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.

the only one who called

from me, he gave a

up my neck at his words. While mom watched the interaction

You didn’t mention any 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 red

a sudden invitation. So we

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 a run right now. So go, and… take care of

her hand a firm squeeze, he nodded, sincerity engraved

***

we going?” Fastening up the

region when I found his darkened gaze on my legs. With a slow rumble

torturing me like that, don’t

across. Noticing it, his hand raised up, sensuously to my

my breath hitching at my throat, I removed his hand away. My heart

yourself, will you? And don’t think that high of yourself. I didn’t wear it for you.” I

Liar.

twitch of the corner of his lips was the evidence of my lie

didn’t

at the back of it. “It’s a secret. So let my secret surprise you, shall

tried to snatch my hand from his,

his knuckles caught my attention. They were

onto his hands. “What

come I didn’t notice

gave a nonchalant shrug. “Nothing, just

he averted his gaze opposed

lie to me! Your knuckles were bleeding and you didn’t even feel anything?” I snapped, taking back his hands into mine, examining 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

I glared

why didn’t you treat them?” Anger, irritation and concern nagged into

eyes held pain, desperation and something intense that

“Tell me,” I whispered.

he said softly, placing another lingering

treat

They’re

an infection!” I argued, once again reaching out

head. “I won’t. Don’t worry.

the same the other day. He was used to the pain.

bandages, now can I?” He raised his brow, when I didn’t agree with his suggestion of letting it

to hold

the date

least he agreed to get them treated. I’d have to talk to him about it. He couldn’t be so careless with