Page 57 of Coming Up Aces

Rayna turned so her back was plastered against Ace’s chest. “I hope he was telling the truth when he said he wouldn’t bother Rhiannon.”

Ace wrapped an arm around her waist. “He set up an account in Daisy’s name, which means he’s been watching Rhi all this time. I’m not a trained agent, but he sounded resigned in his message to you.”

Rayna trailed her fingertips across Ace’s arm. “Not only has he lost Rhiannon, but he killed his mother. It was an accident, but that’s not something you get over quickly.”

Rayna’s words jogged Ace’s memory. “Something he said doesn’t make sense. When Spencer was confronting Abraham, he told his mother he’d lost both Rhi and his job. If that’s the case, why would he say he’s resigning?”

“To make himself look better? To keep me from going after him?”

Lucy adjusted the pillow at her back, then resettled, looking at Rayna. “What’s the plan? Are we bringing the agents here for interrogation time?”

“I think that’s the easiest way to get the truth out of everyone, Seth included. And I said I wanted to gut Grissom, but I’m not a killer. I think we should voice them to tell the truth and record their confessions. We’ll add that to the evidence Spencer already has.”

Lucy smiled softly. “I’m glad that’s your decision. Unless he admits to killing animals and babies, then I’ll slice him open myself. I’ll tell Tam to bring Grissom and Perkins tonight if Rev is finished patching them up. Since it’s late, we should probably have Sartain take Seth to a neutral location early tomorrow and ask one of the Hounds to bring them here in an SUV. Sound good?” When Ace and Rayna agreed, Lucy continued, “Thanks for the assistance, Lachlan. I’ll give you a call after we question the agents.”

“You’re welcome. Talk soon.”

Lucy sat up and rubbed her belly. “The princess needs sustenance. Are either of you hungry?”

Rayna’s stomach rumbled, and Ace chuckled. “I think that’s a yes. It’ll be good to eat something solid. I know Rev means well, but I’m a Gryphon, and soup doesn’t cut it.”

Rayna led Ace back to the armchair. “You still need to rest, though. You hang out here, and I’ll help Lucy.” When Ace arched a skeptical brow, Rayna playfully slapped his arm. “I can wash and cut veggies.” She turned to Lucy. “I can’t cook, and he knows that.”

Lucy looped her arm through Rayna’s. “Excellent. I’ll throw some burgers on the grill, and you can put some French fries in the air fryer.”

Ace was thankful to be sitting. Yes, he was a Gryphon, but nicked ribs were no joke, even for a shifter. He leaned his headback and closed his eyes. He thanked Zeus for keeping Rayna safe, and he asked for guidance in moving forward with their relationship. Just because Rayna was his mate, that didn’t mean things would be smooth sailing. Yes, he’d felt flickers of arousal, but she was a beautiful female and could have anyone. Someone without hangups. She told him she would be patient, but that wasn’t fair to her.

Youaren’t being fair toher. She already cares about you. We have a long life ahead of us, and waiting a few weeks or months isn’t going to matter.

Ace sighed. There was no arguing with his beast. Not that he wanted to. He hated conflict, especially with the other part of himself. Laughter rang out from the kitchen, and Ace smiled. Rayna had a best friend in Vanessa, but it was good to have more than one friend. Lucy would make an excellent one, as would Glory once she and Ripley settled things with Glory’s family. Thinking of Rip, Ace pulled out his phone and texted his best friend.

Me:Just checking in. How’s it going with everything?

It took a few minutes, but Rip messaged back.

Ripley:Not bad. Marjorie went back to Haven yesterday, and Glory and I brought her sisters and Scott to her grandmother’s today.

Me:That’s great. Call me when you get back.

Ripley:Will do.

There was no doubt his friend would rip Ace a new one for not telling him about being shot, but Ace knew the male wouldn’t stay mad long. That was part of being someone’s ride or die. Ace wondered if Vanessa was that for Rayna, or if the following day, finding out Seth’s truth would cause an irreparable rift between them because Ace had a feeling Seth wasn’t as innocent as Rayna believed.

When the food was ready, Ace joined the females in the kitchen where they ate at the smaller table instead of in the dining room. Ace had enjoyed many meals with Lucy and her family. He couldn’t wait until he and Rayna gathered with the other Hounds for not only meals but rides as well. He and Ripley could take their mates out on couples rides too.

Instead of heading to Ace’s house for the night, Lucy convinced them to stay with her and Tamian. The Gargoyle had delivered Grissom and Perkins, both of whom were tucked safely in the basement. And by tucked, he meant they were strapped to chairs. Rev had patched up both agents, and neither had any idea of the shitstorm coming for them the next morning. But that was a problem for tomorrow.

When it was time for bed, Lucy told them to choose any of the rooms upstairs in the west wing. Rayna followed Ace, and when he stopped at one of the doors, she gestured to the room. “Do you mind if I sleep in here with you? If this isn’t okay, I’ll choose one of the other rooms,” she offered.

“This is perfect,” he lied. It had been years since Ace shared a bed with someone, and the last time had ended in heartbreak for him. As with every partner who lasted more than a few dates, he explained to Ellory that he was demi. She said she understood. They were together less than two months when she asked to spend the night. Against his better judgment, he agreed. When Ellory came to bed in a see-through negligee, he knew how the night would turn out. He gave her an orgasm with his hand and mouth, but Ellory still tried seducing Ace. When his dick didn’t get hard after almost an hour of her coaxing, she climbed off the bed and said, “This isn’t going to work for me. I have needs, Asher.” He didn’t bother arguing. He simply turned over, putting his back to the door, and waited for her to leave.

Since Ace hadn’t planned on spending the night away from the clinic, he wasn’t prepared, but Lucy supplied a newtoothbrush and a pair of Tamian’s sweatpants. He used Rayna’s toothpaste, but he didn’t bother showering since he didn’t want to get his bandages wet. When it was her time in the bathroom, Rayna made sure Ace was comfortable, kissed his cheek, and said, “If you need me during the night, just shake me.” He thought that odd until Rayna exited the en suite in her fur. She climbed on the bed and settled at his feet.

Huh.

Ace was both grateful and disappointed. Grateful there would be no tense moments when he didn’t touch her intimately. Disappointed for the same reason. They had held hands. Given chaste kisses. Spoken about the future. No, this was for the best, especially since they weren’t alone. Ace closed his eyes, and purring from Rayna’s Cheetah lulled him to sleep.

Chapter Nineteen

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