The Unwanted Bride Of Atticus Fawn

~ALARIC~

I can't look away from Clara. The second I saw her tonight, she's been the center of my attention.

I found myself searching the room multiple times just so that I could gaze at her from afar.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Ares says as he grabs a snack from the waiter.

I force my eyes away from Clara against my will to look at my brother. He was smirking, and I didn't like it. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

"Wouldn't do what?" I ask him.

"Go after her." He says. “That isn't going to end well for either of you."

I swallow, "I don't know what you're speaking about."

He chuckles, "Right. Sure you don't, big bro."

I grab a drink from the next waiter who passes next to us and take a big gulp as I loosen my tie.

"I think you had too many to drink; you're seeing things, Ares," I growl.

He shook his head, "On the contrary, brother, I had nothing to drink tonight. I'm sober as can be. And I know my eyes aren't deceiving me. You might want to control those wandering eyes tonight, though; there are already too many people staring at you. I'm sure one of these dozens of girls will recognize the one woman who has your full attention."

I almost choked on my drink.

He'd seen me staring at Clara?

Ah, fuck.

I knew that I wasn't good at hiding it, but fuck me. I didn't think I would get caught so damn quickly. If he'd noticed, who else would have also?

At least, I hoped that Clara didn't realize. I didn't want her to get the wrong impression.

"She does look beautiful tonight, doesn't she?" He asks me.

I'm surprised when a low growl forces its way out of my mouth. Ares quirks a surprised brow at me.

"What the fuck was that?" He asks, "Did you just growl at me?"

"What's happening here?" Apollo asks as he joins us. "Who's growling and why?"

I glare at Ares, warning him not to say anything stupid.

"I was just suggesting that our elder brother start looking for a new wife." He lies. "He's closer than ever to his divorce. We've all waited a long time for this. Maybe this time he can finally find a woman who can treat him right."

"I'm sure there's someone out there for him," Carter says as he appears out of nowhere.

How long has he been listening to our conversation?

"I hope she's nothing like Nicole." Apollo chuckles. "I don't think there's anyone else like her. At least, I hope there isn't."

Ares smiles at me, "Why don't you choose someone to dance with tonight?"

He knew exactly what he was doing—that ass.

Did he forget that I was older than him?

"I'm good where I am."

He sighs, "Come on, brother. Loosen up a little. There are so many women here that wish you could give them a chance. What are you waiting for?"

"For my divorce to finalize," I growl. "I'm still married to Nicole. I do not plan on dating anyone while I'm still married to her."

"That's a good point," Carter says as he grabs a sandwich. "You are still married. Why do we all keep forgetting that?"

"What are you waiting on?" Apollo asks me. "Why is it taking so long?"

I sigh, "I signed the papers today. I have to give it to Nicole to sign them also."

"Do you think she'll do it?" Carter asks me. "The last time I checked, she no longer wanted to divorce you."

I had a feeling that Nicole wouldn't make it easy for me, but eventually, she would have no choice but to sign the papers.

I planned on giving her them tonight. That's why I invited her to the party today. I knew she wouldn't have agreed if I'd told her the real reason I wanted her here tonight.

"Tell me that isn't her," Ares says as he looks at the doorway.

I followed his gaze, and there she was—my wife. I miss the times I would look at her and think that she was my everything. Now, every time I see her, I'm reminded of our ruined marriage.

"What is she doing here?" Carter asks me. "I know you didn't invite her."

"I'm sure there's a logical explanation for this," Apollo says, even though he looks worried. "I don't think Alaric would have invited her."

They're speaking as though I'm not right in front of them.

"I am. . ." I pause before I say, "I did invite her."

"You invited her?" I hear Scarlett's surprised voice behind me.

I froze.

I knew that Clara was also with her.

Did that mean she'd also just heard me?

I slowly turn around and find her staring at me wide-eyed. I was right.

Oh fuck.

Why did I suddenly feel guilty? There was nothing between Clara and me. So then, why did the look on her face make me want to take back everything I'd just said?