Leyla was obviously nervous, and Ares wasn’t surprised to see that. She was a meek little thing, who only opened up once she knew someone. And the vampire wasn’t even sure he counted as someone she was familiar enough with to be entirely herself. He could never quite tell if she was as shy around her closest friends and family too. They were as different as night and day, him and Leyla, but maybe there was some truth in the whole opposites attract theory, because Ares actually enjoyed the witch. She was talented, a hard worker and beautiful, all qualities he appreciated. And it was always fun to make her blush and squirm. Like now, as her trademark blush spread over her cheeks, making his grin widen.
“Considering the amount of people at this party, you’re really quite fortunate to land with someone you know and like,” he said, his ego never failing him. He chuckled at her comment on the dress code. “It’s not, but let’s just say, I’m not used to seeing girls in handcuffs with that much clothing,” he winked at her. “Half naked - or preferably fully naked - girls and handcuffs go together, like gin and tonic, eggs and bacon, alcohol and bad decisions… You get the drift.” He couldn’t stop himself from laughing - not that he wanted to - when she tried to compliment him. “Well, thank you. You look lovely as well, even if you’re overdressed. And as for being caught off guard, you should always expect surprises with my sister. She’s hardly known for being conventional.”
Ares had been her boss for years now, but it was only in more recently that they’d started to work more closely together. Before that she had her meetings with her agents and editors with the occasional check in with the man. And now she found herself in his office a couple times a month at least. Leyla wasn’t a very outgoing person, Ares was, and that was only the beginning of their very obvious differences. Whenever they came together it was often like this, with him and his easy grins and casual charm, and her rosy cheeked and fighting the urge to run and hide. She’d been getting better at it though, thanks to her sister, and though she still couldn’t help the blushing, she was starting to stand her ground a little more. As unthreatening as it might’ve been, it was the thought that counted.
“I don’t recall saying I liked you, just that I know you,” she said, pressing her lips together to hide a tiny smile at his words. In all honesty, it could’ve been worse, at least she knew Ares was harmless. Well. Mostly. Leyla cleared her throat, dark gaze skittering away when the man mentioned his usual experience with handcuffs, and she wasn’t sure why she was surprised. He seemed like the kind of guy who’d have a lot of personal experience on the subject- and that thought had the tips of her ears reddening. “Mmhm. Well, there’s a first time for everything, right?” she said, her gaze slowly returning to his, noting the way his face lit up as he grinned at her. Annoying. And the mention of his sister only reminded her that it obviously ran in the family. Leyla had encountered a couple of the others over the years; Linus, regrettably, then there was the redhead who owned Voyeur and had a reputation that even she’d heard of, the familiar who looked like he was on the verge of murdering someone any time she’d seen him in passing. They sure were an...interesting bunch. “Maybe next time you could talk her into a less...restrictive party game next time?” she said with a little laugh, looking down at their joined hands, “I think I’ve had enough surprises after the last ball.”
