18. Death By Heels

The silence that had consumed the space around us was unnerving. I shifted in my seat, clasping my sweaty palms to the tops of my jean-clad thighs. The look on Jace's face had me wanting to shrink back in anxiousness, though I forced my posture to remain straight, refusing to lower my eyes from his.

"What?" Duke finally choked out, the shock in his voice causing my gaze to shift to his. I pressed my lips into a thin line, keeping my expression emotionless as my eyes flickered back to Jace's stony expression.

"Now's not the time for games." Jace spoke carefully, his calm voice only alerting me to the rising agitation in him. "That's a hefty statement you just made there." His eyes had narrowed sharply as they remained trained on mine.

I skimmed a glance at the people around me, who all seemed unsure of the words I had carelessly spewed out. Feeling my hands begin to shake, I knotted them into my shirt, twisting the fabric in hopes that it would calm the nerves growing in my gut. "It's true." I forced out, bobbing my head as I turned to Cameron, silently hoping that he would at least see I was honest. "Jace, Noah mentioned that he had feelings for a Stella. It has to be Jared's sister. It has to be."

"It could be a coincidence." Linc set down his burger, his dark gaze staring into mine. I couldn't fathom why he disliked my presence so much. I shifted, uncomfortable under his gaze and my eyes flickered pleadingly to Jace's. "If Jared heard you say that, can you imagine the way he would've acted?"

"It can't be a coincidence." I denied, shaking my head slowly. "That's too much of one." I pushed, placing my hands flat on the table.

"This could be what they want." Layton spoke up, tossing a quick glance to Max, who nodded. "They could want us to think we have her. There's a good chance they have killed her already, Savannah."

"I agree," Max leaned back in his chair. "Noah could have been told to say such things and pass them on to you. Think about it, Savannah. Ricardo could've told him to say that in order for him to inspire hope that she is definitely alive. Then, we would invade their territory and they would ambush us."

"She's alive. Noah was honest." I gritted out, feeling my teeth grind together as the tension continued to steadily rise at the table. Noah's soft demeanor and blushing face couldn't hold the evil that they were speaking of, I refused to believe it. "Jace?"

Jace watched me carefully for a few moments, leaning back in his chair before his eyes skimmed those around the table. "Max is right." He began carefully, his gaze returning to mine. His eyes were hard and unyielding. I felt a string of betrayal snake up my spine and I was careful to keep my expression blank. "I'm sure that they just wanted to convince us that Stella is alive in hopes that we would attack them. We can't be sure she is."

"Are you serious?" I questioned, feeling my anger begin to rise. "Jared's sister is out there and you're going to just ignore that fact because you're scared they might ambush you?"

"Savannah," Jace growled out, his black gaze making the hairs on the tops of my arms rise. His hands made an appearance as he laid is two fists carefully out onto the surface of the table. "I would be careful how you speak to me. This isn't about fear; it's about not getting any of us killed. We can't be sure whether your claims are true or false, you should understand that."

"But, I don't," I bit out, my eyes flickering to a nervous looking Ashley. "She would have to be at a place where Noah has regular access to her: his dad's house, his mom's, or a school." I thought aloud, not paying attention to those around me.

"Maybe, we should all sleep on this." Ashley spoke up; looking skittish as she nervously took a sip of her water. "It’s been a long day."

"I think that's best." Cameron hurriedly agreed and I felt my shoulders fall slightly.

"You're all cowards." I bit out, leaning my head against the wall behind me and shutting my eyes.

Evidently it was the wrong thing to say because I felt Cameron stiffen next to me.

"That's not it." Linc sneered, his dislike for me clear in his tone. "You haven't been in this life for wrong. Open your damn eyes and see what you're up against."

"Linc," Jace warned carefully, the discontent in his tone seeping out from his emotionless mask.

I reluctantly peeled back my eyelids, arching one brow at him. "I know that I wouldn't wait around."

"Enough." Jace's voice was thick with fury. "That's enough."

Silence swirled around the table, as half of the men averted their eyes from Jace's agitated ones.

"I don't want Savannah's implications going anywhere farther than this table. You spread the word of it, you know what will happen." Jace concluded stonily, before he shot a glance at me. "And don't get any ideas in your head, Savannah." He ordered calmly, though anyone could see the agitation behind his calm demeanor. "You may think you know what's true, but you don't."

Feeling my fury burn through me, I pressed my lips into a tight line. Avoiding the anxious looks sent my way; I calmly picked up my fork. They may not be ready to take action, but I was. I wasn't going to let Stella or Noah be affected by this anymore.

And I knew just who could help me set my plan in action.

____________________________________________

"The charity gala is tonight." Jace informed me, over the screen of his laptop. His fingers rapidly hit the keys, his look of concentration letting me know that his work-day wouldn't be over anytime soon.

I hummed my acknowledgement, not understanding why he was informing me of such a thing. After last night's fiasco at the diner, things had been more than just a little tense at the penthouse.

"You're going to be my date." Jace continued, not looking up from his screen.

"Excuse me?" I blinked at the attractive man, before I blatantly let out a short laugh. "I don't remember agreeing to going to such a thing." I retorted, crossing my arms as I slumped in my chair.

"That's because you didn't." He finally shut his laptop, moving his head to face me. "I'm telling you. You're coming as my date."

"I don't want to be your date." I shot back; feeling the hurt from last night hit my chest. The fact that no one had believed what I had spoken, only made me feel like more of an outsider. I sunk my teeth into my lip at the realization.

"You're going to be it though, whether you like it or not. It's not like I'm happy about these feelings either." Jace pulled a disgusted expression, picking up a pen from the surface of his desk.

"Feelings?" I spoke carefully, unsure of whether or not I wanted to know exactly what he was articulating.

"Isn't that what I said?" He cocked his eyebrow in my direction, pausing in whatever he was doing. "It's not like I want to have feelings for you, trust me."

"Feelings for me?" I burst out, feeling my heartbeat increase. "What?"

"Are you dense?" He rubbed his free hand over his eyes. "My intentions were not for this to happen. I don't want to like you. You're annoying, aggravating, loud, demanding, stupid, and your mood-swings can give anyone whip-lash. Yet, here we are, Cupcake. So, you're going to be my date." His words were so loosely spoken that they left my jaw hanging open. He was once again staring at the papers splayed out across his desk.

Finally, I manage to scowl. "You can't just say that and demand that I'm your date. You may have feelings for me, but I don't for you." I crossed my arms, hating how untruthful my words felt.

Jace let out a dark laugh, standing up so he could move till he rested his backside upon the front of his desk. I felt chills coil up my spine as he leaned back, watching me with his dark eyes. Both his eyebrows were raised. "Really? You don't feel anything for me?" He didn't move as he seemed to ponder this thought. The sarcasm in his words did not go unnoticed by me.

"Y-yes." I stuttered out, clenching my hands into fists.

"You're so responsive to me." He chuckled, an almost distant look in his eye. "You never push me away, you always end up coming back, you don't try to run anymore; you're lying." He smirked, straightening as he slowly walked around his desk once more to take a seat in his leather chair.

"I'm not." I forced out, unable to describe what his words had done to me. "I don't like you. You kidnapped me and forced me into situations that I don't want to be in. Furthermore, you let me see things that I don't want to see. You're also an imposter cop who sells illegal weapons. And you've killed a man. How can I develop feelings for you after that?" I bitterly bit out, knowing that my words held a great amount of falseness.

Jace glanced up, an expression that I couldn't identify lining the edges of his face. "It's been more than just one man, Doll." He frowned, the wrinkle between his brow seemingly permanent. "I regret some of the things I have done to you, Savannah."

"And I'm supposed to feel something back for you after all that?" I finally managed to whisper, tucking a chunk of hair behind my ears. "I don't trust you."

This seemed to agitate him, as the scowl on his face only deepened and the stormy look in his eyes blackened.

"My point is that I'm not going as your date." I finalized, straightening my weak knees and arching my eyebrow at him as if daring him to say anything differently.

He only chuckled darkly, stretching his hand above his head boringly. "Yes, Kitten, you are. Ashley is buying your dress and Callum will be driving you back to the penthouse in a few hours. The gala starts at seven, so Ashley will help you ready yourself until I pick you up. Understand all that, Cupcake?"

"Why do you call me so many stupid nicknames?" I growled out, tossing my hands in the air. "I don't want to go! It sounds boring. Can't I just stay home and watch Netflix?" I whined, clasping my hands together.

"No, Doll." A wide smirk spread over his lips. "This is a date, so make sure you look good." He winked.

"I hate you." I growled out, standing up and stalking towards the window, tightly wrapping my arms around my torso. "I hate you."

"No, you don't." He chuckled and I could imagine the way he would playfully shake his head, his bright eyes sparkling.

"And this isn't a date." I argued, shaking my head profusely.

"Yes, it is. Wear your best heels." He snickered, running a hand through his messy hair.

"This is a form of torture." I shot back, wincing at the thought of who would be there tonight. "Do I have to wear heels? I can't walk in heels."

"Ashley is picking out what you're wearing." Jace shrugged, rolling his eyes. "If she chooses to pick out heels for you, then you will be wearing them."

"I can't walk in heels! Is Cameron going? He's going to tease me so much." I scowled, my forehead wrinkled.

"He'll be going." Jace's amused smirk grew even wider.

"Heels are handy then. I'll just kick him where it hurts if he says anything."

"I can see it now," Jace spoke, shaking his head in amusement. "'Death By Heels'."

I pressed my lips together to hide my smile, before turning back to the window.

"Your friend Brooke is also going." Jace rolled his eyes, sounding annoyed. "It seems that Riley has taken an interest in that annoying little shit."

"I'm not surprised," I snorted. "Though I am shocked that you're actually letting her out of the house. I thought she was a prisoner." My tone was saturated with sarcasm.

"Very funny," Jace shot back. "Believe it or not, I can do good things. If Riley wants to progress his relationship with Brook, then he should be able to. I won't hold it from him. They're flying in right now."

I pursed my lips. "I'm actually surprised. You seem like the type to not allow anyone to do anything they would like to." I noted, smirking when he let out a growl.

"Savannah."

"If I go to this event, will you tell me what you're going to do about Noah?" I turned to him quickly, cocking my eyebrows at him.

I could practically feel the playfulness that had grown in the air decrease. Tension seemed to swirl around us. "Drop it." Jace finally forced out. "We aren't talking about that."

"Why not?" I demanded, resisting the urge to stomp my foot as I whirled around. "I have a right to know what your thoughts are on the subject. You can't keep me from knowing."

"You shouldn't have voiced your suspicions in such a public way last night."

"Why not?" I repeated, arching an eyebrow at him as I crossed my arms. "I can say whatever I want. If anything, I thought I was helping. Shouldn't I be informing you things rather than keeping them from you?"

"Not like that, no." Jace bit out, his eyes stormy. "You need to keep your mouth shut and come to me privately. I don't want rumors flying around with everyone. That could cause problems within my corporation and with the guys and that's the last thing we all need."

"That's not fair to me." I whispered, feeling my agitation rise.

"Well, life isn't fair - fucking realize that already." He ground out, turning away from my frozen form. His rage was clear and I stumble a step back, not liking how it was aimed towards me.

Swallowing thickly, I turned away. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut from now on." I snapped, feel tears of frustration fill my eyes as I stomped towards the doorway of his office.

"Savannah!" I heard him growl out, though I didn't look back.

Quickly exiting his office, I slammed the door. I wiped my eyes, feeling my agitation increase.

Sheila looked up from her desk and I could see her dislike for me under the polite smile she had plastered on her face. "Hello, what can I do for you?"

"Call Callum to pick me up, please?"

She nodded at my request, not moving to pick up the phone as she watched me carefully. Then she smiled, the expression having a little too much gloating in it. "Be careful tonight, things can go very wrong quickly." She brightly enthused, though I could see something wasn't right beneath her fake expression.

"What?" I questioned slowly, not able to understand exactly what she was warning me about.

"Things can happen when you're least expecting them." She let out a tiny laugh, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand. "Very bad things."

"I don't understand." I warily spoke, gripping the counter.

Her eyes glowed knowingly, before she arched an eyebrow at me. "Never-mind. I'll call Callum now." She smiled professionally, reaching for her phone. "He'll be out front in a few minutes. Feel free to wait below."

Still confused, I stumbled away from her desk, unsure. Her words had stirred a bad feeling in my chest and I couldn't help but feel like I was slowly being immersed further into this world of terror, without wishing to.

"Savannah! Get your ass back here right now." Jace had yanked the door to his office open and was marching my way with the ferocity of a lion. I didn't feel the need to cower away from his intimidation anymore. If anything, it only succeeded in increasing the fuel for my temper.

I ignored his demands, quickly making my way to his private elevator and smacking my hand onto the button, just as he reached me.

"You anger me so much, Kitten." He hissed, pulling me into the elevator as the doors opened. "Why do you have to piss me off that much?"

I shoved a finger into his chest. "I feel the same way, Stupid. Leave me alone. I don't want to look at your face right now."

However attractive it is.

Jace chuckled darkly, his fingers digging into my hips as he leaned down closer to my face with his. "I don't think so." A weird expression appeared onto the edges of his face and his eyes narrowed. "Were you crying?"

"No," I shook my head quickly, the lie causing my cheeks to redden. "No, I just got something in my eye is all."

He didn't say anything, his eyes still staring stormily into mine, though this time with a tinge of guilt to them.

"I didn't mean to make you cry." He finally mumbled, shaking his head.

"Well, you did." I finally snapped at him, pushing against his chest. He released his grip on me and took a step back. "Because you are stupid and immature and mean."

He watched me, emotionless, his arms crossing over each other. "Please, don't hold back." He mumbled sarcastically.

"And," I continued, my voice sinking into a growl. "You think you can boss people around. I was just trying to help! I deserve to know."

Jace looked conflicted as he hesitated. He finally sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Fine. I haven't been totally honest with you."

"I know that." I mumbled, leaning against the wall of the elevator, exasperated.

"But," He continued, shooting me an annoyed look. "I can't tell you everything right now. It's not safe. I will, just not right now."

"That's not fair." I protested, narrowing my eyes at him as he stepped closer. "I don't agree with that." His calloused hands reached out, latching onto my waist and pulling me protectively into his chest. I stayed stiffened, not wanting to relax into his hold. His rough grip slid gently up and down my sides. A sigh escaped his lips and he leaned closer to me.

"Too bad, Cupcake." He mumbled, pressing his face against my neck. "I'm sorry for making you cry."

The agitation still growing towards him halted my ability to respond. Instead, I exhaled, sinking into his embrace.

_____________________________________________

"Why the hell is he making me do this?" I scowled, my gaze flickering to Ashley as she wrapped another chunk of my hair around the barrel of the curling wand.

She cocked her eyebrow at me, releasing the curl so the hot lock hit my back. "Everyone knows that Jace is interested in you. I think he wants you to see that he can be a gentleman."

"He doesn't like me." I shook my head, crossing my arms as I glared at the blond. "He just... he just tricked himself into thinking that." I helplessly concluded, my mouth folding into a frown.

"Why would he do that?" Brooke called from the bedroom, her tone humorous. "Are you dense or just stupid?"

"Or maybe she likes him back and is trying to put up her defenses?" Ashley responded, a smirk tracing her lips as she ran a brush over my hair.

"That's not true." I protested, sinking my freshly manicured nails into the armrests of the seats. "He just wants me to believe he likes me, so that I'll sleep with him."