Page 23 of Reverence

The waiter smiled at me before focusing on the group again. “Will that be all for this table?” He questioned and everyone answered with a yes.

“Your food will be ready soon.”

When the waiter disappeared and the chatter amongst us continued, Ares threw a question in my direction. “Should you be drinking?”

“What are you on about, Valiente?”

“Alcohol after an allergic reaction could potentially worsen symptoms.” I blinked slowly, suddenly knocked off my axis.

“One glass should be fine.”

“Are you sure?” The sudden shift in his tone vexed me. I didn’t appreciate the random sympathy. Especially not from him.

“Why do you care, Ares?”

“I don’t.” He answered immediately.

“If you don’t care then don’t question me.”

That silenced him but the unexpected concern both, unnerved and confused me. Causing a strange sensation to bloom in my chest.

ARES

Amala Rivera, truly was the thorn in my side. I watched her intently, observing how carefree she seemed even after a traumatic experience.

She constantly found humor in every situation, even one where she could’ve been dead right now.

It irked me.

Clawing its way into my chest, carving into whatever organ resided there.

She experienced the reaction but she didn’t see what that moment truly looked like from an outside perspective.

Her face paled, hands gripping her neck, those scrutinising eyes nearly dipping to the back of her fucking head.

The wheezing sounds of her trying to gasp for air but the attempt being futile.

The way her body slacked and then hit the mattress, her chest rising and falling in rapid motions.

This mini vacation quickly turned sour and now that dreadful image was seared into my brain.

My sister experienced the same thing when she was ten years old, nobody knew she was allergic to shellfish.

Back then I didn’t know what to do and if my parents weren’t present, I don’t know if she would’ve been alive today.

Of course, Rivera didn’t know that but if I could grab her shoulders, shake some fucking sense into her, and tell her why I reacted the way I did. Maybe, just maybe she wouldn’t be so nonchalant about it.

I returned to the hotel first after dinner while the rest explored Vista. My time for exploration had come to an abrupt end because my mood shifted drastically.

I could still feel her warm body in my arms as she dipped in and out of consciousness. Her head lulled backward, eyes fluttering.

Thank Christ for the mini bar.

I grabbed a miniature bottle of vodka, even though I hated the taste, and tossed it back.

Yes, I despised vodka but they didn’t have whiskey, and my disdain for her was far superior.

The liquid burned my throat, coating my stomach as I relaxed against the couch.