Page 16 of Dare You to Catch Me
When we get into the car, Ace reaches up and gently grips my chin between his fingers, raising it as he gets a better look at my neck. “Has he always been this bad?”
I shake my head and tears begin welling in my eyes. I try to bite them back, but I'm so tired of his abuse. “He's been worse the last few months, but even worse since you've been home. Any idea why?”
Aces eyes snap up to mine raising a brow. “No.” His words growl out quickly.
“Are you sure? Because you act like you're hiding something.”
He shakes his head and his hand slides down, lightly brushing across my skin on my neck, causing me to shiver. “I don't want you living at your father's anymore, Emma. I'm worried he's the one hiding something, and I don't know how you come into play yet.” He searches my eyes. “So we're going to your house and you're getting your shit, while my father keeps him occupied, and then-” He pauses before I notice his hard swallow. “We're going and getting married. I'm not taking any chances.”
My heart feels heavy in my chest while I swallow down his words.
“There's a storm coming, baby, and I think you're the center of it all.”
I sit here with no words left that can escape my lips.
Seriously, the good times just keep on fucking rolling. Okay, yeah, arranged marriage, swallowed that down, admitted my dark secrets, okay that wasn't so bad, but now, Ace is telling me we are getting fucking married, tonight!
As we get to my house, I begin my way inside and I desperately need a drink while I pack my bags.
So I do just that, and then make my way to my bedroom to start packing. Ace trails behind me watching my every move.
“So are you going to explain what's going on?” I ask. I can feel it. I can feel he knows something.
“Yes, but not here.” He growls in a mumble with his lips barely moving. I nod, understanding, we have security cameras that can hear our words.
“Only get what you want, you can get a new wardrobe, you don't need to take everything.” He states and I glance up at him. “In ahurry, Ace?”
He leans against the door frame. “Yes, actually. So hurry up.”
“Alright then.” I grab three bags and fill them with my essentials, favorite clothes, and of course my most treasurable, then turn towards Ace. “Let's go.”
He takes the bags from me and we walk to the car in hurried steps. Getting outside we quickly get in the car, and Caz speeds off.
Sitting beside Ace in the car while Caz takes us to I don't know where, Ace's words float around in my head, but he has yet to explain himself and what is going on.
“Ace?”
His eyes never leave his phone, but he does respond. “Yes, Baby Girl.”
“Are you going to talk to me?”
He looks up, hitting the button on the side of his phone, making his screen go black, tucking it into his pocket.
“I think something is going on. These Heathens are too close, their hands dipped into too much in our city and baby, I think your father is involved.”
A breath catches in my throat, lingering there as my heart feels like it might just explode from betrayal. “I don't understand Ace, what are you saying?”
“I'm still trying to figure that out, but I think it all revolves around you.”
“Is this why you want to marry now?”
“Yes. I'm sorry, Emma, for having to do this. But I'm taking over your empire as soon as we are married.”
“Like fuck you are!” I hiss.
“Emma, Listen to me. I need to gain total control so your weasel of a father doesn't do something fucking twisted. I won't allow him to take everything I have earned. You have no idea the things I've done or seen to get where I am, and I won't back down.”His tone lowers. “I have a plan and I need you to go along with it. I promise I'm not doing this for control, I'm doing this for you.”
I search his eyes, trying to find any sign he is lying to me, but there is so much truth to his eyes, and he has shown I can trust him. “Okay Ace, but you cross me, I will enjoy watching life slowly drain from your eyes.”
