Page 104 of His To Claim
“There’s so much you still don’t know. I shouldn’t, we shouldn’t.” He runs a hand through his hair clearly exasperated. “You are an angel, and I am a sinner. We’re night and day, good versus evil, right versus wrong. Our relationship is destined to fail, destined for tragedy.”
“All the best ones are,” I say, reaching up to take his face in my hands. I close my eyes, leaning forward and place a soft kiss upon his lips. I can feel his heartbeat quicken, as my chest rests closely on his. Pulling back I open my eyes and notice his are still closed, a look of torment, pain and despair etched onto his face.
Without opening his eyes he pulls me back to him, sealing my lips with his in a tantalizing kiss but his phone buzzes suddenly in his pocket, causing him to pull back from me. He pulls it out, turning away to answer it.
“Servite,” he answers, in a monotone voice. “Yes. We’re on our way.” He hangs up just as quickly as he answered, taking a littlelonger to turn to me. “My uncle is expecting us,” he says, and just like that our moment is lost.
I jump off the hood pulling my dress down and smoothing it out over my body. I look to the ground where my thong lays torn in half. Shaking my head, I open the door and settle into the passenger seat as I fix my makeup. Luckily, I packed my lipstick and a compact foundation in my purse. A moment later he climbs into the driver's seat and without a word, drives us toward Servite Manor.
The ride is long and silent through dark winding hills that lead to the property. I’ve kept my gaze focused out the window but can feel his eyes on me, constantly watching me, trying to figure out what I’m thinking.
As we pull up to the property, two guards quickly walk over to open the steel gates leading us inside. Instantly, the mansion comes into view in all its glory, decorated in bright red and yellow lights twinkling in the darkness. Christmas is less than a month away and I’m told the Servites also host a raging New Year’s Eve Party. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
Ace drives up to the winding driveway, and as he parks the car and turns off the ignition, I’m flooded with memories of the last time I was here. My body instantly heats remembering how Ace and I slept together for the first time here the night of the masquerade ball, while I was still with Drake.
It doesn’t last long, as the memory of why I am here comes back to me when I see a dark figure standing in an upstairs window. I stay in the car as Ace climbs out, rounding the hood and opening the door for me, reaching his hand out for me to grasp as he helps me out. I reluctantly take it but let go as soon as I’m out and standing on my own. He chuckles slightly but straightens up when two guards appear at the front of the steps leading us to the front door. He reaches his arm out for me to take but I stare at him without so much as breathing.
“Take it, Red, we’re already late.”
I scoff at his order but place my hand in his. I need to survive tonight and I’m afraid that means that for once I need to do exactly as I’m told.
He leads me up the steps and into the mansion as the two guards follow closely behind. The inside is also decorated brightly in red and white drapes, covered in twinkling lights and glittering chandeliers.
“Please follow me,” one guard says, leading us down the hall into a living area located to the right of the foyer. Two plush black couches are perfectly placed in the middle of the room, a large bar on the far left, and a large Christmas tree in the middle of the floor length window facing the back of the property. It’s simple, decorated only in fluttering white string lights, but it’s well over seven feet tall. “The Master will be with you shortly,” he adds as they disappear through another door on the right.
“Would you like a drink?” Ace asks me, letting go of my arm and walking over to the bar.
I shake my head without a response, but he smiles softly. “Trust me, you’re going to need it,” he says as he pours a golden liquid into two glasses, walking back over and handing me one.
I take it from him bringing it to my lips but don’t take a sip just yet. Instead, I hold it in my hand swirling the liquid gently as I bring my gaze back to him.
“Why am I here, Ace?” I ask, and for the first time tonight, I’m terrified at his response.
“Because he asked you to come. Ordered you to come, and you and I both know we can’t deny him what he wants.” He moves toward me until he stands a mere inch from me. “You’re a smart girl, Red. You’ve had to have figured out by now he’s a dangerous man, and a dangerous man is lethal when disobeyed.” He reaches out to me, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
This man who stands in front of me is nothing like the one who just earlier tonight, hell moments ago, was caressing me and whispering sweet nothings in my ear.
How easily he trades his sweet disguise for this merciless mask of indifference.
“Play by the rules, follow his game, and you’ll make it out of here alive. Defy him, betray him, and well, I don’t need to tell you what will happen.” His eyes are cold and calculating as they look in mine.
An icy blue glazing over the ocean eyes that usually make me falter. Nothing like the way he was looking at me just moments ago, and I instinctively know why. It’s as if someone’s sucked all the air in the room out, a cold frost covering the windows as I feel him hovering behind me.
Wesley Servite has entered the room.
I stay glued to my position in the room staring into Ace’s eyes as a glimmer of fear flows through him. I can feel Agent Servite’s hot breath on my neck as he reaches a hand toward me, gently caressing my shoulder and moving my hair to one side exposing my neck and back to him. A chill runs through me as goosebumps cover my skin from head to toe. His finger continues to trace over my collarbone, around my neck, and down my spine slowly.
I close my eyes and swallow hard as I try to maintain my composure.
“I knew when I picked out this dress it would look exquisite on you, but, my dear, you continue to amaze me every time.”
Servite grabs my waist with a firm hand and turns me to him. I open my eyes slowly, meeting his dark blue eyes, glazed over in desire. Bile rises in my throat threatening to come out when I realize how much he and Ace look alike. It's unnerving.
I swallow hard once more as I bring the glass to my lips and take a sip of the amber liquid. It burns as I swallow it, igniting my esophagus in flames as it travels down, but somehow doesn’t burn as much as the feel of his hands on me. The realization of Ace’s words dawns on me.
Maybe it wasn’t a threat but a warning. I need to play his game. Servite thrives off the belief he is in charge. I need to play along.
“Thank you for the generous gift,” I say, licking the liquor off my lips, watching how his eyes follow the movement. “I would never have dreamed I’d wear such a luxurious dress,” I add in my sultriest voice.