Chapter 3

A few moments later, breakfast was over. Ace had returned back to his room. The maids had come in to clean the table, but as I stood to leave, Scott pulled me back.

“I never got to ask,” he smiled. “How did you sleep?”

I forced a smile. “I slept really well, thanks for asking.”

He nodded slowly. “You’re welcome.” He stood up, still holding my arms gently as we walked side by side until we were at the stunning backyard.

“This place is perfect,” I said, my eyes widening.

“Really? You like it?” he asked.

“I love it,” I replied with a huge smile on my face. “Can I look around?”

“Of course, you can. It’s your house.”

“Oh, thank you,” I said as I walked out. The backyard was so stunning, it looked like something that was painted in a magical fairytale book and was brought to life.

By the time I walked back to Scott, he was already seated on a chair close to the large pool.

“Come,” he said, “sit beside me.”

I walked slowly towards him and sat beside him just as he had asked. Before I could speak, he grabbed my hand, gently but firmly, so that it was hard to pull myself out of his grasp. As I turned to look at him, I froze. His face was barely inches away from mine. His breath felt really warm on my skin.

“Don’t worry, my darling,” he smirked. “I’m not doing anything... yet.”

I trembled slightly.

“So, just relax. Okay? With time, you’ll get used to me.” He pulled away slowly, but his eyes lingered longer. It felt like he was stripping me naked just by looking at me. That’s how strong and dangerous his gaze was.

I swallowed hard. “I’m not... I’m not—uh. I’m okay.”

Suddenly, I felt his hand on my head as he gently combed his fingers through my hair. Then his hand fell to my back, this time, his fingers trailed my skin softly.

“How would you like to go on a shopping spree today?” he asked. His deep voice cuts the tension like a knife.

I swallowed. “Shopping spree?”

“Yeah. You are my wife, aren’t you?” he smirked. “You should look the part as well.”

“I suppose you’re right,” I said, trying to smile away the shivers his touch was causing. “Will you be joining me?”

He laughed softly. “Joining you? No... no. Mary will. I trust that you will surprise me.”

I nodded slowly. “I hope I do.”

Even though I wasn’t looking at him this time, I could feel his eyes on my body. I couldn’t help but think to myself what was going on in his head, and that’s when he spoke.

“Have you met Ace before now, dear?” he asked.

I almost choked on the words that I was about to speak. “Ace? Your son?”

“Is there any other Ace you think I might be referring to?”

I forced a laugh. “No, not at all.”

“Good, then answer the question. Have you met my boy Ace before now?”

I swallowed, sitting straighter. “Yes, I have.”

He chuckled. “Oh, really?”

“Yeah,” I nodded slowly. “We go to the same school, but he’s a senior.”

“The same school?” he asked, his brows furrowed.

“Yeah.”

“But how did you manage to get into such a private elite establishment?” He leaned in. “No offense.”

I forced a smile. “I got in through a scholarship program.”

“Oh,” he muttered. “I see... scholarship. That makes so much sense. Cause you know. Ace’s school is very expensive, and I doubt your mother was able to afford the fees.”

He stood up, stretching his hand out to me. I hesitated a while before I reached out to him and held him. We walked out of the backyard together.

“I hope you’re not offended at what I said about your mum’s inability to fund your education at Preston Academy,” he asked as he rubbed my back softly.

“No, I’m not,” I shrugged.

“That’s good,” he said, his hands falling into his pockets as we entered the living room. “Go get changed.”

As I turned to leave, I paused, turning back to Scott. “You’re not coming with me?”

“Oh... no,” he said, using his hand to wave no at me. “Get Mary to help you upstairs. I’ll be in my home office. If you’re done, ask Mary to show you where my home office is, so I can see what you look like before you leave.”

“Sure,” I smiled. “I will.”

I turned and rushed up the stairs, heading to my room. Before I could proceed forward after passing the first floor, I stumbled upon Ace standing by his bedroom door frame. He stood shirtless and was wearing only a grey pair of joggers and slides with socks on. He had both of his hands in his pockets. His shoulder and head were resting on the door frame as he stood slanted.

On seeing him, I froze, lifting my hand slowly to wave at him, but before I could, he spoke.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” I said back to him, my voice cracking.

He walked closer to me, stretching his arm out. I looked at his hand and back at his eyes. I hesitated, but then I let him hold my arm. I hadn’t realized how soft his skin was.

“How old are you?” he asked, his eyes lingering on my body longer than I expected.

“Uhm...” My voice cracked as I tried looking away. Still, he held me.

“Can’t talk?”

“I can,” I chuckled, trying to mask my trembling voice.

“Good, so you can answer the question then. How old are you?” he asked again.

“I just turned eighteen.”

“Eighteen?” he smirked, licking his lower lip. He released his grip on me, took a step back as his eyes scanned my body from my feet up to my head. “Not bad.”

“Not bad? Why would you say that?”

He walked around me slowly, stopping in front of me. “You’ll understand soon enough. Seems you’re in a hurry.”

“Yes, I am,” I exhaled. “I was on my way to my room. You see, I’m going on a shopping spree.”

“Oh really,” he smirked. “How about I come with you?”

“I don’t know if you should. Besides, I wouldn’t want to disturb you,” I said, looking away. “Mary will be coming with me.”

For a few seconds, Ace didn’t speak. He just looked at me like I had just spoken a whole bunch of nonsense, and after a long silence, he spoke.

“Don’t be silly, Sabrina.” He walked back to his room door before turning back to me. “I’m coming with you.”

I swallowed hard, clearing my throat. “Never call me, silly. I think you should show more respect to me.”

Ace burst into laughter. “Oh, I’m sorry, stepmom. But you’re eighteen, and last time I checked, I’m nineteen. So, I’m older than you.”

I walked closer to him, my finger pointed up at his face. “Will you—”

He grabbed my hand, pulling my finger closer to his face as he licked it slowly. “I’m coming with you.”

And just like that, he walked into his room, shutting the door while I stood frozen. My body was trembling as my skin burned from a sensation I’ve never known until now.