Page 22 of Reverence

“Amala, if you don’t take the flowers and say thank you, I swear.” Kehlani threatened. “Forgive her, my love. You know accepting gifts isn’t her forte.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” He laughed softly as I took the flowers and muttered a quick thank you.

At least they were aware of the fact that I didn’t like receiving gifts.

Nicolas handed the roses to Gabriella and the other bouquet Kayden held in his hand was for Kehlani.

Ares sat down across from me, remaining silent.

I thought about the text message I’d received from him but brushed it off, pushing the thought to the back of my subconscious.

“Ares was actually the one who told us to buy you ladies flowers,” Nicolas said as Ares’ eyes flickered to mine. I averted my gaze, looking down.

“Really?” Kehlani asked sarcastically. “He’s always so sweet.” She clutched her chest. “Right, Amala?”

I looked at her with a straight face, pursing my lips.

The conversation shifted to a different topic and I breathed a soft sigh of relief.

This seemed like deja vu. The last time everyone had dinner together, Ares and I sat alongside each other—and as per usual I read him to filth.

This time he didn’t speak, somewhat zoning out which was highly unlike him.

The two of us may not have indulged in conversation but he would liaise with everyone else.

Now he didn’t utter a word, staring blankly ahead.

That facial expression was oddly familiar as I’d seen my mother experience the same thing after my first case of anaphylaxis.

I kicked his foot underneath the table which immediately snapped him out of his trance. He glared at me, placing both arms on the table.

“Oops,” I said nonchalantly.

“Clearly, you did that on purpose.” Annoyance rolled off him in violent waves as I tapped the pointy stiletto on the floor.

“My foot slipped.” I shrugged.

“Your acting skills could use some work.” He countered, seemingly back to his normal demeanor.

“That’s why I never pursued acting as a career path.”

“Whatever.” He said grumpily. “Perhaps you should consider wearing heels that aren’t so lethal. Before your foot slips again.”

I crossed one leg over the other. “Thank you for the suggestion but I’ll have to decline.”

I leaned back in the chair, eyeing the waiter who passed by before looking at Ares again.

“Respectfully, of course.”

He watched the waiter with a sharp deathly expression which I found odd. “When have you ever been respectful towards me?”

He deadpanned, eyes meeting mine. “Don’t make me laugh.”

“I aim to please.” Ares didn’t continue the conversation but judging by his facial expression I could sense his irritation and that in turn nearly made me cackle.

The waiter returned to our table, taking our orders and after skimming the menu I settled on steak basted with garlic butter, roasted potatoes and breadsticks. “Could I also have a glass of white wine please?”

“Of course.”