I stepped out into the cool air and rubbed my hands up and down my arms as goosebumps arose all over my skin.

It was a chilly evening.

I looked up at the sky and smiled as I advanced towards the main street. Although Ace had asked me to take the driver with me whenever I wanted to go anywhere, but right now I felt like walking and having some time alone to myself.

Ace was not in the office all day because of some urgent business right outside the city, and it was safe to say that I missed him. Even though I had seen him last night but not having him around the entire day sure was one hell of a chore.

I accidentally bumped into someone and mumbled a sorry under my breath as I lifted my eyes up only to gasp in shock.

Daniel, the guy who, according to what I had heard, had a crush on me and used to work here before Ace fired him. And yeah, he tried spiking my drink too, one time.

"Belle?" he asked, taking a good look at me.

"Daniel," I replied nonchalantly, I didn't mean to sound rude but it wasn't like I was thrilled to see him.

I mean yeah we were good friends at one time and I really thought he was a great guy but after what he did, I couldn't help but feel this evil aura around him.

"How have you been?" he asked, taking a step closer.

Geez man, stop already.

"Great! What about you?" I replied with fake enthusiasm and he nodded and then shrugged.

"Been better," he said and I nodded and replied with an awkward smile.

"So I guess I should get—"

"Do you wanna grab some coffee?" he cut me mid-sentence and I stifled a groan. All I wanted was to go back home and curl up in a ball.

"Uh—I don't really think that's a great idea, Daniel. I—"

"I know. I know. I'm sorry and please I wanna make it up to you and clear a few things," he pleaded. His eyes seemed honest and going against what my sane mind would say, I replied.

"Sure."

******************

"No way!" he said with disbelief in his expressions and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ace Rhodes? Oh God, I FREAKING KNEW IT," Daniel shook his head as he relaxed back on the chair and I shook my head and laughed.

"Oh come on, he hated me in the beginning," I rolled my eyes.

"Hated you? Yeah right. What a hypocrite," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm as I took another sip of my latte.

My office's building was right across the street and I rested my hand and stared at it from the glass window as Daniel spoke up again, "I miss working there."

"Yeah, I know. After what happened, it took me a long time to get used to the fact that you of all people did it," I sighed heavily and closed my eyes.

"Isabelle look—" he shifted on his seat and inched a little close to me. "I cannot justify my actions and I realize that what I did was wrong but believe me when I say that I do not spend a day not regretting it. I was drunk and when Ashton gave that drug to me I..." he trailed and I sighed again and gave him a sad smile.

"I guess it's okay. It's in the past now and I don't like holding grudges," I shrugged, smiling and his expressions looked somewhat relieved as he put his hand over mine.

"You don't know how much that mea—"

"Hands to yourself, asshole."

And there it was. Just what I needed right now.

"Ace..." I stood up from my chair as I saw him standing there, his eyes glued to Daniel's face.

"What is he doing here?" he asked calmly.

"Ace come on—"

"I said what the hell is he doing here with you, Isabelle?"

I sighed heavily and walked closer to him. I held his stiff hand in mine and gently intertwined our fingers.

"Come on, I'll explain it to you," I whispered and kept rubbing my fingers along his to try to calm him down.

He heaved in a deep sigh, closed his eyes, and let go of my hand. I knew he was trying his best to keep his anger at bay.

He stepped towards Daniel, "You don't come near her again. Understood?"

Daniel slightly nodded and sat down on the chair with a pissed and hurtful expression on his face.

With that, Ace left the cafe and I nodded at Daniel before following him outside.

"Ace, wait! Listen!" I called out but he kept walking towards his SUV.

"Get in the car," he said, his voice laced with anger and I obliged and sat down in the passenger's seat as the car roared to life and Ace headed to God only knew where.

Not long after, I realized that we were headed towards his place which made me even anxious because the mere presence of him right now seemed intimidating enough, what would I do when I'd be in his mansion in which everything practically screamed his name.

He didn't say a word to me the entire ride and I didn't try to make a conversation either. He needed to cool down before we talked this through.

As the car came to a halt, I was brought back to my senses and Ace left without saying anything, slamming the car door shut in the process.

"Ace! Hold up!" I yelled and ran after him.

When we entered the mansion, I noticed that he had gone straight into his wine cellar.

I cursed under my breath and followed him inside as I saw him standing on the counter pouring himself a drink.

"Listen to me..." I said softly as I made my way towards him, trying my best not to make the situation worse.

"What were you doing with him?" he asked without looking at me. He kept staring at his wine like it was the most fascinating thing ever and I noticed him clutching and unclutching his fists with every breath he took.

"Nothing. I just happened to bump into him and when he offered to get coffee toge—"

"You thought it would be great to catch up with a guy who obviously used to pine over you and oh yeah, one more thing, who tried spiking your drink once and you had no guarantee whatsoever that he wouldn't do it again!" his voice became harsh at the end and I looked down at my feet trying not to break down.

"It wasn't like that..." I said, my voice thick with emotions.

I was the kind of girl who wouldn't cry if you'd throw a dozen bricks at her but God forbid if the people I loved would talk to me in a harsh tone...

"Isabelle, it was Daniel Jones! The same guy who thought it would have been fun to drug you and probably take advantage of you!"

"I know! But he was genuinely sorry. I could see it in his eyes!" I said, raising my voice a little bit.

He scoffed, "You're so naive."

"I'm naive? Oh, wow. You know what? I don't even know why are you making such a big about this anyway? I went out with a colleague to have coffee. Big deal. Oh come on Ace, it wasn't like you saw me making out with him."

A split second after the words left my mouth, I was pinned against the wall with his face centimeters away from mine.

"Don't. Ever. Talk. To. Me. Like. That."

He emphasized each and every word in his dark, sexy voice and I gulped down as shivers ran down my spine.

"You're only mine to touch. Am I understood?" his voice was low but dangerous and he lightly kept dragging his hand up and up my thigh and I bit my lower lip trying to keep the wild thoughts to myself.

"Isabelle, am I understood?" he pressed into me and I closed my eyes.

"Y-yes."

"Good. Now go up to my room and change. I'll be there," he whispered in my ear and I fluttered my eyes open.

"Ace I—"

"Did you not hear me, Isabelle?" the way my name rolled off his tongue made my insides churn as I nodded my head and stepped back from him, making my way towards the stairs straight to his room.

****************

Oops...what do you guys think Ace has in mind *inserts lenny face*

Stay tuned to find out.