The Trap Of Ace

Read The Trap Of Ace [by Eva Zahan] Chapter 73 – His pupils darkened more in rage even if it was possible. “You remembered the accident when we were returning from the house I bought for us?”

My eyes widened. “H-he was behind it?”

He nodded, a muscle of his jaw ticked. “It was him. Even though I was his target, he shouldn’t have involved you in this.”

I let out a breath.

So that was the reason behind his intense hatred against Antonio. That’s why he was so mad at Tess’s wedding when Antonio came to meet me.

“When Arthur brought up the Russians offer to me, his desperation for me to sign it and his being the head of this project had me suspicious. So I had his phone tapped. To know what was brewing in his shrewd head. And I was right. I got to know about his intention behind the project while he discussed it with Ivanov on the phone. But as cunning as he was, he never unfolded his whole plan to him. Until this morning, when everything in his path was clear for him to go ahead.”

But he did tell Ivanov about k*****g him. Ivanov knew it except being aware of how Arthur was going to pull it.

“That means you knew he was going to k**l you after the signing? I thought you told me you weren’t aware of it.”

“I knew, but I didn’t know how he was going to do it. What his exact plan was. But I got to know about his stupid master plan when he was with Ivanov this morning. We were listening to everything he was saying from the conference room.”

“We?” I raised my brow.

“Me, Duncan and Mr. Balakin.”

“Duncan and Mr. Balakin?” I was shocked. So Mr. Balakin and Duncan knew everything? That explained why Duncan was there.

He gave a nod. “It was Duncan whom I asked to tap Arthur’s phone. Besides being a successful businessman, that b*****d is also an expert with computers, hacking and all, he also did something to Arthur’s phone for us to hear every conversation when his phone was with him, even when he wasn’t on a phone call. As he was a partner in my company and we always had each other’s back, when I told him about Arthur, he was more than willing to throw out that leach out of the business.”

Though he showed that he didn’t really like Duncan, I knew they were good friends.

“When Arthur was planning to get rid of me, Ivanov also wanted Balakin out of his way to get their company all to himself. When I made him listen to all Arthur and Ivanov’s conversation about how later Arthur was going to move Balakin away from Ivanov’s way, he agreed to help us. I knew the contract would be beneficial for both of us, so I wanted the contract, but without Arthur’s plan in it. And Mr. Balakin wanted the same. So he agreed to sign the contract as per their plan. But not for their benefit, for our gain. And it would also let Arthur believe that he was winning. So that he would play his next move and face defeat.”

Then suddenly his demeanor changed, those strong shoulders of his tensed. “When I left in my car with Mr. Balakin as per their plan and Duncan stayed back to keep an eye on them until they left the hotel, I got to know that you were in that hotel.” His breathing came out deep as he tightened his hold on me, his eyes watched me as if he feared I’d disappear at any moment. “Duncan sent a recording to Mr. Balakin’s phone of Arthur’s phone call where he was talking to you and then giving orders to his dog to…k**l you.”

I ran my fingers in his hair to calm him down, pressing my forehead against him.

“You don’t know how I felt at that moment, Rosebud,” staring into my eyes, he gulped. The sudden redness in his eyes and the moisture in there had my heart clench. “I felt my heart stop beating the moment I heard him giving orders to k**l you. I…”

I squeezed his hand. “I know. I’m sorry, even I was scared. Terrified actually. I thought I could sneak out quietly before they would even notice me, but unfortunately they did. Thank G*d Duncan reached there at the right time.”

“Where I should have been. I should’ve been there to protect you rather than trying to proceed my worthless plan to defeat him. I should’ve protected the most precious person of my life. But…” His hands balled into fists. “I clearly failed. I failed to protect you.”

“Don’t you dare blame yourself for that! It was my fault I took that risk. You put those guards outside the house to keep me safe. But it was me who didn’t listen to them. So whose fault is it? Me. So stop torturing you for the thing you didn’t do, again.”

He shook his head, eyes pained. “I should’ve known that you were there. I should’ve listened to your voice messages and picked up your calls. But my phone was f*****g d**d! I forgot to charge it last night! It’s all my f*****g fault!” He slammed his fist against the hardboard of the bed, cursing.

I gasped. “Ace! Stop! I said it wasn’t your fault. And nothing happened to me right? I’m fine. It was my stupidity that I followed Arthur without taking anyone with me.”

“But anything could’ve happened! I could have…” His jaw ticked. “I could’ve lost you. If Duncan hadn’t reached there in time…”

I cupped his face, kissing his forehead. “But he did. I’m alright now. You couldn’t have known I wouldn’t listen to the guards and leave. So stop blaming yourself,” I murmured. “Anyways, what happened then? What happened after you heard the recording?”

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath as if calming himself down.

“I got out of the car and went back to the hotel as soon as possible. I wanted to turn back the car forgetting our plan, but Mr. Balakin wanted to continue it, he was eager to see the shell shocked face when his partner would get arrested after he realized how badly their conspiracy failed,” he replied, shoulders still tensed.

“But I saw the car getting trashed by the truck. Was he in the car when…”

He shook his head. “No. He and the driver also got off the car turning the autopilot mode on just some minutes before they reached the spot Arthur’s men were waiting for us. They shot the accident and sent it to Arthur. And he must’ve sent it to you after somehow knowing that you got out of there alive.”

Taking his shaking fists in my hands, I kissed both of his palms.

“How did I get home?”

“When I reached the hotel, you already left with Carter’s car. And after following your phone’s location, we found some people moving you out of the car because you lost consciousness stopping at the middle of the road. Then I got you home.” I leaned into his gentle caressing over my cheek. “Are you okay, Rosebud?” Concern and regret echoed in his voice. I knew how the thought that he couldn’t be there to protect me was torturing him. And knowing him, he’d continue to blame himself for that no matter what I said.

I nodded. “I am.”

His hard eyes fell on my cheek. “You’re hurt.” His jaw ticked. “Who was it?”

“One of the guards. But he’s d**d right now. And I’m fine now, don’t worry.” I assured him.

“I promise, Rosebud. Arthur will beg for d***h but he won’t get it. He will suffer for the rest of his life. I’ll make sure of that,” he swore, gaze still latched onto my cheek.

“Where is he right now?”

“In the j**l.”

My eyes shot up in surprise.

“After the accident, he and Ivanov went to the spot to be sure if I and Mr. Balakin, as he was with me in the car, were d**d. They wanted a confirmation before they cheered over their success. That’s when Balakin reached there with the police and got them caught on the act before providing them the phone recordings.”

“D**n, I missed the look on Arthur’s face. It must have been worth watching,” I muttered.

That got a small chuckle from him. “So did I. I was waiting to see that look in his eyes. But I had much more important things to do than being there, bringing my Rosebud back into my arms.”

snuggled into his chest again. “I’m glad he’s finally behind the bars,

baby. A much worse future is waiting for

if a huge burden had lifted off my chest. I no longer felt the s*********n of Arthur’s threat dangling on my neck. He was

asked,

of our life. I just hope he never

going to rot in the j**l for the

That’s what I want. Make sure

queen wants,

at him.

his lips against

away, he tucked a strand of my hair

waiting outside for you. Do you feel like going outside? If not, I’ll just tell them to come to see you

sat straight. “You mean Mom and Dad?

and Caleb returned

they know

your call this morning but couldn’t talk to you. And then he heard what happened next, those guards didn’t cut

I remembered calling him hoping

So soon? How many hours I

eleven in

slept for that long? Why

it. If you need to

head. “No. I’m fine. Let’s go

***

I’m alright. Don’t cry,” I said for the upteenth time, but her tiny arms wouldn’t

tell me what to do, young lady! You almost gave us a heart a****k today!” she snapped, sniffling.

me with displeasure. After I got an earful from Dad, Tobias, Tess and Casie, I was now in

suddenly got a habit of playing hero all of a sudden,” said

she was going to do something. I told her not to get herself

what was running into her head about

his place, scratching the back of his head. “Well,

If you had even told me then I’d have talked to her. But you just carelessly let it go!

said I didn’t know it was going to be this serious. I also thought Arthur was a good man like the

strangle him with my own hands if I get my hands on him for doing that to my baby girl,” Mom hissed, pulling me more into her

And I will assist you in

too!” Caleb and

I can’t

man shifted from one leg to another, eyes set on me. With

finally his

saying, he gently pulled me from Mom’s chest to his, immediately wrapping his arms

then I felt him relaxing

for him not to touch me for even some seconds. He hasn’t left me for a second after I gained my

okay?” he asked in my ear while our family planned how they were going to

that

on my forehead, he took a sharp

I looked into his stormy grey eyes. They were still dark,

to Antonio before he left him in an abandoned alley. I just hoped he would at least leave Arthur’s life. No matter how much I hated that man, I didn’t want

He just nodded.

sighed. “Just don’t

just stared at me silently, without

my mouth to

It’s late. Then we’ll leave. My baby needs more

into her, she dragged me behind her to feed me the

didn’t like so many people in his home, he didn’t seem to complain. All he did was just keep me within his touch and stare at me. Not

the dinner once everyone left, promising to visit tomorrow

go to bed but I insisted on getting some fresh air. So here we were. Curling on his lap, we sat on the rocking chair

A perfectly arched brow of his raised. “I

your knuckles.

punching bag for that. But since knowing how

it that he wasn’t practicing his unhealthy exercise anymore, but if a little bit of that could

closer, he kissed my forehead. “I’m fine, Rosebud. And I’m saving it for someone

sent

him to take any

Ace finally in my arms now.

go to Greece. Where Tess and Caleb went for their honeymoon? I loved the pictures

his lips.

went big.

vacation, right? If you want to go to Greece, then Greece it is. Whatever my queen

giggled, squealing like a small girl getting a Christmas gift. “Tomorrow! I want to go there tomorrow! I had even planned the places

vibrated through his chest as he cupped my face and watched me with unconditional love

it is then. Where do you want

got big. “We’re going for a long

with my Rosebud all to myself, the

want to go to Istanbul! The city of dreams!” I gushed. “I

he rasped. His rough stubble raised goosebumps across my

sensations rushed directly to