Chapter 233: Once A Devil, Always A Devil "Thank you," Ares murmured. "For what?" "For Esme." A softness took over those icy orbs, and it wasn’t just a flicker of it. "She’s perfect." I shivered when his thumb stroked my cheek, and it was as if a fire was being ignited, and I don’t know how to stop it from spreading. It started where his hand caressed, flaring to my neck down to my chest, where I felt a burn, and it wasn’t pain; it was like my heart was being dipped in pure fire. I rasped heavily as I closed my eyes, his cold breath tickling my face; it was soothing in a way. And when I flickered my eyes open, I got drowned in those blues and was pulled into them. They weren’t filled with lust or hunger; it was pure adoration. I was struck by it, and all I could do was gape with my mouth hung open. What’s happening? Is... Is Ares in—! Ares released me, and with it the fire that burned through my skin. "Goodnight." "G-Goodnight." I watched him leave, standing there like a statue. ~☆~ I rasped, sitting up with a start, my entire body trembling. I looked at my hands, sighing in relief when I found no blood. Thank God. I buried my face in my hands, tears slipping beneath my lashes. After minutes of staring into space, I got a grip of myself, running a hand through my hair. I took off the covers, feeling a shiver run through me, and goosebumps rose on my skin. I was sweating, and the sudden brush of air made me feel cold. I walked to the window to close it, but I paused when I caught Ares’ house across the street. I wonder how long he intended to stay here. Well, he bought a house, so that answered my question. I sat at the window nook, pulling my knees to my chest. Just knowing he was right there, gave me ease. I didn’t realize when my eyelid grew heavy, and I fell asleep. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" I jumped awake, distraught. "What? What? Is the house on fire?" "It’s time to get me ready for school!" I winced at her loud voice. "What?" "School!" She ran out. I rubbed my eyes, looking out the window, and almost got blinded by the light. "Shit!" In panic, I crawled out of the nook to my nightstand and grabbed my glasses, putting them on and reading the clock. It’s only 6 a.m! Esme has never woken this early before. I was usually the one who dragged her out of bed. Where is this energy coming from? I growled, collapsing back on the bed. A few more minutes would be good. "MOMMY!" Or not. I was yawning most of the time as I got Esme ready for school. After flipping the last of the pancakes, I walked to the dining room. "Easy!" Esme was rushing through her breakfast, grabbing the orange juice, and gulping down the entire thing. "Finished!" "Okay, are you being chased or something? Why are you—" A knock on the door stopped me. Esme grabbed her backpack and ran towards it. I was faster and grabbed the doorknob to unlock. "Esme, we don’t know who is at the door, so don’t—" I paused. Ares. "M-Morning..." I stuttered, a bit startled. A smile curled on his lips, and seeing his dimples this early was not on my to-do list. Fuck. "Is Esme ready?" I opened my mouth to speak, but Esme’s voice came loud. "I’m ready!" I looked back at Ares for an explanation, but it was Esme who filled me in. "Mister King told me he would walk me to school from now on since your car is broken down." I tried to find my words, but I just stuttered instead. I told Ares about my car when Esme was asleep. How did she...! Esme had already slipped past me to Ares and took his hand. He winked at me before leaving, and realization struck me hard. That fucking devil! He did something to my car, didn’t he?! I scoffed, folding my arms as I watched them go. Of course he did. Who else would go through such length? Does he realize how much I spent to maintain that car?! "Ugh!" I growled, going back to finish up so that I could get to work on time, and whose fault is that? I kept muttering curses under my breath as I sped everything up and rushed out of the house. The walk didn’t take long since I was practically speed-walking. Thankfully, Harper had arrived early today and was in the middle of mopping when I got there. "Morning, boss..." she said before pausing. "You’re out of breath; maybe you should work out more." I haven’t even considered working out for a really long time. "Is your car not ready yet?" "I don’t think it will ever be..." I wheezed while walking inside like a zombie. I swear to God, I’m gonna get him back for this! A few minutes in, I settled in and was able to attend to my morning customers; thank God I didn’t miss any of them. I knew I had Harper and Maria, but I loved attending too; it makes it more fun, especially with their compliments. "Thank you for coming!" I waved as they left. I heard the door again. I lifted my gaze with a smile, but it dropped when I saw Ares. I folded my arms when he got close and sat by the counter, resting his elbow on the surface and his hand on his cheek. "Once the devil, always the devil." I gritted out. "You fucking messed with my car, didn’t you?" "..." I rolled my eyes. "How sweet of you, now you get to walk Esme to school while I hike an hour to my diner." "You should work out more." "Ugh!" I tossed the napkin at him, but it caught him grinning like a fucking ghoul. "Is this how you treat your customers?" "Customer? I never thought of you as one." "I’ll have the usual." "Coming right up!" I turned, took the mug, and poured coffee into it, smirking as I added six spoonfuls of sugar.