardless of whether they turned out well or not.

Ares watched me silently along with Ryder as I grabbed his bag without permission and pulled the drawstring top open. Pulling it open, I hesitated before reaching in. All I could see was a black pit in the opening, nothing else.

"Picture the item you want as you reach in," Ares said, stealing my attention for a moment. Giving him a small thankful smile, I prepared to do what he said.