The Devil CEO's Contract Wife novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Family Dinner

CATHERINE

"So you ran..."

"No, I didn’t," I defended. "I left. There’s a big difference."

"Really? It seems that way to me. How did it go down again? You left the shower, grabbed a robe, and just..." Tori trailed.

I gave her a warning look not to use that word, but this was Tori, and she was after my life.

"...ran."

"Ugh! I just panicked, you know..."

"What happened? The dick was too good?" she teased, smirking.

My mouth hung as I grew speechless. I really did wish it was all that, but it gets worse. Yes! Ares King fucks like a god, and so help me, I’m still feral because last night was beyond anything I could ever imagine.

It’s like when expectation meets reality and you get more than you bargained for. But it wasn’t about that... this was about me. I’m shameless to admit I still wanted Ares like I craved water, and that was not a good sign.

"I don’t wanna talk about that right now. I just wanna soak in this pool and forget everything about that night."

That’s the only way I can ground myself and not play the scene like a broken record.

"Sure soak... You haven’t even got in yet, and the water is really great."

"I’m sore..." I mumbled.

"Damn! Are you bleeding?" she asked, worried.

I blushed. "No, I’m aching."

"Then you should dip and cool your precious pearls."

That sounded like a great idea. I took off my hat, dropped it, and rose to my feet.

"She’s diving...!" Tori said in a sing-tone.

I giggled about dipping, but her words stopped me.

"Oh! Take off your sarong, you’re not swimming in that thing, are you?"

"You know I can’t take it off..." I reminded her.

"Are you sure the devil isn’t prepping you like some feast? I have to ask because..." She sighed. "God knows that is rabid."

I rolled my eyes. My hips and thighs were covered in nail marks and scratches.

I jumped, hugging my knees midair as I submerged in the water. The cool temperature welcomed me, and I lingered for a few seconds before emerging and gasping for air.

"That felt good!"

"Told you! You were the one who wanted to dip your legs only and be lost in thought."

"I wasn’t lost in thought."

"You kept spacing out like a damsel in distress," she said, and swam towards the other way.

"I’m not a damsel in distress!"

"Enjoying the water?" Athena came forward, classy as always in her white Bikini.

There’s a reason she’s a model and fashion icon because damn, that shape was enough to die for.

Athena took off her sunglasses and dropped them on the cushioned loungers, and proceeded to the pool using the stairs. She rests her arms on the surface, using her back to face us.

"Is that...." Tori trailed, pinning her gaze on something.

"What?" I asked.

She moved close to me and whispered. "There’s a micro medusa tattoo on her lower back."

My stomach dropped at her words. I veered my gaze to Athena, who was in the middle of taking a martini from a house staff.

I can’t see clearly without my glasses, but I could tell there was an ink design. Tori and I shared a look, but she didn’t say anything.

"M-Maybe it’s just a fashion statement," I suggested. "It can’t mean that..."

"I hope so too."

"Are you guys ready for the family dinner?" Athena raised her glass. "Here’s to a successful one. Gotta make a toast earlier than expected."

"Family dinner?" I frowned.

"Can I take a rain check on that...?" Tori said. "I’m obviously not a King, and the last thing I wanna do is intrude."

"Oh, but you’re invited. I’m not, but I’m still gonna crash like I did the ball. It’s always so fun!"

"You aren’t invited? Why?" I asked, puzzled.

For some reason, her words made me sad. Agatha clearly did not like her, given how she reacted yesterday when I mentioned Athena. There was so much going on with the Kings, and a loving family was clearly not one of them.

I can’t wait to get the fuck out of this estate.

I’m a trembling mess. Fuck!

Especially right now.

I swallowed a lump in my throat as I turned, nervous, my desires on a full swing, and what made it too much for me was the blank expression on his face.

Ares reached for me, and I shuddered when he used his thumb on the end of my mouth where my lipstick must have smudged.

That simple contact made my heart speed up, and it’s terrifying how much I wanted more.

"You left," he finally spoke, a dark look dousing his blues, making the color drain.

"Yes, I did."

He doesn’t ask me why, and I don’t expect him to.

This was for my sanity.

"I-I’d like to terminate the sex contract."

Ares doesn’t blink or flinch. "If that’s what you want."

My eyebrows furrowed, his abrupt reply striking a nerve.

He checked his Rolex. "We should get going."

"Of course..." I murmured, the words too heavy for me because of the weight crushing over me.

Ares led me out of the room, his hand guiding the small of my back. I could feel the chill coming from it, but he didn’t touch me, a twisted feeling coiling low on my stomach.

Does he not want me anymore? Is that why he easily agreed to it?

Several thoughts stormed my brain until I couldn’t think straight anymore, my head growing lightheaded. I looked at his side profile; his attention was focused ahead, and suddenly, I was eager for his eyes on me.

What’s wrong with me?

I forced my gaze ahead, mustering up a bright expression to somehow manage the storm brewing inside me. The best I could do was act as if I wasn’t affected.

"Dinner with your family doesn’t sound like something that will go well..." I said as we got to the venue, it was outdoor dining.

The table was decorated with candlelight and a feast. Everyone was already seated.

"We’re late," I whispered.

"I’m aware."

When we got closer, eyes moved to us, but there was one unwanted face that made my blood run cold.

"There you are! We’ve been waiting," Agatha said with the loveliest smile. "This is our guest of the evening. Piper Fisher."