Page 28 of Beneath Scarred Vows

His face is unreadable. "I need to head out for a while. Chris will stay with you."

I don't say anything.

Ares steps closer, close enough that I can smell his cologne. "This isn't a punishment, Katerina."

Again, I don't speak. Mainly because I don't really know what to say.

"It's necessary." His voice softens, just slightly, as he continues. "I need to know you're safe when I'm not around."

There's something in his tone—a hint of genuine concern—that catches me off guard. For a moment, I almost believe him. Almost think he might actually care about my well-being beyond his own interests.

"I understand. Have a good day, Ares," I say, looking up at him.

He doesn't respond immediately. He just glances at his sister and then back at me.

"Try not to make Chris shoot anyone today," he says and walks away.

I stare at his back as he leaves and think,I was a ghost in my uncle's house. Invisible. Forgettable.

I thought Ares would do the same—marry me, own me, and ignore me—but for whatever reason, he's refusing to let me be a ghost.

10

ARES

My driver pulls into my driveway, and my phone buzzes in my pocket. Another message from Theo:

Where the fuck are you? We've been waiting for an hour.

I don't bother responding. Let him wait. The meeting with the Bonventis ran longer than expected, and I'm in no mood for Theo's impatience. Whatever news he has can wait another five minutes.

I walk inside, shrug off my coat, and loosen my tie, scanning the foyer for signs of life. That's when I notice Derek emerging from the east wing, clipboard in hand, checking off something on his list.

"Derek," I call out, my voice echoing slightly in the marble entryway.

He turns immediately, shoulders straightening. "Mr. Kastaris, welcome home. Your brothers are waiting in your office."

"Yes, I know. Thanks," I say, walking toward him. "Before I deal with them, I need something taken care of."

Derek nods, immediately attentive. He's one of the few people in this house I don't have to explain things to twice.

"My wife," I begin, the title still feeling strange on my tongue. "I've noticed she gets cold easily."

Derek's face remains professionally neutral, but I detect a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He wouldn't expect me to notice such a detail—or care.

"I want a blanket added to all the cars," I continue. "And every room she goes into here in the house. Especially the sitting room overlooking the garden and the library. Make sure they're wool."

"Of course, sir. I'll see to it immediately," Derek says, making a note on his clipboard.

"And Derek."

He looks up, waiting.

"Don't make it obvious."

I don't need her thinking I'm monitoring her every move, even if that's exactly what I'm doing. The thought of her discomfort shouldn't bother me this much. She's a business arrangement, a piece to an alliance. Nothing more.

"Understood, sir. Anything else?"