Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 22

22 A Little More Pepper 

“Seventeen,” I whispered between rasps. 

1 

“Seventeen!” @ 

His cold hand rested on my ass, and I anticipated another hit, but it didn’t come. 

I sighed in relief, but tensed when his finger ran through the middle lace of my panties, settling just at the crack of my ass. 

“You’re dripping.” 2 

“I–It’s a natural occurrence!” 

Ares let out a low, breathy chuckle, kissed my ass, and lifted me away from the seat. He pulled my hair behind so that he could see my face. 

“Sit.” 

“I–It hurts!” 

“Then let the pain remind you about testing me.” 

11:57 

1/10 

< 

22 A Little More Pepper 

He rested his hand on my neck, and the threat 

hung in the air. “Your stubbornness will get you in bigger trouble.” 

“I’ve never been obedient.” 

“You’ll be.” His voice held a dark promise. 

I peeled myself off him and sat. I clenched the rear console like my life depended on it, pain biting through me like spikes. 

Julian was suddenly back and started the car, driving out. 

The alcohol in my system had worn off, and suddenly it was a wake–up call. I can’t believe I let 

him do that to me. 

Were we acting? W–We had to be, right? 

I was in turmoil with myself, and the long hour 

was an endless feat of trying to balance my butt in a way it wouldn’t hurt. 

11:57 

2/10 

: 

< 

22 A Little More Pepper 

The car came to a stop, and I snappily grabbed 

the door handle, but Ares‘ words stopped me. 2 

“I have somewhere to be.” 

I gulped. “It’s late.” 

“It’s important.” 

“Am I needed?” 

“Not this time.” 

In those places where I’m not needed as his secretary, I wonder what he does. A private business, maybe? 

Not wanting to think too much about it, I opened the door and scurried away. 

I had no idea how I made it to the top floor. I did my best not to walk funny and earn myself more 

embarrassment. 

I stepped into the foyer, breathing heavily as I leaned against the wall, ass burning, insides 

11:57 

3/10 

: 

22 A Little More Pepper 

coiling from a feeling, and most of all pissed at myself for letting something like this happen. 

What the heck was I thinking? 

འར་འ 

I rose from the bed like a zombie, strolling sluggishly to the bathroom to pee. After I finished, I peered into the mirror. 

I look like shit. 

My hair was like a bird’s nest, my eyes red, and my lips were cracked. 

I turned to see my ass peeking from my pajama shorts. I applied a cooling balm last night, and it worked wonders. It only stung now, a quiet reminder of last night. 

I did my best not to think about it, but… I can’t get the image of Ares King spanking me off my 

mind. 

11:57 

4/10 

: 

1 

22 A Little More Pepper 

I was never the kinky kinda girl.. Dan and I had never done anything like that when we were 

together. I couldn’t deny that this intrigues me, and I liked it. 

“No, no, no!” I slapped my cheeks to wake up. “Behave, Catherine Lane, behave!” 

Last night was an act, nothing more, nothing less. 

I brushed my teeth and washed my face. After that, I strolled out of my room, hooking my glasses on the neckline of my cami. 

I spot Loki, casually strolling. 

“Hi, Loki!” I drawled sweetly. 

The cat disregarded me and pounced on the tree house. Maybe Ares‘ DNA was imprinted on him; the familiarity was uncanny. 

“No belly rubs for you,” I grumbled, making my way downstairs. O 

1 

11:57 

5/10 

22 A Little More Pepper 

My steps slowed when I saw Ares sitting in the kitchen area, going through his iPad. 

He was still in yesterday’s clothes, tie off and 

sleeves of his shirt rolled, revealing his corded 

arms. 

“Good morning.” 

His only response was a nod. 

I frowned. “When did you get back?” 

“This morning.” 

“I see.” I walked to the fridge, anticipating his 

attention, but it never came. 

I took out a bottle of water and leaned against the 

counter as I drank. 

Whatever he was doing seemed more important, and I don’t know why that riled me up. This was the Ares King I knew, the impassive walking hump of ice who didn’t consider shit about anybody, yet 

11:57 

6/10 

22 A Little More Pepper 

here I was getting worked up over his usual self. 

I blame this on the last week of his undivided 

attention, even though it was for the public. 

I put on my glasses. “Want some eggs and toast?” 

“Mmm.” 

Mmm? Is that all I get? 

I mumbled under my breath and began cooking, purposely beating the eggs with force, resulting in sharp noises. 

I hummed a loud tune, throwing a look over my shoulder, but he remained engrossed. 

I huffed, pressing the lever down, and the bread disappeared inside the toaster. 

“Coffee?” 

I didn’t get any response, so I made one anyway. I fixed his plate when an evil idea flavored my 

mind. Hehe. 

11:57 

7/10 

: 

22 A Little More Pepper 

With a smirk plastered on my lips, I placed his breakfast in front of him. 

Just as I guessed, he drank the coffee first, before grabbing his fork without looking and ate the egg. 

He grimaced and shot me a questioning look. 

“Oopie! I must have added too much black 

pepper.” 

He coughed loudly. 

“I’ll get you water.” I swirled, giggling as I opened the fridge. 

When I turned, Ares was already in front of me. He pressed a hand at the small of my back and yanked me close, the water hitting the floor. 

“You can’t do anything. We’re not in public.” 

“Do you want to test that theory?” 

“Take your hands off me.” 

11:57 

8/10 

< 

22 A Little More Pepper 

His fingers curled around my throat, and my pulse raced. 

“What was your aim in sprinkling pepper all over my breakfast?” 

I mustered an innocent face. “It was an honest 

mistake.” 

His grip tightened, and I chewed the inside of my mouth. 2 

“It’s the truth.” 

He leaned toward me. “Liar.” 

When his lips brushed mine, I closed my eyes, expecting a kiss, but it never came. 

1 

“The news was right. You did get married!” 

I flashed my eyes open, and Ares wasn’t looking 

at me but behind. 

“You’re interrupting, Athena.”