The afternoon turns into evening, and the rehearsal dinner begins. The decorations, despite the initial hiccup with the florist, look beautiful. The candles and makeshift arrangements Selene organized have turned out more elegant than I could have hoped for.

Archer arrives shortly after we do, but he's alone. No brother in sight.

"Where's your brother?" I ask, giving him a quick hug.

"He's coming. He got held up with a phone call."

"Right," I say, my gaze searching the room.

"He'll be here soon. Don't worry."

Music begins playing, and Archer walks to the center of the room. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us tonight."

The crowd quiets down, the attention turning to Archer.

"I'm so glad you could all make it. I want to start by thanking Emma, my lovely fiancée's daughter, for organizing this. You're the best."

I smile, taking a bow.

"I'd also like to thank Julie, the love of my life, for agreeing to spend the rest of her life with me. I know I'm not perfect, but you've always been patient with me, and for that, I'm eternally grateful."

My mother blushes, the joy radiating off her.

"He gives a great toast," a voice behind me says.

I turn, my heart skipping a beat. Ares stands there, his eyes locked on mine. He's dressed in a black suit, his tie perfectly knotted. His beard is trimmed, his hair neatly styled.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, the words coming out harsher than intended.

"I'm here for the wedding," he says, his expression amused.

"But— How—?"

He chuckles. "I'm Archer's brother."

I stare at him, my jaw dropping. This can't be happening.

"Wait. You're his brother?" The realization dawning on me. Ares is Archer's brother. The man I fucked last night is fixing to be what? My step uncle? Basically family? This can't be happening.

My face flushes, the shame and guilt washing over me. What did we do? We had sex. Sex! And not just any sex. It was incredible, mind-blowing, toe-curling sex. And the whole time, he was my mom's fiancé's brother. The same person I'm fixing to spend the rest of my life with as family. Before I can say anything else, we are interrupted.

"Emma, you're up," Selene says, gently touching my arm.

"What?"

"You're the next speaker."

"Oh, right," I say, the room suddenly feeling too hot.

I walk to the front of the room, my knees wobbling.

"Hi everyone, thanks for being here," I begin, my voice shaky. "I just want to thank you all for coming and sharing this special day with us."

My gaze wanders the crowd, landing on Ares. His eyes are dark and intense, his lips curved into a mischievous smirk.

I continue talking, trying not to think about him, trying not to remember the feel of his hands on my body, the taste of his lips.

I stumble over a few words, my nerves getting the better of me. "I want to say how happy I am that my mother found Archer." As the words tumble from my mouth, I watch Ares's reaction. From his look of surprise, I'm assuming he didn't know who I was either.

"Thank you," I continue, forcing a smile, "for making her smile brighter and her days happier. Archer, you've become a part of our family, bringing joy and warmth." My eyes flicker to Ares again, his gaze unwavering. "And to the family we're joining, I look forward to creating many happy memories together."

The crowd applauds, a mix of smiles and warm glances filling the room. I step down, eager to escape the intensity of Ares's stare, but as fate would have it, our paths cross directly in front of the makeshift stage.

"Emma," Ares begins, his voice low, "about last night—"

"I don't think this is the time or the place," I cut him off, my voice firm yet betraying a hint of nervousness.

"You're right," he agrees, though his eyes say more. "But we need to talk. Soon."

I nod, unable to trust my voice, and quickly make my way back to my mother and Selene, feeling Ares's eyes on me the whole way. As I approach them, my mother's expression is hard to read, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Emma," she starts, her tone cool and measured, "I hope your speech for the wedding is better than whatever that was." Her words sting, the criticism sharper because it's from her.

I blink, taken aback. I don't know why I am surprised, though. This isn't shocking behavior from her. My mother is the queen of criticism. "I'm sorry, Mom. I was just a bit nervous, I guess."

She sighs, her gaze softening slightly. "I understand nerves, darling, but that was... It just wasn't what I expected. This wedding means a lot to Archer and me, and I want everything to be perfect."

"I know, Mom. I'll do better, I promise," I say, feeling a mix of frustration and the desire to make her happy.

"Make sure you do. We have a lot of important guests attending, and I don't want to be embarrassed," she adds, turning away to greet a latecomer.

I stand there for a moment, feeling a little lost. Selene gives my hand a squeeze, a silent message of support. She's seen how my mother can be.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that this weekend isn't about me or Ares. It's about my mom and Archer. I just have to get through it, one step at a time.

The evening continues with laughter, stories, and dances, but a part of me is elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of Ares and the implications of our connection.

As the night winds down, I find myself outside, seeking a breath of fresh air. The cool night air is supposed to clear my head, but it isn't doing a very good job. The stars twinkle above, a beautiful but distant distraction from the turmoil inside me.

"Nice night," a voice says from the shadows.

I turn to see Ares stepping into the light, his presence both unsettling and oddly comforting. Seeing him here, now, feels like a test I'm doomed to fail. My heart wants to lean in, but my mind screams to run.

"It is," I reply, wrapping my arms around myself.

I can feel the weight of his words before he speaks them. It's a conversation I'm not ready for, a reality I'm not ready to face.

"We should talk about last night," he says.

But I don't want to talk about last night. I don't want to think about last night. I can't believe I— I can't believe that we... He's practically family now. Shame washes over me. If my mother ever found out...oh God.

"Honestly, it's probably better if we don't," I state. I shouldn't let this conversation go on. I shouldn't even be out here with him alone. I need to get back inside.

"But we need to talk about it," he counters.

I shake my head. "No, we really don't. We can pretend like last night didn't happen."

His gaze is unreadable, his expression impossible to decipher. "I don't think I can do that."

"Well, you have to," I insist. "We both do. It's better this way."

Ares moves closer, his presence both familiar and foreign.

"Emma, I--"

"Please," I say, the word a plea. "Please, let's just forget about it. Forget last night. Pretend it never happened. Your brother is about to be my dad for Christ sake."

He nods, his eyes full of understanding.

I give him a small, uncertain smile.

"If that's what you want," he replies, his voice soft.

"It is."

He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture is gentle, tender. My whole body tingles.

"Emma, are you out here?" It's my mother. Ares steps back, putting distance between us.

"Yeah," I call out.

She walks onto the patio, her eyes narrowing when she sees Ares.

"Oh, Ares, I didn't realize you were out here too," she says, oblivious to what she is interrupting.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Julie," he replies, holding out his hand. He's so charismatic and charming.

"Likewise," she says, shaking his hand. "I'm so glad you could make it. Archer has told me a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," he jokes, his smile dazzling.

She laughs, the sound genuine. "Of course. He's so proud of you and everything you've accomplished."

I stand there, the awkwardness settling in. I'm glad they're getting along, but this conversation feels weird.

"I'm going to head inside," I announce.

"Oh, Emma, there's someone I want you to meet," my mother says, gesturing to a man approaching.

"Oh?" I'm not sure I can handle anymore introductions tonight.

"This is Carter, a son of one of Archer's friends."

She isn't trying to set me up with someone right now, is she? This is literally the worst possible time.

"Hi, nice to meet you," I say, plastering on a polite smile. I extend my hand and Carter catches it, planting a light kiss on it. I swear I can feel Ares stiffen beside me.

Carter gives me a charming smile. He's attractive, no doubt, but I'm not in the mood. And this definitely isn't the situation to be meeting in.

"Your mom tells me you're studying graphic design," he says.

I need to get out of here. I can't breathe. "That's right. I'm almost finished with my degree."

"Look at how good you two look together," my mom gushes, nudging me playfully.

Carter laughs, his gaze sweeping over me.

I shoot my mother a pleading look, but she doesn't notice.

"Why don't you show Carter around the event room and tell him more about yourself?" she suggests, a knowing smile on her face.

"Okay," I say, reluctantly.

Carter holds out his arm, and I take it, letting him lead me away.

As we walk back inside the event room, I glance over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Ares and my mother. He's watching us, a hint of annoyance on his face.

"So, Emma," Carter says, pulling my attention back to him, "what do you like to do for fun?"

I shrug, not sure how to answer. "I'm pretty busy with school, but I like to do anything creative. What is it that you said you do?"

"I'm a software developer," he replies, grinning. "I travel a lot for work."

"That's cool," I say, feigning interest. I can't wait for this to be over, so I can help clean up and go to my room. I'm over socializing for the day.

We walk around, taking in the decor. Carter is polite and friendly, but there's no spark between us. We end up at the bar, where he orders us two glasses of champagne.

"Are you excited for the wedding?" he asks.

"Yeah," I reply. But what I'm more ready for is my mother and Archer going on their honeymoon so I can have the house to myself for a week. "My mom and Archer seem really happy together."

He nods, his eyes scanning the crowd. "It's good to see people in love. So many people these days are just looking for a hookup."

I pause, not sure where this conversation is heading.

"Your mother mentioned you were single," he continues. His gaze travels down and back up my body, lingering on my chest a heartbeat too long. "I'm guessing that's by choice."

"It is," I reply, bristling at his comment. I can't believe my mother told him that. And his obvious attempt to flirt with me is annoying.

"Do you not date? Or are you just picky?"

"Both, I guess."

He gives me a smirk, his gaze drifting down my body again. "I'm sure we can figure out something. If you're interested."

"Thanks, but no thanks," I say, the rejection falling flat.

"Come on, you're a pretty girl. I can show you a good time," he says, his tone suggesting otherwise.

"No, thank you," I repeat.

"Alright, have it your way," he says, giving me a condescending look. "If you change your mind, I'll be around."

With that, he leaves, his drink forgotten.

I take a deep breath, relieved. My mother has the worst taste in men. Carter is exactly the type of person she'd try to set me up with.

"Everything okay?" Selene asks, joining me.

"Yeah, just peachy," I reply, sarcasm lacing my words. "Just my mother trying to set me up again. This is the third time this month."

She smiles sympathetically. "She's just trying to help. I'm sure she means well."

"I know," I say, sighing. "I just wish she would let me handle my own love life."

"It's sweet that she cares," she says.

"I suppose," I reply, unconvinced.

"Anyways, I wanted to let you know that the dinner is officially over. I think most people are heading back to their rooms. I'm going to let it get down to about twenty people before we start cleaning up. The hotel sent a couple of people to help too. Just hang tight."

"Thanks, Selene. You're a lifesaver."

"I try," she replies, laughing.

I finish the last of my champagne and put the glass on a tray as a server passes by. The room is quiet, the guests having all left. The staff is starting to clean up, the clinking of glasses filling the air. Selene and I work together, cleaning up the mess, making sure everything is in order.

"You did a great job tonight, Emma. It was a lovely event."

"Thank you. You were a huge help. I couldn't have done this without you," I say.

"My pleasure," she replies, giving me a hug. "Good night."

"Night," I reply, watching her leave.

I grab my purse and head toward the door, eager to get some sleep.

As I walk down the hallway, I can't help but think about Ares and the predicament we're in. We had sex, incredible sex. And now we're supposed to act like nothing happened?

I can't even imagine what would happen if my mother or anyone found out. The shame would be overwhelming.

I take a deep breath, the tension building. This is going to be a long weekend. I step into the elevator. Just as the elevator doors are about to seal me inside this metal box of solitude, a determined hand wedges between them, forcing them open with an intention that feels almost personal.

Ares steps in, filling the small space with his imposing presence. His eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that seems to see right through me. "Hello, Emma," he greets, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate through the air between us.

"Hi," I reply, my voice sounding small and timid.

He presses the button for his floor and then leans back against the wall, his eyes never leaving mine.

The silence between us is heavy, the air thick with anticipation.

"So, how'd things go with that guy? Carriage or whatever his name was?" Ares breaks the silence, his casual dismissal of Carter's name underlining the real focus of his interest.

"Carter," I correct, though I'm not sure why.

"Right," he says.

"I don't see how that is any of your business," I say, folding my arms across my chest.

He shrugs. "Well, the fact that you were on my cock last night makes it a little my business."

I suck in a sharp breath. His bluntness catching me off guard. "I said I didn't want to talk about it," I shoot back.

"Yeah, but I can tell you've been thinking about it," he says, stepping away from the wall and closer to me.

"Don't flatter yourself."

"I don't have to," he replies. "It's written all over your face. That blush gives you away every time."

My cheeks burn hotter, betraying me.

"See? You're doing it right now."

"Whatever," I mutter, averting my gaze.

The elevator stops and the doors slide open, revealing the fourth floor.

"Well, this is my stop," I say, stepping out.

"Not so fast," Ares says, grabbing my wrist.

I look up at him, the intensity of his gaze sending a shiver down my spine.

"Emma," he begins, his voice low, "I know you don't want to talk about last night, but I think we need to."

"What is there to talk about?" I ask, my voice wavering slightly. "We did it. We can't take it back, but we can at least pretend it didn't happen. You're going to be family tomorrow."

I don't know if it's the words I'm saying or the desperation in my voice, but Ares lets go of my wrist. Our eyes stay connected until the elevator door shuts.