Chapter 12
You know you can’t run from what’s coming. Stopped, his back against the frigid, unforgiving wall surface, Selene closed the last distance separating them, her body just missed his. Her hand lifted, fingers barely brushing his chest to send fire under his skin. Ares’s breath stopped, the unexpected singe of want mixing with his fear and wrath to produce an explosive emotional concoction.
Selene said, “Let me help you,” her lips barely inches from his. “Between us, we can find the truth. You must, however, believe me,‘ Ares looked in her eyes, trying to find any hint of dishonesty, but she just saw relentless will. He gulped hard, the weight of the choice bearing
on him.
Ares’s pulse hammered against his throat and his breathing was laberous. Selene was too near; she coiled around him like a serpent. He smelled her something dark and exotic, tinged with peril.
Her fingertips had hardly touched his chest, yet it was enough to cause shock of awareness for him. Selene looked the least bit angry even though he urged himself to go away and create distance between them. Her lips curved in pleasure, as if she had just proved a point. Ares replied, his voice cutting through the tension between them, “I have time for none of your games.”
“If you know anything, Victor is missing. Selene exhaled loudly and walked to the smooth black leather chair across the room. She neatly sat down putting one long leg over the other. She said, “I do know something,” slanted her head slightly and watched him with those disturbing blue eyes. But power comes from knowledge, Ares. And I do not freely give my away. Ares clearly frustrated himself as he ran a hand over his dark hair. You always do this, he snarled. Before you specify your price, you dangle knowledge in front of me like bait, waiting to see how desperate I am.
Selene graced her. Still, you always wind up paying it. Ares closed his jaw. She had nothing to be incorrect. Selene had always been a shadow in his life never really on his side, never totally against him. She was a mystery; her allegiance changed with the breeze.
He let out a hard breath. “What do you wish?” The smile of Selene grew more pronounced. To help you. He laughed without humor and yelled. That is a falsehood. Selene’s tone became grave. “Is it? She slanted forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “I know Ares, I have contacts. Among those you might not enjoy. Still, they can provide the necessary answers.
Ares’s stomach turned over at her words.” Connections.” Semene nodded. “Strong ones. Those who work in the shadows and know things not meant for public knowledge. She reached into the side pocket of her robe and dropped a sleek black folder between them on the coffee table. Ares saw it warily.” What is this?“” Proof,” Selene responded simply. Ares moved slowly ahead to grab the folder. He opened it and looked about inside. His heart hit his ribs hard. Banking records.
Recording of transactions. Private notes. And in the middle of all Victor and Charlotte. Ares’s fists tightened around the folder’s borders.” What the hell is this?” Selene eyed him, her face inscrutable. ” evidence. That events occurring here are more than you could ever imagine. Ares’s blood was frigid. The deals were cover–ups, not only commercial ones. Big quantities of money flowing into untraceable records. Undercover investments. Backroom deals with names he knew but would have like not to. He closed the folder quickly and turned to Selene. “Where did you come upon this?” She stood slowly and headed toward him. ” DOES it matter?” “Yes,” he said in a snap.
“Because I need to know how deep this goes if you got this from one of your “connections.” Selene watched him for a moment before she spoke. Deep,” she answered at last. “Deper than you are ready for.” Ares turned away, ran a hand over his face. “Charlotte,” he said, the name like poison on his tongue. Was she putting me in position? Selene did not respond right away. She moved forward instead, resting a hand on his arm. “You have to decide, Ares,” she added, her voice quieter now, nearly begging.
You may battle this with me or keep acting as though you are in charge. The body of Ares stiffened. He put little faith in Selene. He had never had. She was the only person providing him with a lifeline right now though. He turned once more to look at the folder.
To the appalling evidence of Victor and Charlotte’s treachery. He held his hands tightly. “Exactly what are you asking me to do?” Selene twisted her lips into a gentle smile, Follow me. Ares’s breath was erratic and his chest lifted and dropped. He was teetering on the brink of something terrible, something permanent. And Selene was volunteering to push him across. He would fall? Alternatively, would he fly?
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11:58 Sun, Oct 12
THE PHOENIX’S REVENGE
