The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 34 – Placing my hand over my chest, I took deep breaths. He wasn’t even here yet, and I felt like my heart would jump out of my ribcage at any moment. The vicious war of butterflies in my tummy didn’t help either.

Calm down, Em. It’s just a date. A friendly date. It’s not that it’s the first time you’re going out with a guy.

Yes, but this time it’s the guy I lo…

My breath hitched at my throat. Shock and surprise crashed on me. Was I just about to admit my… feelings for him?

I shook my head. No, no! Yes, he did affect me a lot, but I didn’t do the ‘L’ word.

Not wanting to chew over my treacherous mind, I padded into my closet and reached for the maroon dress Cassie sent for me. A very short, and backless one she wanted me to wear on this date.

Give him some tease. Were her exact words.

Though the dress was beautiful, I didn’t know where he was taking me. I did ask him so that I could wear something according to convenience, but he said to get into anything decent I wanted. He didn’t care as long as I was with him.

A blush rose up my cheeks. Mr. Valencian could be cheesy sometimes. I didn’t know he had it in his bones.

But of course, I wasn’t going to listen to him. But as I didn’t know if it’s a public place or not, I opted for a jacket along it.

Then my eyes fell on the red gown he’d gifted me. It called me to wear it like, but like every other day, with difficulties, I gave it my back and walked out of the closet.

Once I was ready with light make-up and a low bun just above my neck, I inspected my look once again in the mirror. Brushing away some loose curls from my face, I tugged the ends of my dress a little lower.

A breath sneaked through my lips. I was ready.

And just at that moment, the doorbell rang. So did my heart.

I glanced at the watch. Seven pm sharp.

My mouth went dry, my hands turned clammy. G*d, why was I so nervous?

It’s okay, Em. You can do it!

Chanting the mantra in my head, I grabbed my purse and trudged downstairs.

Once at the door, I found him tackled into Mom’s bear hug. As surprising as it was, a soft smile was stretched across his face as he returned Mom’s affection.

Flaunting a black tux and his usual rough look, he didn’t fail to take my breath away. He never did.

“I thought you forgot the way to our house. The only times we get to meet you is only if there’s some occasion or party,” she said, pulling away. Affection shone into her eyes. “Though I’m extremely happy to see you here after so many years, can I ask the reason for your sudden visit?”

Before he could answer, I butted it. “We’ve a business party to join, Mom. That’s why he’s here, to pick me up.”

Along Mom, his stormy grey eyes also moved to me. And they stilled on my face, until they traveled to the rest of my body. Slow and lingering touch of those intent gaze had me breathless.

at you! My baby is looking so beautiful, isn’t she, Ace?” she gushed, taking a glance towards him. She was the only one who called him by his nickname other than me. And he didn’t mind. But it was

from me, he gave a slow and tight nod.

While

parties like that to me,” she queried, her tone teasing. Of course she got some hints from all the flowers everyday and gifts. And only a fool will believe my lies with me turning all

“Uh, it was a sudden

you guys any longer.” She put a hand on Ace’s shoulder. “I would like to ask you for coffee, but clearly, you’re on

firm squeeze, he nodded, sincerity engraved into his

***

up the seat belt, I

tugged at my lower region when I found his darkened gaze on my legs. With a slow rumble into his chest, he put his big callus hand on my

enjoy torturing me like

skin, raising goosebumps across. Noticing

removed his hand away. My heart thudded down my chest. The temperature

don’t think that high of yourself. I didn’t wear it for you.” I gulped. “I wore it because

Liar.

of his lips was the evidence

I averted my eyes. “You didn’t answer my question.

in his and placed a kiss at the back of it. “It’s a

hand from his,

knuckles caught my attention. They were littered

taking a hold onto his hands.

come I didn’t

Pulling away, he gave a nonchalant shrug. “Nothing,

averted his gaze

them. They were just like I remembered the morning he came back from the UK. Did he work himself out to exhaustion and pain? What could make him that ignorant of his pain that

didn’t answer, I glared up at

you treat them?” Anger, irritation and concern nagged into

eyes held pain, desperation and something intense that I

“Tell me,” I whispered.

the date tonight. But not now,” he said softly, placing

treat

They’re

you could get an infection!” I argued, once again reaching

head. “I won’t. Don’t

the other day. He

date with bandages, now can I?” He raised his brow, when I didn’t

continued to hold his

the

nodded. At least he agreed to get them treated. I’d have to talk