Where did everyone disappear to?
I was looking around in confusion until I felt a pair of scorching eyes on me. Turning to him, I found his gaze following every curve of mine and cuts of the dress that exposed my sudden ultra-sensitive skin to him.
I bit my lip, not wanting to fidget under his stare. “Is it okay?”
With a tight nod, he beckoned me to him. Confused, I glided near. His eyes were still on my body as he handed me a black dress.
“Try this.”
When I unfolded it, my eyes widened. It was even shorter than the one I was flaunting right now. And as a cherry on the top, it was off shoulder and backless. What the hell? He could just pick a bikini for her instead!
“I’m not wearing it!”
One of his eyebrows arched. “Why not? It’s a classy, branded gown. I think Tess will definitely love it.”
“But it’s too short!” I argued.
I wanted to slap the tilting of his head. Whenever he did it, I sensed a challenge was thrown in my way. “Why? Now you’re having problems with short dresses?”
“I don’t. I just… I can’t wear it before you,” I stuttered.
“Are you being shy before me right now, Rosebud?”
The warmth of my cheeks was embarrassing. Yet, I raised my chin high. “I’m not being shy or anything. You know what, let’s just get over with it.” I knew I was going to regret it, but I clutched the dress and turned around.
And I was indeed regretting once I looked at myself in the mirror. It fit perfectly, not too tight, not even loose. The end of the dress reached just an inch above my mid-thigh. The low-cut neckline displayed my cleavage, where the back cut just stopped three inches above my butt!
Though it was out of my comfort zone, it did look good on me. I looked… sexy. The smooth fabric clung to me like a second skin, manifesting every curve and dip of mine. Even at the thought of going before him with this on, flutters erupted in my stomach.
I didn’t know why I was even doing it.
A knock landed on the door. The sales lady’s voice floated in, asking if the dress fit or if I needed a hand.
“No, everything is good. Just a second,” I replied, tugging the neckline a little higher.
Come on, Em! You can do it.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and walked out. I found him assessing a beautiful red gown displayed on a dummy. But I couldn’t decipher the look he’d on as he brushed a finger over the fabric, gaze intense.
Then he tore himself away from the gown and turned to me.
His shoulders tensed as the muscle of his sharp jaw clenched. His hands fisted in balls. The storm in his irises turned wild, with his smoldering gaze touching every inch of my body, lingering on the deep neckline.
Blood rushed to my cheeks and ran hot through my veins under his flaming stare. It had me squirming in my place.
“Turn around,” he said. The dominance and huskiness of his rich, deep Greek accent made me obey.
As soon as I turned, a curse reached my ears and followed a sharp intake of breath.
When he didn’t speak for a moment, I fidgeted with my fingers. “A-Ace?” Even the saleswoman was nowhere to be seen. We were alone.
I felt him behind me. His hot breath fanned my bare shoulder, making my breath hitch. A brush of warm fingers glided down my bare back, erupting goosebumps across my skin. My heart pounded as his hand slipped to the curve of my waist, to the front of my stomach, to my bare shoulders.
A slow rumble reverberated through his chest.
Struggling not to feel his touch, I let out a shaky breath.
“W-what are you doing?” I whispered, as big hands fell on my hips. I should’ve asked the question to myself. Why was I not pulling away?
I heard a murmur under his breath. Though I couldn’t pick out most of the words, I caught something like driving him crazy.
When I was on the verge of leaning into him, the woman strolled in, making me jump away from his heat.
Her eyes widened, flickering back and forth to me and Ace. “Uh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean any interruption.”
My cheeks turned crimson, when all he looked was extremely disturbed. The woman turned pale under his hard glare. What’s wrong with him?
“I-I’ll be back in a minute—”
“No! It’s all right. You didn’t interrupt us at all. We were just about to call you anyway,” I cut her off.
When he didn’t speak and kept scaring that poor woman, I gave him a look.
He gave a curt nod, still glaring. “Yeah, we’re done here. Pack that pink dress, and…” Turning to me, he raked his eyes on me one more time. I shivered. “This one as well.”
He’d give it to Tess?
Again, the same nagging feeling rose in my chest. Though I knew it was ridiculous. She was getting married to his cousin. But still…
Once I was back in my comfortable jeans and his T-shirt, I padded out and waited for the woman to hand us the bags. My gaze fell on the dummy where the red gown was on. It was now gone. No one was there in the shop, so who took it?
When he told me to wait for him in the car while he did the payments, I didn’t wait a second longer. I was dying to get some fresh air. His consistent presence around me was overwhelming me. I needed some space to keep myself in check.
Once he was back, we got in the car and drove away. The sun was down on the horizon by then, coloring the sky with its crimson glow. But when he didn’t turn to the road that would lead us to the office, my brows creased in confusion.
“Where are we going? We were supposed to turn right.”
“We’re on the right path. Don’t worry,” he replied, staring at the road.
Can he ever give a straight answer?
“We’re supposed to go to the office. No, home, because it’s evening.”
“I know. But I want to show you something.”
“What?”
“You’ll get to see it yourself soon.”
What was running in his head?
“But where are we going?” Dread washed over me for the more time I’ll be spending with him. It wasn’t good for my heart.
He only smirked. “Patience, Rosebud. We will be there soon.”
Groaning, I sat against my seat and looked outside.
“We’re here,” he announced, making me open my eyes. I was almost on the verge of sleeping after half an hour’s drive. It’d been a long day.
Getting out of the car, he opened the door for me while I stretched my legs and let out a yawn. But the sleepiness cleared the moment my gaze fell on the structure that stood across the vast lawn.
A beautiful two-story modern villa. One whole side of it was covered with glass, while the other side was a combination of dark wood and white marble. The lawn was surrounded by a colorful rose garden, a small cozy sitting area was situated in the middle.
It was gorgeous.
“You liked it?” his low voice asked close to my ear.
I nodded, still not looking away from the beauty. “Whose house is it?”
He stayed silent. I could feel his gaze on me. Once I looked up at him, he said, “I bought it last week.”
“It’s yours?” I turned to the villa again. So, this was the house he was busy buying and renovating. “It’s beautiful. But why did you need to buy a house when you already had so many?”
He watched me, intense gaze locked with mine. “They were just houses. I wanted a home for myself. So I bought one for the near future.”
I blinked. For his future?
“Come, let me show you inside.” Securing my hand in his, he took me inside the building he wanted to make a home out of. And I let him, still admiring the structure.
And again, I was left speechless. The interior was more stunning than the exterior. From the high ceiling, that was decorated with small lights and a huge crystal chandelier in the center to the gray and white walls, everything demanded attention. The floor to ceiling glass windows were adorned with red lacy silk curtains. Though not much furniture was spotted there. Only some stuff sat on the dark hardwood floor, yet to unpack.
As he led me upstairs, still holding my hand, I asked, “How many rooms exactly are there?”
“Five bedrooms, two guestrooms, two extra for library and office, and another for gym. In total, ten. Six downstairs and four upstairs. And yes, three more in the basement.”
Thirteen rooms!
“What in God’s name will you do with so many rooms?” I gaped.
Letting out a husky chuckle, he opened the doors of a room. A master bedroom. Only a king-sized bed sat in the vast room. Other furniture was yet to be brought there. The walls were painted in light blue and white.
“I want a big family, Rosebud. And children need a big home to play and grow up.”
At the image of him with little Aces running around the house, my heart bloomed with an unknown emotion. But it withered away as soon as I thought of some girl who’d be the mother of his children.
“This is where my beautiful future wife will be living with me. Our very own personal bedroom,” he said.
My chest squeezed as my eyes roamed the bedroom. She’d be living here with him, sleeping with him on this bed…
But he said he wanted me…
Just because he was interested in me didn’t mean he’d see his future in me.
The nails digging into my palms brought me back from my disturbing thoughts. The possessiveness and hurt I found in my inner thoughts unnerved me.
Why did he even bring me here to see his future home? One moment he declared I was his, and the next moment he showed me his and his future wife’s bedroom?
“Is there anything else you want me to show? Because I want to go home now. I’m hungry and tired.” My tone was clipped.
A small crease formed on his forehead, sensing my sudden change of mood. Something flashed over his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitched.
“Yes, there is. Come with me.”
Even after my protest, he dragged me to the adjoined balcony. And when I saw the view, my complaints died down.
The balcony was right above the rose garden. Soft night breeze blowing across the open meadow ahead of us touched my face. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the sweet mild fragrance of roses. The full moon hung high right up in the sky.
“It’s more beautiful during the day. Even the meadow is filled with flowers,” he spoke, standing close behind me.
Suddenly I wanted to come here during the daylight. But with what right? As a family friend he might be interested in and going to forget very soon?
A pressure built in my throat, choking me. My eyes burnt with emotions crashing on my chest.
I shouldn’t have come here.
“I arranged dinner for us. Let’s go downstairs.”
When he aimed for my hand, I stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling cold. A frown etched between his brows.
“I want to go home now. Can we just do that?”
“Emerald, you—”
“Please, Ace. I’m tired.” I was tired of my emotions, my lack of control. I was tired of my constant fighting.
With jaw tight, he nodded and led me outside, again, holding my hand in his. It seemed to become his habit. I tried to get away, but again, he didn’t have any of my protests.
On our way back outside, I saw a huge portrait leaning against a wall in the open room he said would be his office. The portrait was covered with a white sheet, but I could see the end. Only a pair of feminine hands could be seen, a blue diamond ring adorned her ring finger.
Whose picture is that?
I wanted to ask him, but remained quiet. I just wanted to get away from here right now.
A gasp slipped through my lips as I was pulled against a hard frame. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, crushing me against his solid chest. Soft, warm lips touched the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. Rough stubble poked my skin, making me giggle.
“Ace! Don’t!” I complained, but my eyelids closed as his warm mouth sucked on my skin, big hands roamed my body. A whimper left my lips as hot sensations ran through my veins.
“You like it, Rosebud?” his husky voice murmured in my ear. My arching body towards his touch was my only reply. A low chuckle vibrated on my back.
I took a deep breath as another kiss landed just behind my ear. “Ace…”
Then I was cold. Alone, standing in the middle of his master bedroom. I looked around in confusion.
Where did he go?
A moan snatched my eyes to the bed, which wasn’t there a moment ago. Two figures were wrapped in a white sheet, tangled with each other in a passionate kiss. More groans followed. When his face peeked out of her shoulder, my breath hitched.
Her hands were roaming his chest, while he had his one hand wrapped around her in a possessive hold, and the other gripped the blonde locks of hers as he pulled her for another kiss. Her moans filled the room.
I choked out a gasp as I felt someone gripped my heart and squeezed it hard. The same pain I felt years ago. My heart shattered in a million pieces, and at the same time, I wanted to destroy something. Destroy her. The scene before me.
But I couldn’t move. As if I was paralyzed. I tried to close my eyes, but I couldn’t move a muscle. Panic started to rise in my chest. I wanted to scream, but to no avail. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
And then his stormy grays met my gaze, and all of a sudden, he was right in front of me. That girl was nowhere to be seen.
He gave me his hand to take, but I couldn’t move my hand. I didn’t want to let him go. Go to that woman again. I wanted him to stay with me.
Tears ran down my face as I struggled with the force that held my body. I wanted to ask him for help, but I couldn’t. I wanted to call out to him, but I failed. When I didn’t take his hand, he gave me a sad smile and stepped backwards, slowly vanishing into the air.
My eyes widened. No! Don’t go! Don’t leave me alone! Not again!
More tears ran as I tried to reach out to him, but I was still in my place. Then he vanished. I couldn’t see him anymore.
He was gone.
“Ace!” I jerked awake, frantically looking around. A tear had slipped down my face.
“Emerald? Jeez, are you all right?” I found him right beside me, looking back and forth between me and the road. Concern latched onto his face. “What happened, baby? Are you okay?”
I let out a shaky breath, my heart thudded in my chest. Closing my eyes, I ran my palms over my face.
I was dreaming. What kind of dream was that?
“Rosebud?”
I looked at him. He threw me worried glances, forehead creased.
He was right here.
“I’m fine. Just a bad dream.”
His frown deepened. “What was it?”
I turned away. “Nothing.” I didn’t want to replay it in my head.
“You called out my name.”
“So? I could call out anyone’s name. Not everything is about you! It’s none of your business!” My temper flared. I didn’t have any control over it.
His jaw clenched. “You’re pretty shaken up. What did you see?”
“I said it’s none of your business!”
“Damn it, Emerald! Can’t you just answer my question? I want to know what scared you that much!” he snapped, gazing at the road.
I didn’t answer. Instead, I looked out the window.
“Emerald!”
Silence.
With a curse, he cupped my chin and made me turn to him. His touch was soft as he brushed his thumb on my cheek.
“What happened, Rosebud? Please, tell me. What did you see?” His gentle tone soothed something in me as his patient eyes watched me.
Those gray pools compelled me to admit.
Gulping, I opened my mouth. He nodded in encouragement.
“I-I saw you with…”
A light fell on my eyes, blinding my vision, followed by some blare of horns. Cursing under his breath, he turned the wheel to the right. The tires screeched as the car lost its balance before crashing against something hard.
