The Wrong Bride: Ares and Raven’s Story (The Windsors)

She glares at me, but there’s no malice in her expression. “I was fourteen, and I was going through a phase, okay? I guess I should be glad we didn’t meet when I was going through my emo phase. That would’ve been a disaster.”

I smile and glance at the evening gown she’s drawing. It’s always astounded me just how talented she is. “You didn’t answer my question,” I remind her. “Why are you sitting here by yourself? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your sister?”

She locks her tablet and turns to look at me. “I tried.” Her voice breaks, and she forces a smile to her face.

Yeah, she probably did try. Raven always does. It never made much sense to me, but her parents have always favored Hannah, making her the center of everything. The first time Raven and I met was because she came on a family holiday with Sierra, because her parents had canceled their vacation in favor of accompanying Hannah to an audition.

Hannah does it too. She takes Raven for granted, and I think she knows it. Raven has organized almost every single detail of our wedding, and even tonight, she’s sitting here because she knows Hannah would be upset if she didn’t show at all, yet Hannah isn’t putting any effort into ensuring Raven is included.

“I’m sorry, Cupcake. I guess we’re in the same boat tonight.”

She shakes her head. “She gets to see us whenever she wants, but it’s harder for her to see her friends, so I get it.”

Raven always does this. She always makes excuses for Hannah. Does she realize that she does that?

“Show me what you’re drawing.”

She nods and settles against me, her arm brushing against mine, a soft breeze dancing on our skin. “I’m thinking of trying various shades of nude with heavy beading. Form fitting but classy.”

She flicks through her designs, and a hint of pride courses through me.

“You’re amazing, you know that?”

She looks up at me, startled. I love the way her cheeks always flush when I compliment her. She’s a supermodel, adored by millions, yet she still blushes like that. Raven truly is something else, and I’m proud to call her a friend.

“Hey, I’ve got something for you. I know it’s a bit early and your birthday isn’t for another month, but I thought you’d want this now.”

I hold up the small paper bag I brought with me, and she takes it with wide eyes. I watch her intently as she takes out the box inside the bag, my heart beating in a nervous pattern. When is the last time I was nervous about something as simple as a gift?

Raven gasps, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “Ares! This tablet isn’t even out yet! I’ve got it on pre-order, and it won’t release for another six months. How did you — “she turns it around and grins when she sees the enamel cupcake integrated on the back of the tablet. “Wow. You… how?! This isn’t just… they don’t customize these!”

Yeah, this was worth all the shit Lexington gave me when I pleaded with him to ask Aria Callahan for a favor. If I’d known her personally, I wouldn’t have bothered with him at all, but I don’t. All I know is that she’s Amara Grant’s sister-in-law, and since Amara and Leia are good friends with Lex, I knew he could make this happen for me, no matter how much shit he gave me. The Callahans are involved in most tech businesses, and if they aren’t, they have the connections that I lack.

“I know someone who knows someone, who knows someone,” I said cryptically. There’s no fucking way I’ll let Lex take the win for this one. He didn’t earn her smile. I did.

“I love it!” she squeals. When was the last time I saw such genuine joy in her eyes? “I can’t believe you did this for me. You hate picking out presents!”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t. I’ve always picked out yours, every single year.”

She frowns then. “That wasn’t Dom?”

“Dom?” I repeat, offended. “Has that fucker been taking credit for all the gifts I picked out for you over the years?”

She laughs and places her hand on my arm, squeezing. “No, I suppose I was just making baseless assumptions. I love this, Ares. I truly, truly love this. This is my favorite present ever. I can’t wait to draw my next few designs on it.”

I smile as she turns it on and starts to mess around with the settings. “Do you ever relax, though? You’re always working, Raven. I don’t know many people who work more than I do, but you’re definitely one of them. It isn’t healthy.”

She merely shrugs. “It’s fine. Working keeps my mind occupied. I prefer it that way.”

I stare at her for a moment. “What is it you’re running from?”