Chapter 5 5

Ace.

That was a relaxing shower. I was so gentle, like a normal person. I even combed her hair and dried her off with a towel. Then I carried her to bed. Guess what? I slept in the same bed as her.

One thing about me: I hate sharing my bed with anyone. Yeah, I'm that narcissistic, egotistical guy who sees himself as the world's boss and everyone else as my servants.

It was true! But what happened next totally surprised me.

I pulled Mila close to my chest. She was submissive but had a cat-like independent streak. She slept soundly, head tucked into my chest like a newborn. I guess we both felt safe. My body warmth made her secure. And her body-how to describe it? I didn't know. It's hard to put my feelings into words. Sometimes she felt like a sister or daughter to me.

We slept a couple of hours before waking up. I stretched to grab my phone and check the time-it was about to ring. It was 10 p.m. Everyone was waiting in the ballroom downstairs in my castle.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and glanced at the sleeping angel. She was sucking her thumb like a baby gnawing her finger. Oh, and her legs were wrapped around mine.

I laughed to myself, leaned close to her face, and pinched her nose. She opened her eyes and blinked. "That hurt."

I laughed at her pouted lips but waited until she mumbled, "I thought you'd kiss me when we woke up." Did she really dream that?

I laughed and teased her before standing up and pointing at the moon. "Get up. Everyone's waiting. Time for some fun!"

She didn't answer. She opened her mouth a little, stuck out her tongue, and went back to sleep. Then she wrapped the bedsheets around her whole body, even her face.

"Hey! Mila. Get up," I half-yelled.

She shrugged. "No. I'm not going anywhere. You go. I want to sleep."

"Mila. Get up now," I yelled angrily. I couldn't stand the word "no," and she said it a ton.

I stomped to her side of the bed and pulled her out roughly. "Didn't I say-" I was going to joke, but I stopped when I saw tears in her eyes.

Concern filled my voice. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She rubbed her cheeks. "Nothing. I've never been to a party before. I don't have nice clothes or dresses for it. And I miss my mom so much."

I stared at her like I was mad, but I was just confused. I had no idea what to say or do to make her feel better. I'd never been kind to anyone like this.

"Mila."

"Yes?" She blinked.

"Mila, it's-" I stammered like an idiot.

"Yes?" She glared in surprise.

She panicked when I asked out of nowhere, like a horny animal, "Can I take your virginity now?" I expected her reaction. Her priceless face was worth it!

Seriously, I didn't mean to be rude. In the past, the only way I knew to comfort women in bed was a few rounds.

She yelled like I'd assaulted her. "You! Are you kidding?"

She jumped off the bed, sheet wrapped around her. "Are you crazy?"

I furrowed my brow. I hated her sharp tongue. "No, I'm not crazy or kidding. I mean it."

She screamed again and ran to the corner. "You! Get out!"

I rolled my eyes. "Okay. I have to go now."

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and stormed out. I gave her space and went to the next room-my huge closet.

Before entering, I ordered the guy waiting outside with two maids, "Go prepare Miss Mila for the party." I handed each maid a beautiful gold dress, gold heels, and said, "Let them handle the rest."

I'm a businessman, antique collector, and loan shark. I collect valuables, including clothes.

Anyway, I got ready-put on my tuxedo, checked myself in the mirror, slipped on my shoes, and picked a gift for Mila.

I invited her not to give her something, but because she'd be right by my side. It was important for her. No one would ever make us feel small.

I went back to my room (hers too). She didn't complain about sleeping together, so I was fine with it. She didn't make a fuss.

I knocked before entering. But she wasn't there. Not even the maids. I pointed at one of my guys. "Where is she?"

He answered fast. "Sir, she's at the party. And-"

I tilted my head. "And what?"

I couldn't wait. I ran down the stairs to the ballroom. My men pushed the golden gates open on both sides.

Everyone stared at me. But I only had eyes for one person: Mila.

She was grinning and dancing with some guy. I couldn't see his face clearly. But I watched her move-her body, her elegant strapless dress with a long train. Her hair was curled up like ocean waves.

Her warm smile lit up her blue eyes from across the room. Her little giggles sounded like a love alarm chirping in my ears.

She glowed and radiated beauty! She looked absolutely stunning.

I stared wide-eyed for so long I forgot the other guests around me. The jerk dancing with her snapped me back. He pulled her to his chest and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Blood rushed through my veins. Without thinking, I lunged like a monster and grabbed her to my side. "What the fuck are you doing?" I yelled loud.

He looked me in the eye. "She's not yours! Ace, what's wrong with you?"

I turned at the familiar voice. "You! Noah! What the hell are you doing here?" I laughed, and he bear-hugged me. "Yes! I missed you, brother."

I mumbled, "Missed you too, asshole," patting his back.

Mila stammered, "So, your brother?"

I chuckled. Noah said, "Well, sorry I didn't introduce myself first. We're old friends. Like brothers."

I nodded. "Yes, we are. We never fought."

While Noah talked to me, he moved closer to Mila. "We never fought; we'd never lose our friendship over a girl." He glanced at Mila and me. "Right, Ace?"

I furrowed my brow curiously. "What do you mean, Noah?"

He shrugged and bowed to Mila. "I guess you could say I like Mila. I know you won't mind. Right?"

Would I not mind? That's how it always was with Noah. Nothing came between us. But not this time.

It came from deep in my soul. I couldn't control it.

Noah took Mila's hand and asked carefully, repeating, "Ace, brother? I do like her. Since I-"

I looked at Mila; their faces looked weird. "Mila? Do you know Noah?"

Mila's cheeks flushed as she twisted her fingers. "Yes, Mr. Noah owns our school. He was always kind to me."

Noah owned her school. She'd just finished high school and was 18 now. What the hell!

I shoved Noah aside. In a flash, I cupped Mila's cheeks and kissed her in front of everyone. Our lips met, souls collided. Whatever happened in that kiss hit me hard.

I stepped back. She turned red and buried her face in my shirt.

I looked over my shoulder and patted Noah's back. "Sorry, brother, but not this time. Mila's mine."

She was mine. Still is. And will be forever. But this was just the beginning. I didn't know falling in love could break best friends.

Maybe because innocent, cute girls like her were so rare. We were both ready to fight hard-or bloody-to win Mila.

I danced with her all night. I forgot the party was for business. I only focused on her.

It wasn't until I heard Noah fuming behind a fake smile that I noticed. "She's not yours, Ace. Anything could happen later. Brother, talk soon."

Anything.

I grinned devilishly and thought of the gift. I pulled out the diamond ring, slipped it on Mila's finger in front of everyone, kissed her hand. "I want you to be my wife."

I admit, it started as a game. More like a challenge. Who could win her? But after that, everything changed. Because we both had deep feelings for her.