Chapter 6

Ace

Two years ago,

There is nothing magical about her. A basic girl I would never be caught dead with. She is on the short side too. I like them tall. Grey eyes big eyes that water easily. She is nothing but annoying. There was nothing special about her I find the least attractive. I wouldn't never look twice, but when I close my eyes, all I see is her innocent face. I can't get her out of my mind. 

I have gone to that flower place twice trying to make sense of this, and yet I can't seem to understand it. I dislike this girl. In the short period I have seen her work, she seems incompetent. She didn't know the difference between dahlias and daisies. 

I walked out of the hospital after dropping the bouquet and drove back home. There was no need for me to stay longer that five minutes in the ICU. All I could think of was the girl preparing the flowers after trying to avoid me yet again. 

"Welcome back," Filip smirked when I walked to my house. "How was your trip?"

"Fine." I looked at him. "Have you found out who attacked the Vilkins?" 

"Not yet. The list is endless. Guess that's why they wanted the marriage."

"They should have dealt with their problems. Now, I have to seem interested and deal with their enemies like I care when I don't," I scoffed. "Maybe we should let them can get it from my grandfather."

"He will not be pleased."

"He shouldn't have arranged the marriage in the first place."

"Okay," Filip shrugged, "I have a container to check."

"Wait," I said, looking at him, "The girl at the flower shop."

"What about her?" he mused, looking back at me.

"Get me information on her."

"I was waiting for you to ask." he chuckled, taking a seat.

"Why are you not leaving?" I growled.

"Because I have the information. It's not much." He curled his lips. "She is an orphan. She was dropped at the church. Grew up at St Mary's church. She was a nun. Twenty-two and not your type."

"I'm not interested in her." I hissed, glaring at him.

"Well, you have been there twice without me. I would say you are intrigued, but like I said. She is not your type. That girl is way too innocent."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"A church girl, Ace?" he looked at me. "That is a bad idea. The Vilkins girl at least knows the business, not a virgin nun." he shook his head.

"It's not like I'm going to marry the girl." I scoffed. "Don't you have work to do?" I sighed. 

*****

Present day,

“I swear to God if you tell me to wait, I’m going to kill you,” I said to Filip, who was ignoring me half the time.

“Who would put up with your whining if I’m dead?” Filip responded casually as he scrolled on his phone.

“I have been sitting here doing nothing while my wife could be out there. For all I know, she could be in a ditch somewhere. Did I mention she is pregnant?”

“You mentioned,” he added as he kept looking at his phone.

“What if she passed out in this heat?”

“She hasn’t,” he added, still tapping on his phone.

“Are you even listening to what I’m saying? You are making me sound like an annoying wife.” I clenched my fists as he looked up.

“You are sounding like an annoying wife I wish to never have,” he nodded in agreement before looking down at his phone.

“It’s been ten minutes already. What has Milo said?” I seethed. Silence. It was as if I was speaking to myself. “Filip!” I gritted my teeth, and he raised a finger at me.

Sometimes I think he enjoys seeing me angry for his amusement. He began smiling silently before typing.

“Care to share your findings?” Silence. That does it. I reached for his phone. “What?” I looked at him as he sighed.

“She is here. I was in the middle of trying to get the number plate of the taxi before you rudely yanked my phone away,” he responded, stretching his hand so I could hand him the phone.

“When you feel ready to share your findings, I will be outside again.”

Silence.

I wanted to shout, but decided otherwise. I slid to the other side, getting out of the car, and regretted it as I was hit by the heat. How the fuck do people in this city live? It was after seven, but it was too hot. I walked around the car, putting my shades on, and leaned on the car with my hands crossed over my chest.

Where are you Diya?

My mind was getting restless. I missed her. I needed her. I deserved a chance to explain.

I looked at the church entrance and my thoughts ran back to our wedding. I remembered how I had walked through those thick doors looking happy and nervous. Diya had taken my breath away when the piano started playing as everyone stood with all eyes on her. From the moment she stepped foot through the doors, everything else had faded because it was as if I was looking at an angel.

I never expected to have a virgin bride walk to me with love in her eyes. I must be one of the few mafia bosses who married out of love because most married out of convenience or for an heir, but I married her out of pure love. Something I tried to deny at first because love was foreign to me.

My grandfather was right. I should have told her about the other family business.

“I got it,” Filip spoke as he got out of the car.

“Got what?” I asked, getting out of my train of thought.

He shook his head. “The number plate. I’m waiting for my contact to get the number of the driver.” 

“How long will that take?”

“Mmm,” he hummed, “I can’t say.”

“Pay him whatever. I need that number now.”

“It’s not about the money. It’s much more complicated than that.”

“Get him to uncomplicate it. Or I will make him. I need my wife here with me.”

“You will not like what I have to say.”

“Then don’t say it,” I snapped, looking at him.

“We have to wait, boss.” My jaw clenched.

I glared at him as he shrugged with his lips pressed together. My wife doesn’t press my buttons like Filip. I always want to kill him. I have had to put up with him all my life, but it still drives me insane. Eight years ago, I was eighteen. I had begged my grandfather to kill him and get another right-hand man, but there were rules and bonds created.

His family has always been in business with the Torane for generations and the brother bond that was made long before me makes him family. He is efficient no doubt, but he is going to cause my blood pressure going high just like his grandfather did with mine when we reach that age.

“These people should have lemonade stands at every corner by now.”

“What are you, five?” I snarled, “Lemonade really?”

“It’s hot, and it’s not even eight yet.” 

“If you dare get as much as a slushy today, you will regret it,” I warned.

“Great idea a slushy would be lovely in this heat,” he nodded before bringing his phone to his face.

I groaned before looking at the church entrance. There she was, walking with the other sisters on the stairs. She was trying to hide between them. A foolish attempt that made me shake my head. I still smiled. In an instant, I had rushed over and grabbed her elbow.

“Diya,” I made an audible sigh. “What?” I creased my face. “Ruby?” I doubled over, “I thought?" I shook my head.

“Sister Ruby,” Filip spoke over my shoulder, “I didn’t know the church had a new dress code.” she blushed.

What the fuck?

“You look nice,” Filip said, grinning like an idiot.

“Thanks,” she blushed, and I released my hand.

“Did you miss me?” Filip spoke, not being subtle as he licked his lips at her.

I cleared my throat, breaking whatever could or couldn’t have happened. Filip needed to get his head out of the gutter.

“Ruby,” I looked at her, “Have you heard from Diya or seen her today?” I asked, with concern in my words.

“No. Did something happen?” she frowned.

“She left home last night. All directions were leading to here.”

“No. I haven’t seen her,” she shook her head before glancing at Filip at me, “Why would she leave home?”

“We had a disagreement, and she took off without giving me a chance to explain.”

“Umm,” she paused.

I watched from the corner of my eyes as Filip looked at her like she was a piece of meat. He knows how important this was, but he was choosing to lust for a nun. I cleared my throat, glaring at him for a second before looking at Ruby.

“Ruby, please, if you get a hold of her, would you call me?” I looked at her.

“Yeah,” she accepted my card, “S-sure,” she nodded

“Call me as soon as you see her, okay,” I emphasised. 

“Father Joseph and Sister Josephine are the only ones with a phone, so when I see her, I will ask to make a call,” she assured a little too much that my eyebrows were drawn together.

“I could arrange for a phone. If you want?” Filip added.

“That won’t be necessary,” she added, looking away, feeling nervous. 

“Filip!” I warned him. I didn’t need him making Ruby nervous. She had to focus on the issue at hand. Calling me when Diya comes. 

“Sister Ruby,” a voice shouted inside the church.

“I have to go,” she spoke.

“Please, as soon as you see her, call me,” I shouted.

“Okay,” she spoke as she turned and rushed inside too quickly.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I spoke through gritted teeth as I turned to walk to the car.

“What?” he scoffed, following behind me. I walked back to the car, fuming, before he slid right after me as he spoke.

“You could have been more subtle, Filip.” he waved his hand dismissively.

“She was lying. They have seen each other.”

“How did you come up with that conclusion? Can you read minds now?”

“No,” he smirked, “We just, you know,” he added and gestured crudely.

I brushed my hand over my face in defeat. “How did this even happen? You met her once.”

“And?” he curled his lips. “She was lying. She knows. I think Diya told her.”

“You got that just because you slept together? I don’t have time for your games. We need to find Diya wherever she is.”

“You always interrupt me,” he sighed, and I gave him a pointed look to continue. “She gave me that look. 'I know what you did' look, and I can get her to talk,” he grinned.

“How?” I asked sarcastically.

“I will sneak in tonight and speak to her alone,” he gave me a winning smile.

"Absolutely not!” I shook my head. “That was a cynic question by the way. Have you lost your senses?”

“It’s a good plan and you know it. I can get her talking in no time. All I have to do-”

“You are doing nothing. End of discussion. The only thing I want you to do is get the location of the taxi driver.” I looked at him as he shrugged.