"Larissa… my brother—what he said to you. Don't hold it against him."
Ares' voice was quieter now, the earlier sharpness gone. His fingers still circled her wrist, firm but not painful, as though he feared she might disappear the moment he let go.
"It was really an accident."
Lara hummed faintly, her expression unreadable.
Her gaze dropped to the hand holding hers.
"Can you let go of my hand first?" she said calmly.
Ares blinked.
Only then did he realize he was still holding her.
He released her immediately, clearing his throat.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Ares gestured toward the interior of the room.
"Come inside. I'll tell you about my brother."
Lara hesitated at the threshold.
But hadn't she already been alone with Ares before?
More than once.
In Shay's bedroom. In the study.
And despite herself… she was curious.
About Asher.
With that thought, Lara stepped inside.
