Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 128

128 When Perfection Stares Back At You 

[Music: A Dim Light In The Corner By Raviel Blackthorn] 

Lovecraft. 

They were one of the old families in Midnight, just like the Kings. Known for their restaurants all over the city, mostly the ones Ares dines in. I heard they were a family of chefs, and their skills were exceptional. 

“Pleasure…” I finally found my voice. “It’s a pleasure… truly” 

I’m still awed that I got to meet someone like her. If she hadn’t introduced herself, I wouldn’t have known who she was. Seeing them on TV 

to watch her cooking shows, and I even used some was completely different. I used 

could be in one of her classes. 

“Likewise.” She gave me a sweet smile. 

“I–I’m a fan.” 

“Are you?” 

of her recipes. I always wished I 

“Yes! It’s just you look so different on TV, and I still can’t believe you’re actually here! Your recipes are the best!” 

I should probably stop talking now, but for once, ever since this night, I’m actually excited. I wish I had a pen or paper, I could have taken an autograph. Dammit! “Maybe it’s the hair? Though right now they are all convinced I look like my great aunt.” She raised her shoulders. “Aren’t we all presently?” 

I giggled, and she did too. 

“I’m honored. It’s nice to see a fan.” . 

Naomi leaned toward me, kissing my cheek again, and so did I. She looked at Ares, and they shared a brief stare, prolonged on her side, and I could tell she wanted to say something to him but withheld. 

Naomi cleared her throat. “Now, if you would excuse me.” 

I tracked her movement as she walked to a gathering where she was welcomed by the others, and they engaged in small talk. 

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128 When Perfection Stares Back At You 

“You two seem familiar with each other,” I said. 

“Ex–fiancée.” 

I snapped my gaze to Athena, suddenly beside us. 

“Well, she didn’t have the chance to be one. Daddy’s plan for an arranged marriage didn’t work. Hmm… I definitely wouldn’t have liked her if it had worked out. Just a hunch.” 

She was the one whom Elias mentioned… a worthy partner for Ares. 

As I observed her, I realized that maybe she was perfect. She was a socialite, a high–class, and a chef. All in one. 

A feeling settled low in my stomach, and I tried to contain it, but it spread over to my face until I could feel a scowl twisting. 

Not good. 

“I’m famished! We’d better get something in our stomach.” 

“Oh yes, we should! June and his banana rule can be annoying.” 

“Great! Let’s-” 

Ares‘ hand, which I now realized had been on my waist somewhere along the line I wasn’t paying attention to, pulled me back to stay glued to his side. 

I glowered. “Take your hands off me.” 

Those words left me before I could stop myself, but I don’t regret them. 

I gasped when Ares hauled me closer, eyes blazing for a challenge. He had only spoken three times since we had been here, which means one: he was in his usual mood of silence, and two: He wasn’t about to tolerate anybody, or give any 

fucks. 

I learned those two things over the years with him. 

Then why the fuck is he gunning for a challenge when he’s clearly in a not–giving–a–shit mood? 

“What’s wrong, Mr. King? Can’t handle the thought of your wife walking out on you?” I squirmed discreetly. 

I was focusing too much on taking his iron grip off; I hadn’t realized his face was inches away from mine. I froze in place as our noses grazed against each other before he 

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128 When Perfection Stares Back At You 

inclined further, lips to my check. 

My squirms hindered, my body surrendering like it had found its key to its lock. 

God help me. 

“Keep running that mouth of yours, baby, and I’ll be more than happy to silence it.” 

Heat spread from my cheeks down to my chest, creating a lava effect there. I couldn’t tell if I was angry or just straight up aroused. 

Both! 

I slapped his hand away, and an elderly lady passing through gasped. 

“Oh my!” she whispered. 

Ares raised an eyebrow, eyeing the hand I had slapped away and then back to my face. It clearly reads: Did you just do that? 

Well, I did, sue me. 

“Hmph!” With 

as possible. 

my chin up, I walked to Athena, grabbing her arm to lead us away as far 

“Oh my Cat… trouble trouble,” Athena said, ticking her tongue as she took a shrimp cocktail in a chilled glass. “You passed beyond the limit there.” 

“Well, it won’t get me killed, will it?” 

Athena snorted, eyes moving behind me, but it was too late. I felt Ares‘ palm on my ass, squeezing against it until I heard his leather gloves squeak. 

My mouth fell open as disbelief contorted my face. Thankfully, we were near the wall, and no one could see, but that didn’t stop the feeling like I had a microscope on me. 

“Dance with me.” 

I was already hauled to the dance floor where the slow music played. Ares was quick to act, pinning me to his body, my hands on his shoulder. 

I can’t escape, not with this many eyes on us, and he knew this, didn’t he? 

I didn’t hold his gaze like every other couple on the dance floor. I chose the sculpture at the far end as my focus. 

“You’re sulking,” Ares remarked. 

128 When Perfection Stares Back At You 

“I’m not!” I hissed, and my body tightened when he pressed me close until my nipples hardened as they rubbed against his solid chest. 

A subtle smirk played on his lips. Of course, he’s enjoying putting me in this position. 

“This dance isn’t necessary,” I said through clenched teeth. “There are other ways we can convince the public that we-” 

I gasped when he suddenly dipped me, so low that his hand clutched my thigh, and my leg hung on his waist. 

This position was clearly inappropriate. 

What the heck is this devil thinking? 

Happy New Year! 

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