Page 54 of Beneath Scarred Vows

I nod to myself before replying. I could definitely use some girl time out in the city.

I respond:Yes! Can't wait :)

Calli:Perfect! I'll send you the address. See you there!

I set my phone down and return to my tea, trying to sort through the tangle of emotions in my chest. I've spent years building walls around myself, keeping everyone at a distance. And now those walls are crumbling, brick by brick, night by night.

The worst part is that I want them to fall.

I close my eyes again, recalling how it felt to have Ares's mouth on mine, his hands gripping my hips, his body hard against me. The way he looks at me like he can see straight through to my soul. The way he touched my scars without flinching. The way he's made me feel more alive than I've felt in years.

It's strange how something so familiar can exist alongside something so new—this awakening inside me, this hunger I don't know how to satisfy.

Or rather, I know how, but the thought of giving myself completely to Ares makes my heart race with a bit of trepidation and fear. The vulnerability required always seemed like too high a price to pay.

But now? Now I find myself thinking about it constantly. Wondering what it would feel like to have him inside me. Wondering if it would hurt. Wondering if I'd lose myself entirely in the process.

Emma walks back into the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"

I shake my head, finishing my tea. "No thanks. I'll be going out for lunch with Calli."

Emma nods. "Should I let Chris know?"

I sigh. My shadow. I still haven't fully adjusted to having a bodyguard follow me everywhere.

"Yes, thank you. Please tell him I'll be ready to go at 12:30."

I head upstairs, shower, and get ready. Once I'm dressed, I gather my purse and phone, checking once more that I have everything I need. As I walk down the grand staircase, I spot Chris waiting in the foyer. He's speaking with Emma, who's leaning against the wall in a decidedly casual pose, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. Her laughter carries up to me, light and flirtatious.

Chris shifts his weight, briefly smiling at whatever she's just said. It's not the professional, stoic face he usually presents to me. There's an ease to him I haven't seen before. As I continue down the stairs, I notice Emma's hand resting briefly on his arm.

Interesting.

The moment breaks when Emma glances up and sees me approaching. She straightens immediately, her hand falling away from Chris's arm, and her professional demeanor snaps back into place.

"I hope you enjoy your lunch with Calli," she says, her cheeks slightly flushed.

I smile, pretending I didn't notice anything. "Thank you, Emma."

She nods and hurries away. I turn to Chris, who has also resumed his usual stance—feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped in front of him, expression neutral.

"Ready to go, Mrs. Kastaris?" he asks, no trace of the relaxed man from moments ago.

"Yes," I reply, adjusting my purse strap. "And, please, call me Katerina."

He gives a small nod, but I know he won't take the liberty. These men are trained to maintain professional distance, and I'm their boss's wife.

"Calli sent me the address for the restaurant," he informs me. "I know exactly where to take you."

"Perfect." I follow him toward the door.

I slide into the back seat of the black SUV as he holds the door open. He shuts the door and gets into the driver's seat. He starts the engine and pulls away from the house. Guards nod at him as we exit, their eyes scanning the area continuously.

We lapse into silence as Chris navigates through the Chicago streets. The city vibrates around us—people rushing on sidewalks, cars honking, the skyline gleaming under the sun. It feels good to be out, even with my shadow in tow.

"Do you know what kind of restaurant we're going to?" I ask, more to break the silence than out of genuine curiosity.

"It's a small lunch place," Chris replies. "Calli goes often."