Page 36 of Tempted By Sin

“If he was worried about you, he would be here to ensure you get home safe. But do you want to know who is here, little bird? Me.” His hand comes up to cup my cheek, our faces inches apart as he holds my gaze captive. “Come back to my place. I can keep you safe there.”

My head is spinning from our close proximity, but also because he’s right and I hate to admit it. If Liam was as concerned about my well-being as he claims he is, he would’ve put up more of a fight in having a driver take me to and from work, or he would be here himself. But he’s not.

In the time I’ve been with Liam, I have never felt like I’m his number one priority. I’m below his career on that list, and while I’m proud of him for getting as far as he has, I can’t deny that it does hurt that he doesn’t put me first during the moments that matter. It makes me wonder if this will be the norm once we’re married.

Although Ace makes a good point, I know I shouldn’t go to his house with him. I don’t trust myself when I’m around him or the way he makes me feel. Even now, I shouldn’t be standing this close, soaking in his masculine cologne or the warmth of his skin.

But at the end of the day, I know I’m safe with this man. Call me crazy because I know I am, but I can’t deny it. When he’s around, even if he’s lurking in the shadows or watching from afar, I know no harm will come to me. Even tonight, he came to my rescue when I needed someone the most.

That person should’ve been my future husband, but instead, it was my stalker.

I swallow hard and nod. “Okay. But only for a little while, and you have to promise to keep your hands to yourself.”

Ace grins. “I can’t make any promises, little bird.”

God, I hope I don’t regret this decision.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Paetyn

PAETYN:Hey! I’m going to get dinner with Raya before I head home. There is left over food in the fridge if you want to heat that up. I’ll see you later.

“Texting your fiancé, are you?”

My head snaps up at the sound of Ace’s voice, and I slip my phone into my purse, not waiting for Liam’s response. Ace has one hand on the steering wheel while the other rests on his lap. His eyes should be looking ahead, but instead they’re on me.

Everything about him is intense, even when he’s doing something as simple as driving a car.

I clear my throat and shift in the seat. “I don’t want him to worry about where I am.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“That I’m getting dinner with my friend.”

Ace smirks and turns to look at the road, not saying a word. But he doesn’t have to since I know exactly what he’s thinking.

Thankfully, he doesn’t comment on it. Instead, he surprises me by asking, “How was work?”

I blink at him. “Work?”

“Yeah.”

I rub my hands together in my lap, staring at the side of his face as he watches the road. “It was… okay. Nothing to write home about.”

“Do you like your job?” he asks.

“I do,” I answer without hesitation. “I enjoy helping people. It’s not the easiest job in the world, but if I can make a difference to at least one person's life, then that’s enough for me.”

Ace nods slowly, digesting my words. “Could you treat me?”

“Do you have something you want to talk about?” I throw at him with a raised brow. “You don’t strike me as the type of person who would.”

He hums, ocean eyes flicking to me. “And what type of person do you think I am, little bird?”

I swallow hard, eyes roaming over his sharp features, the curve of his jaw, and the inky strands falling around his face. Truthfully, I don’t know what type of person Ace is because I don’t know him well at all. At least, not what is on the inside. From the outside looking in, I can tell a lot about his character, but without the added depth of the details and experiences that shaped him, it’s hard to get a read on him.

“From what I can see, you carry yourself with an air of confidence most men don’t have. You have a stoic exterior, but seem to care deeply, and it’s not something you try to hide. Everything you do is with precision and purpose. If I had to guess, you’re the type of man who is ruthless to the bone, knows what he wants, and how to get it, and is fiercely loyal.”

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