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"That night you came to see me at the theater, I thought there was someone in my dressing room."
"What?"
"Behind the coat rack."
"And why didn't you tell your bodyguards?"
"I thought I was going crazy. I had only been out of boarding school for a few months, and I believed I was jumping to conclusions, as everything was new to me. But..."
"What?"
"Notes started appearing and sometimes a single red rose, no matter where in the world I was."
He paces from side to side, like a caged beast, and even though the memories of the times I’ve felt scared still make me anxious today, I can't take my eyes off my guardian. For all his arrogance and bad temper, Ares is a sight to behold. "Swearyou'll never hide something like this from me again, Serenity," he says, coming close and holding my chin.
"I swear. I didn't want to worry you for nothing."
"For nothing? You just told me that you've been stalked for two years, and you think it's no big deal?"
"I know. I was a fool. Debra has fought with me several times about this."
"Who else knows?"
"Just her and JeAnne. I didn't even tell Otis."
"Or me."
"I didn’t plan to."
"Why?"
I shake my head, not wanting to speak.
"Tell me."
"I don't want you to feel sorry for me."
"I just spanked your ass after you were stung by a scorpion. Believe me when I say I'm not the type to feel sorry, Serenity."
"Are you a sadist, then?"
Oh my God! Why did I ask that?
To my surprise, lines of laughter form around his eyes, although he tries to hide it. "I’ve never thought about it, but I don't think so. Causing pain doesn't give me pleasure."
"What does?"
He looks at me with such intensity that I shiver. It's as if an invisible bond has formed between us. Then, his expression returns to neutral. "This conversation is inappropriate."
"I said I want to be your friend."
"And I never said I would agree to that. Now, tell me why you didn't say anything about this stalker before."
"Because I’ve gotten used to being alone, mainly. I was sent to boarding school when I was five, Ares. You learn to deal with your fears on your own."
Ares
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE