What a crazy, fucked up world this is, where being tied up by a kidnapper is preferable to having dinner with blood relatives.
“You sure you’re all right?” he asked. She nodded. “Good. I’ll be quick.”
Then Ace left the room, and she heard the front door slam. She trembled against the cords, and it had nothing to do with being cold.
I can’t believe he left.
Tears poured down her cheeks, and they were itchy and bitter. It was far worse since she couldn’t wipe them or blow her nose. Eventually, this storm of emotion would pass. It was all the frenzied sensations coming to a sudden stop. Fight or flight reflex, then,boom! Caught prey. She was coming apart like a rabbit caught in a trap.
Far worse, she didn’t know what would happen next. The hunter usually didn’t rescue the bunny from the snare and cuddle it gently while feeding it carrots.
No. The hunter rips its fucking throat out and feasts on its sweet flesh.
She feared Ace. She was more frightened of him than she had ever been of anything in her whole life, but she couldn’t deny her passion for him.
Emma tried to move again, the cords tugging painfully at her wrists and ankles. Already, her limbs were sore and tired. She didn’t even know if he intended to untie her when he returned or if she had to stay like this until Benny and Fritz returned.
Sighing, Emma relaxed her body as the high emotions drained away. She stopped crying, and a sense of peace stole over her, soothing her fear. She couldn’t wait for him to return, and it wasn’t just because she wanted to be free of the painful cords.
She wanted to gaze into those beautiful eyes and see the light that hid within them. They were truly like polished amber stones with deep reflections.
Emma was addicted to those irises and his seductive voice. She couldn’t fully admit to her feelings yet. All she knew for sure was that she couldn’t wait to see him again.
Chapter7
Ace
Ace drove back to his place as fast as he dared. He didn’t want to leave Emma alone any longer than he had to. He was confused by his own feelings, and he took it out on his car, changing gears with too much force and thrashing it around corners too fast. Then he realized if he got a ticket, it would take him twice as long to get back to her. Reluctantly, he slowed down and cruised into his apartment block’s parking garage at a steady pace.
He should’ve left her uncovered. It wouldn’t have hurt her at all to freeze for an hour or so while she waited. It would teach her a thing or two about disobedience ... she needed to know he was not to be fucked with.
He ran up the stairwell of his building, taking the steps two at a time. He needed the exertion to clear his head. This situation was nearly spiraling out of control, and there was nothing he could do about it. He didn’t like being powerless and chaotic. He didn’t even lose his cool when he fought. He prided himself on being calculating and calm in all situations.
As he reached his floor and jogged down the hall, he went over all the details in his mind. Everything was going according to plan. There was no need to stress out. When he analyzed the situation objectively, he knew everything was going to be fine.
Everything except for his intense attraction to Emma.
As he unlocked his door and headed inside, he realized it wasn’t just that she turned him on so much. That was distracting, sure, but it wasn’t what bothered him. He had shown compassion to her. Offered her comfort. He had never done anything like that before ... for anyone. As he thought about it, his chest tightened, and his hands tingled.
Ace paused in the middle of his apartment, closing his eyes and letting the memories run through him. Her scent was amazing. He’d never experienced anything like it. Even now, when he wasn’t close to her, he felt intoxicated.
You got it bad, man.
He fought it with every cell in his body, but deep inside, that resistance met his cheetah, and the wild cat roared in frustration and pain. Usually, he and the cat within had a great relationship. They moved fast, killed swiftly, and dealt with every situation by letting out the most savage aspects of his nature. They were one.
But not right now.
As the primal force within demanded that he take her and claim her, it also demanded that he protect her at all costs. The fury inside him rolled through his veins with the power of an exploding volcano at the very idea of getting the job over and done with so he could leave her.
His cheetah half was pissed, and he knew the only way to quiet it was to accept his feelings for Emma, whatever they might be.
Fuck it, fuck this, I don’t need this shit.
He paced into his room, punishing the floor with every stride. He threw off the old sweatpants and found a fitted set of slacks and a silk shirt, shrugging one of his tailored jackets over the top.
He collected his toothbrush and razor, which he didn’t really need. He could have purchased replacements at almost any store. He really couldn’t live without his tailored suits, though.
When he had everything he needed, he pulled out his phone and called Ray, his Capo. He should check in, but he also wanted to hear what the guy had to say and maybe even get some advice.