Filed To Story: The Trap Of Ace Book PDF Free
In a pink mid-thigh fairy dress, Tess looked like a real fairy.
Tobias also looked good in his black tux.
They smiled down at the cameras as their friends clapped and whistled wildly.
But there wasn’t any sign of Ace.
Excusing myself, I aimlessly wandered around the people.
Where are you?
“Oww!”
Colliding into a hard chest, I stumbled back.
A pair of arms soon circled around my waist.
“I’m so…” Looking up, my breath hitched at my throat.
Stormy gray orbs stared down at me.
His dense stubble was gone, revealing his chiseled jaw.
Jet black hair was gelled back and the ring on his right brow wasn’t there tonight.
Even though there were dark shadows under his beautiful eyes, and he had lost some weight, he still looked breathtaking.
“Rosebud?”
His forehead creased as he straightened me on my feet.
Gray irises roamed up and down my body, his jaw clenching.
“What’re you wearing?”
The Greek accent was deep in his voice.
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 would like it.”
His frown deepened as he watched my hair and heavy makeup.
But then he shook his head.
“You don’t need my approval in anything, Emerald.
It’s your choice whatever you want to wear.”
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 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, much natural look, I headed back downstairs.
Ignoring Cassie and Beth’s raised brows, I went to find Ace again.
Tobias and Tess 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.
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 gaze 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!”
I wrapped my arms around Tess.
“Thanks!”
She pulled back.
“You changed?”
Her eyes raked over my gown.
Mark, a boy in their group, slapped Ace’s back, greeting him.
He didn’t reciprocate the gesture.
And when Mark went to reach for the glass in his hand, a sharp look from him made the poor boy back away.
“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’ earshot.
“You’re going to confess tonight, aren’t you?”
I let out a gasp.
How did she know?
“Don’t.”
Her tone was sharp.
“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,” she said.
“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 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 enjoy your party and let me be on my own?”
My tone matched hers.
“Stay away from him, Emerald.
He isn’t the one for you.”
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 walked away.
Once I had padded close to where Ace stood, I took a calming breath and smoothed my hair.
No one could stop me from expressing my feelings today.
“Hey!”
My voice came out meek, gone was the confidence in the air.
Nervousness fluttered in my tummy.
His gray orbs lifted to mine.
This time, his gaze didn’t hold displeasure.
But there wasn’t any pleasure either.
They were just cold.
He was in a bad mood.
Should I do it today?
But I had to gather so much courage to make up my mind.
I didn’t know if I would have that much guts anytime soon.
“Won’t you play chess with me today, Ace?
I’ve been waiting for another match.”
Maybe after the game his mood will be lighter?
He thought for a second and then nodded.
“Yeah, sounds good.
This party is boring me, anyway.”
My grin was face splitting.
“Let me get the board ready.
In the library, as usual?”
He nodded, taking a sip.
“I will be up in a few.”
Failing to contain my excitement, I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight.
His exotic cologne made me giddy.
“I will be waiting for you.”
His shoulders tensed.
His touch on my back was almost non-existent.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled me away by my shoulders.
His lips pursed in a straight line.
“Go.”
Nodding, I skipped off to our small library and started to make the board ready.
I could barely contain myself from dancing around.
I was finally going to tell him.
Tell him I loved him.
Ten minutes passed, but he didn’t show up.
Then it turned into twenty.
And there was no sign of him.
He said he’d be here in a few.
Letting out a sigh, I got up and went downstairs again.
The party was going on in a full swing.
Most elders retired for the night.
There were only the youngsters, dancing and drinking wildly.
I spotted Cassie dancing with my brother while Beth chatted with some girls.
But I couldn’t see him anywhere.
The loud music and sharp smell of alcohol almost made me gag.
Where is he?
Making my way through the half-wasted dancing population, I padded towards the balcony.
But he wasn’t even there.
Did he forget about our match and left already?
But he never forgot our match.