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.”

chest again. “I’m glad he’s finally

the start of his punishment, baby. A much worse

I no longer felt the

arm, he asked, “What

out of our life. I

rot in the

what I want. Make sure

my queen

up at

pressed his lips against mine. “I

he tucked a strand of my hair behind my

you feel like going outside? If not, I’ll just tell them to come

Mom and Dad? When

and Caleb returned from their honeymoon cutting

they

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

I remembered calling him hoping he could

So soon? How many hours I was sleeping

past eleven

“I slept for that long? Why didn’t you

it. If you need to rest more, I can tell them

my head. “No. I’m fine. Let’s

***

time, but her tiny

a heart a****k today!” she snapped, sniffling. “You don’t go and put yourself in danger and then expect me

But he only watched me with displeasure. After I got an earful from Dad,

some more sense into her head. Because she has suddenly got a habit of playing hero all of a sudden,” said my best friend,

to get herself into any

me what was running into

back of his head. “Well, I didn’t think it was that

to her. But you just carelessly let it go! Do you have any idea what could have

know it was going to be this serious. I also thought Arthur was a good man like the rest of

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

will assist you in that!” Cassie

Caleb and

I can’t breathe!”

me. With a creased forehead, his hands clenched and unclenched. Irritation laced across

finally his

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

I felt him relaxing against

me for even some seconds. He hasn’t left

my ear while our family

that you’re with

kiss on my forehead, he took a sharp inhale of

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

before he left him in an abandoned alley. I just hoped he would at least leave

He just nodded.

“Just don’t k**l

orbs just stared at

I opened my mouth to say

now, everyone. Let’s go and have dinner. It’s late. Then we’ll leave. My baby needs more

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

people in his home, he didn’t seem to complain. All he did was just keep me

dinner once everyone left, promising to visit tomorrow morning, we

rushing city beneath us. He told me to go to bed but I insisted on getting

perfectly arched brow of his raised. “I thought you hated the idea of me going

don’t bruise your knuckles.

needed to get his frustration out. And he always used the punching bag for that. But since knowing

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

Rosebud. And I’m saving it for someone else. So don’t worry, the storm inside me will

coldness of his voice sent a

him to take any wrong

him about it later. I had my Ace finally in my arms now. I didn’t want to ruin this moment

Greece. Where Tess and Caleb went for their honeymoon? I loved the pictures they sent me. It has

curved up his lips. “When do

eyes went big. “You’ll take

pecked my nose. “Whenever you want to go. I promised you a vacation, right? If you want to go to Greece, then Greece it is. Whatever my queen

squealing like a small girl getting a Christmas gift. “Tomorrow! I want to go there tomorrow!

his chest as he cupped my

is then. Where do you want to

“We’re going for

with my Rosebud all to myself,

dreams!” I gushed. “I love their lifestyle and food. I can’t wait

love you,” snuggling into my neck, he rasped. His rough stubble

rushed directly