The-Wrong-Bride-Ares--Raven’s-story-(Maura,-Catharina)_bibis

Death because it’s a slow-acting poison, and those who are hit with it often don’t even realize it until
it’s too late, until they find themselves surrounded by the remains of their careers.
I shake my head. “I don’t give a fuck if he never works again. He should’ve thought of that before
he let his mouth run. Let’s see where he’s going to get the money to pay for much of anything. Fucking
asshole.”
My secretary nods, his shock apparent. I’m beyond reasonable most of the time — you have to be,
in an industry filled with inflated egos. This fucker, though… he’s about to find out what happens
when I lose my patience.
“Come to think of it,” I tell Dom, my finger tapping on my desk. “There’s a store manager called
Andy. He works in our flagship mall. I want him fired. He works for one of the jewelry stores. I
forgot what it’s called. Whatever Hannah’s favorite brand is, that one.”
Dom clears his throat uncomfortably. “If it’s one of the malls, then that’s real estate, and it falls
under Sierra’s jurisdiction. You know she doesn’t like it when we interfere with her business.”
I lean back in my seat and stare at my secretary. He’s 6’3” and often mistaken for my bodyguard,
yet he cowers at the thought of my sister. I suppose I can’t blame him. My little sister is somewhat
unhinged, after all. “Call Sierra and tell her that Andy leered at Raven the whole time I was there
with her, and that I want him gone. Doesn’t she want her best friend to be able to go to one of her
malls without being objectified and lusted after?”
Dom’s eyes widen, a hint of anger in his eyes. “He dared offend Raven?” He grits his teeth and
nods resolutely. “I’m on it.”
I watch as he marches out and suppress my smile. It isn’t just my family and I that love Raven. It’s
everyone she comes in touch with. She’s so easy to love, and the entire world sees it but her.
I glance out the window, hesitating for a moment. I genuinely don’t like the idea of her going
around unprotected. What would have happened if I hadn’t been there last night? What if fucking Brad
hadn’t taken no for an answer?
I grab my phone and stare down at it, swallowing down my pride as I call the one man I fucking
despise. He might be an asshole, but he’s the best at what he does.
“Silas Sinclair,” he says.
I grit my teeth, annoyed at the mere sound of his voice.
“This is Ares Windsor.”
“I know. I have caller ID. All phones have that in this day and age.”
I fucking hate this man. “I need two extra bodyguards. I want the best you’ve got, but there’s a
caveat.”
“A caveat?” he asks, intrigued.
I clench my jaw as memories of Raven on his arm come to mind. For years, the two of them were
seen together, dating on and off again. I wish there was someone else better suited for the favor I
need, but this fucker truly is the best of the best.
“I want them to stay out of sight. They are to protect someone without her knowing about it. I want
all threats to her eliminated before they even have a chance to materialize. That includes men that
harass her or that won’t take no for an answer. I don’t care how they do it, but the second she looks
even remotely uncomfortable, I need someone to step in.”
He chuckles darkly, the sound fucking irritating. “Who is it that requires protection to that extent?
Your fiancée? I thought we already put someone on her?”
I look up at my ceiling, an inexplicable hint of nerves running down my spine. “Raven Du Pont.”
He falls silent for a moment. “You would go to such lengths to protect her in secret?”