THREE.

ACE.

I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me as she stumbled onto the stage.

Birdene Black.

I’d know those brown eyes anywhere. Even ten years later, now that she has grown into a beautiful woman. 

Her eyes remind me of a woman I fell in love with in college. 

A woman who happened to choose my best friend over me. 

Andrea Simpson.

Just thinking about her name feels like I’m committing the biggest sin of all.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever consider finding the daughter of the man I hate with a passion, being auctioned off.

The murderous emotions that overtook every fibre in my body as other men bid for her drove me wild.

Fuck…

I was about to put a pretty silver bullet between Lawrences’ eyes if he dared to outbid me for her.

She is mine.

Even if it is for a month.

She is mine, and I will return her to her parents once I’ve had my fill of her.

Once I’ve ruined her for other men.

After I've tattooed my name on her precious little heart.

Ace Ripley.

She will scream my name in ecstasy. It will become her new favourite anthem. She will moan my name in her wet dreams, for I will haunt her for the rest of her life.

As she stood on the stage, looking like a lost lamb, with her full breasts on display in the transparent dress she was wearing.

Everything about her screamed sex and submission. And I plan to have more than just a taste of her. 

It’s like she was gift-wrapped just for me.

Sighing, I open and close my zip lighter. The slight cling sound it makes somehow soothes my racing mind.

“Sir, Ms. Birdene.” Alana, my housekeeper, announces as she stands outside my office door with her chin dipped.

“Thank you, Alana,” I respond as I lift my head to find Birdene standing on the threshold with her gaze focusing on the carpet.

“Come here, Little Bird,” I say in an authoritative tone that has her strolling towards me.

She stops a few feet in front of my desk and combs her trembling fingers through her hair.

“I need you to sign this contract. The terms can be negotiated, but I’m warning you now. If they aren’t in my favour. It will be a hard no.” Opening the top drawer of my desk, I retrieve a brown envelope and toss it across the desk in front of her.

Elegantly, she raises her gaze to the folder and then to meet mine. “I had no choice but to come here, Ace.” Her voice trembles as she closes her eyes, doing her best to keep her tears at bay.

Leaning back in my chair, I flip my zip lighter open and closed. “I purchased you fair and square, Little Bird, and I’m going to take what is rightfully mine.” I snarl darkly at the thought of her rejecting me. “I also saved you from returning to your parents, as you begged me to.”

“Why did you kill them?” She asks upon releasing a shuddering breath. “Why did you kill Ross and Caleb? My guards?”

“Because they touched what is mine. No one touches what is mine and gets away with it.” I reply in a nonchalant tone that is filled to the brim with a dark promise.

Licking her lips, she swallows thickly. “One month and all I have to do is sleep with you before I’m free to leave?”

“Yes, Little Bird. One month of me fucking the innocence out of you and I will send you on your way with a little something extra to get you started on your own.”

“Why? Why are you going to give me money when this all revolves around charity?”

I can sense the hesitation thickly coating her words.

“I think you know why, Little Bird.” Standing up from behind the desk, I move to stand in front of her and lightly cup one side of her face. “I donated fifty million dollars to your choice of charity and in return, I get to sample my enemy's daughter before he can force you to marry your uncle.”

Her breath catches. “You know about that?”

“Everyone who is linked to your father one way, or another knows,” I growl with disgust.

“He’s not my biological uncle.” She whispers, feeling like she owes me an explanation. “I’m adopted. Olivia and Jaxson Black aren’t my birth parents, and I’ve been thinking…”

Taking a step back, I sit on the edge of the desk and fold my arms across my broad chest.

“Do share, Little Bird. I’d love to hear what you’ve been thinking about.” I coaxed, trying to get her to warm up to me.

“I will stay here for a month and I will warm your bed.” Nibbling on her lower lip, she pauses, and I raise my brows, intrigued to find out what she has to say. “All I ask in return is that you help me escape from my parents. Indefinitely.” She finally finishes after finding the courage to do so. 

A deep laugh pours from my throat as I rub the side of my jaw. “That can easily be arranged. All you’ll have to do is pick a country and a new name. But first, I’m going to need something in advance before I agree, Little Bird.”

Her shoulders sag, “like?”

“A taste of the fire that is simmering deep in the pit of your stomach. I can sense it begging to be set free like a wildfire incinerating everything it comes into contact with. And I want to be the one who sets it free. I intend to be the first you burn, Little Bird.” My jaw clenches with excitement as the words leave my lips.

Rolling the sleeves of my shirt up my arms, exposing my tatted flesh. I walk towards the black leather sofa pushed against the wall and I sit down. Leaning back with my legs spread wide. 

I place the back of my hand on my thigh with my middle finger erect, and I meet her gaze, licking my lips.

“I will not fuck you tonight, Little Bird,” I say in a husky tone as my eyes roam over her seductive body that’s making my cock twitch beneath my slacks. “You aren’t ready for me just yet. But I do want you to come over here and fuck my finger.” Bringing my hand up to my mouth, I slip my finger between my lips, generously coating it with my saliva before I return it to my thigh. “Come here, Little Bird, and sit on my finger. Show me what you look like when you come. And be sure to moan my name…” I demand with a slight hiss.