Chapter 68: Race With The Devil It seemed as if my panties were gonna melt off because of Ares’ ardent gaze. "G-Going somewhere?" I asked, snapping him out of it. It took a moment before his eyes slowly moved to mine. We stayed like that for what seemed like a minute, just drowning in each other’s stares as if we could speak through them. "For a run," he replied, zipping up his track jacket. "Can I join you? Thinking of burning a little fat from this ass." "Your ass is perfect." I sank my teeth into my bottom lip as I whispered. "You think so?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞 He came towards me in a heartbeat and palmed the left side of my cheek. I groaned as sweet pain shot through me like lightning. I peered at him through my lashes, urging him for something I can’t explain. Ares pushed his palm more, and I gasped loudly, his nails digging into the soft flesh, amplifying the ache. "Go get dressed. I’ll wait." He freed me. I smiled, turning and purposely swaying my hips while casting a look over my shoulder, and caught Ares with a feral look in his eyes. "See you in a few, honey." I disappeared into the next corridor. ~☆~ I was dressed in my tracksuit set, feeling hot when there was chillness in the air. I spared a look at Ares, as I grinned for no reason at all. When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out and were greeted by the staff. "It’s been so long since I did this. Don’t be too hard on me." I said as we descended the stairs. "Keep up," he said, jogging, and I followed suit. The entire property around the penthouse was spacious, and the lampposts were already turned on. I caught sight of a few security details in the distance. I haven’t taken the time to roam the area, and this seemed like the perfect time to do so. Jogging with Ares was calmer than I imagined. Though it seemed he was purposely slow because of me, so that I could keep up. "This is easier than I thought," I said, hoping to create a more chatty atmosphere. "Beats chasing after goats." He gave me a look. "My grandparents’ farm, the goats are always like they are on something and decide to go on a race every single time. It’s always so hard to get them back in the pen." I smiled at the memory. "There aren’t many of them any more." I was hoping he would ask me why, but he didn’t. Hence, another silence, so I increased my pace, turning so I face him while jogging. "How about a race?" "A race..." He stated. "That’s not a wise move." "Why? Because you’re big and strong? I’ll let you know these legs can do wonders." Ares eyed them briefly, and that look certainly did not have racing in mind. "What does the winner get?" he asked. "Easy there, devil. The winner gets to plan the next date. As mentioned in the contract, dates are important, and we have only had none?" I teased. "Let’s add something else." "What do you have in mind, Mr. King?" He halted, and I did too, hands on my waist. "The loser grants one wish." "What wish? I asked. "Why don’t you find out?" He ran ahead. "Hey! That’s cheating!" I chased after him. "Ares!" With every pace, he got further and further away from me. "THE GAME IS OVER!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, increasing my speed so that I could catch up to him. After what seemed like a few minutes, I’m panting harshly, and my legs are killing me. My lungs were burning with every breath I took. "Oh, thank God!" I exclaimed when I spotted a bench next to a lamppost. With a hunched position and panting like a zombie, I sluggishly neared the wood and sat down only to yelp. "Ares!" I exploded, rubbing my bottom, whining as the pain bit through me and trying to catch my breath at the same time was an intense marathon. I heard footsteps coming, and I turned to Ares approaching me, breath sharp and a smile spreading on his lips. "You cheated. I didn’t even say go yet," I said the moment he stood in front of me. "You didn’t stand a chance." "I might just surprise you," I said cockily. "If only..." I raised a finger and sucked in breath right after having no strength to continue my words. A chuckle rolled off him, and he sat next to me, legs spread. "Deja vu." "What?" I asked, puzzled. He ran a hand through his wet hair and leaned back on the wood, arms spreading on the back of the wood, his eyes meeting the dark skies. "Deja vu," he said again. "Ahhh... so something that has happened. Did you sit on a bench like this?" "Yes." "Was there a lamppost?" "Yes." "Huh... Did you by chance sit next to someone, too?" "She sat next to me." "She?" I whipped my head to him. "A woman?" "Yes." A nasty feeling settled low on my stomach. This is the first time Ares has ever mentioned another woman, let alone thought about one. Must be one of his high-class chicks enough to consume his mind. I know Ares; only a few things are worthy of his attention. I sat up suddenly, my mood foul. "I’m heading back." At the sound of movement, I turned, but it was already too late, because gravity left me as I was thrown on Ares’ broad shoulder. "Hey!" I held my glasses in place, wriggling. "Put me down!" "We have a date." A date? Seriously? After what he pulled off? "You ass—" Smack! The sharp sound filled the air, and I swallowed my words. He just hit my aching ass! "You—" Smack! "Quiet." I chewed the inside of my mouth, knowing there was no point in arguing. My poor ass was gonna suffer. Ares walked through the entrance, redness flushing my face as eyes flew to us. Dear ground, please swallow me.