Page 84 of Heroes & Hitmen
As I push through the double doors and step out of the building, I instantly get a prickle on the back of my neck like I’m being watched. I freeze, head snapping up from my phone screen, eyes scanning the crowd on the lawn of the quad. It’s early afternoon, the sun filtering through a thin veil of clouds and painting everything with that washed-out, dreamy quality despite the thick humidity in the air. I sweep my gaze over the area, pulse kicking up a notch as I search for a shock of red hair and a disarming grin.
No Ares.
I shake it off, but the feeling lingers as I debate whether to go straight home or kill an hour reading on campus. When I see that the bench under the giant maple is empty, it’s an easy decision. Making a beeline down the path, I go straight for the bench and toss my bag onto it, sinking down and rummaging through for my paperback.
Just as I pull it out and crack it open, the feeling returns. That insistent, buzzing awareness of being observed.
I jerk my head up, eyes darting across the quad. This time, I catch him immediately.
Ares is standing on the sidewalk next to his truck, leaning back against the passenger door like a damn model. He’s wearing a faded t-shirt that clings to every muscle and a pair of athletic shorts that don’t even pretend to hide the fact he never skips leg day. His copper hair is a little wild, wind-tousled in a way that’s probably accidental but definitely swoon-worthy, his dark eyes locked with mine.
I’m caught like a fox in his trap, and I don’t look away. Instead, I arch a brow and shoot him the most withering look I can muster.
His lips twitch, and I know he’s fighting the urge to smirk. I seriously hate how good he is at reading my moods, how easily hecan flip a switch and go from brooding to playful in two seconds flat.
He inclines his chin in a silent summons, and though the urge to ignore him is strong, the desire to go to him is stronger. I flip my book shut, stuff it in my bag, and shove up from the bench, strutting across the quad with the stride of a woman who knows exactly what she wants.
I reach him in less than a minute, stopping just shy of the curb and folding my arms over my chest. “Still stalking me?” I ask, cocking a brow. “Did you think lurking on the edge of campus would make you less conspicuous?”
He grins, not even bothering to play innocent as he strikes a pose. “I was hoping the view would distract you from my complete lack of subtlety.”
I snort a laugh, smiling despite myself. “Smooth.”
Ares pushes off from his truck, bridging the space between us in a single step. “You done for the day?”
“You already know,” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Don’t act like you don’t have my schedule memorized.”
He shrugs, unbothered. “I like to keep tabs on you, sweetheart. It’smykink.”
My pulse skips, and I hate how easily he makes it do that. I drop my arms to my sides, shifting my weight to my other foot. “Is there a reason you’re here, or are you just annoying me to pass the time?”
“I missed you,” he growls in a low voice, leaning in closer.
I bark a laugh. “Bullshit, you saw me this morning.”
“That was hours ago,” he groans. “Besides, I need a favor.”
“Of course you do,” I mutter. “What is it? Was Will so impressed with my company that he’s dying to third wheel with us again?”
Ares flashes me a grin. “Well yes, but I actually had something else in mind. You doing anything right now?”
“Depends,” I reply slowly, arching a suspicious brow. “Is this a trick question?”
He gives a low, warm chuckle. “No trick. I’ve been dying to let my wolf out for a run, and I figured you’d know somewhere to go.”
“You want me to run with you?” I snort. “On what planet is that a good idea?”
“Why, because our wolves like each other a little too much?”Ares challenges, smirking like a devil. “Almost like they’re meant for each other?”
I roll my eyes so hard I practically see the back of my skull, but my wolf’s already stirring beneath my skin, her interest officially piqued.
Dammit.
“I might know a place,” I say nonchalantly, trying to play it cool despite how hard my heart’s suddenly pounding, anticipation already thrumming through my veins.
This is probably a terrible idea. Except now that my wolf’s latched onto it, she won’t let go– and I’m not even sure I really want her to. I never got the chance to run during the last full moon, and my inner animal has been cooped up for far too long. A little run to de-stress might be exactly what I need to temper my anxiety and reclaim my focus.
Ares flashes me a stupidly sexy grin, tipping his head toward the truck. “Hop in then, sweetheart.”
