CHAPTER- 101

                                    

                                          
Ace POV:
I took a final glance in the mirror, scrutinizing every detail of my reflection.
The fight had been brutal, and the adrenaline still pulsed faintly in my veins, but I couldn't let Iris see any of it. 
With a deep breath, I again sprayed more cologne, hoping the scent would mask the faint, metallic odor of blood that clung to my skin.
"Boss," a voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see one of the guards standing behind me, breathing heavily like he'd sprinted to find me. 
His chest heaved, but he maintained his posture, extending a pendant and my phone towards me.
I nodded, a small smile forming as I took the pendant. Without it, I always felt off-balance, like something essential was missing. 
Clasping it around my neck, I met Ares' eyes and gave him a curt nod.
With one last adjustment to my shirt, I picked up the bouquet of flowers and ran a hand through my hair, trying to tame the mess it had become.
"Mini," I called out as I stepped into the hall, my voice echoing through the empty space. 
I expected to see her bright smile greeting me, but the room was quiet— too quiet. 
A frown creased my brow as I moved through the mansion, heading toward the kitchen. It was empty, not a trace of her to be found.
I felt a twinge of unease and then heard a soft panting behind me. I turned to see the dogs, their tails wagging furiously, eyes sparkling with excitement. 
What caught my attention, though, were the ribbons tied in bows on their ears
"Where's Mini?" I asked, my tone edged with impatience. The dogs barked and spun around, dashing off deeper into the house. 
I sighed, but a small smile tugged at my lips as I followed them. They led me away from the main living areas, down a corridor that took us closer to the basement. 
My chest tightened. This was not a place I wanted Iris near– a place where blood had been spilled far too many times.
Finally, the dogs stopped in front of a door, one that led to a room I rarely used. My hand hesitated on the doorknob, but I pushed the thoughts aside and opened it, stepping into darkness.
I flicked the light switch on and squinted as the room flooded with light, revealing a sight that took me completely by surprise.
Iris stood there, illuminated by the overhead light, beside an easel draped in cloth. She looked at me, her expression a mix of excitement and nervousness, her hands clasped together. 
She wore a ruffled crochet mini skirt and a simple white top that somehow made her look both innocent and teasing. 
Her eyes sparkled with something I couldn't quite place, but it warmed me in a way I hadn't expected.
"Welcome home!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with genuine warmth. She took a step forward, her smile faltering just a bit as she took in my appearance.
I wondered if she could sense the tension beneath my calm exterior, the faint scent of blood that even the cologne couldn't completely mask or–
 "You look handsome," she added, smiling.
I forced a chuckle, trying to brush off the lingering effects of the fight.
"What are you up to, my sweet Mini?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in playful curiosity, trying to shift the focus away from me.