Page 74 of Bound By Flames

“Ares’s past?” I frown.

What is she talking about?

“Yes, the whole Iris mess. That’s why I thought maybe if you were pregnant…” She shrugs, twirling in front of the golden-framed mirror.

“Iris mess?” I repeat, leaning to her in my seat.

“Shit, he didn’t tell you?” she gasps, biting her lips as if she understood that she had spoken too freely.

“No, no. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

“Damn it, me and my silly mouth, it’s not a big deal anymore, but, um, you guys should probably talk about it. You know, if you ever want to get really pregnant and all that,” she says with a light smile, all superficiality and drama disappearing from her tone.

What?

Who’s Iris?

And why does Vanessa keep associating being pregnant with this woman?

“So, what do you think? Should I take it? We still have to find the right heels to go with it, though.” She changes the topic and looks at her reflection, her blonde hair complimenting the deep burgundy color.

What is Ares hiding from me? I thought I could trust him.

“Earth to Mia?” She lowers her knees and angles her face to force me to see her.

“Sorry, sorry, I was thinking about what you said.”

“Hey, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I should have kept my mouth shut. I’m the one who’s sorry. By the way, I kind of wanted us to go shopping together to make up for the last time I saw you.” A sad smile appears on her face.

“Why?”

“Well, bringing Carolina and all…”

“Oh, yeah, well, you thought we had a fake marriage, so wait—was that a test?” I narrow my eyes on her. She bites her lips, her cheeks suddenly carrying a deep shade of pink.

“I’m sorry, I'm used to people trying to get close to him with an agenda, so...I just wanted to make sure you weren't one of them. Anyway, at least now I know.” She pushes her hair back to look at what the outfit would look like with an updo.

“Know what?” I cross my arms.

“Well, it’s kind of obvious.” She looks at me from the mirror reflection. “Seriously, Mia, he's obsessed with you, girl.” Then she winks at me like she just said something inconsequential.

“He just…likes me,” I murmur.

“Trust me, I’ve known him my whole life, and I never saw him look at someone with so much…intensity, I guess? Sorry, it feels kind of gross to talk about my brother like that.” She chuckles. “You got him all wrapped around your little finger, trust me.” she grins.

“Here’s your water, Mrs Malone,” the saleswoman says.

“Thank you.” I take it and empty the whole glass straight. Vanessa is still talking about the dress and the exhibition of tomorrow night but my mind has already tuned her out. So many questions are bouncing in my head.

Who is Iris?

And why does the idea of another woman carrying Ares’s child turn my insides out?

Chapter 17

Mia

I haven’t brought it up. Ares came back late last night, and I pretended to be already asleep, not knowing if I really wanted to know the truth behind what Vanessa had told me yesterday.