Page 128 of The Fire We Make

Ace’s fingers began working his own buttons. Joy’s body felt like it’d been set aflame under Ace’s heated stare as she removed her clothes.

Heels.

Blazer.

Skirt.

Blouse.

She took her time, enjoying the weight of his stare and the way the muscles in his jaw jumped each time she revealed more skin. Before long, she stood before him in only her bra and the thigh holster that housed her Desert Eagle.

“Fuck,” Ace groaned as took her in from head to toe, his eyes snagging on the gold gun resting against her strong thigh.

Joy reached behind her back and removed her bra, tossing it in the pile of clothes she’d accumulated.

Her gun was the last to go. Slowly, she removed it and the holster, placing them beside his on the nightstand.

She stood before him naked in more ways than one but she didn't feel exposed or vulnerable. There was no desire to cover herself or put her walls back up.

Not right now.

Not when his gaze moved over her slowly, like he was taking his time with something sacred.

When he looked at her, she knew he wasn't just seeing her skin and curves. He looked at her like he saw her the way no one else had.

“Come here, Rose,” he said.

Joy stepped over to him without thought or hesitation. When she made it within arms reach, he pulled her onto his lap, his hard dick nudged at her clit as she did, making her moan.

Ace flipped them over, putting Joy on her back with him hovering over her.

He took her face in his hands and looked down at her with the heat she’d seen all night but also something softer, more tender than she was used to.

Something foreign but welcomed.

“You’re so beautiful," he said. “So fucking perfect.”

Joy wanted to laugh but the look in Ace’s eyes made her swallow it. His words weren't opinions or flattery. In his eyes, they were facts and she embraced them.

Ace settled on his knees between her thighs and Joy instinctively wrapped her legs around him.

Her eyes moved over his bare chest and torso, sculpted and inked up. She leaned up from her reclined position and kissed his stomach, making the muscles beneath her lips contract.

Ace caught her chin and brought her attention back to his face. “You remember what I told you the first night you came home with me?”

If I slide up in that pussy, she’s mine.

Her heartbeat sped up.

“Yes.”

“What did I say?”

“That if we did this, I’d be yours.”

Ace eyed her carefully. “And you still want it?”

Joy’s hands moved over his arms. “Yes.”