The Trap Of Ace novel Chapter 2

"I'm so so…" Looking up, my breath hitched at my throat.

Stormy grey eyes stared down at me. His dense stubbles were gone, showing his chiseled jaw. Jet black hair gelled back and the ring on his right brow wasn't there today. Even though there were dark shadows under his beautiful eyes, and he'd lost some weight than before, he still looked breathtaking.

"Rosebud?" His forehead creased as he straightened me on my feet. His eyes roamed up and down my body, his lips tightening. "What're you wearing?" The Greek accent in his voice came deep.

And it happened whenever he was angry.

My eyes widened. Didn't he like my appearance?

"Uh, why? Don't I look good?" I bit my lip. "I thought you'd like it."

His frown deepened as he watched my hair and heavy make-up. But then he shook his head. "You don't need my approval in anything, Emerald. It's your choice to wear whatever you want." With that, he walked away.

My heart fell. I looked down at myself. Was anything wrong with my look? Why was he so distant?

He has been like this since his Dad died. Our families weren't that close, they always preferred their privacy. So no one really knew what happened to his dad. But whatever happened, it changed my Ace drastically. And it made my heart ache for him.

Running upstairs, I changed into the white gown Dad had brought me and removed my makeup. Once satisfied with my new neutral look, I headed back downstairs.

Ignoring Casie and Beth's raised brows, I went to find Ace again.

My brother and sister were busy chatting with their friends, but he wasn't there.

"Hey, Em!" Tobias called out.

Smiling, I walked to them.

"Aren't you forgetting something, little sis?"

Chuckling, I hugged him tight. "Happy birthday!"

He lifted me off the ground, getting a squeal out of me. "Where is my gift?" he asked, once he put me down.

Tobias loved his birthday gift from me. Actually, he loved the red velvet cake I baked him since I honed my skills in baking. And so did Ace.

"You will get it after the party. It's in the fridge," I replied, my eyes going back to the crowd for a moment.

And there he was, standing at a corner, beside a table. With a drink in his hand, he looked deep in thought.

"Happy birthday!" Wrapping my arms around Tess, I wished her.

"Thanks!" She pulled back. "You changed?" Her eyes raked over my gown.

Mark, a boy in their group, slapped Ace's back, greeting him. But he ignored him. And when Mark went to reach for the glass in his hand, Ace shot him a sharp look, making him back away.

"Uh, yeah! That dress was slightly uncomfortable," I said absentmindedly. My eyes set on him. "I will be back in just a minute."

When I went to move, she caught my arm and dragged me away from her friends' earshots. "You're going to confess tonight, aren't you?"

I let out a surprised gasp. How did she know?

"Don't," she said in a sharp voice. "You will only be heartbroken."

Frowning, I snatched my arm from her grip. "How do you know? Who knows, maybe he likes me too."

"Don't be foolish, Em! Just because he is soft with you doesn't mean he harbors any kind of feelings for you." Her voice was harsh. "And you and I both know he only cares for you as a brother, not a lover. So don't embarrass him with your stupidness. He is already disturbed with his own problems."

Her words stung. I always feared that his kindness towards me might be just a brotherly love. But deep down, I felt there was more than that. It may be stupid and nonsense, but my heart told me not to lose hope.

I won't know unless I confront him, right?

"I won't embarrass him. And you don't know everything. So why don't you just go and enjoy your party and let me be on my own?" My tone matched hers.

Her blue eyes flashed. "Stay away from him, Emerald. He isn't the one for you."

Now my anger flared. "I will do whatever the hell I want, Tess. It's none of your business! So, leave me alone!" Turning on my heels, I strode away.