The Devil CEO's Contract Wife - Chapter 226: The House Across The Street

Chapter 226: The House Across The Street

“That house?” I asked, my interest piqued. “Oh, the reminder. The previous couple there made me a nosey neighbour, one thing after another. The number of noise complaints was something else.”

Good thing they found their dream home somewhere else, I thought I was gonna spend the rest of my life looking out the window and hoping I don’t see a screaming woman across the street tossing shit at her husband, and I mean literal shit… dog shit to be exact.

The sheriff chuckled, as if he could read my mind. He was just as relieved when they finally moved out. I think the entire town had a breather after that.

I smiled, going back to my notebook, when a sudden shiver shot up my spine.

That house was right across from mine.

“Refill?” I asked, taking the jug.

“Yes, please…”

I cleared my throat. “So um… I hope it’s not another couple across that stress.”

“Actually, it’s not.”

My hand trembled, and I made a mess.

“I’m so sorry!” I hurried and used the paper towels to wipe the counter.

“It’s alright.”

“W-Who purchased the house?”

“What?”

“I-I mean, I just wanna know how to gear up for anything.” I handed him a paper towel.

He wiped his hands. “You don’t have to worry about anything. A woman purchased it, but her cousin is going to stay there for a while. You okay? You look pale.”

“Yeah, I’m good, just realized it’s about time I picked Esme from school!” I took off my apron.

“You’re still two hours early.”

“I have to make a stop too. Later!”

~☆~

What the heck am I doing?

I checked my watch, knowing I still had time to spare before looking back at the house. So far, there has been no activity. It was just as quiet as it has always been. Maybe the person moved in already?

What am I doing?

I’ve asked myself that question a million times since I been out here, stretching my neck like a giraffe just to catch a glimpse of anything. I had no idea why, but there was this feeling.

“Relax, Catherine, relax. It’s probably just a random dude living there now. Bald head, pot belly, and just not…” I gulped, feeling like my nerves would crumble before I had a little grip on myself and drove out.

I kept checking the review mirror until the house was out of sight.

After I picked up Esme, I was back home, and when we got out of the car, I got a text on my phone.

Reed: I won’t be home for a few days. The building project needs more workforce.

We haven’t exactly talked after what happened that night. I didn’t like that we weren’t, but that night made me realize I didn’t wanna take that step. I didn’t wanna move on that way.

I understood his feelings truly,

but it was something I couldn’t accept. The best I could do was be upfront with him and clear the air. Despite everything, he still means a lot to me, and I don’t wanna lose what was left of our friendship.

Me: Alright, just take it easy. I was hoping we could talk when you get back?

This was for the best. I need to focus on Esme and not things that would get me in turmoil.

“Why didn’t we stop at the diner? I was hoping to eat Maria’s chocolate cake.”

“Well, because mommy’s tired and needs rest.”

“It looks like you really need it.”

“What?”

“I know you haven’t been sleeping much.”

“I’m sleeping… just not enough.” I unlocked the door, and she hurried inside.

I eyed the house across the street, and it was just like it was when I last checked. Now, I’m just being paranoid. The only reason I came back home early was to observe and make sure my fears weren’t coming true, but it seems like I might be wrong.

I tried to ignore the shifty feeling that followed with that realization. I stepped into the house, and the scent of cologne hit me so hard I froze. Reed doesn’t wear cologne.

I panicked. “Esme!”

I scurried into the living room and found her standing with her head tilted, and I followed her gaze to a figure, dressed in a fitted black polo stretched across his broad shoulders and muscular arms, slim black jeans following the powerful lines of his legs, and tucked neatly into dark leather boots.

Ares.

He set the picture frame down before fully turning to us, and it was like my entire world altered drastically.

I was numb as icy blue eyes held me prisoner, almost like a spell had been cast.

Several emotions swirled, and with them came a heavy spin. The weight of his stare was so heavy I nearly saw darkness.

“I know you!”

Esme’s voice grounded me.

Like a magnet, his eyes descended to Esme, and at first instinct, I wanted to shield her away, not until the most rare thing happened.

A grin. A fucking grin, and I don’t mean the ghostly kind, I mean a wide one that showed his perfectly white teeth, that made his cold eyes melt, and dimples carve.

He tilted his head in a way that mirrored Esme. “Do you?”

I shivered. I hadn’t heard his voice for a long time. I had to brace my hand against the wall before I lost balance.

“Yes!”

Before Esme could move towards him, I took her hand and held it tight.

“What did your mommy tell you about me?”

“Nothing. Except she has your picture and—”

“E-Esme, how about you go up to your room?”

“Why?”

“I need to talk to our visitor.”

“That’s not fair, at least let me introduce myself.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Esme Walker, and you are?”

Ares walked, and my breath shortened. His shadow took over us like a blanket, and when he crouched to her height, he was still intimidating.

Ares took her hand in his, shrouding it completely. “Ares King.”

“King? Are you royalty?”

“Something like that.”

“Really?”

“E-Esme.”

She looked up to me and then Ares.

“I hope we see each other again.” She leaned close and whispered to his ear as if I couldn’t hear. “I have questions.”

She went up the stairs, and the sound of her snappy footsteps was the only thing that echoed.

After the loud slam of a door, Ares rose to his full height. It took a moment before he flickered his eyes to me.

We didn’t exchange words, just staring for a really long time until it felt like it was the only thing we could do.

“H-How did you find me?” My voice was barely a whisper because it was thick with emotion.

I couldn’t tell whether it was pain or fright choking me. Fear consumed me when he came closer, only to dissolve completely the moment his hand cradled the back of my head and his arm pulled me in an embrace.