Chapter 32

Alexander stood there, not scared by Ares' sudden attack but startled by the sudden appearance of a girl. However, he didn't push her away immediately because he felt the girl's rapid heartbeat. He lowered his head slightly and saw that she was in a sorry state with wet lashes and flickering eyes, showing a hint of fear.
For five seconds, Alexander said nothing and waited for the girl to calm down before teasing her, "How many times have you thrown yourself at me? Do you really want to be my second wife?"

Alison snapped out of her daze and looked up at him. She met his gaze which showed neither joy nor anger but rather mockery. His dark eyes reflected the light from the woods nearby, making them even darker.

She took two steps back with a blush on her face and explained awkwardly,"I... I just wanted to shield you from it too hard."

Alexander watched as she avoided eye contact with him while blushing until her ears turned red before speaking slowly in a gentle voice unlike his usual tone,"I won't tease you anymore. Go play!"

The last few words sounded like he was coaxing a child.

Feeling embarrassed about what had happened earlier, Alison pretended to be calm and turned around without noticing the scent of meat wafting towards her nose - roasted fish being cooked by servants along with beef jerky brought over from the dining room.

Ares came back after filling up water balloons again and boasted to Alexander,"My aim is getting better! I hit Alison more than ever this time!"

Indeed among Alison and Ares who were both soaking wet from playing water balloon fight earlier, only Ares remained unscathed while Alison's hair was dampened along with her pants.

"That's because I let you win!" retorted Alison jokingly.

"Let Alexander be our referee so we can continue playing until I beat you fair and square," suggested Ares.

Alexander interrupted, "Let's take a break and have lunch first."

Ares agreed as he was also hungry. He happily went back to the villa while teasing Alison along the way.

As Alexander listened to their banter and watched them walk away, his gaze deepened. It wasn't that Alison didn't hit him but rather all her shots landed on Ares' waterproof vest instead.

The servants had already set up the table in front of the villa with a golden tablecloth, delicate bone china plates and tulips in full bloom. Even if it was just a casual meal outside, they still paid attention to every detail.

Alison went inside to change clothes while Alexander and Ares waited for her at the table. The chef brought over grilled fish and other meats which were then served onto their plates.

Alexander looked at three pieces of fish on his plate and asked Ares with a faint smile,"Which one did you catch?"

Ares snorted disdainfully,"All the fish in the river today are male!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow,"What do you mean?"

"Forget loyalty when beauty is involved! They all swam towards Miss Grey!" grumbled Ares.

When Alison came out of the house, she heard Alexander's low laughter. She walked closer to them before asking,"What are you guys laughing about?"

Alexander replied lightly with humor in his eyes,"We're discussing whether or not there are any female fishes in this river."

Alison rolled her eyes inwardly thinking how boring these two men could be!

With amusement still present in his dark eyes, Alexander glanced at her before saying softly,"Let's eat."

They had been waiting for her all along so they only started eating after she sat down. Alexander took some deer meat from a plate and cut it into small pieces before giving some to both Ares and Alison.