The Trap Of Ace

Why did I do it? Well, because his close proximity didn’t let me think straight. And I needed to stay tight

on my decision. I didn’t want to sway by his stormy grey eyes.

I averted my gaze when Mr. Johnson spared me another uncertain glance. Poor man! But someone had

to be the scapegoat. And I wouldn’t be the one today for sure.

When the door opened and walked in his majesty, his already crinkled brows creased more the moment

his eyes fell on my supposed to be chair. Sharp jaw ticked as he froze Mr. Johnson with his icy glare.

Everyone stood up at the respect of the king, except me. I just sat there with my arms crossed over my

chest.

Caleb bit his lip, shaking his head at me in amusement. Tobias beside me raised a quearing brow at me.

While Arthur didn’t seem to be pleased at the situation at all, checking his phone again and again.

“Be seated, everyone. And Mr. Johnson, I’d like you to return to your usual place,” said Ace as he settled

over his chair, casting me a look.

While everyone took their seats back, Mr. Johnson still stood there with his petite height, unsure of what

to do. He threw me another helpless look, but again, I tore my eyes away.

“Uh, actually, Mr. Valencian, Ms. Hutton requested me to…”

“I don’t like to repeat myself twice, Mr. Johnson. You very much know who seats here in every meeting.

So go and sit in your own place. Everyone is waiting for the meeting to start.”

At his sharp tone, Mr. Johnson scurried away from my seat and rounded up the table, standing beside

me. His expression was pained, sneaking a glance at the displeased king.

“Ms. Hutton, as you heard what Mr. Valencian said, uh, could you please go back to your chair?” His

request was humble, aged brown eyes pleading.

Everyone’s gaze was set on me, waiting for my adamant a*s to move.

Can’t I even sit somewhere of my own choice?

Caleb threw a helpless shrug and my brother literally turned away from me. I let out a huff. Scowling at

the king, whose hawk eyes were set on me, waiting for me to go near him, I stomped over the chair

beside him and plopped down.

When I was finally in my usual place, his form relaxed. His tensed jaw eased.

And the moment his heady cologne hit my nostrils, the warm fuzzy feeling returned inside me. My

resistance again threatened to fall weak.

But I couldn’t just let myself sway so easily.

He nodded to everyone. “The meeting may proceed now.”

His beautiful devilish features didn’t hold any remorse that he again dictated me with his orders. Instead,

he seemed at total ease now, inching his chair closer to mine.

Pressing my lips together, I typed on my phone.

What’s wrong with my sitting on some other chair? It’s not compulsory to sit beside you always, is it?

His phone buzzed on the table, snatching his attention. With long lean fingers, he picked the phone up

and checked the message. Without giving me any glance, his hand started typing.

My phone vibrated.

A queen’s place is always beside her king. Not anywhere else.

My heart skipped at the text. Butterflies erupted in my tummy as heat crept up my cheeks. But not

wanting to show him the effect of his message on me, I managed a stern face as I narrowed my eyes at

him.

This time he did look at me, his gaze roamed slowly all over my face before meeting my eye.

Not being able to hold his intent stare, I turned to the conversation of the meeting. Though my mind ran

to the opposite way.

To him.

His queen?

I bit my lip as I felt the sensation his gaze left as they roamed over me, pouring water to my

concentration on the meeting.

That’s why I didn’t want to sit beside him. His eyes would never leave me during the whole conferences.

And the curious stares I got from around the table was a whole another thing.

Irritating man!

Then I remembered that I only had some hours before his given time would be over. Though I knew what

my answer was, I didn’t think I could give him my answer personally alone with him. He somehow would

tamper with my head and change my decision.

So again grabbing my phone, I messaged him.

Yes.

My phone beeped.

Yes what? You agree that you should always be beside me?

My eyes widened.

What? No! I meant, yes, I’d go out with you.

After tapping sent, I typed another one hurriedly.

But don’t think of it something else. We’ll go out together, but just as friends, not as a couple.

His jaw clenched as his eyes hardened. When his gaze snapped up to me, I held it.

Another message.

We both know that we’re anything but friends! We’re going on an actual date, as a couple. And that’s

final!

I groaned in my head. G*d! Why was it so difficult to convince him? I wanted him to agree. That was the

only way I could get all my answers. Because now I wanted to know more than what happened seven

years ago. I wanted to know more about him, his past, his pains. Everything. And if I didn’t go on a date

with him, he wouldn’t tell a thing to me. And going to a date with him right now wasn’t possible for me.

Not until I’d everything settled with Warner.

And to be honest, going out with him as a couple, scared me. The thought of starting something with him

officially had me nervous. The fear of getting hurt held me back.

I needed him to agree. Going out as friends was the only option for me right now.

So I typed.

I will only go anywhere with you if it’s just a friendly date, not something else. It’s your decision now. Yes

or no.

Putting down the phone, I crossed my fingers on my lap.

Please say yes, please say yes!

I needed my answers!

Grey eyes flashed as they read my message. With vice grip around the phone, he turned it off and put it

down. Not leaving me even a glance, he turned to the meeting.

My heart fell.

What? He won’t say anything?

But… I thought he’d argue more. Disappointment filled me as he didn’t even look back at me. With his

steely features, he joined the conversation.

He wouldn’t take me out with him? Yes as friends, but what’s wrong with that? Did he already give up?

My hands itched to take back my words and surrender to his wishes, but then I decided instead. I

wouldn’t move from my decision this time.

Letting out a huff, I turned my body away from him and focused on the meeting, not giving him any

attention. Just like he did for the rest of the hour.

***

“So you guys aren’t going on a date anymore?” asked Beth, over the phone.

“D**n, Em! Why did you stamp that ‘as friends’ mark on this? Now you lost all your chances to get your

answers!” Cassie’s discontent voice said from the other side of the conference call.

Holding the phone in between my shoulder and ear, I washed my hands in the basin and then dried them

with some tissues.

Walking out of the washroom, I grumbled, “I thought he’d say yes. At least I agreed to go out with him,

right? He should be happy!”

“After you stamped the ‘friends’ on his face when he wants you more than just friends? I don’t think

anyone would be happy in his place. And we’re talking about Achilles Valencian here.”

I could imagine her rolling her blue orbs.

“But he also should understand her situation, right? She needs some time before taking any serious

decision about their relationship,” argued Beth. Always the sensible one.

I nodded my head, as if they could see me.

In the middle of their banter, when I turned to another hallway, I found Arthur outside on the balcony. With

his phone in his ear, he was engrossed into a heavy conversation.

With his dark eyes flaming, nostrils flaring, he hissed something into the phone. Due to the glass door

between us, his words couldn’t reach me.

Who is he talking to in such manner? I’ve always seen him composed and calm. Not this furious and

anxious.

Closing his eyes, he ran his hand through his almost grey locks. And then listening to something the

other person said, he slowly nodded and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

A sinister smile.

“Em? You’re listening to us?” Cassie’s voice called out to me, but my gaze was set on him as he turned

at his left and his eyes met mine.

The sinister smile slowly faded and a deadly look took over his features. A shiver ran down my spine.

Not wanting to be there anymore, I walked away down the corridor.

Something was going on in his head. But I couldn’t find out what.

But what if I’m just assuming things?

I shook my head. I couldn’t decide anything until I talked to Sierra.

“Em? You there?” inquired Beth.

“Yeah!” I cleared my throat. “I’m listening.”

“Where were you so lost to? Saw your devil charming again?” Cassie whistled.

A chuckle sneaked my mouth. “No. I wasn’t lost to anywhere. Anyways, what were you talking about?”

“I said go and ask him directly. Maybe bat your eyes a little. I’m sure he’ll agree. He can’t deny his

Rosebud. And in that way, you can get your answers also,” she suggested.

I sighed. “It’s not that easy. He was pretty mad when he read my message. He didn’t even look at me

after that. I don’t think he’d agree.”

“Maybe give him a kiss?” Her tone was teasing. Beth chuckled along.

“G*d, no! No kissing! Keep your perverted thoughts to yourself. I’ll think of a way out myself!” I said,

exasperated.

When they started to argue again, I almost cut the call when my phone buzzed.

My heart did a jump when his name popped up on the screen.

I opened the message. My legs stopped at my track, but my heart started racing to miles.

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