Page 66 of Knot That Difficult

I love making him blush. Any other time, I would pull him to me and exploit his praise kink, but there’s still food to set up before Ben and Devyn arrive.

I recall every bit of information I can about Devyn, and what Ben has provided about her, too.

So far, baking, video games, and candles seem to be what brings her joy.

Actually, there’s more than that.

Lifebrings her joy, which is what makes her personality so infectious.

It also reminds me of Ace a bit—I want to enjoy life the way they do.

Which is why I’m falling for Devyn at an alarming speed.

“Oh, by the way,” he says as he pulls away, “don’t get mad.”

I pause. “Don’t get mad at what?”

“Well, youshouldn’tget mad, but knowing you, you will.”

I blink. “That doesn’t tell me anything.”

“Okay, but you have to not get mad before I tell you.”

“Tell me what?!” I glare at him. “What did you do?”

“It’s nothing serious. Just hear me out.” He holds out his palms as if shielding himself. “I ordered caviar.”

I make a face. “I’m not following.”

“I don’t know if you remember, but at the arcade, she said she never had caviar but had always wanted to try it.”

“Of course I remember. I remembereverythingshe said,” I snap.

Ace shrugs. “No need to get defensive, babe,geez. Okay, well, I got her some. But the good kind. It’s not a big deal.”

Based on how he’s wording it, it is a big deal.

“Then why would I get mad?” I ask slowly.

“Well, it was kind of expensive.”

I shrug. “That’s fine.”

“Oh. Good.” Ace puts his hands down and smiles. “I was worried for nothing, then.”

I look at him curiously. “Wait. How much was it?”

He heads to the kitchen and begins to pull out serving plates. “Well, it’s the best,” he continues, placing a tray on the marble island. “So, a little pricey.”

“What’s a little pricey?”

He turns and opens the fridge. “Um…I think around…mid five figures?”

“What?” I gape at the back of his sweater. “It’show much?”

“It’s liquid gold,” Ace answers conversationally. “You know, it’s like you’re eating diamonds from the ocean. That’s how I see it.”

“Ace, what the fuck?There are fish eggs in the fridge the cost of acar?”

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