Page 102 of Bound By Flames

Like a china doll in the hands of a bear.

“Ash and Carter are downstairs to get you home.”

I nod, then just before leaving, he stares at me with a spark in his eyes and lifts my hand to his mouth, leaving a kiss on the inside of my wrist.

“I’ll see you tonight, big guy.” I smile, biting my lip.

“See you tonight, princess.”

Chapter 25

Mia

Two weeks after Ares gave me the key to my brand new working place, Kiara came to visit us on the weekend and she burst into tears when she saw me there. Said I looked so happy, she couldn’t keep it in. Even after all those months, I never told her about what was at stake between my marriage and her future, and I hope it will remain this way forever. Not everything needs to be said. But I’ll keep an eye on her and make sure my parents don’t suffocate her like they did to me. She’s still my little sister, after all.

Since then, Ares and I have made a rule of being at home everyday for dinner. It gives us more time to actually be together or just stay silent and do nothing but be together. I found there's nothing quite like journaling in the living room while he finishes his workout on the rug next to me with a hundred push-ups, making my ovaries burst into flames.

I love our new routine, our life, and even the challenges it contains. Dr Ofenhaus told me trying new foods would certainly be better if I was with Ares, and the feeling of safety would remain because of his presence.

Hence why, we’re both sitting next to each other at the kitchen counter. Ares carrying a determined look I’m convinced he usually reserves for his business meetings. Don’t know why, but when he looks at me this way…that’s kind of hot, actually. Pushing the plate between us toward me, Ares takes a fork and softly puts it down next to it.

“Okay, no way, like absolutely no.” I shake my head at the pasta dish in front of me.

“Mia.” He tilts his head, his voice falling so low I can feel it in my belly.

“Nope,” I say with a fake smile.

“You said you’d give it a try...” He lifts one of his brows.

Yes, I did tell him that yesterday after my session with Dr Ofenhaus, but I’m not really sure now.

“Did I? Don’t remember. I say a lot of things. You shouldn't listen to everything that comes out of my mouth,” I assure him.

“C’mon, princess, I know you’ll be proud of yourself if you do it.” His tattooed palm covers mine.

I hate that he’s right.

“I’ll do it with you. It’s not the same because it’s easy for me, but maybe if you see that nothing happens when I eat, perhaps your brain will understand that it’s okay.”

“I don’t know…”

It’s safe, Mia. Ares is here, and he won’t let anything happen to you.

It’s just food.

“Trust me, okay? If it gets too much, we’ll stop. Either way, I’ll be there with ya. I saw what an episode is. I can handle it and take care of you if it happens.” He laces his fingers with mine, shielding me from the beginning of a panic attack.

I’m strong, I’m brave, I’m not alone.

I can do this.

“Okay, but, like, one bite. Just ONE.” I point my index in the air. The corner of his mouth lifts, and damn, I want to rush in his arms and bite a piece of his flesh just to taste him. Like right now.

“Mia?” His tone slides to dangerous territory.

“Um?”

Those damn lips.