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"What did you say?" I ask, shocked that he's the equivalent of a human juggernaut and yet able to read me so well.
"You heard me. I'm not here to be your first crush but to make sure you're okay and also to make sure you'll call on me if necessary."
"I would never date someone so old," I say, because I've just discovered that I have a vengeful streak.
Bastard.
Of course, he is partly right. Not about me wanting him to be my first whatever, but because it would be like winning the lottery if it happened. Especially because Ares lives in New York.Dating him wouldn't even interfere with my ballet practice. Once every fifteen days would be enough and . . . No, every fifteen days would be too little. He is very handsome. Once every week.
"Return to Earth, Serenity. You're daydreaming. I saw the way you looked at me, so stop with theI'm-too-oldact because I'm not buying it."
"I believe that a man in your position would have women throwing themselves at his feet, Mr. Kostanidis, but with me, you will be safe. My heart already belongs to someone else."
Guys, I've never invented a lie so quickly in my life. I broke all the records. I almost pat myself on the back when I see his expression stiffen.
But it doesn't last long. Soon, a smile of pure irony appears on his beautiful mouth. "You're lying. You don't leave the house except to practice ballet."
Think fast, Serenity.
"You're right. And that's because I'm not interested in anything else that I can’t do with my Otis," I say quickly, remembering the brother of a friend from boarding school. "He's four years older than me, and he's still studying. He's finishing college, but next vacation, he'll come visit me."
"I want his full name."
"What?"
"You heard me. Full name."
"No way. He comes from a noble family, I can assure you. Besides, I can take care of myself."
"What you think is beside the point. I'm your guardian. I want to know who the boy is."
Oh my God. I'm going to have to call Otis and ask him to confirm my lie. Incredibly, I'm better friends with him than I am with his sister.
"Okay," I say and see his eyebrow rise.
"That easy?"
"Do you want me to start a war over everything? As you pointed out, I'm a good girl. A young dancer with a brilliant career ahead of me and a handsome boyfriend."
I look at him to try to see how my words affected him, but it only takes me a moment to feel like an idiot. Ares' expression remains neutral, obviously.
He negotiated to take over my guardianship. He's not worried about my private life.
"And a millionaire."
I just took a sip of water, so I choke. "What?"
His expression denotes confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I thought I heard you say I'm a millionaire."
"That’s what I said."
"How is that possible?"
"Wait, Van Lith never talked to you about the fortune you inherited?"
I feel like an idiot, ignorant. "I never asked."