The Devil CEO's Contract Wife novel Chapter 233

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!"

Ares.

A smile curled on his lips, and seeing his dimples this early was not on my to-do list. Fuck.

I tried to find my words, but I just stuttered instead. I told Ares about my car when Esme was asleep. How did she...!

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? 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

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.