Iris POV:
Wiping the sweat from my brow, I blinked rapidly as my vision began to blur, each breath feeling like a struggle for air.
The imposing doors of the mansion swung open before me, revealing a flurry of activity and a long line of cars parked in front of the house.
My legs trembled uncontrollably as I staggered into the house, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.
I was certain I must have looked like a starving man, desperate and depleted.
Suddenly, Ares appeared before me, his lips moving soundlessly as my ears rang with a deafening roar.
I couldn't make out his words, my senses overwhelmed by the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins and the burning sensation in my chest.
With a forceful push, I swung open the entrance door and stumbled into the hall, desperation bubbling up inside me.
My breath came in short, uneven gasps as I scanned the room, desperately searching for the familiar face I had longed to see for nearly a month.
"What the fuck!" The exclamation tore through the haze that seemed to envelop me.
Hudson's voice cut through the confusion, his strong grip steadying me as I struggled to keep my balance.
"Iris!" he called out, concern clear in his voice. His touch was grounding, but I was too disoriented to fully appreciate it.
I pushed away his helping hand, stumbling forward with unsteady, erratic movements.
The hallways seemed to twist and turn as I fumbled through them, my hands trembling as I gripped the walls for support.
The effort was exhausting, each step feeling like a battle against the fog clouding my vision.
I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again, hoping to fight off the worsening blur.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and lifted me up, pulling me out of my daze.
The gesture startled me, but the soothing voice that accompanied it began to cut through the chaos in my mind.
"Hey, hey, it's okay," the voice said gently.
The familiar scent of him filled my nostrils, a fragrance that I had come to associate with comfort and security.
It was the same scent that had been my solace every morning and night, easing my anxieties.
Numbly, I leaned my head against his shoulder, finding a moment of peace in the familiarity of his embrace.
His arms held me securely, anchoring me amidst the tumultuous sea of my emotions.
Gradually, I became aware that I was seated on something that was both hard and soft.
My head hung down, supported by one of his hands cradling my neck.
The carefulness of his touch was a silent promise of safety, a promise that I could cling to as I tried to regain my composure.
A wet sensation touched my lips, and without hesitation, I eagerly drank the water that was offered to me.
The cool liquid was a refreshing contrast to the dry, parched feeling in my throat.
As the water flowed down, it seemed to bring with it a sliver of clarity, even though my surroundings remained a blur.
I blinked through the haze, making a renewed effort to focus on the world around me.
My vision gradually cleared, revealing the face of the person who had come to my rescue.
"Mini," he said softly, his voice a comforting balm amidst the confusion.
His tone was husky yet gentle, a melodic reassurance in the midst of the chaos.
A smile tugged at my lips despite the confusion and exhaustion.
I closed my eyes briefly before opening them again, willing my vision to clear.
This time, I could see his face more clearly.
His expression was etched with concern, his hazel eyes locked onto mine with a depth of emotion that spoke of worry and affection.
His brows were furrowed in a way that showed his anxiety, and his lips moved in silent murmurs of reassurance.
Raising my trembling hands, I reached out to touch his calloused cheeks gently.
The warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips was a welcome contrast to the cold panic I had been feeling.
"You're such an idiot, Mini. For fuck's sake!" Ace's exclamation was a blend of frustration and deep concern.
His voice was rough around the edges, but the underlying worry was unmistakable.
The way he looked at me, with furrowed brows and a tight jaw, made it clear that his feelings were a complicated mix of anger and care.
"Ace," I managed to whisper, my lips curving into a wide, relieved smile as I locked eyes with him.
"Fool. Such a stupid girl you are," he continued, his voice carrying an edge of exasperation.
"Ares!" he suddenly called out, his anger breaking through the surface.
I glanced around, confused, and realized he was addressing someone else.
Slowly, I gathered my strength and wrapped my fingers around his collar, pulling myself up.
Despite the gravity of the situation, laughter bubbled up within me, a small sign of improvement in my breathing.
"Y... You're here," I said, the relief in my voice palpable.
"Yes! Can you explain what the hell happened to you?" Ace demanded, his tone a mix of irritation and urgency.
His hand rubbed my back with a firmness that bordered on desperation, as though trying to reassure himself that I was truly here and safe.
I glanced around the room, noticing the mixed expressions of confusion and concern from everyone present.
My gaze met Liam's, who smirked and shook his head in disbelief.
"I called her and informed her that you arrived," Liam explained, his voice holding a note of amusement despite the tense atmosphere. "So I guess she came running from the bus stop to the mansion, eager to see you."
I palmed Ace's face and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"You're safe," I breathed out, a genuine smile of relief spreading across my face.
But Ace's reaction was not what I had expected. He squeezed his eyes shut, his jaw clenching tightly.
The worry etched deeply into his features was palpable, a stark contrast to his earlier frustration.
His entire body seemed to radiate tension, and the sight of him struggling to maintain his composure was both heartbreaking and reassuring.
I slowly stood up from his lap, dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. Ace's arms remained tightly around me, his concern evident in every touch.
"I am okay," I murmured, trying to offer him a reassuring smile despite the spinning vertigo that made my vision waver.
God, Iris don't you dare to fall down now.
If I did, Ace would undoubtedly yell at me for hours, worried and frustrated by my reckless actions.
I could already hear Ace's voice, laden with frustration, chastising me for my reckless dash from the bus stop to the mansion.
"I don't think she's okay," Hudson observed, his tone carrying a laced concern as he glanced at me.
"Iris, don't be stubborn and sit down," Ace urged, his voice firm but tinged with worry. The command was more a plea than an order.
Before I could respond, the world around me began to blur once more, and the spinning sensation intensified.
The edges of my vision darkened, and the room seemed to tilt ominously.
"Ace..." I managed to utter, my voice barely a whisper before my words trailed off into silence.
The darkness began to close in, my senses dulling as I succumbed to unconsciousness.
In those final moments, I could still feel Ace's presence, his worry and care wrapping around me like a protective cloak, even as everything faded away.
.
.
.
.
.
A yawn escaped my lips as I lay stretched out on the bed, attempting to blow the stray strands of hair that had fallen across my face.
The midday light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room.
Despite it being 12 in the afternoon, I found myself nestled beneath an unexpected companion: a giant panther, to be exact, sprawled on top of me and holding me tightly in its embrace.
Ahem..Naked panther, I might say.
Humming a soft tune, I gazed at his face, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I thought of having a naked panther as my cuddle buddy.
Oh la la, indeed.
"My precious," I murmured softly, pressing my lips tenderly against Ace's closed eyelids.
The warmth of his skin against mine was a source of immense comfort, sending a shiver down my spine that was both soothing and electrifying.
It felt surreal to be lying here with him, especially after I had passed out for almost three hours— understandable, given the exhausting run I had made.
My heart was still pounding rapidly, its beat echoing in my ears like a relentless drum.
The sound of Ace's deep, steady breaths against my bare neck was both calming and electrifying.
The proximity of our bodies ignited a fire within me, a sensation so intense that my toes wiggled involuntarily and I bit my lips in a vain attempt to steady my thumping heart.
Oh my.....
His hand tightened around my waist, the contact sending a thrilling jolt through me.
His fingers slid further inside my shirt, the touch both reassuring and deeply intimate.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a depth that seemed to pierce straight into my soul.
The familiar gaze that met mine was comforting, yet there was an underlying void that left me feeling unsettled.
A wide, genuine smile spread across my lips as I looked into his eyes, finding solace in their familiar depths.
I continued to stroke his chiseled cheeks with my free hand.
However, as I caressed his face, I couldn't ignore the emptiness that lingered in his gaze, an unsettling contrast to the warmth of our physical closeness.
"Ace," I murmured softly, my voice barely more than a whisper.
The warmth of his body against mine created a cocoon of comfort, a soothing sensation that wrapped around my stomach like a gentle embrace.
God, how much I missed him, how desperately I craved his touch.
Leaning in slowly, I let our lips meet in a tender kiss, an embrace as delicate and significant as an eclipse of the moon.
My hand slid up to his nape, my fingers fisting his hair firmly as I gasped in contentment when he pulled me closer.
The kiss was a silent plea for connection, but as I pulled back slightly, I found his expression unchanged— emotionless and distant.
Why is he not kissing me back?
A sense of confusion and concern washed over me.
I pouted, feeling a pang of disappointment, and pressed a sweet peck beside his lips, breaking the silence with my confession.
"I missed you," I said softly, tilting my head slightly in the hope that my words would elicit a response.
Slowly, he hovered above me, and I eagerly wrapped my hands around his neck.
"Are you angry at me?" I asked, wrapping my legs around his waist, seeking reassurance.
"Yes," his deep, husky voice sent shivers down my spine, and a sense of apprehension crept over me.
Oh-Oh
"I'm sorry," I murmured, pecking his jaw and trailing my lips towards his throat, feeling a sudden urge to be closer to him.
Hmm...I was literally sniffing him like greedy puppy.
A gasp escaped my lips as Ace's hand wrapped around my neck, pressing my head firmly against the pillow.
The grip was not gentle, but it wasn't harsh either— just a commanding hold that left no room for escape.
"Promise me the stunt you pulled this morning will never happen again," he demanded, his voice a deep, unwavering tone that brooked no argument.
Frowning, I scoffed at his words, but my protest was met with a tightening grip on my neck, emphasizing the seriousness of his request.
"I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Iris," he said, his face hardening with concern.
"Why~" I whined, attempting to push away his hand from my neck, but he held me firmly in place.
"Because I felt my heart stop when I saw you in the hall, panting and stumbling over your own feet. What if something happened to you? What if you had fainted and it took hours for someone to pass by that road?" he exclaimed, his worry palpable.
"But I wanted to see you. For almost weeks, I couldn't see you, feel you, or hear your voice," I pleaded, pushing my face up with all my strength to meet his gaze.
Our noses bumped as he sighed, shaking his head in resignation.
"Such an idiotic girl I have," he murmured, releasing his hand from my neck and gently rubbing the back of his palm over my warm cheeks.
Smiling softly, I rubbed my cheek against his hand, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me.
"If showing my love for you is considered idiotic, then I'm happy to be called an idiot," I declared, pulling him close to me.
He smirked, palming my cheeks affectionately, and for a moment, everything felt right in the world.
"You're such a brat, aren't you?" He asked, amusement evident in his tone as he observed my behavior.
"I am not," I replied defiantly.
"Even if you want to do that again, I will make sure you never pull off this type of stunt again," he stated firmly, sealing his promise with a gentle kiss on my forehead.
I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of serenity wash over me in his embrace.
"Now..." His words trailed off as his gaze lowered and settled on my disheveled shirt, which barely covered my stomach.
My shirt was disheveled and setting under my boobs.
"Now?" I prompted, anticipation tingling in the air between us.
He placed his hand on my stomach, causing my toes to curl at the unexpected touch. Mama mia.
"You look thin... too thin," he murmured, concern evident in his voice as his eyes roamed over my body.
Confused, I furrowed my brows and looked at him for clarification.
"Woh!" I yelped as he effortlessly lifted me up with him and placed me on the floor, before settling himself on the bed.
"Strip," he said firmly, his voice carrying an edge of coldness that cut through the air.
"Huh?" I blurted out, unable to hide my confusion.
"I said, strip," he repeated, his tone now tinged with a hint of frustration.
I released a shaky breath as I began to comply with his request.
I unbuttoned my jeans and peeled them off, followed by my top, until I stood before him in nothing but my floral panties and cotton bra.
His gaze lingered on my body, but instead of desire, I sensed concern emanating from him.
Wrapping my arms around my stomach, I felt a sense of unease under his intense scrutiny.
"Did you stop eating your meals on time?" he asked, breaking the tension between us.
"...I...don't know," I murmured, struggling to process his words and the sudden flood of emotions they brought forth.
"Think, sweetheart. Did you forget?" He spoke gently, his touch reassuring as he removed my hand from my waist and placed it behind my back, guiding me to focus on his question.
"Look at you. You look thin. Your stomach doesn't have fat, and your legs and arms look so small and fragile," he observed, his voice laced with concern.
He paused and gently turned me around, inspecting every part of my body.
"Oh my god! My waist looks so... perfect," I gasped, running towards the mirror to get a better look.
My eyes widened in shock as I saw the thin, curved stomach. It was everything I had ever dreamed of—sleek and delicate.
But his words shattered my moment of admiration. "Your stomach looks like a piece of cabbage leaf. Thin and dry," he scoffed, his tone harsh.
"Yah~" I exclaimed, feeling offended by his words.
"I am serious. Baby, I know you want the small, curvy shape like every other girl. But what about your health? You're already small," he said, his voice softening as he palmed my face.
"But..." I frowned, my gaze shifting to his neck as their words flooded through my mind.
"But what?" He urged softly, his gentle tone coaxing me to open up.
"Nothing," I shook my head, letting out a sigh. Despite his insistence, I couldn't bring myself to voice my concerns.
He sighed, his expression betraying his disbelief, but he didn't pressurize me to talk further, respecting my silence
"I left you alone for weeks, and you can't even take care of yourself. You look like a skeleton," he remarked, his words tinged with concern as he picked me up and wrapped my legs around his waist, once again expressing his offense at my appearance.
Maybe I shouldn't have trusted their word's.
"Tell me, where were you? Where did you go all of a sudden?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
He's being mean.
My back touched the soft mattress as he laid on top of me, his weight pressing against me.
"I wanted some money. So..." He trailed off, his words fading as he dipped his head into my neck, his breath warm against my skin.
I closed my eyes, reveling in the comfort of his embrace.
"I missed you, Mini. Forgive me. I should have told you, but there are no words that seem suitable now," he murmured, his head rising to meet my gaze, eyes filled with love and sincerity.
He raised his pinky finger in front of me, a silent promise passing between us.
"I promise that I will never ever leave you again like that," he said, his voice filled with assurance.
I joined my pinky with his, nodding in agreement.
He never breaks his pinky promises.
Who would've thought that a big mafia man is scared of pinky promises?
"Did you forgive me?" he asked, uncertainty lacing his voice.
"I do, but at least you could have called or something," I murmured, reaching up to stroke his forehead scar.
He sighed, closing his eyes in comfort.
"I didn't want anyone to know about you. Some people were after me, so I didn't want them to know about us. That's why I didn't call you or try to see you," he explained, pressing a gentle kiss against my cheek
THUD.
The sudden sound of knocking on the door jolted me, and I instinctively pushed my body closer to him, my heart racing with fear.
He swiftly stood up and draped his shirt over my body, covering me protectively.
Not gonna lie whoever knocked right now I hate them wholeheartedly.
As he moved, the sight of him in just his boxers was undeniably captivating. Spicy.
His lean, muscular form was both enticing and commanding.
The way his boxers clung to his body, accentuating his powerful thighs and tight rear, was impossible to ignore.
I found myself stealing glances at his perfectly sculpted butt as he strode irritatingly towards the door.
Dirty Iris.
A wave of frustration and irritation seemed to radiate from him as he yanked the door open.
His posture was rigid, his expression fierce as he confronted the unwelcome visitor.
"What?" The sound of his voice, laced with irritation, was a stark contrast to the tender, intimate moments we had shared only moments before.
My eyes widened as he abruptly shut the door, the noise echoing through the room.
Placing his hand on his hip, he released a deep breath before turning back to face me, his expression void of emotion.
"I want to lay down and snuggle inside you all day today," he said, striding towards me with a determined look in his eyes.
My toes curled with anticipation as I watched him, amused and eager for his touch.
"But this fucking asshole! Dickheads! Is ruining every single fucking thing," he exclaimed, storming past me towards the closet.
Oh....motherfudgers.
"I'll be back in an hour, Mini. Some shit came up," he muttered irritably, his frustration evident in his tone.
"It's okay. I'll wait for you. Don't be angry," I replied, swinging my legs back and forth on the bed.
Not gonna lie I am angry too.
Damn holy macaroni.
I couldn't resist stealing a lingering gaze at his body, biting my lip shamelessly as my eyes traced every contour of his physique.
The way his boxers clung to his hips, accentuating the strong lines of his well-defined abs and the V-shape of his torso, was almost mesmerizing.
His broad chest, sculpted with defined muscles, seemed to ripple with every movement, and the tightness of his waist only emphasized the powerful build of his physique.
Uff~
The smooth, powerful contours of his body were both a temptation and a visual feast.
The combination of his muscular build and lean frame was a testament to the hard work he put into maintaining his physique.
Having a handsome man is dangerous for health.
"I'll try to come back quickly," he said, stroking his hand gently against my cheek.
I snapped out of my reverie, nodding my head and flashing him a reassuring smile.
Without warning, he pulled me into a passionate kiss.
My eyes fluttered shut as I surrendered to the intensity of the moment, my heart racing in sync with the fiery connection between us.
His hand, warm and firm, wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.
I tilted my head slightly to deepen the kiss, our lips moving together with a fervent urgency that spoke of our longing and need for each other.
The kiss was intoxicating, filled with a hunger that made the world outside seem distant and irrelevant.
A deep, guttural groan escaped from him as I pressed myself against him with equal fervor.
The heat of his body, the firmness of his grip, and the intoxicating taste of his lips created a whirlwind of sensations that left me breathless and exhilarated.
We reluctantly pulled away, a soft expression clouding his face, while I found myself breathless and exhilarated.
He never seemed to run out of breath that easily.
"Take care. I'll be back soon," he tapped my cheeks affectionately before leaving in a hurry.
A shy, contented smile spread across my face as I lifted my fingers to stroke my lower lip, still tingling from his touch.
The warmth of his kiss lingered, a comforting reminder of the depth of his feelings.
In his absence, the room felt a touch emptier, but the memory of his kiss and the promise of his return filled me with a hopeful anticipation.
After pulling on my jeans, I made my way to the hall, feeling like a sulking kid.
"Iris!" Susan's sudden embrace caught me off guard, causing me to stumble back slightly.
"Su," I said, glancing over at Alex with a slight frown.
"Are you stupid? Why didn't you just catch a taxi or call one of the guards?" Susan scolded, gripping my face firmly and squeezing my cheeks.
"Instead, you choose to run all the way from there to the mansion," Alex added, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Yah~" I whined, my voice coming out slightly muffled from Susan's hold.
"When you hung up the call, I really thought you would catch a taxi or something," Liam chimed in.
"Open up," Alex suddenly appeared with a spoonful of scrambled eggs in front of my lips. Yummy.
Without hesitation, I took the whole spoonful into my mouth and chewed it thoroughly, relishing the taste.
"You're losing weight rapidly," Alex noted, feeding me another spoonful.
"No," I protested between bites.
"Little girl, your man already gave me some instructions before he left just now," he ruffled my hair affectionately and handed me the plate.
Of course. He would. Sweet daddy.
I sat down on the couch and continued eating, letting out a sigh.
"Party night!!" Felix and Leo exclaimed, raising their glasses of wine.
"Party night?" I murmured, suddenly feeling the hunger in my stomach dissipate.
I placed the food on the table and glanced at the time.
"Yah! You didn't even finish half the plate," Alex pointed out, drawing everyone's attention to me.
Half plate...OH MY FREAKING GOD! SHIT!!
I jumped up, gasping loudly.
"What happened?" Alex asked, taken aback by my sudden outburst.
"MY WORK!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
"Oh yeah," Aiden murmured..
I scrambled through the hallways and hurriedly made my way to the bedroom.
"Iris!" Alex yelled, but I wasn't in a position to stop right now.
I quickly stripped off Ace's shirt and changed into a full-sleeved top, adjusting my jeans.
After hastily braiding my hair and grabbing my bag, I dashed through the hall, running.
"If Ace comes back, tell him I'm at work. Just tell him that, nothing else!" I shouted as I tied my shoelaces.
"OK, but what about your lunch? You haven't eaten anything yet," Leo reminded me.
"It's already afternoon. The owner will kill me today," I whined, rushing out of the house.
Ace POV:
I nodded along with the client, maintaining my composed demeanor.
"Congratulations, Mr. Ace," he said, flashing a grin as we finalized the contracts.
Ares escorted him out of the company, leaving me to slump into my seat with a frustrated sigh.
For four hours straight, Hudson and I had been locked in a meeting room
"You went to the village, didn't you?" he asked abruptly, breaking the silence.
I sighed, feeling the weight of his gaze on me. "Yes," I murmured, admitting my excursion.
"Why couldn't you just ask us for money? Do you think we're so cheap that we'd look down on you if you did?" he chided, his irritation evident.
"Hud, it's not like that, and you know it," I replied, my tone firm yet restrained.
"Then tell me," he pressed, urging me to explain.
"I have money, so why should I have to ask any of you?" I muttered, diverting my gaze to my phone.
He stayed silent, clearly frustrated by my stubbornness.
"Okay, why didn't you call any of us?" he asked, seeking further clarification.
"Let's discuss this in my office," I said, rising from my seat and making my way out, leaving the tension behind in the meeting room.
"You don't know what things happened when you left for weeks without saying anything," he mumbled, trailing behind me with a scowl etched on his face.
As we entered the room, he shut the door behind us and took a seat on the couch, his glare piercing into me.
"Talk," he demanded.
"Antonio joined hands with Cyrus," I began, watching as his facial muscles relaxed, and the room fell into a heavy silence.
"He's dead," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"I thought so too until I saw him," I confessed.
"No! That's fucking impossible. How can a dead person come to life?" he exclaimed, still reeling from the shock of my revelation.
"It was never proven. Everyone assumed he died because no one saw him coming out of the burning car," I clarified.
"Wait a fucking minute! How do you know all this?" he demanded, his brows furrowed in confusion.
"When the old hag apologized and made contracts with you all again. It was suspicious," I replied, my gaze flicking to my phone in bewilderment.
"Okay. But did you hire a detective or someone to watch Antonio 24/7?" he asked, his expression turning serious.
"One of their guards is loyal to me," I explained succinctly, hoping he would grasp the situation.
"Oh..." he sighed, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"So, why didn't you tell us about this earlier? We could have doubled the security," he pointed out.
"No. He's after me. He thinks I'm a threat and wants me to disappear from his line. Since you all agreed to make a deal with him again, he fucking thinks you're all afraid of his power and wealth," I scoffed at Antonio's misguided assumptions.
"Tsk. Just because I'm negotiating doesn't mean I'm afraid," he retorted exasperatedly.
"What else were you hiding from us, dickhead?" he pressed, his frustration evident.
I raised my phone to my ear, frowning as the call repeatedly cut off.
"Excuse me, I'm still talking," he snapped his fingers sarcastically.
"Iris isn't picking up my call," I blurted out, frustration seeping into my voice.
He raised an eyebrow and checked the time.
It was past 3:30 p.m., and there were no calls or messages from her.
It was unusual; she always reached out to me.
Is she in danger?
The thought gnawed at my mind, filling me with unease.
"Oh yeah! She's with Susan, you know, shopping for the upcoming party," he said, shaking his head slightly.
I nodded in relief, feeling the tension ease in my chest.
"So, you're taking Iris to the party?" he asked, hastily.
"I want to, but she won't come. She despises parties," I replied matter-of-factly.
"Come on, tell her there will be a lot of girls. Maybe then she'll agree," he suggested with a hopeful tone.
I opened my mouth to respond but quickly shut it.
I rarely saw her getting jealous.
Fuck! Does she get jealous like I do?
Well even if someone makes her chuckle I am jealous of them.
"Will it work?" I asked, considering his tactic.
He shrugged, "Aiden said it worked on Su," he confessed casually.
"Hmm, what if it doesn't work?" I inquired, rising from my seat and reaching for my coat jacket.
"Well, you still have two days. Try something. But..." He trailed off, his brow furrowing in concern.
"There will be everyone," he reminded me, his voice devoid of emotion.
""Yeah..." I trailed off, contemplating his words.
I can't hide her forever.
I want to show her off, to brag about her, and make everyone jealous that I have the most perfect girl in the world.
My girlfriend. My future wife.
But first, I'll give Hudson's idea a shot.
If it doesn't succeed, then I'll give her what she's been asking from me for a long time.
I mean, she mentioned it once or twice... but still, it'll be worth a shot.