Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 246

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on March 10, 2026

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246 Wrecked But Alive

I moaned as I pressed the ice pack against my cheek. That hit the spot. Just what I needed to ease that ache that felt like my teeth were gonna fall off.

I had little bruising there and a cut, but it wasn’t that deep; the scrape on my thigh wasn’t either, and a plaster had helped with it.

I’m still stunned I came out of that ordeal with these only, and I’m not fighting for my life in a hospital. Guess I should be thankful for the little lessons Reed gave me, even though he objected to it, and told me he was gonna protect me no matter what, I still insisted I needed something to defend myself with.

It was all fueled by what happened to me in the past, how I was tossed around like a pig for slaughter. I clenched and unclenched my fist. I’m still not as strong as I hoped to be; I almost lost my life if it hadn’t been for Harper and Ares.

I exhaled sharply as I closed my eyes. Despite all this, I was glad the worst was over, and no lives were lost. Harper was taken to the hospital on time, and she was expected to make a full recovery.

Tough girl.

When I opened my eyes, I peered at the mirror and found Ares at the doorway. I turned slowly, wincing a little bit.

“Esme?”

“Asleep.”

I thought she wouldn’t. She didn’t say a word or let go of Ares the entire time,

Ares came close. “You should be in the hospital.”

“I’m fine… shockingly, I got out of that with just a few bruises.” I set the ice down and felt Ares‘ hand grip beneath my chin so that my eyes were on him.

I swallowed a lump in my throat as we both lingered for a stretchy time until he spoke, his masculine voice making the butterflies in my stomach dance.

“Tell me what you need.”

“A bath, a warm one,” I replied.

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246 Wrecked But Alive

Without a word, he walked to my bathroom, and I heard the water running. Using my dresser for support, I stood and trekked to the bathroom, leaning against the doorway frame as I scrutinized Ares.

My eyes tracked his every movement, licking my lips as he navigated everything like he had been here for long. He knew where I kept everything, treating the space as if it were his.

Ares‘ eyes stayed on me, and I could tell he was examining my bruise. I could sense it even though there were no words exchanged; he didn’t need to say a word.

I undid the knot of my robe and allowed it to pool at my feet. His eyes descended as I walked to him.

“I’m not in pain,” I said, dipping my hand in the water to check the temperature. It’s perfect. Just the way I like it. And the fragrance coming from it was my favorite.

“Thank you…” I said about getting in, but Ares suddenly began stripping, his shirt dropping on the floor, blessing my eyes.

“What are you…” I trailed as he unzipped his jeans, taking them off and kicking them

aside.

My mouth hung at the sight of his boxer briefs, the poor material gripped for their dear life, sticking to him like a second skin, and the very prominent outline of his cock stared right at me. Fuck! I have forgotten how big-! I turned away when he took them

off.

“Ares…” I began. “The tub is not big enough for two.”

Especially for him!

“It’ll do.”

I heard the ripple of water and faced him just in time as he sat stretching his hand for

me.

I must have exaggerated about the tub not fitting him. Still…!

“Sit on me.”

“I’m not sure I’d be comfortable sitting on your cock.”

He’s clearly fully erect.

“Ignore it.”

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246 Wrecked But Alive

I–Ignore? How the heck am I supposed to do that?!

I chewed the inside of my mouth before I placed my hand on his and got in, slowly pressing my ass down on his lap. He grunted when I tried to adjust.

“You asked for this…” I grumbled.

I flinched when his hand roamed my back, exactly on the bruises, and I felt the air tighten again.

“I won’t blame you if you decide to stay in Penrose.”

I turned my head at his words, but Ares didn’t meet my gaze.

“Are you sure about that? Even though you originally came here to bring me back?”

“Yes,” he answered.

I was shocked by his reply because it sounded true.

“I’m not sure the life I built in Penrose was ever real,” I murmured.

His eyes met mine.

“I’m not sure I can look at the rest of the folks in town the same way without thinking they are some spy watching my whole life. I was under a telescope. Imagine that… trying to escape a King when I was right under the nose of one.”

I shivered when his hand stroked my back gently, and I tried to fight how relaxing that

action was.

“Did you know? That your grandmother was watching me all these years.”

“No. She recently just came back to Midnight.” His jaw clenched. “She knew where you were the whole time… her eyes had been everywhere. I underestimated her power and influence.”

“After watching me all these years, why does she suddenly want me dead, and why does she want Esme…?” I could already feel my anger rising again, but I just tried to stay cool–headed.

“Before I found you…” Ares began. “There was talk about marriage and heirs.”

I blinked. “Marriage and heirs?”

“I reckon that was the main reason she’s back, even though she swore she wants nothing to do with us.”

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246 Wrecked But Alive

She must be the reason behind that article about Ares searching for a wife. Does this mean the entire time, Ares never decided to move on? H–He never tried to forget and