“Okay.” His lips meet mine in a soft kiss that’s filled with so many emotions that my heart races. I reciprocate, running my hands around his neck, kissing him deeply. Feeling his wet torso against me, my hormones rage, and it doesn’t help that he’s only wearing a towel. Our mouths move harder against each other, brushing and licking, and I press my breasts against him with desire.
Ares lifts me up, setting me on the computer table, and reaches between my legs. I interrupt the kiss breathlessly.
“We’re going to be late.”
“A quickie.” He kisses me again, lifting the shirt I’m wearing, and underneath I’m naked. The towel falls to the floor and Ares pulls me tighter against him, forcing me to spread my legs wide for him. I’m on the pill now, so we don’t use condoms anymore.
Before I can say anything, he penetrates me, and a moan of surprise escapes me but is stifled by his lips. His movements are rough and deep, but they feel fucking good. I hold tight to his neck as he thrusts into me, the table crashing against the wall with each thrust.
Our kisses become uncontrolled and wet, and it’s not long before we both reach orgasm. Breathing fast, we hug each other. Having so much sex has its advantages, we know each other intimately, and we know where to touch, lick, and how to move to make each other come.
Apolo walks in without warning.
“Ares, let’s—Oh shit.” Apolo turns his back to us quickly. Ares picks up the towel and covers himself, stepping in front of me to cover me. Apolo continues to stare into the distance.
“We’re going to be late. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
As soon as he leaves, I burst out laughing, tapping Ares’s shoulder.
“I told you to close that door.”
I know, we’ve become cheeky and shameless. Ares gives me a short kiss and carries me toward the bathroom.
“Come on, we’ll save time by showering together.” I let out a laugh and bury my face in his neck.
- ARES -
“Well?” my father begins, holding a glass of whiskey in his hand. We’re in the study on the small couches to one side of my father’s large desk. Artemis is sitting beside him, checking a chart on his tablet, and my mother is on his other side, looking at me curiously. Apolo is sitting next to me on the opposite couch, giving me the occasional worried glance. I called this family meeting. I’m not going to lie, my hands are sweaty, and my throat is so dry it hurts.
“Ares?” my mother calls. Everyone is waiting for me. I can’t give up without a fight, and the thought of Raquel’s disappointed face motivates me.
“As you know, it’s time to apply to colleges,” I begin. Artemis puts down his tablet.
“Do you need help with that? I can make some calls.”
“No, I . . .” Shit, I didn’t think this would be so hard. The moment I say the words, I’ll expose myself, and I don’t want to get hurt.
“Ares, son,” my father encourages me. “Say what you have to say.”
Summoning my courage, I take a deep breath.
“I want to study medicine.”
Sepulchral silence. I feel like I’ve been exposed, thrown naked in front of everyone, begging not to be hurt. Artemis begins to laugh.
“Are you kidding me?” he asks. I want to chicken out and say yes, but I can’t do that, not when I’ve come this far.
“No, I’m not kidding,” I say.
My father sets his glass aside.
“Medicine?—”
“I thought we’d been clear about what the family needs, Ares,” my mother cuts in. “Your father needs another manager or head of legal in his companies,” she says.
My father immediately backs her up.
“I told you we’re opening another branch office in a few years. We’re expanding, and I need my children to be part of it. It’s our family legacy.”
“I know,” I say. “Believe me it hasn’t been easy for me to tell you this. I don’t want to be ungrateful. You’ve given me everything, but . . .” I speak with my heart in my mouth. “I really want to be a doctor.”
My mother clicks her tongue.
“Does this have to do with that idea you had as a child of wanting to save your grandpa? Son, he’s always had the best doctors; you don’t have to become one for him.”
Artemis puts his hands on his knees. “Just apply to a legal or business program.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “This isn’t a whim or just because of Grandpa. I really want to be a doctor. I don’t want to study management, let alone law.”