She rolls her eyes, making my palm twitch, but she picks up the sandwich without argument and follows me out of the house.
“Do you like your job?” she asks casually as I drive down my driveway.
Her question makes me tilt my head as I think about how to answer that. Do I?
“I like being part of something with my family,” I reply thoughtfully. “My brothers and I have always been close. We’ve had fights and shit, but they are the three people I trust the most. I’m proud of our empire and of the things we do to give back to the community. But being in the office every day is what it is. Cash and Xander are always fucking around with their wives, and Beckett is just Beckett. I never know what the hell he’s doing.”
Ace hums, and I glance at her, wondering what she’s thinking, but I don’t have time to ask as we drive up to her house. Irritation stabs at me as I park next to Luciano’s SUV.
Asshole.
He was supposed to leave.
I told him to get out of my city or else, and I meant every word.
After cutting the engine, I get out of my car and round to the passenger side just as Ace climbs out. I crowd her until she tips her head back to look up into my scowling face.
“Angel, if you ever open your own car door again when I’m with you, you’ll feel that wooden spoon on your ass again. Any door, for that matter.”
Her pupils dilate, and she swallows before she slowly nods. “Yes, Daddy,” she whispers.
I don’t know what the hell I ever did in this life to deserve a woman like Ace’s submission, but I’m so fucking thankful for it.
“Good girl. Thank you,” I reply, then take her hand to lead her up to her house.
“Daddy,” she says nervously before we get to the porch, tugging me to a stop.
Turning, I stare at her as she takes a deep breath.
“I know you don’t like Luciano. I also know he’s… difficult. But he’s the only person in my life who loves me. So, will you please not kill him? You guys don’t have to be friends, but I don’t want to lose him.”
Ah, fuck.
CHAPTER 31
Ace
Kian stares down at me,and I can tell in his dark, dangerous eyes that what I’m asking of him goes against everything he wouldreallylike to do.
When he gives me a single nod, I let out a breath of air.
“If he tries to kill me or hurt my family, all promises are off,” he growls.
“Absolutely,” I reply, because I’m going to make Luciano give me the same promise.
These two men might drive me mad, but there’s one characteristic they both share that is my favorite because my father was the same.
They never break their word.
I let him lead me up to the door, and he waits for me to enter the code before he opens it for me.
“Pack a bag and come stay with me. We can watch movies in bed all day in between fucking,” he says.
Laughing, I look up at him and playfully smack his chest. “I have to go to work. So do you.”
He shrugs and leans down, hovering his mouth over mine. “Fuck work. I like you better.”
My heart stops, my pussy aches, and part of me wants to sayfuck itand spend the day with him, but I can’t. I have responsibilities. Besides, I have a class at the studio today, and I can’t wait. I already adore every single one of my students. They make me feel like I’m a kid, and ballet has become my passion again. Even if I’m no longer able to be a professional ballet dancer. I’m starting to enjoy my messy life.
