The Candles Will Protect You

Chapter 23

What do you even wear to a pregnancy announcement party? And why is it even a thing? We already know that you're pregnant from the invitation, so what is even the point?

I was standing in our bedroom, contemplating between two dresses, when I heard footsteps.

Two strong arms were snaked around my waist, and I felt the corners of my mouth turning upwards.

"Hello," I whispered.

Ares pressed a kiss on my mark, then he leaned his head on my shoulder.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm trying to decide on what to wear for Bich and Lysias' party," I answered. "Which one should I go for?"

My two options were laid out on the bed. The dress on the left was a baby blue, flowy dress with short sleeves, while the one on the right was also loose, but with black and white stripes.

"The blue one," he said. "The other one looks like an optical illusion."

I let out a chuckle at his words.

"I guess it kind of does," I nodded. "Thanks."

"Of course," he let me go, then he turned my body towards his. "I wouldn't want you to make me look bad with your horrendous fashion choices anyway."

I gasped at him, putting a hand on my chest.

"Well, thanks."

Grinning, he leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

"Just kidding," he leaned back. "You look beautiful, no matter what you're wearing."

"Nice save," I nodded.

"But I would prefer looking at you and not getting dizzy."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "You already convinced me, Ares. I'm going with the blue one."

"Good," he nodded.

"But," I broke out in a smile, "only if you'll match your outfit with mine."

"Of course," he smiled back.

We fell silent, just staring into each other's eyes.

Ares leaned his forehead on mine, one of his hands caressing my cheek, while the other was wrapped around my waist, holding me close to him.

"Rhea," he whispered.

"Yes?"

I felt him tighten his grip on me.

"I love you so much."

The corners of my mouth turned upwards at his words, and I closed my eyes.

"I love you too, Ares."

"Also, I accidentally used all of your shampoo."

"What?" I pulled back, looking up at him in disbelief.

"I'm sorry!"

"So that is why your hair smells so good... It all makes sense now."

"Are you implying that my hair doesn't usually smell good?"

"Maybe," I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Wow... That really hurt, I hope you know."

"Good. Maybe you'll do something about the situation, then," I grinned.

"Well, I already did with using your shampoo."

"You just said that it was an accident."

"Oops?" He grinned back.

"Okay, let me just go and use all of your body wash, then."

"Actually, you should. That would make you smell more like me, so everyone would know not to try anything."

"Like anyone would," I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Right, they wouldn't get the chance, because there's no way I'm going to leave your side, especially around Lysias and his friends. That would be a recipe for disaster."

"Whoa," I crossed my arms on my chest. "Possessive much?"

"I am," he stepped closer to me, putting his hands on my waist.

"Maybe you should do something about it."

"Oh, I will."

Leaning down, he pressed his lips to mine, his kiss powerful and passionate. He didn't even give me a chance to breathe.

"Ares," I managed to push him away after a while.

"What?" He growled, not too happy with me pulling away from him.

"We should probably finish getting ready, or we're not going to make it there on time."

"I don't care," he said, kissing me again.

"Ares... We should... Seriously... Stop," I said between his kisses.

"The only thing that needs to stop right now is your talking."

"Hey!" I narrowed my eyebrows at him.

With a grin, he picked me up. Surprised by his sudden move, I wrapped my legs around his waist, trying not to fall back down.

He took a step towards the bed, then my eyes widened, noticing the dresses that were laid out on it.

"Don't you dare sit down there, you're going to get them all wrinkled!"

Letting out a deep, frustrated growl, he turned around, walking towards his dresser. There was a beautiful vase on top of it, but with a quick move, he pushed it out of the way, which resulted in it falling down to the floor and shattering to pieces.

"Ares!" I gasped.

"I couldn't care less about that vase, especially not right now."

He sat me down on top of the dresser, but he still held me close to him. He kissed me so hungrily like it was what kept him alive.

"Ares," I gasped for air, looking at him with wide eyes. "What's going on?"

"I love you so, so, so fucking much, Rhea, you have no idea," he whispered, leaning his forehead on mine while cupping my face into his hands. "I love you, and I will continue to do that forever."

"I love you too, you know that, don't you?"

"Do you really?" He leaned back a bit, looking at me with sad eyes.

"Yes, I do. I really, truly do love you."

With a sigh, he wrapped one of his arms around my neck and the other around my waist, pulling me as close to him as he could.

"I will never let anything or anyone come between us, I promise you."

"Oh, I know."