Page 141 of The Fire We Make

Ace smiled, his eyes soft yet blazing with something Joy couldn’t name. He opened his mouth like he was about to speak, then closed it. Joy had never seen him look so uncertain and wondered what thought he’d stopped from falling from his lips.

“Good.” he said, kissing her forehead.

He straightened, caressing her cheek with his thumb on his way up.

Joy and Ace entered the banquet hall arm in arm with Jrue and Remy flanking them on the right and the twins on their left. When she’d asked why Von hadn’t accompanied them, Ace answered that Von wasn’t involved in firm business and therefore didn’t attend these things with them.

The room was filled with politicians, lawmakers, law enforcement, attorneys, city officials, and businesspeople with deep enough pockets to influence them all.

“Why are we here again?” Joy asked softly. She felt like she was having deja-vu from her time at home, attending banquets and speeches with Jermaine. Only this time, she was on the arm of someone she respected. She was there not as an ornament or tool but as a partner.

“Try to fix the goodwill with the influential people in the city,” Jrue answered, snagging a drink from the tray of a passing waiter. “Representing known criminals especially in high profile cases like Blue’s puts a strain on our relationships. People’s memories get real short when you write a check and promise a favor, though.”

Joy nodded in understanding.

Ace turned to his siblings and spoke in code, giving what Joy was sure were marching orders and the group dispersed.

They spent an hour mingling and rubbing elbows with city and state officials. People congratulated them on a job well done and Ace assured them he was committed to justice.

Out of her periphery, Joy watched as Isaac Kincaid approached wearing an expensive suit and the scar Ace had given him that night at the club. He didn’t seem hostile but his expression wasn’t friendly either and his weird vibe made Joy stiffen.

“Wassup Ace,” the man said. The handshake they shared was stiff, if not a little awkward.

“Isaac,” Ace replied, eyeing him up and down and widening his legs in a defensive stance.

“It’s good to see you again. We didn’t part ways on the best terms.” Isaac’s words were polite but his tone put her on edge. His eyes fell to Joy and a lustful glint that bordered on predatory lit his eyes. “Good to see you too, Ms. Thibodeaux. I don’t think I made the best first impression.”

Ace pushed Joy behind him with a discreet hand on her waist. His posture was casual and anyone looking from afar wouldn’t suspect how on edge he was, but Joy could see the tension coiled tightly in his body and feel his energy.

“We should have a conversation,” Ace said, clapping a hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “Shit’s been crazy around here but I want us to have a sit down soon. Our grandfathers wouldn’t want whatever animosity brewing between us,” Ace said.

Isaac’s eyes darkened but he smiled. “Don’t even worry about it man. I understand. Y’all have a good evening.”

He walked away with a tip of his glass and Joy opened her mouth to speak on Isaac’s weird behavior. She didn’t get the chance before Ace’s attention was being petitioned for by a voice behind them.

“King. Twice in one quarter. I’m starting to feel special.”

They both turned, finding Vincent Price walking towards them with a regal swagger and glass in his hand.

Ace chuckled softly, extending his hand for a handshake that Vincent met halfway.

“You remember my associate, Joy Thibodeaux,” Ace said motioning to Joy.

“How could I forget a face like this?” Vincent asked, grasping her outstretched hand in his and placing a kiss on her knuckles.

“My associate, and my woman,” Ace clarified, pulling Joy closer with a possessive hand on her waist.

“Should’ve put money on it,” Vincent chuckled, releasing Joy and taking a step back with his hands up. “Congratulations on the case Ms. Thibodeaux. Your praises are being sung all over the city.”

Joy smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Price.”

Vincent inclined his head, taking another step back in anticipation of taking his leave. “Good to see you both. Ace, I’ll see you again soon.”

Ace nodded in response.

Joy turned to look at Ace and found him already looking down at her.

“What?” she giggled at the fire still in his eyes.