Page 19 of Beneath Scarred Vows

“Well, maybe you should.”

“Try?”

He shrugs. “Why not? You like it.”

I blink, caught off guard. Ares, of all people, is the one to say this?

Besides my parents, I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who supports my drawing. Most saw it as a waste of time.

I was not expecting Ares to break the mold.

“I’m looking forward to the charity gala next weekend,” Calli says, smoothly changing the subject. She turns to me. “It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce you to Chicago society.”

“I’m sure it will be,” I reply, though the thought of being paraded around as the newest Kastaris acquisition doesn’t excite me.

“It’s important,” Theo adds. “The right first impression matters in this city.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, meeting his gaze.

“Anyway,” Calli continues, “we should go shopping beforehand. I know all the best places.”

“That sounds nice,” I say, though shopping with Calli would likely mean another layer of Kastaris surveillance.

We finish dessert and say our goodbyes. Once they leave, Ares turns to me.

“What did you think of them?”

“They seemed nice.”

“Good. They are your family too now.”

I nod.

Just as Ares is about to say something, his phone buzzes. He checks it, his expression hardening. “I have to go.”

He turns to leave, then stops. “It’ll probably be a few days before you can leave here. I need to get things in order.”

“In order?”

“Yes. I’ll be back in a few hours,” he says and leaves.

I stand there alone for a second, looking around, and a sudden thought enters my mind.

Why don’t I see what Chicago is all about on my own?

Now, I just need to figure out how to get past security.

7

KATERINA

Iwalk upstairs slowly, my mind going over everything I've observed since arriving.

The staff has dispersed for the evening. There is security outside, but for the first time since my wedding, I feel the absence of eyes on me.

In his bedroom, I slip out of the black dress. I open drawers until I find what I'm looking for—casual clothes that will let me blend in, disappear. A simple gray T-shirt, blue jeans, a black coat. I pull them on quickly.

I continue scanning around the enormous closet until I find a pair of running shoes. They're not my style, but they'll do. I pull my hair back into a ponytail and wipe off the mascara and lip balm.