Free Ares' Temptation by Aubrie Dionne Page A

“Whatever it is, I highly doubt we’re going down.”
    Kaye smiled and squeezed his arm. “You see, that’s exactly why I brought you.”
    Ares’ skin burned under her touch. He wished to please her, to show her family how kind and intelligent she was. It wasn’t because he needed to break the curse, although he did. It was Kaye’s smile and how it undid him, tightening every nerve in his body until his only salvation was her delicate touch.
    Powers or not, he would defeat Bradley Underhill.

Chapter Nine
    Covert Operations
    “You did so well!” Kaye threw the bags on the bed. She must have packed light, because nothing felt heavy these days. Maybe it was just the high of being on cloud nine.
    “I hardly said anything.” Ares set his own bag by the windowsill. He glanced at the single bed and frowned. “Did you only reserve this one room?”
    “Oh, I couldn’t book two rooms, or my family would get suspicious. We’re supposed to be dating, and gods don’t need to sleep, right?”
    Ares turned and stubbed his toe on the dresser. “Hades’ Underworld.”
    “Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine.” He waved her back. “The couch will suffice.”
    “Good.” Weren’t gods above stubbing their toes? Maybe this room was a little small.
    She took out her iPad and did a Google search for volleyball. Once she found the best article, she handed the iPad to Ares. “Here you go, everything you need to know about volleyball.”
    He took the iPad, holding it awkwardly in both hands as if the words would fall off the screen. “Is this some manner of competitive game?”
    “Oh yeah. Especially with my family.” She unpacked a handful of clothes. “I should warn you, I suck at it.”
    Ares looked her up and down. “I highly doubt that.”
    How he had any idea about her athletic skills was beyond her. But she’d take the compliment. “Thanks.”
    Ares read the rules while she unpacked, then they made their way down to the Blue Dolphin Lounge.
    Her mother and father sat at the bar, sipping drinks. Although her mother didn’t look a day over forty—thanks in part to plastic surgery and Botox—her dad had lost most of his hair, so only two white tufts stood on either side of his head. Seeing him age sent a pang through Kaye’s gut. She really had to visit more often.
    Bradley sat at a table with his lovely wife, Veronica. Her straight red hair had grown long, and she wore it simply, pulled back with barrettes on either side. She glowed with her pregnancy, her freckled cheeks a bit flushed. Beside them sat a few cousins and aunts and uncles. In the center of the room, Grammy sat in her wheelchair with a pink quilt over her legs. She spotted Kaye through her bottle-thick, square glasses and waved.
    Kaye waved to her dad and Veronica and walked straight to the family matriarch. She leaned over and gave Grammy a hug. The familiar smell of roses from Grammy’s favorite lotion surrounded her, taking her back to her childhood. “I’ve missed you so much.”
    “My dear Kaye. Still searching for seashells?” She winked at Kaye as she pulled away. She’d had her thin hair permed so it formed a halo around her round face.
    “Still searching. But not as much for shells.” Kaye always got a little philosophical around Grammy. It was as if the old woman saw straight through to her soul, so she might as well let the truth come out. “This is Armin.”
    Ares took Grammy’s hand so gently, it made Kaye melt. He kissed the back of it. “A pleasure to meet you.” His voice was hushed with respect and awe.
    “You’ve come from a world away.” Grammy took Ares hands in both of hers and squeezed. “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
    Shock registered on Ares’ normal stoic face. Kaye laughed to cover up the awkward moment. “Maine does feel like a world away.”
    Grammy could talk nonsense at times. It just so happened, this time she hit the nail on the head. Kaye took the chair beside her. “Tell me, what have you